Tappy Chat

A frank and moving conversation about raising children with allergies: the planning, the worry, the advocacy, and helping children find their own voices.

In this episode of Tappy Chat, Alex is joined by two mums, Ailsa and Jen, who share how they’ve adapted to their children’s allergies and learned to navigate everyday family life.

From those first worrying signs and getting a diagnosis, to birthday parties, playdates, eating out and starting school, they talk openly about the things other people don’t always see. Checking ingredients, worrying about cross-contamination, carrying EpiPens and constantly thinking a few steps ahead can quickly become part of normal family life.

Ailsa and Jen also share the emotional side of the journey. There’s the anxiety of handing your child over to someone else, the challenge of explaining serious allergies to friends and family, and those moments when you have to speak up, even if you’re usually the person who hates making a fuss.

But this conversation is also full of hope.

They talk about the progress their boys have made, their experiences of allergy treatment and immunotherapy, and how their children have grown into resilient young people who are increasingly able to understand their allergies, ask questions and advocate for themselves.

For parents at the very beginning of an allergy diagnosis, there’s an important message too: it does get easier. You learn, you adapt, you find your confidence and, crucially, you realise you’re not alone.

An honest Tappy Chat about the realities of childhood allergies, the enormous mental load carried by parents, and gradually learning to let your child step out into the world.

Support and further information:

Allergy UK, Youth Engagement
https://www.allergyuk.org/our-services/youth-engagement/

Anaphylaxis UK Support Groups
https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/anaphylaxis-uk-support-groups/

The Allergy Team Meet-ups
https://theallergyteam.com/meet-ups/

Please note: This episode shares personal experiences of childhood allergies and anaphylaxis and is not intended as medical advice. Always follow guidance from your child’s healthcare team.

Screens are everywhere—but how much is too much?

In this episode of Tappy Chat, I sit down with award-winning parent and teen coach, speaker and educator Chioma Fanawopo to explore the realities of parenting in the digital age.

Together we discuss what healthy screen time really looks like, why screens have become an unavoidable part of modern family life, and how parents can set realistic boundaries without constant battles. We also dive into online safety, social media, digital wellbeing, and the impact technology can have on children's mental health.

Whether you're parenting a toddler who's obsessed with cartoons or a teen who's glued to their phone, this episode is packed with practical advice, reassurance and plenty of thought-provoking conversation to help your family build a healthier relationship with screens.

Potty training… every parent goes through it, but no two journeys are ever the same!

In this episode of Tappy Chat, Miss Alex is joined by a Lauren Dyer, Senior Child Educator to chat all things potty training. From knowing when your child is ready to tackling accidents, regressions and those tricky toilet refusals, we answer the questions every parent wants to ask.

Drawing on years of experience supporting hundreds of children, our guest shares practical advice, busts common potty training myths, and offers plenty of reassurance that accidents are all part of the learning process.

Whether you're just thinking about saying goodbye to nappies, you're in the middle of potty training, or you've hit a few bumps along the way, this episode is packed with tips, encouragement and honest conversation to help you feel more confident.

So grab a cuppa, press play, and let's talk wees, poos and everything in between!

In this episode, Alex chats with Karen Deulofeu about the often-unspoken reality of the path to parenthood.

For many families, the journey to having a baby doesn't follow the timeline they expected. Karen shares her personal experience alongside her professional expertise as a Fertility, Pregnancy & Postnatal Coach, offering insight, reassurance and practical support for those navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy after loss, IVF, and the emotional rollercoaster that can accompany trying to grow a family.

Together, Alex and Karen discuss the importance of finding the right support, managing expectations, and caring for yourself through every stage of the journey. This is an honest, compassionate conversation for anyone whose route to parenthood has taken a few unexpected twists and turns.

Because sometimes it's about more than having a baby – it's about finding your way back to yourself.

In this episode of Tappy Chat, I’m joined by Martha from The Baby Brain — babywearing expert, newborn guru and all-round lifesaver for many new parents.

Preparing for a new baby can feel overwhelming enough without trying to navigate the endless world of slings, prams, cots, car seats and the mountain of well-meaning hand-me-down advice from friends and family.

Martha helps break down what parents actually need, what’s worth investing in and how to make choices that work for your lifestyle, your baby and your sanity. We chat about babywearing, common misconceptions around newborn essentials and why confidence and support can be just as important as the products themselves.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby, deep in the newborn fog or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with reassuring advice, practical tips and honest conversation.

Somewhere between the sleepless nights, the school runs, the mental load… and trying to keep tiny humans alive…

Where did you go?

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of Tappy Chat, Alex sits down with life and wellness coach Lauren Slattery to explore one of the most unspoken parts of motherhood: losing your identity… and finding your way back.

This is an honest, no-filter conversation about what really happens when you become a mum.

We talk about:

• The emotional shock of motherhood and feeling completely unprepared
• Mum guilt, overwhelm, and the constant mental load
• Why your child can trigger you more than anyone else
• The truth about postnatal struggles and feeling “not good enough”
• Boundaries, burnout, and why saying “no” feels so hard
• Practical ways to calm the chaos in the moment
• And how to reconnect with yourself without losing your role as a parent

There are moments in this episode that will make you laugh, pause, and probably nod along thinking… “I thought it was just me.”

It’s not.

Because behind the idea of the “perfect parent”… is a reality most people don’t talk about.

And sometimes, just hearing someone say it out loud is the first step back to yourself.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like you’ve disappeared somewhere along the way…

This episode is for you.

What do nursery rhymes, sleep-deprived parents, and a guitar have in common? More than you think. In this beautifully honest and heart-filled episode of Tappy Chat, Miss Alex sits down with Cat Bateman, the force behind Little Folk Nursery Rhymes — a business that began almost by accident and has grown into a lifeline for families across South East London.From running music television to leading community singalong sessions with babies and toddlers, Cat shares the real story behind her journey. The doubts, the imposter syndrome, the leap into the unknown… and the moment it all clicked. But this conversation goes deeper than just music. It’s about: The real experience of early parenthood. Why no one actually knows what they’re doing (and why that’s okay). The hidden power of nursery rhymes in child development. The magic of community… especially when you need it most. Why sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from the simplest songs. There are laughs, there are raw truths, and there are moments that will genuinely stop you in your tracks. All because what looks like “just a little class”… can actually change someone’s entire day. Or even give them a memory they’ll never forget. Whether you’re in the thick of parenting, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the power of connection, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone… and you’re probably doing better than you think. So take a few minutes, put the kettle on and come join the conversation.

One child… manageable.Two… a juggling act.Three or four? Now we’re talking logistics, snacks and noise levels that require subtitles.In this episode of Tappy Chat, Alex dives into the beautiful chaos of having more than one child. Joined by a mum of two, a mum of three, and a mum of four (including twins!), we explore the honest highs and the very real lows of life when “one” becomes “more”.We chat sibling dynamics, divided attention, mum guilt, teamwork, survival strategies and those magical moments when they all actually play nicely together (it does happen!).Whether you’re thinking about baby number two, deep in the trenches with multiple little ones, or simply curious about what life looks like beyond the firstborn bubble — this episode is full of reassurance, laughter and real-life perspective.Because sometimes more is merrier… and sometimes it’s just more. 💛👣

Today, I'm joined by Emma Johnston from Tappy Toes Formby, former Primary school teacher.

Starting school is a big milestone – for children and parents. In this episode I’m joined by a primary school teacher and mum who shares her top ten practical tips to help you and your child feel confident, calm and ready for the transition to school. From building independence to easing first-day nerves, this is a must-listen for anyone with a school starter on the horizon.

This episode is all about dads. I sit down with three brilliant dads to talk honestly about their experience of being a parent — the highs, the challenges, and the things we don’t always hear said out loud.

It’s a refreshing perspective on parenting, full of honesty, laughs and real-life moments. A great listen for mums, dads and anyone raising small humans.