The Juggling Act

You probably remember Alisa and Lysandra Fraser, the twins who won The Block: Sky High back in 2013, for their incredible drive and stunning design aesthetic. The former police officers and mums of four boys between them, were so good, they went on to start their own design business. Now they’ve got a new project, 'al.ive' which has of course been a huge success. These girls don't do things by halves! And they say it's all thanks to their own hard-working single mum. 

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The traditional fairytale we read as kids is so outdated. I sometimes struggle with the messaging it’s sending out kids – not just our daughters. Today’s guest is a writer and mum who wants to change the way we approach these stories, and the narrative around princesses. Angela Buckingham wrote 'Powerful Princesses' as an example of some kick-arse women throughout history to try and reboot princesses for our kids.

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Today’s guest is a speaker, author and life-coach, who endured one injury after the next for nearly 5 years before signing up to the toughest one-day sporting event in the world. After completing the event, Alexandra Andre got up the courage to become a solo mum, giving birth to a beautiful boy with the help of IVF and the kindness of a donor. It shifted her perception of 'what's possible', so she decided to write a book called 'The Power of Possibility' to share her journey and tips to help others achieve any goal they want (yup, ANYTHING!).

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Fussy eaters are pretty standard with small kids, and it can be stressful as a parent trying to encourage them to try new things and make sure they're getting a balanced diet. We've all had nights where we don't have any fight left, and just given them what they want (usually white food)! Sarah's three-year-old son is a picky eater and she asks whether she's making it worse by giving in too often.

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This week, Sarah asks whether it’s okay to tell family and friends to donate to a charity instead of buying gifts. Journalist Jacinta Tynan opens up about finding strong role models for your kids – especially as a solo parent. Author Vanessa McCausland shares her insights into the complexities of mum friendships and whether it’s ever a good idea to travel with other families. Dad Chris Hills shares his terrifying melanoma survival story. While, it's been a Christmas we won't forget anytime soon. Mel and Sarah share the heartbreak of being away from children and loved ones.

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It’s been a Christmas day we won’t forget anytime soon… the borders slammed shut again and many families have been cut off from loved ones they were going to see for the first time in months. Mel is in isolation until Dec 31 without her children after coming into 'close contact' with someone during a Christmas lunch in Sydney, while Sarah managed to fly into Melbourne the day the Victorian borders closed. They share the heartbreak of being away from loved ones this year and how they're trying to find a silver lining.

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If you’re anything like me, you grew up in the sun often with no hat and sunscreen. Now I’m adamant about getting my skin checked every year. I use my freckly arms as a warning to my kids! Dad Chris Hills had a similar upbringing, and three years ago he heard the words he never expected – ‘it’s a melanoma’. The surgeon then went on to say that if he’d waited another six months he wouldn’t be here. Chris joins us to share his terrifying story.

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Going away with other mums can be the best. You’ve got multiple sets of eyes to watch the kids, share the meal prep with and also enjoy a vino or two. But sometimes those trips can go pear-shaped. Author Vanessa McCausland explores the complexities of mum friendships in her new novel The Valley of Lost Stories and opens up about writing from home and how she made her book deal dream come true.

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Most parents don’t have the village support our parents had. Many live away from family and we are not as close to our neighbours as we were growing up. So it can be hard to make sure they’re surrounded by strong role models and getting the mentorship they need. That’s where Raise comes in - the foundation runs early intervention youth mentoring programs in schools.  Jacinta Tynan, journalist and Raise ambassador, joins us to chat about raising boys and how to find a good role model for them as a solo parent.

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Kids accumulate a lot of stuff. Endless bits of plastic and toys that are often played with briefly before they move onto the next fad. So with Christmas quickly approaching, Sarah wonders if it's okay to suggest that family and friends donate to charity instead of buying gifts?

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