The Juggling Act

When my first child starting walking, I wanted to make sure that she had the best shoes possible for her growing feet. But they were expensive! And as she grew, I realised how quickly they wear out of them and sometimes, after spending a lot on a pair, she wouldn't wear them. So is it okay to put your kids in cheap shoes?  

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Catch up on all the episodes you missed this week! Sarah and I talked about what age you can start leaving your kids home alone and the various things you need take into consideration… We’re joined by the author of BE YOUR OWN MAN Jess Sanders to talk about raising strong, kind boys. Writer and podcast host Cath Mahoney opens up about what it’s like quitting your day job in your 40s as a mum, to follow your dream. Dr Michelle Dickson shares her tips for talking to kids about the dreaded C word (that’s Covid people), and Kiss FM Melbourne breakfast host Jase Hawkins joins us to celebrate Father’s Day.  

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It is Father’s Day this weekend, a chance to celebrate the male role models in your life and your child’s life. And who better to celebrate with than one of the kings of dad jokes and pranks – co-host of KIIS 101.1 FM’s Melbourne breakfast Show 'Jase & PJ' and dad of two boys, Jase Hawkins. Jase joins us to talk lame practical jokes and the key reason why raising respectful boys comes naturally to him.  

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Covid. It ain’t going away, and that is a hard thing to explain to kids.  Co-founder and creator of Nanogirl, Dr Michelle Dickinson, was an integral part of New Zealand's COVID response, working as an educator and advisor for the NZ Prime Minister, helping the NZ public, especially children, understand the science behind the virus and the different regulations. She joins us with some advice to help guide Aussie parents - especially families doing it tough in Victoria.  

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Once you have kids, you start to see your career from a very different perspective. Do I love this job enough for it to keep me away from my children? Am I satisfied with this role or have I always dreamed of doing something else? Chasing your dreams becomes more complicated when you have little mouths to feed, especially if you’re a single mumma. But that’s what former publicist turned podcast host and writer Cathrine Mahoney decided to do at the end of last year.  

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I love being the mum of a boy. There, I’ve said it. I’m just a little bit obsessed with how affectionate and loving he is.  Every night since he was born, I whisper as I kiss him goodnight ‘you’re my kind, gentle, respectful little boy, and I love you’. Look he’s 5 now and he looks at me like I’m mad but still says ‘give me a hug mumma'. After going through a messy marriage breakdown, that’s exactly what I want for him as he grows up - to be kind, gentle and respectful. But how do we make that happen? Step in the fabulous Jess Sanders – author of a new book called 'be Your Own Man' - with some invaluable advice.  

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Picture this. You've just run out of bread for school lunches in the morning, the kids are happily watching TV and the shop is just down the road. Is it okay to duck out and leave them alone? There are so many variables to take into consideration when making that decision - their age, how long for you'll be gone for, whether they can call for help or ask a neighbour if they need it. Sarah and Mel talk about the situations they've found themselves and how to make the best decision for your family.  

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This week, Sarah and I talked about why we get Imposter Syndrome when we start a new role.  We’re joined by dad-of-three and all-round Juggling Act fav Jimmy Rees on how his little family is managing during lockdown (yup it involves lots of silly videos and his wife is not impressed…) Former Bachelor winner Snezana Wood calls in and opens up about how her life behind closed doors is VERY different to Instagram. Dr Addie from Smiling Mind is here to help us identify anxiety in our kids, and Sarah wants to know if she should stop co-sleeping with her toddler.  

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Co-sleeping, it's often one of those things you think you'll never do PK (pre-kids), but then end up doing at some stage. Sarah has started sleeping in the same bed as her toddler, because it's just easier to get him to sleep - and stay asleep! So does it really matter, or should she find a way to stop?  

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This year has been rough on everyone, but particularly our kids. Bushfires, a global pandemic, homeschooling, lockdown… and no end in sight. As a result, Smiling Mind  - who help provide support and advice around children’s mental health - have been inundated with requests from teachers, parents and carers throughout COVID-19 on what they can do to help. We're joined by Smiling Mind CEO and Clinical Psychologist Dr Addie Wootten to share more about how to support our kids.  

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