In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by early years expert Jenny Shaw from Busy Bees Nurseries. They talk about the challenges and joys of choosing the right childcare, and how Busy Bees' new “Bee Curious” curriculum is setting children up for success through playful learning.

Jenny shares her insights from over 25 years in early years education, discussing the importance of trust between parents and educators, and how nurseries like Busy Bees focus on both care and education. They chat about the overwhelming feelings parents face when selecting childcare, the benefits of nursery education over pre-school, and how to prepare children (and parents) for the transition to nursery life.

The conversation also explores the daily activities at Busy Bees, from singing and storytelling to outdoor play, and how these contribute to a child's development. Jenny provides practical tips for parents on supporting their child's learning at home without adding to the 'to-do' list, emphasising the importance of communication, language, and vocabulary development.

Busy Bees new “Bee Curious” curriculum is designed to give children a head start in life, setting them up to succeed.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Wendy and Alison sit down with the multi-talented Oti Mabuse. Known for her dazzling performances on Strictly Come Dancing and her role as a judge on Dancing on Ice, Oti opens up about her journey into motherhood, her experiences with a premature birth, and how she's balancing family life with her flourishing career.

Oti shares the story of her daughter's early arrival and the unexpected challenges her family faced during those initial weeks in the neonatal unit. She talks about the support she received from the NHS, the importance of skin-to-skin bonding, and the delicate balance of caring for a premature baby.

Oti reflects on her active pregnancy and the societal pressures on women to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, and how she's embracing her new role as a mother.

Oti also touches on her excitement about her upcoming romance novel, set to be released in 2025, and the importance of representation of black women in literature. 

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, and engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Join Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry on The Netmums Podcast for a chat with Charlene White. You might know her as an ITV News presenter and Loose Women host, but today she's dishing out her thoughts on parenting, cultural identity, and handling the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Charlene talks about the ups and downs of raising her two children, alongside a busy career. She opens up about her Caribbean roots and how they shape her parenting style, with a focus on good manners, discipline, and keeping cultural traditions alive.

The chat gets real about the pressures of being the 'perfect' parent and why it's more important to focus on what truly counts in family life. Charlene shares her candid take on the unrealistic expectations parents face and why happiness and health should top the list over chasing perfection.

Charlene gives us an insight into her new book, "No Place Like Home," diving into what 'home' means through her own experiences and others' stories.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Welcome to another episode of The Netmums Podcast with your hosts, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry. This week, we have an incredible guest who needs no introduction – the one and only Katie Price. Join us as we catch up with Katie about her life over the past three years, her journey with adult ADHD diagnosis, and her experiences as a mother to five children.

Katie opens up about the changes in the entertainment industry over the last 30 years, reflecting on her career from the early days of magazine covers to the current era of social media influencers. She discusses the challenges and rewards of raising her eldest son, Harvey, as a single parent, and the unique dynamics of parenting children with complex needs.

Katie talks about her recent ADHD diagnosis and how it has helped her understand and manage her impulsive behaviour. She shares her experience with IVF, her desire to have more children, and the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with her partner, JJ.

Katie touches on the impact of media scrutiny on her life and offers advice to newspaper editors on responsible journalism. She also reflects on the lessons she's learned from her past relationships and the importance of teaching her children about healthy relationships.

From discussing her new book, "This is Me," to her future plans and aspirations, this episode is packed with honest and inspiring moments that you won't want to miss.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative

In this lively episode of The Netmums Podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry welcome the versatile Alastair Campbell, renowned for his significant contributions to politics and media, and now an author seeking to motivate the younger generation. Alastair offers his insights on balancing parenting with a demanding career, the importance of being present, and how his unique career journey has shaped his children's upbringing.

Alastair introduces his latest book, "Alastair Campbell Talks Politics," which aims to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to engage in politics. He highlights the importance of understanding the political landscape, the impact of misinformation, and the necessity for critical thinking. The discussion also covers the challenges of navigating social media influences, the government's role in regulating online spaces, and the importance of young people being involved in shaping their future.

The episode delves into the art of disagreeing agreeably, a key theme of Alastair’s podcast with Rory Stewart, and the importance of fostering respectful dialogue. As the conversation progresses, Alastair shares his aspirations for the new Labour government, particularly regarding mental health reforms and the modernisation of education.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry chat to journalist, marathon runner, podcaster, and author Bryony Gordon. Known for her no nonsense discussions on mental health, Bryony shares her insights on parenting, sobriety, and the importance of embracing life's ups and downs.

Bryony opens up about her journey as a mum, reflecting on the challenges of raising a child while managing her own mental health. She discusses the significance of teaching children resilience, her views on 'wine o'clock' culture, and the importance of creating a safe environment for her daughter.

The conversation also delves into Bryony's new podcast, "The Life of Bryony," where she explores taboo topics and encourages listeners to shed the weight of shame, and why she wants to ‘talk loudly about the things most of us whisper’. 

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry welcome Dawn O'Porter. Author, mum, and vintage fashion enthusiast, Dawn joins us to discuss her journey of motherhood, her writing career, and her recent move from California back to the UK.

Dawn opens up about quitting Instagram, sharing the positive impacts of stepping away from social media and how it has enriched her creativity and family life. She also talks about the challenges and joys of raising her two boys.

Dawn talks about her latest novel, "Honey Bee," and its roots in her own experiences, the themes of friendship and coming of age. The conversation touches on her childhood in Guernsey and how it influenced her storytelling.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative

This week, Wendy and Alison are delighted to welcome Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, host of Europe’s biggest health podcast Feel Better, Live More, author of 5 Sunday Times Bestselling Books and star of BBC One’s Doctor In The House. ' 

Diving into the ups and downs of modern parenting, Dr. Chatterjee addresses the stress and pressure of parenting in a digital world and shares practical tips, like setting aside tech-free time with kids. 

With useful insights on parenting and self-growth, he also discusses his support for the "Smartphone Free Childhood" campaign which shields children from the downsides of constant connectivity.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative

Welcome to another episode of The Netmums Podcast, sponsored by Duracell. This week, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by Marvyn Harrison, the inspiring founder of Dope Black Dads. Marvyn shares his journey of creating a supportive community for black fathers and delves into the challenges and triumphs of black fatherhood.

Discover the powerful story behind Dope Black Dads, from a heartfelt Father's Day message to a thriving community of over 250,000 members. Marvyn discusses the stereotypes black fathers face, the importance of peer support, and the unique struggles and joys of being a black father in today's society. He also highlights crucial issues like mental health, financial literacy, and the higher risk of prostate cancer among black men.

This episode is packed with invaluable insights on parenting, masculinity, and the importance of community support. Marvyn’s wisdom and candid reflections offer a fresh perspective on fatherhood and the ongoing journey towards equality and understanding.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative

Welcome to another episode of The Netmums Podcast! This week, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry dive deep into the world of weaning with special guest Lucy Upton, a qualified paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist. Lucy shares her expert insights and practical tips to help parents navigate this often challenging milestone.

Discover the "golden opportunity" windows for introducing tastes and textures, and learn how to sift through the overwhelming noise of parenting advice. Lucy also discusses the importance of variety in your baby's diet and reassures parents that it's perfectly okay to mix homemade and shop-bought baby food.

In this episode, you'll find out how to handle common weaning concerns, from gagging and food refusal to the pressures of getting it right.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative