What does it really take to raise boys who are confident, kind and emotionally healthy?

In this episode of Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by developmental paediatrician and author Dr Billy Garvey to unpack what parents need to understand about raising boys in a world where ideas about masculinity are changing.

Billy shares his own experiences growing up and the lessons he learned about hiding emotions, being tough and what it means to “be a man”, before exploring how these expectations can shape the way boys communicate, manage emotions and build relationships.

Billy and Sean discuss why boys don't necessarily need to be “toughened up”, the importance of emotional connection and empathy, and why the old idea that “boys will be boys” can sometimes prevent children from learning healthier ways to behave. Billy also explains why punishment isn't always the answer when boys become aggressive, and what parents can do instead when their child is overwhelmed or struggling.

From the role fathers play in modelling emotional behaviour to the importance of warmth, boundaries and respectful relationships, this is an honest and practical conversation about raising boys without limiting who they can become. This is an important conversation for anyone raising boys — and anyone who wants to better understand the boys and young men in their lives.

Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.

LINKS :

• Dr Billy Garvey's book Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Raising Boys is available now
• More on Guiding Growing Minds
• Follow @drbillygarvey on Instagram
• Listen to Billy's podcast Pop Culture Parenting

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:

• Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
• Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
• Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:

• Host: Sean Szeps
• Guest: Dr Billy Garvey
• Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
• Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
• Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
• Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
• Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
• Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wondering if the new movie' Forgotten Island' is suitable for your kids?

In this special episode, I'm putting the latest DreamWorks animated movie under the Parenting Police microscope, looking at what parents really want to know before taking the family to the cinema. From the film’s beautiful animation, hilarious characters, Filipino culture and folklore, and its emotional story about friendship, growing up and holding on to memories, there's plenty to love.

But it's my nine-year-old twins who have the final say on the movie — including what they found funny, what they found scary, and whether they’d watch it again.

So, is Forgotten Island too scary for younger kids? What age is it really suitable for? And will parents enjoy it too? This is everything you need to know without the spoilers.

Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:

• Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
• Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
• Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:

• Host: Sean Szeps
• Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
• Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
• Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
• Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
• Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
• Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does your child suddenly need a Labubu, $80 socks, friendship bracelets, press-on nails or the latest fashion trend — simply because “everyone else has one”?

In this episode of The Parenting Police, Sean Szeps takes a deep dive into the ever-changing world of kids’ fashion and trends, from school uniforms and mullets to bag charms, novelty socks, ear piercing, makeup, crop tops and social-media-driven beauty culture.

Joining Sean is social media sensation Fashion Critical, who brings her trademark sharp and entertaining perspective to the fashion choices taking over children’s wardrobes. Together, they explore the tricky line between self-expression and peer pressure, and ask whether some of these trends are harmless fun or whether they can contribute to children feeling like they need to look, dress and spend like everyone else.

The conversation also tackles the real cost of kids’ fashion, including the pressure on parents to keep up, socioeconomic differences between families, fast fashion, brands such as Shein and Temu, and the challenge of explaining to children why they can’t always have what their friends have.

From school uniforms and playground competition to Sephora, social media and beauty trends, this is a candid conversation about how childhood fashion is changing — and how parents can navigate the pressure without losing their sanity.

Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.

LINKS :

• Follow Fashion Critical (@fashion_critical) on Instagram
• Fashion Critical's book Red carpet lewks and LOLs from an undercover fashion critic is out now

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:

• Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
• Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
• Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:

• Host: Sean Szeps
• Guest: Fashion Critical
• Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
• Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
• Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
• Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
• Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
• Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened to vegetables on kids’ menus?

In this episode of The Parenting Police: Investigates, Sean Szeps takes a deep dive into a familiar frustration for parents: taking your kids out to eat and being presented with a children’s menu dominated by nuggets, burgers and chips.

Sean investigates how kids’ menus evolved, from early children’s menus that included vegetables, fruit and more varied meals to the rise of the fast-food-style kids’ meal, complete with toys, simple choices and food designed to keep children happy. He then looks at 125 kids’ menus across Sydney, examining what restaurants are actually offering Australian children today — and the results raise some big questions.

The episode also explores why kids’ menus at cultural restaurants so often abandon the cuisine being served to adults in favour of the familiar nuggets-and-chips formula, and what Australia might learn from countries where children simply eat smaller portions of the same food as everyone else.

Ultimately, Sean asks whether restaurants could be doing more to offer families healthier choices — rather than making the fried favourites the default. So next time you sit down at a restaurant with your kids, take a closer look at the menu and see if you can spot the vegetables.

Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:

• Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
• Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
• Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:

• Host: Sean Szeps
• Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
• Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
• Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
• Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
• Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
• Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it actually mean to be a good parent in 2026?

In this episode of The Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by TV and radio journalist Sarah Harris to unpack some of the biggest parenting trends shaping family life right now — from smartphones and social media to AI tutors, raw milk and the growing push to simply let kids be kids.

Sarah shares the reality of parenting her two boys, including how many of her strongest opinions about parenting changed once she actually became a mum. Sean and Sarah explore whether banning smartphones and social media really protects children, how parents can help kids navigate an increasingly digital world, and whether AI could become a valuable educational tool or another source of dependence. They also tackle the pressures facing modern parents: overscheduling, mum guilt, the pressure to buy more, and the challenge of giving kids freedom while keeping them safe.

From the rise of “Sephora kids” and Labubu blind boxes to the dangers of 'sharenting', it's an honest and often surprising conversation about what our kids really need — and what parents might need to let go of.

Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.

LINKS :

• Catch Sarah Harris with Ricki-Lee & Tim on Nova 96.9 weekdays 6-9am
• You can also hear Sarah with Ricki-Lee & Tim weeknights from 6pm on Nova across Australia
• Follow Sarah (@whatsarahsnapped) on Instagram

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:

• Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
• Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
• Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:

• Host: Sean Szeps
• Guest: Sarah Harris
• Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
• Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
• Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
• Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
• Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
• Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this premiere episode of The Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by John Pearce — otherwise known as the Purple Wiggle, and dad to Henry — to discuss the toys, technology and parenting battles that are shaping childhood in 2026.

John opens up about the parenting rules he and his wife Jess thought they would never break, including their dream of a screen-free, Montessori-style childhood, and how quickly those plans can disappear when you're trying to keep a toddler entertained.

The conversation also dives into Toy Story 5 and its surprisingly powerful message about children, technology and the importance of play. Sean shares how watching the movie actually prompted his own children to rethink their screen habits and start playing with their toys again.

And then Sean and John investigate the viral squishy and fidget toys taking over Australian schools — from mystery dumplings and butter sticks to giant squishy cheese and tiny jelly cubes. Which ones are worth buying, and which ones belong firmly in the bin?

Plus, John talks about how becoming a dad has changed him as a performer, touring internationally with his young family, what it's like watching his son recognise him as Big Strong John from The Wiggles, and being recognised in public.

Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.

LINKS :

• Check out The Wiggles’ latest music here
• Don't miss The Wiggles' Sparkle! BIG SHOW National Arena Tour
• Follow John (@johnpearce) on Instagram
• Follow Purple Wiggle John (@john_wiggle) on Instagram
• Follow The Wiggles (@thewiggles) on Instagram

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:

• Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
• Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
• Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:

• Host: Sean Szeps
• Guest: John Pearce (Purple Wiggle)
• Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
• Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
• Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
• Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
• Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
• Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Parenting Police is a new podcast where Sean Szeps investigates the constant flood of toys, shows, trends and advice thrown at modern families and decides what's worth your time and money. 

Each week, a celebrity parent helps Sean review the latest toys and fads to see if they stack up. 

Genuinely useful advice, always a little silly, and never any bullsh**. 

"We're here to protect and serve… your sanity."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.