This one’s a follow-up we know you’ve been waiting for. Roula finally made a call on whether her son can use TikTok—and the decision says a lot about how she’s approaching parenting this time around.

She shares what she learned from giving her daughters phones too early, why she refuses to go down the “ban everything” route, and how she’s teaching her son to manage screen time with self-control instead of guilt. From setting a 15-minute weekend limit to laughing over AI cat podcasters, this is real parenting in motion—messy, thoughtful, and deeply intentional.

Topics covered:

• Why banning tech can backfire with kids
• Lessons Roula learned from raising her daughters
• How TikTok is being introduced with rules (and humour)
• Why self-control matters more than restriction
• The little wins that make parenting feel worth it

Do you think kids should learn to manage social media early, or should it wait until they’re older?

TikTok parenting, should kids use TikTok, screen time rules, digital parenting, raising kids with social media, parenting podcast, parenting boundaries, TikTok and kids, parenting digital age

Listen to episode 144 where we originally discussed Roula's TikTok Dilemma.

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Rosie thought teenagers sleep all day, Roula says otherwise. Cue a debate that spirals into what parenting really takes from you: time, freedom, and sometimes your sanity.

In this episode, we dig into the reality of raising kids at different stages, why parents never really “get more time back,” and how important it is to keep a sense of self outside of being Mum or Dad. From teenagers who never seem to leave the house to the pressures parents pile on themselves, nothing is off limits.

We also chat about shifting roles as kids grow older, unhealthy parenting styles that enable dependence, and why it’s so damn hard to balance freedom with family.

How do you balance being a parent with keeping your own identity?

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This episode starts with an empty house: no kids, no interruptions, just us talking about what happens when you finally get 24 hours alone with your partner after years of chaos. For Roula, that meant champagne cocktails, a joint, and a trip down memory lane watching old music videos. What came out of it? A surprising discovery about freedom, attraction, and how differently two people can see the same thing.

We also go off on a tangent about Rosie's secret crush on The Backstreet Boys and Roula's obsession with Cardi B’s court case - but, hey, you wouldn’t expect anything less from us.

Topics covered:

• What happens when you finally get a kid-free night after years of parenting
• Why watching old music videos can unlock deeper truths about freedom and desire
• Crushes, 90s nostalgia, and questionable Backstreet Boys obsessions
• Cardi B’s hilarious courtroom moments (and why she won her case)
• Why “more time” as your kids get older is the biggest lie of parenting
• When was the last time you had a moment alone that made you discover something new about yourself—or your partner?

Keywords: marriage after kids, parenting and relationships, rediscovering connection, nostalgia 90s music, freedom in relationships, Roula and Rosie podcast, Cardi B trial story, parenting teens, partner connection tips.

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Roula and Rosie dive into a surprisingly heated topic: public toilets. 

Should we keep them gender-neutral, or do women deserve dedicated safe spaces? 

From hygiene concerns to cultural and religious privacy needs, they explore why this debate is about more than bathrooms—it’s about safety, dignity, and inclusion. 

In this episode: 

🚻 Roula’s plea: “I want my women’s toilet back” 

🧼 Cleanliness, privacy, and the reality of shared bathrooms 

👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏾 Gender-neutral vs. women-only vs. three-toilet solution 

🌍 Cultural, religious, and safety perspectives on bathroom spaces 

💬 Where do we draw the line between inclusivity and exclusion? 

public toilets debate, gender-neutral bathrooms, women’s safety toilets, inclusive spaces, toilet privacy, bathroom gender debate, women-only bathrooms, clean public toilets, Muslim women privacy, Rosie and Roula podcast 

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Ever been disrespected and walked away wishing you had spoken up? 😤

In this episode, Roula shares a raw, real story of confronting her neighbor after being spoken to with arrogance — and how she finally walked her own talk about setting boundaries.

With Rosie cheering her on, they unpack:

✨ The difference between directness and rudeness

✨ How to stand your ground without losing kindness

✨ Why insecurity (like language barriers) can hold us back from speaking up

✨ Practical ways to prepare for difficult conversations

✨ Why most people confuse “being blunt” with “being disrespectful”

This episode is for anyone who’s ever swallowed their words, replayed the scene in their head a hundred times, and thought: “I should’ve said something.”

Keywords: standing up for yourself, direct vs rude, boundaries podcast, conflict resolution, people pleasing recovery, how to say no, difficult conversations, emotional resilience, assertiveness tips, authentic communication

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In this episode, Rosie and Roula dive deep into parenting, people pleasing, and the lifelong journey of authenticity. Inspired by a powerful clip from Dr. Gabor Maté, they unpack how childhood conditioning—like being told to “be a good girl” or “just be nice”—can strip kids of their true selves.

Roula shares real stories about parenting her son and daughters, shifting from rigid rules to more authentic boundaries, and teaching kids that it’s okay to say no. Rosie reflects on how childhood praise shaped her own people-pleasing tendencies, and the two explore how parents can help kids honor their feelings without shame.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Am I raising a people pleaser?
• How do I balance boundaries with compassion?
• Why is it so hard to be authentic as an adult?

…this conversation is for you.

Keywords: parenting podcast, Gabor Maté parenting, authenticity, people pleasing, gentle parenting, setting boundaries, parenting tips, raising kids, motherhood, fatherhood, family dynamics

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Parenting advice often comes wrapped in comforting phrases like “Don’t worry, it will come naturally.” But what if that’s not true? In this episode, Rosie and Roula get real about the raw, unspoken realities of motherhood, fatherhood, and societal expectations. From sleepless nights and painful breastfeeding to cultural pressures and postpartum depression, Roula shares why parenting is far from “natural” for many—and why that’s okay. 

Whether you’re an expecting parent, a new mom or dad, or simply curious about the myths around parenting, this conversation challenges stereotypes and brings compassion to the chaos of raising children. 

Also Checkout Ep. 24: The Big Question - Do You Want to Have Kids?

Keywords for SEO: parenting doesn’t come naturally, new parent struggles, motherhood truth, postpartum depression, parenting myths, societal expectations, motherhood pressures, parenting support, honest parenting podcast, real talk about parenting 

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Can belly button raspberries actually bond you with your unborn baby? 

This week, Rosie & Roula dive into one of the most unusual listener emails ever: “How should I bond with my fiancée’s baby bump?” 

🤰 From belly button raspberries to painting bumps, we explore the funny, weird, and surprisingly tender side of pregnancy bonding.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. We also get real about:

Why belly buttons are so peculiar (and sensitive!) 👀

How partners can gently connect with their baby before birth

The pressure on new parents to “just know” what to do (spoiler: it doesn’t come naturally)

Roula’s must-read parenting book recommendation 📖

Why every parent needs to find their own style, not follow “rules”

It’s equal parts hilarious, awkward, and heartfelt — just the way we like it.

• Book recommendation for parents to be and parents of babies: 

Frans Plooij en Hetty van de Rijt and Xaviera Plooij

 

Keywords (SEO): belly button pregnancy, baby bump bonding, parenting podcast, new parent advice, pregnancy connection tips, belly painting, partner bonding with baby, pregnancy humor podcast, pregnancy belly button, first-time parents support

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This episode is all about breaking the rules—literally. We dive into the age-old question: is dessert only for after dinner, or can you enjoy it whenever you feel like it? From childhood eating habits to restaurant disappointments, we explore how sugar, tradition, and personal quirks shape our sweet-tooth choices. And spoiler: we’re officially giving you permission to eat dessert first.

Topics covered:

• Why dessert after dinner isn’t a universal tradition
• How childhood and cultural influences shape sweet cravings
• When rules about food and etiquette just don’t make sense
• Finding joy in breaking food rules—especially around sweets
• Dessert tips: timing, portions, and when indulgence is actually guilt-free

Do you stick to dessert after dinner, or do you sneak it whenever you feel like it?

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This episode is all about a comment that stopped us in our tracks. One of our listeners responded to our chat about “making love vs fucking” — and honestly, she said it better than we ever could.

We dive into her words, unpack why they hit so deep, and reflect on how tenderness, hunger, softness, and raw craving all blur together. It’s not about what you call it — it’s about how it feels.

Topics covered:

• Lovemaking vs fucking: two sides of the same coin
• Why “fucking” doesn’t always mean empty or cold
• How tenderness and hunger can live in the same space
• The power of listener reflections in shifting perspective

Related Episodes

114: Making Love vs Fucking vs Having Sex. What's the Difference?

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