Naming a person is a challenge—but one Melbourne family has made their relatives compete for the privilege of a surname. This week Monz, Stacey and Amelia are talking about the Melbourne couple who settled their surname debate with a best-of-three rock-paper-scissors showdown. So, should we be making all family decisions via a game of competitive Jenga from now on?

Plus, the school holiday rule that has parents feeling like they’re back in detention. Amelia shares the enormous effort she poured into an official essay just to take her kids overseas, as we debate if ‘world schooling’ is a genius move or just a recipe for burnout.

Also, it’s the show that saved our collective sanity, but behind the scenes, Bluey is the focus of a billion-dollar financial mess. We dive into the trending story and explain the details the internet seems to be missing.

And, why does Mother’s Day feel a little bit… off? We’re looking into the unexpected history of the holiday and why it’s okay if you’re feeling more ‘complicated’ than ‘celebratory’ this Sunday.

Reccos

Amelia recommends Caper Crew; as if The InBESTigators was directed by Wes Anderson.

Monz is loving the ‘Parental Path’ video hack to capture your kids’ little voices before they grow up, plus it's a great last-minute Mother's Day gift. 

Stacey recommends the ‘Do It For Dolly’ campaign and the 13-DOLLY support line for any families navigating the gut-punch of school bullying.

If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs to speak with an expert, please contact your GP or in Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), all of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7.

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What To Listen To Next: 

• Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
• The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled
• So, Are You A Popcorn Mum?
• The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube
• The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack
• Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule
• The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect
• The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’
• Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

• 'My daughter was 8 when she was tied up and left in a bin. The words that came next still haunt me.'
• 'The 'boring' parent is the unsung hero': 5 things Bluey has taught me about parenting.
• 'My husband made me cry every Mother's Day. I know I'm not alone.'
• 'There are 3 reasons my son took my wife's surname. It should be the norm.'
• A brutally honest review of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a movie that breaks everything.

GET IN TOUCH:

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

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