Consent starts with nappy changes, hugs from relatives, and the language we use when our kids are still tiny. But somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that children's bodies aren't really their own - that they should hug on command, stay quiet during bath time, and never question what adults do to them.

In this episode, Emmy sits down with Vanessa Hamilton - Sex and Health Educator, author, and one of the original expert voices behind the work we do. Together, they unpack what body autonomy actually looks like from birth, how to talk about private parts without shame, and why teaching consent early is one of the most protective things we can do as parents.

They cover the practical stuff but also go deeper - into grooming, online safety, sexual extortion, gender diversity, and how to be the ‘askable parent’ your child needs as they grow.

With real examples, scripts you can actually use, and a reminder that it's never too early (or too late) to start these conversations - this is an empowering listen for anyone raising kids in a world that doesn't always respect their boundaries.

Be curious. Start early.

Milestones are everywhere - the apps, the books, the comments at playgroup. But what happens when your child's timeline looks completely different? When sitting up takes months of therapy, or walking is still a work in progress at two?

In this episode, Emmy sits down with Christa, mum to gorgeous Frankie - a little one born with Down syndrome who has already navigated heart surgery, feeding tubes, and a development path that doesn't fit the textbook. Together, they unpack what it's really like to parent outside the milestones, the weight of comparison, and why sometimes an innocent question can trigger what Christa calls a "milestone meltdown."

They talk about reality of advocating for your child in spaces that weren't built with them in mind. From daycare to dance classes, keyword signing to crawling at two, this is a raw and grounding conversation about pressure, isolation, community and why you don't owe anyone an explanation.

With reflections on finding your people, letting go of control, the power of inclusive environments, and why checking in on a parent navigating extra needs can mean everything - this one's for anyone who’s ever worried their child is “behind” or felt unseen in the early years.

Real, honest, and full of heart.

Big feelings in little bodies can feel huge for parents too – especially when you’ve got a child who’s extra sensitive, struggles with drop-offs or seems to fall apart the second they’re back in your arms.

In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with clinical psychologist and mum of three, Jacquie Ward, to unpack what’s really going on for our highly sensitive kids – and why it’s not about “bad behaviour” or you doing it wrong. They chat about why sensitivity is a biological trait (not a parenting fail), what’s normal clinginess versus separation anxiety, and how to think differently about tantrums, meltdowns and those impossible transitions out the door.

Jacquie also shares how our own nervous system, stress levels and upbringing shape the way we respond to our kids, and why getting support for you can be just as powerful as a strategy for them. This is a grounded, honest conversation for any parent who’s ever wondered, “Is this normal… or is it just us?”

Birth advice is everywhere, but what actually helps is the stuff that makes the intense parts feel normal and the choices feel clearer. In this episode, we chat with Lauren Severiano—a registered nurse and doula who has supported more than 300 births.

With Lauren’s background across both medical and holistic care, we go beyond the textbook to unpack how birth is approached from a provider’s perspective, how hospital language and timelines can shape decisions, and how to use a birth plan without rigidity.

We also demystify the messy-but-common realities - pooing, shaking, vomiting, delivering the placenta, delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin, newborn quirks, and recovery.

This is a grounded, judgment-free chat for anyone preparing for birth (first or fourth), with simple ways to balance preparation and flexibility, protect your headspace, and find your voice. Real talk, real examples, and reassurance you can carry into the birthing suite.

Is my parenting style… chaos? Are we good parents yet? And do parenting styles even matter at 3am? These are all valid questions when you’re in the depths of parenthood.

To kick off the podcast, I couldn’t think of anyone better than one of our OG experts, Gen Muir. She’s the GOAT when it comes to making parents feel seen and heard - and she brings serious experience as a Parent Educator, Social Worker, and mum of four boys.

Together we dive into parenting styles, the messy middle of raising kids, and how to respond when your baby cries - all while having plenty of laughs along the way.

Somewhere along the way, we got the whole sleep training message a little wrong. Chris Minogue is a Mothercraft Nurse of nearly four decades and widely known as the baby whisperer. With experience working alongside thousands of families, she’s seen it all. While the world (and the information we have access to) has changed, our babies’ needs have not.

Chris is also the reason I managed to raise three kids under three and a half - while starting a business. In this episode, we swap real-life examples and dig into what you really need to know about parenting and your baby’s sleep.