Parenting Out Loud

Noah Wyle just kicked the hornet’s nest by declaring that boys are tougher to parent than girls... at least at first. Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester and special guest Grace Rouvray get into the conversation about whether gender really plays a part in how difficult parenting Plus, remember earning 20 bucks to watch your neighbour's kids? We question the death of the teen babysitter and ask whether our lost village is fuelling modern parental burnout. Also, do you know a 'parasocial baby' that you'd recognise across a crowded playground? We dive into whether this is a harmless social media phenomenon or a worrying trait of parenting in the digital age. RECCOS: Stacey recommends a 'pick-up pop-up station' as an after-school activity for your kids using toys they already own. Basically just rebranding the stuff they no longer play with. Grace recommends the children’s book All The Ways I See by Nas Campanella and Eliza Hull. Amelia is loving Emily St John Mandel’s novel Exit Party. Take our three minute survey for…

A three-year-old soccer star, a viral video and cops called to the sidelines. What on earth has happened to parents at kids' sport? Amelia brings us the story that's divided the internet, while Monz makes a passionate case for the 'ordinary kids'. Meanwhile, could a packet of wet wipes end a 30-year friendship? One mum has had enough of being the designated snack supplier and general packhorse for her friend. Plus, the billionaire tech mum who asked AI to describe her daughter in three words, and the 'Switch Witch' is coming for your kids Halloween lolly haul. RECCOS: Stacey: This kids digital camera Monz: A homemade dupe of Bakers Delight $15 scones (in the newsletter this week) Amelia: BRICK - the app to get more control of your screen time Take our three minute survey for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher AND help shape what we do here at Mamamia. Plus, check out the Parenting Out Loud newsletter. What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud "A Second Baby Ruined My Life" & The…

Just when you thought the summer school holidays couldn't get any longer, one Australian school has announced it's finishing up next year in NOVEMBER. Yes, November. Cancel Christmas. You'll be too busy organising vacation care. Meanwhile, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is back, this time with a post-partum Angel. Has motherhood become the ultimate marketing strategy? Plus, a six-year-old drew a picture of what she wants to be when she grows up and her school turned it into an AI-generated image of her adult self, and the internet is furious. I guess we're outsourcing childhood imagination to ChatGPT now. And, RIP the humble iron. Apparently nobody's ironing anymore, and Stacey would like to know if we can make that official. RECCOS: Stacey recommends an entire city. Brisbane. No notes. Monz is thriving in middle-age with a stick vaccuum that lives in her carport - the Dyson Konical + Auto Empty Dok Amelia recommends the Big Boob T-shirt from Adelaide label Blue Sky Day. Finally, a T-shirt that…

A viral essay from a dad admits he loves his kids but having a second child ruined his life. Is going from one kid to two really the parenting tipping point nobody warns you about? Meanwhile, there's a Tik Tok debate over the phrase “You get what you get and you don't get upset.” Because wait, aren't we supposed to be validating ALL the feelings? Amelia has the story of a mum who let her five-year-old walk to a pond alone and she's ended up with a criminal conviction. Have we become so obsessed with protecting our kids that we've forgotten to let them live? And what is all this intensive parenting costing mums? Plus, the Hollywood toxic mums' group chat has made it all the way to Mexico on holiday. Everyone's invited. Well, not everyone. Reccos: Stacey recommends the chicken ick hack from TikTokker Aims that's going to change your schnitzel game. Monz recommends Go-To Very Glowy Primer, for looking well-rested when you're absolutely not. Amelia recommends An Argument, an episode of This American Life about a…

Cocaine use is rising in suburban Australia, and one story about “cocaine mums” went absolutely bananas this week. Is this mummy wine culture 2.0? Meanwhile, CDs are back and suddenly a Discman with wired headphones is cool again. But maybe The Great Unplugging isn’t really about nostalgia. Maybe parents are just desperate for a device that doesn’t have an algorithm attached to it. Plus, the Aussie dad who gave his kids an almighty dressing-down over the pool fence, Kim Kardashian's four nanny system, and Ben Affleck's existential crisis on a podcast. Reccos: Stacey recommends 70 Up on SBS On Demand Amelia recommends this merino wool sauna hat to look cute while sweating Monique recommends building a Christmas Battery Box with the greatest hits: AA, AAA, C's, LR44, CR2032, A precision screwdriver set ... and tiny scissors. MOVE is feel-good fitness by Mamamia. For less than a coffee a week, get unlimited access to hundreds of workouts, ranging from five to 45 minutes. Plus, you get unlimited access to…

A 20-second clip of a mum carrying a baby, a backpack, and three trays of food had millions of strangers screaming “LEAVE HIM”. Is it the parenting equivalent of the Coldplay viral video? Also, we regret to inform you there is now a name for husbands disappearing into the toilet for suspiciously long periods: weaponised pooping. Also, if parenting feels impossibly hard right now, it's not your fault. We unpack the speech about Australian parenthood that had parents crying with relief, and the three changes that could actually make family life easier. Reccos: Stacey recommends the playlist; Chessy's denim shirt in The Parent Trap also her own; Girly pop songs that make you want to kick a door down Amelia recommends Group Chat by Zoë Foster Blake Monz's thanks you all for the vacuum help AND recommends a Digital Calendar to sort your family's life out. Plus, check out the Parenting Out Loud newsletter. What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The World’s Worst Kid's Party & Is This…

A fun idea for a kids party ends in a five-hour furore and that's not even the weirdest thing that happened this week, because Gabby's Dollhouse - after 14 seasons - suddenly has a sister, and dogs. What is happening? Meanwhile, Amelia issues an apology for everything we said about Gwyneth Paltrow and conscious uncoupling, because turns out she was onto something. Monz brings us the school mums' Facebook argument that's gone nuclear. Who killed the school volunteer? And why are mums still expected to keep the cake stalls running? Plus, Stacey reveals the post-partum crime almost every new mum has secretly committed. Now we've all been outed, dammit. Reccos: Stacey recommends the Kodiak insulated water bottle Amelia recommends the Too Good To Go app for cheap mystery bags of bakery treats. Monz's needs a reverse recommendation: she's looking for a bagged vacuum that will suck harder than school holidays with two working parents. Drop your reccos in the Spotify comments or DM us on Instagram @parentingoutloud!…

Playdates are cancelled. Because the French reckon adults just need to get together when it suits them, and let the kids figure it out themselves. Sacre Bleu. Meanwhile, The Oreogate plot thickens; was the entire thing a marketing ploy? An ad? Stacey has the official update. Gen Alpha's are making their parents drive three hours for a very specific haircut, Lady Gaga joins the celebrity stealth-baby club, and when a Good Dad of the Internet asks what public toilet he should take his daughters into, 4 million people had thoughts. Plus, Australian schools are winding back classroom screens and returning to pen and paper. Amelia gives us the history lesson on how screens got there in the first place. Reccos: Stacey recommends this Endota hydrating hand mask. Monz recommends the best party idea she's seen in ages: a Park Crawl: like a pub crawl with no booze and more swings. Hire a bus, hit a few playgrounds, finish with cake. Amelia recommends CrunchLabs Build Boxes for STEM-loving kids. Get access to Very…

Would you rent a nanna? One Australian grandma has built a business on what so many exhausted parents are missing. Take our money, Nanna. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle has been dubbed a submarine parent. Is she really doing anything different from a FIFO dad or does it get complicated when motherhood and domesticity are also part of your brand? Plus, should we stop telling our kids they’re amazing at everything? Raygun, North West and one brutally honest dad have us asking whether endless praise is actually doing kids any favours. Also: the deeply bleak world of AI slop for kids, Matty J is officially Dad Of The Year, and the school photo privacy story that might make you look very differently at your childcare app. Reccos: Stacey recommends these Tik Tok ridiculously easy banana pancakes. Monz recommends the $20 Silent Basketball from Rebel Sport. Same bouncing. None of the indoor ball noise rage Amelia recommends Poster Children by Christine Kenneally in The Monthly Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive…

1980's dinners are back. One mum got so sick of weeknight dinners, she went back to cooking only the simple meals of her childhood. Fish fingers. Meat and potatoes. And we love it more than Fritz and Sauce in a bowl (whatever the heck that is). Also, a viral series where adults talk like kids has us wondering whether we're lost the art of great convos. Should we skip straight to: “Who’s your least favourite relative?” We have a five-minute explainer on the big changes coming for kids and families accessing the NDIS, and why the new Thriving Kids system has parents and disability advocates nervous. Plus, Michelle Obama's honest take on life after kids, the classroom fart corner, and the Plush Toy of the year that you should pop on your Christmas shopping list. That is, if you're like Monz and already have one. Ugh. And Happy Fathers Day to all the good Dads of the show! Reccos: Grace recommends telling your kids educators how great they are for World Educators Day this week Monz recommends Scruff-a-Luvs, the…

Grace Rouvray is back this week, alongside Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester as we remember Dolly Parton and consider the roles 'favourite aunts' have in our child's lives. Plus, Stacey takes us deep into the viral 'Oreo-gate' drama to reveal why the internet’s favourite mum group feud is almost certainly fake. And, we’re rating two new playgrounds — including a wine-barrel setup and a slide that simulates the sinking Titanic. What could go wrong? Right now, every Mamamia subscriber is automatically entered to win a $5,000 Dreamworld holiday for four; flights, accommodation, express passes and more included. Subscribe here to enter. T&Cs apply. Reccos: Stacey recommends Sterling Point on Prime Video, a witty Gen Z coming-of-age series with an elite love triangle. Amelia recommends A Loo Of One’s Own by Eleri Harris, a brilliant Australian picture book about parliamentary history and women's rights hiding behind toilet humour. Grace recommends the Lamaze 8pc Pile & Play Stacking Cups for keeping little hands…

Bluey’s had a Hollywood glow-up and some don't love the 3D fur on Australia's best dogs. But are we all just terrible at change? The Lindsay Clancy trial has become the case mothers can’t stop talking about. Why has this horrific story captivated so many? (Skip ahead to 26 minutes if you this isn't for you.) Also, Sarah Abo brought her four-week-old baby onto breakfast TV. A gorgeous “meet the baby” moment… or a tiny glimpse of the pressure women feel to prove they’re still at work while on maternity leave? And Australia could have a parenting expert hiding in plain, khaki sight. Having raised two functional, wholesome, well adjusted and impressive young adults, is Terri Irwin the parenting expert 2026 needs? Right now, every Mamamia subscriber is automatically entered to win a $5,000 Dreamworld holiday for four; flights, accommodation, express passes and more included. Subscribe here to enter. T&Cs apply. Reccos: Stacey recommends The Five-Star Weekend on Binge: Jennifer Garner, female friendship and…

This is a heavy one, and an episode we wish we didn’t have to record. Today, we're sharing a story that has broken hearts globally: the Lindsay Clancy trial currently taking place in the US. Mia Freedman is joined by The Quicky journalists, Tamsin Rose and Georgie Page, to unpack the details of this incredibly distressing case. We’ve kept this as a standalone episode so you can choose if, and when, you’re ready to listen. Please look after yourselves. RESOURCES: If you or anyone you know 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. If you or anyone you know needs to speak with an expert after welcoming a child, please contact the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) Helpline on 1300 726 306. If you or anyone you know needs expert help, please contact Bravehearts. For more on Lindsay Clancy Lindsay Clancy on Mamamia…

Would you let your five-year-old go to the park alone? One mum did, and the internet went straight to abduction, neglect and worst-case scenarios. So… have parents become addicted to imagining the worst? And what’s all that fear doing to our kids? A baby cried in business class and another passenger decided that was simply not part of the premium experience. Anne Hathaway showed off a very normal, very pregnant belly and the internet promptly accused her of faking it. And in wholesome dads of the internet, a Melbourne dad started a walking group for dads, and nobody turned up. But wholesome Dads don't stay down for long, and what happened next was very wholesome. Also, what do you want your kids to be when they grow up? The jobs we were told were “safe” suddenly aren’t looking very safe at all. Trades are booming, AI is coming for white-collar work and there is now an actual university degree in Influencing. And… rack off. Sucked in ya mole. We’re bringing back the Australian schoolyard slang that the 6/7…

You're bleeding, leaking, sleep deprived. There is a lot of crying; mostly yours but also the baby. You can't remember what day it is, when you last showered, or even your own name. But hold on - are you soaking it up, mama? Because you should be! This week, the relentless pressure to enjoy every second of motherhood while you’re still very much surviving it. Because apparently we only get 18 summers, every cuddle could be the last cuddle, and we’re all meant to feel nostalgic in real time. Ok? Then, should Book Week be cancelled? There’s a very fair argument that it piles pressure onto already-stretched families. Which is fair. But if sports get a whole day dedicated to it...can't books too? Plus, the Dishwasher Dad theory, and why a night alone in a hotel might be the best money a tired mum ever spends. Reccos: Monz recommends Ted Lasso S4 on Apple Tv Amelia likes this sleep spray from The Goodnight Co for people who scroll too much before bed And Grace recommends a night in a hotel, because what price can…

Suri Cruise has dropped her megastar dad’s surname and it’s starting to look less like celebrity gossip and more like a new wave of family estrangement. We unpack why the adult children of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise are making their distance official, the PR strategy that helped both men quietly sidestep the conversation, and why mothers are still so often blamed when children cut contact with their fathers. Plus, a genuinely chilling warning about school photos, AI deepfakes and the new risks of sharing children’s images online. Is this the moment schools and childcare centres start going analogue? Also, a 13-year-old Australian piano prodigy, Meghan Markle’s dessert rule and Monz solves dinner with four life-changing words: Chook. In. A. Bag. Reccos: Monz recommends Chicken In A Bag for dinner Amelia recommends Just Crazy by Andy Griffiths, and DEAR: Drop Everything And Read. Stacey Natasha Sholl’s beautiful Mamamia essay, A Letter To The Siblings Of Kids With Additional Needs. Get access to Very Peri,…

There’s a birthday party ritual that has snuck into the modern parenting mental load - so we’re calling for a national amnesty. Meanwhile, the Ashley Tisdale has turned her toxic-mum-group drama into a TV show and Stacey is cancelling all plans to watch. A Wall Street Journal feature on “CEO parenting” blew up the internet this week. With wealthy parents detailing the tasks they outsource - everything from clipping toenails to riding bikes - we unpack the very charged response. And a former teacher and principal makes the case that schools aren’t there to teach your kids every single life skill. Plus the reason every kid is now singing about Eastern Rosellas (and you will be too). Spare a thought for the Western Rosellas, won’t you. They were there. Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy…

The biggest show on TV right now - Amazon Prime's Elle - is making best friend parenting look deeply aspirational. Monz wants in. Amelia absolutely does not, and Stacey is blaming Gilmore Girls for making the whole thing look normal. Then, is reading really dying, or are kids just consuming words in completely different ways? Amelia brings the panic, Monique brings the Australian research, and Stacey wonders whether asking children to read every night is accidentally killing the joy. Plus, the World Cup dad who blamed the referee, the post-birth meals that tasted better than anything before or since, and one extremely committed recommendation for a futuristic apple. Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%. Reccos: Amelia wants you to readThe Epically Awesome Odyssey, as…

You hot? Same. Grab a fan, because Very Peri is officially here. Created by Mamamia, we’ve sorted through the noise to answer your most urgent perimenopause questions. There is no shortage of perimenopause information out there. In fact, there is too much and most of it is unregulated, incomplete or contradictory. Consider Very peri your single trusted source, built purely around your needs. Get instant access to over 20 on-demand videos featuring 25 leading perimenopause experts from Australia and around the world, including Australia's most trusted medical voice Dr Ginni Mansberg, New York Times bestselling author and internationally renowned gynecologist Dr Jen Gunter, acclaimed neuropsychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni and leading menopause dietician Nigel Denby. Together, they deliver trusted, up-to-date advice on HRT, periods, weight gain, skin, insomnia, brain fog and so much more, alongside the Mamamia women you already know and love, including Out Loud's Holly Wainwright and Amelia Lester, You…

The sibling gold standard has officially been set by Harry Styles and his sister Gemma, but it’s giving Stacey some serious 'parent of one' guilt. Plus, the Australian schools that are handing out codes of conduct to an unlikely group — the parents. Plus, in the celebrity world, can motherhood be used as a strategic 180 to swing public perception, or do we just inherently view mothers differently? And, how old is too old for a bush wee? Also, the study that nobody knew existed has confirmed explicit songs are on decline and yet kids are somehow swearing more than ever. But is that such a bad thing? Monz and Amelia aren't too sure. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media Reccos: Amelia recommends sitting on the floor AKA the newsletter How to Move by Anna Maltby. Monz recommends Child's Play - 60 Years of Play School on Australian Story. Stacey is doubling down on Amelia's previous recommendation; Micador Colour and Learn tablecloth for $25 — they also have placemats. What To Listen To Next: Don't…

Can a celebrity really keep their family a secret in 2026? One very famous parent is believed to have two children that most people don't even know exist, or do they? Plus, it's school holidays, which means one thing: Dad-cation season. But after we witnessed one father do absolutely nothing on a long-haul flight while his partner did everything, we need to ask... are we still having the same parenting conversation? And finally, remember all the dumb things you said before you had kids? Turns out, pre-parenthood you was absolutely delusional. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media Reccos: Amelia recommends saying Mens World Cup instead of The World Cup Monz recommends her own Letters and Numbers Game Grace recommends Mini Zali Bags What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? 'Crying Cafes'…

Fun playground or toddler emergency room invitation? Melbourne parents are fiercely divided over a controversial new playground featuring... checks notes... giant rocks. Is this brilliant independent play, or have we officially reached peak chaotic parenting? We have thoughts. Plus, Monz and Stacey ran to see Toy Story 5 and what they witnessed was a brutal gut punch. Pixar took our greatest screen-time guilt and put it on a 90-minute tear that has us questioning how imagination can possibly coexist with addictive tech. Also, as some Australians demand child-free flights and resorts, Amelia asks the question: Is this really so bad? Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. Reccos: Stacey is loving America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix. Amelia recommends the Finlay bedazzle kit, a incredibly soothing $40 craft pack featuring 24 sparkle colours…

Japan’s national soccer team and their supporters have gone viral following their World Cup match after leaving the stadium and their locker room absolutely spotless. We want to know how we can get our kids to follow suit. Influencer and Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague has stepped out 10 days postpartum in a white dress and everyone has lost their minds, but not for the reason you’d think. Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. Plus, from Meghan and Harry to your next-door neighbor, everyone is suddenly adopting a millennial social media trend that's sparked a debate about 'sharenting'. And, have parent-teacher dynamics turned into a customer service nightmare? We discuss why every playground incident now seems to require an email trail and a call to management. Reccos: Stacey: Breakfast Sprinkle Muffins packed with banana, oats and honey. Monique: L'Occitane…

Have you ever dreamt of packing up your family and escaping to the country? Former AFL player Buddy Franklin and his wife Jesinta have ditched the big city for something a little... quieter. Monz, Amelia and Stacey are unpacking whether it’s possible to completely reinvent your family life. Plus, Stacey explains her 'Florist Theory.’ Also, there’s a new solution for parenting exhaustion that involves dividing household duties differently, and we’re trying to decide if it’s genius, or not all it’s cracked up to be. And, what about the ‘double drop-off’? First it was ponytails and pints and now it’s pints and periods. British dads are going to the pub to learn more about periods and how to show up for their daughters. Monz has thoughts, but honestly? We think it’s kind of wholesome. Reccos: Stacey is loving Office Romance on Netflix. Amelia recommends the Micador Junior Colour Wash Repeat Tablecloth, a $27 lifesaver that keeps kids calm and centred during family dinners or chaotic parties. Monique is loving…

Future King Prince William claims his morning school run is actually just as chaotic and messy as ours. We’re trying to decide whether or not we believe him. From a cryptic countdown to 13 clouds on a billboard. Taylor and Toy Story have officially collabbed. We’re breaking down all the Easter eggs and whether she might be attempting to reach EGOT status with her new song 'I Knew It, I Knew You.' Plus, what do your kids think you do all day? We discuss the hilarious reality of trying to explain our jobs to our children. Also, if you think boarding school in Australia is strictly a status symbol for the ultra-wealthy, this might completely change your perspective. And, is it okay to post pictures of your kids online? Comedian Tanya Hennessy wants to know. Reccos: Stacey is loving friend of the pod, Bandit Heeler’s parenting hack to get the kids out of the door. Amelia recommends the Mimi Haircare’s Brisbane-designed hair wash system to tackle delicate, tangled kids curls without the extra conditioner fuss.…

Are Australian parents okay? If you're finding parenting deeply exhausting, a study has found you're not the only one. Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks are unpacking why parents are feeling so stressed out. Plus, Stacey has a theory that might just be genius. Also, are you constantly saying sorry for your kids just being...kids? We're discussing why we feel the need to apologise all the time and what it might actually be teaching them. Plus, whimsical grandparent names. Everyone is now 'Mimi' and 'Zaza' instead of 'Nanna' and 'Pop'. We discuss whether this new trend is just an act of rebellion from Baby Boomers who flatly refuse to grow old. Reccos: Stacey is loving Sea Monkeys, bringing back pure 90s nostalgia for an entry-level pet experiment. Amelia recommends The Kids Book of Paper Love, a stationery-stuffed Amazon find perfect for kids to build scissor skills. Monique is loving Danny Go on YouTube, his joyful dances that support a grieving family. New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20…

Sienna Miller and Laura Henshaw are presenting two very different versions of new motherhood in our feeds — so why is the internet upset with both of them? Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks dive into the unrealistic expectations on new mums and how there might be no right answer. Also, Mandy Moore has officially entered the chat over Ashley Tisdale’s viral ‘toxic’ mum group essay back in January, and suddnely it feels like we're back in high school. Plus, Japan's late-night ‘crying cafes’ offer the ultimate sanctuary for exhausted mothers, and it’s made us think about the other midnight hotlines we absolutely need right now. And, a grandmother's dilemma goes viral after she joins her grandchildren's PTA without asking. We unpack the unwritten rules of family boundaries and why tension is the price we pay for a village. New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe. Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS…

How soon is too soon to return to work after having a baby? Netballer Paige Hadley was back on the court ten weeks postpartum — and the internet had thoughts. Monique, Amelia, and Clare unpack why we all have so much to say about other women's postpartum choices. If you've ever given up on pairing the kids' sock or let them quit that extracurricular activity — you might be a 'Beta Mum'. We dive into why mums are rejecting the optimised parenting grind and whether it's a feminist revolution or just collective burnout. Plus, the low-key genius parenting hacks hiding in a Reddit thread, and this week's recommendations. Reccos Amelia recommends Celeste Barber's BOOIE Excellent BB Cream. And right now, it's $40 at Woolies. Monz is loving Bad Company on the ABC, if you love Fisk, Utopia or Australian comedy, this is your show. Clare recommends Smocks by Little Chomps to protect your little one's clothes every meal time. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting…

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’…

Have school photos become redundant? This week, Monz, Stacey and Amelia are unpacking the $180 million industry that's preys on nostalgia, guilt and the trust that no parent wants to be the one to opt out, despite their phones overflowing with perfectly good pictures of their kids. Plus, an Aussie influencer sparked a firestorm after leaving her baby in a hotel room to grab a quick massage, baby monitor in hand. Was the ensuing internet pile-on a genuine act of concern, or just a new way to pass around the "Bad Mother" baton? And, party bags are officially cancelled, you're welcome. Why Stacey wants us all to call time on the noisy sh*t and sugar spikes that mark the end of a birthday party. Finally, science says telling your kids your "family lore" helps them build resilience, so is it time to spill the tea on your grumpy relatives? We unpack. Reccos Stacey recommends Everything Under the Sun by Molly Oldfield for the perfect gift. Amelia recommends the Substack, Gen Z Parents Don’t Hate Books by Rachel…

This week, Monz, Amelia and Stacey explore the ‘performance’ of public parenting, inspired by Elin Strong’s viral article. So, are you actually parenting for the other people at the park? If the answer is yes, you might be a popcorn mum. The swaddling fail by TV’s favourite doctor has ignited a firestorm amongst fans of medical drama The Pitt and we have thoughts. Also, we discuss Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy’s controversial take on planes and babies, and why even most parents are onboard. Plus, Prince Harry and Hamish Blake are opening up about men’s mental health postpartum. It has us asking, who’s looking after the dads? Also, Amelia has a new slang term for us that you’ll ‘low-kenuinely’ love. And, Stacey shows us what’s inside her smug ‘analogue bag’. 🔷 DID YOU KNOW? Mamamia subscribers get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive Out Loud episodes, plus articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media PLUS! Win a $2,000 Bed Threads…

This week, Monique, Amelia, and Stacey are discussing the ‘Jessica’ hack gone slightly awry. We talked about it. Our listeners tried it, and some of the results were…spooky. So, why has even Jessica Biel weighed in on this viral trend? Also, we unpack the YouTube-ification of Netflix and why Danny Goh and Miss Rachel are suddenly taking over our Netflix profiles. We dive into the ‘Wild West’ of YouTube and why it’s banned in Monz’s house after a Peppa Pig incident. Plus, we talk about the list of things you must be able to perform to be considered a fully-fledged ‘Supreme Adult’. From public speaking to calling the doctor yourself, what exactly is a normal sleep pattern when you have small humans anyway? And, we discuss ‘The Lunchbox Theory’ and why we collectively need to lower the bar and become ‘underachieving’ parents. The Recommendations Stacey: The Swan Princess (1994) – Now on Netflix! It features a French frog voiced by John Cleese and a princess who demands more than just 'you're pretty'. Amelia:…

This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack the 'max 3-hour mum' theory. That’s how long Skims co-founder and Kardashian-adjacent CEO Emma Grede thinks women should spend with their kids each day on weekends. We discuss whetther the mother of four's ‘quality over quantity’ approach is genius - or missing the point. Also, is kids’ sport officially broken? From private strength sessions for 8-year-olds to parents getting red-carded on the sidelines, we ask when sport stopped being about 'having a go' and started being a ‘gateway to success’. Plus, what exactly is the 'Jessica' hack? We discuss the viral TikTok trick that could snap your child out of a spiral. And, in our modern screen age, is there any merit to the old-school rule that children should be ‘seen and not heard’? RECCOMMENDATIONS: Monz recommends: The Art Gallery (it’s free!), beach patrol (also free!) and the ultimate school holiday hack - a trip to Bunnings. Amelia recommends: The Brinkley Yearbooks Series by Sarah Sax…

We’re unpacking the 'parenting rule' that blew up the comments section this week: While the kids are awake, you come last. The Internet had thoughts and so do Monique Bowley, Clare Stephens and Amelia Lester. So, does putting yourself first actually make you a better parent? Plus, we look at the the Barbie Dream Fest — or as the internet is calling it, Fyre Festival for toddlers. Imagine paying $190 USD for an ‘immersive experience’ only to find a warehouse, a concrete floor and a cardboard box with a pink blanket. Also, Parks and Recreation actor Chris Pratt's wife Katherine Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to him on social media, calling him a 'Golden Retriever Husband', after he built their daughters a doll house. So why is the Internet still so annoyed with him over an Instagram caption from 2021 about opening a jar of pickles? And, we explore why a Sydney school’s experiment to ditch school uniforms was ulimately an epic fail. Our Recommendations: 🏀 Monz is loving the Noisy by Nature podcast on the ABC…

Have you ever seen a video online that made you feel like you were failing at a job you didn't even apply for? Welcome to parenting in 2026. This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and special guest, Clare Stephens, are diving into a viral trend romanticising the bond between young siblings—and it's left some only-child parents feeling a little judged. Plus, we discuss the basketball coach who went viral for screaming in a player's face. Was it ‘toxic’ or exactly the kind of high-stakes motivation our ‘gentle parenting’ era is missing? And, if your child throws a tantrum in the middle of a busy shopping centre or sticks their fingers in someone else's birthday cake, they may have a fan in award-winning actress Viola Davis. We explain why. Our Recommendations: 🏀 Monz is loving this Amazon Lock Phone Box. 📖 Clare recommends midwife Jen on Instagram @_jen_hamilton_ 🧴 Stacey is loving the COSRX Snail mucin power essence. SUBSCRIBE here to get 25% off an $89 annual subscription PLUS 25% off Nala. Your Mamamia…

Today, the rise of the Gen Alpha CEO is officially in full swing as Victoria Beckham’s daughter, Harper Seven, launches a beauty brand at 13. Monz, Stacey and Amelia ask at what point we decided teenagers need a corner office and a dedicated PR team instead of just... a hobby. Plus, is ‘bagsing’ a spot in the playground slide queue ever acceptable, or have we officially lost our collective marbles? We unpack the world of park politics, optimisation and whether it’s just another form of snow-plough parenting. Also, is it time to start running your home like a large corporation? We’re diving into the ‘family AGM’ trend and why the shareholders in one host’s house are very unhappy. Our Recommendations: 🥞 Stacey is loving the viral ‘potcake’ hack from TikTok, which involves flipping a whole saucepan to create the perfect pancake stack. 📖 Monz recommends Meltdown by Lauren Novak, a well-researched deep dive into ‘mum rage’ that makes every burnt-out parent feel seen. 📺 Amelia recommends SNL's MAHAspital, a…

Move over "conscious uncoupling". Divorce is getting a rebrand. This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack Hollywood Actor Lake Bell’s unconventional approach to explaining her split to her kids. So, why is she banning the word ‘but,’ and is she onto something? Plus, Australian influencer Indy Clinton has gone viral for struggling with her sons kindergarten times tables, and honestly? Same. So, is homework still a thing in 2026 or is it time to let kids just be kids? And, a viral post by Jana Barrett has the internet talking about the invisible labor behind every successful man. He got the trophy, she got the school run. It has us asking, do we all deserve a medal for carrying the mental load? And our very own Jessie Stevens and Luca Lavigne are officially parents of three after twins Harry and Margot came into the world slightly earlier than planned. Luca checks in from the NICU 'baby bubble' to tell us how they’re navigating life as a family of five. Our Recommendations: 💇‍♀️ Stacey…

Young Millennials and Gen Z are currently spiralling over the ultimate 'Why Now?' question: To procreate, or not to procreate? To help, they’ve resurrected an unlikely guru from the 1980s — Merle Bombardieri — whose decades-old 'Rocking Chair Test' is currently trending as the ultimate fix for biological-clock-induced brain rot. We unpack whether a 40-year-old therapy book can actually solve the most high-stakes dilemma of our lives. Plus, Amelia Lester, Monique Bowley, and Stacey Hicks are diving into the rise of the 'Empty Parenting Weekend'. And, from Matt Damon’s viral 'don’t blink' dad take, to the obsession with Paul Mescal’s mum, we’re asking: Why is Hollywood parenting suddenly so wholesome? Our Recommendations: 🏝️ Stacey recommends Survivor season 50 on Stan, an all stars season that spans 25 years of the show's iconic winner. 🏃‍♀️ Amelia recommends trading the solo gym sessions for rugby preseason drills with the kids. 🌙 Monz recommends ‘Mummy Mondays’, her ritual for getting kids to open up about…

Parents of children who are 'short sleepers' — kids genetically programmed to survive on four hours of rest (and pure chaos) — we see you. We unpack the science on Parenting Out Loud this week of why some kids are simply 'built different'... and why the rest of us are drowning in caffeine. Plus, we need to talk about the fetishisation of the 'Involved Father'. From Chris Hemsworth’s commemorative tattoos to the rise of the ‘Swiftie Dad,’ why does society throw a parade when a man does the bare minimum, yet side-eye Bobby Cannavale for skipping the Golden Globes to go to a reptile expo? (Justice for Bobby, tbh). And, ex-One Directioner Zayn Malik is single-handedly causing Tooth Fairy inflation, but the real digital horror story is the school Facebook group. Is opting out of the 'digital footprint' a smart move, or does it just make you the ‘weird’ privacy parent who everyone is accidentally tagging anyway? Our Recommendations: 💄 Stacey recommends the Mecca Max Vol. Tubing Mascara for the ultimate ‘lash…

This week, Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester, and guest host Clare Stephens are diving into the 'beige food' epidemic and why modern snack culture might be to blame for your toddler’s refusal to eat anything that isn’t plain pasta or chicken nuggets. And we discuss the the emotional cost of being an 'easy kid'. If you were the child who always got a gold star, never made a fuss, and now find yourself over-apologising to your barista, this one is for you. We talk about why we might actually want our kids to be a little bit... difficult. Plus, a heated debate over 'fart-proud' vs. 'fart-shame' households and why there's now official permission to stop feeling guilty about letting your kids watch TV. Our Recommendations: ⛸️ Stacey recommends getting your kids to record vlog style videos when FaceTiming the relatives gets too boring. 🐎 Amelia is obsessed with The Sound of Music. Yes, the classic movie from 1965. 🎧 Clare recommends The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. Support independent…

This week on Parenting Out Loud, we're joined again by Luca Lavigne, so of course things went off without a hitch. 👀 Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester and Luca are here to unpack the rise of 'Trimester Zero,' and why the over-optimisation of parenting our kids is officially getting out of hand. Plus, is the art of 'gathering' officially dead? Are we too scared of judgement, toddler tantrums and messy living rooms to accept anyone into our home? And at what point did hosting become synonymous with performing? And, the 'creepy' parenting rituals we all have to try to hold on to time, and why sushi in our kids' lunchboxes is the latest humble brag. Our Recommendations: ⛸️ Stacey is obsessed with Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing on Netflix. 🐎 Amelia recommends All Her Fault on Binge and horse riding (sort of). 🎧 Luca is loving the Spotify DJ, the AI playlist that can get you out of that listening rut. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud So, Yeah. Turns Out…

Is a mum's job ever done? That's the question that's come off the back of a viral moment from the Wuthering Heights press tour after its star Jacob Elordi was spotted doing something that has everyone talking. Monz, Stacey, and special guest Luca Lavigne debate whether this red carpet incident was a sweet moment for Jacob and his mum or... totally gross. Plus, Claire Danes just said the quiet part out loud about what's being touted as the very last parenting taboo. So, how would you feel about a surprise pregnancy at 44? The internet has its opinions — and so do our hosts. And, is a clear bench top the only thing standing between you and a cortisol spike? From 'CleanTok' to 'Sunday Reset', domestic drudgery on social media is undergoing a rebrand with a surprising cohort leading the charge. Our Recommendations: 💆 Stacey is obsessed with @toupeequeen. A new TikTok niche she's discovered of Toupee application videos. 🎨 Monz recommends creating 'something crap' in front of your kids to break the cycle of…

Michelle Obama spoke about a very specific kind of reality check on the Call Her Daddy podcast: the exact moment you realise you’re no longer the main character in your child’s life. Monz is feeling this deeply and Amelia and Stacey unpack precisely why it hits so hard. Plus, a viral video of an airport lounge meltdown has us asking whether we've lost the ability to handle conflict without reaching for our phone. We dive into the rise of "public shaming" and whether we’re all just one bad day away from being filmed giving someone the finger. And, move over “rawdogging boredom”, is “slow vacuuming” the new mindfulness trend? Monz is deep into this one but Amelia and Stacey remain firmly unconvinced. Our Recommendations: 🖼️ Stacey is obsessed with the renter-friendly Smarty Pals magnetic wall decals. 🍽️ Monz is loving the Marion's Kitchen Green Thai Curry It comes in a box with instructions even a 5 year old could follow. 🎾Amelia is loving backyard tennis from KMART for some family totem tennis with a serve of…

The Brooklyn Beckham family drama that's been all over the news and in our group chats this week has us questioning where 'doing your best' ends and maternal control begins. We unpack the power dynamics of the family unit and why the internet is obsessed with a 26-year-old finally finding his voice. Plus, from "Make Whole Milk Great Again" to the sudden arrival of Autistic Barbie, we’re looking at the intersection of politics, branding, and... kids' lunchboxes. Also, a GP’s five-month suspension has raised some questions we need to unpack. And, some fabulous reccos to make life easier, more interesting and fun. Get it while it's hot. Our Recommendations: ☕ Amelia is all about Temple Trap a game for the kids and its associated app Playroom. 🍰 Stacey wants you to watch Heated Rivalry on HBO. 📺 Monz wants you to watch Ballkids on Netflix. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park…

Are you an intensive millennial parent who feels stressed and burnt out? This week, we introduce the “Click Test,” which Amelia claims will change parenting for the better. Meanwhile, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are taking an unconventional approach — why they are raising their children to be "intentionally disrespectful". Plus, Monz had a park fight with a man who told her to "get some f***ing control" because her kids were being, well, kids. We debate society's growing intolerance for children in public and ask 'Who's The Asshole?' And finally, we’re checking on our parents. Why are the older generation spending half their waking hours staring at screens, and why are they the most vulnerable group for online scams? Our Recommendations: 💍 Stacey is obsessed with a charm necklace from Gimme. 💸 Monz recommends the K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo. 🛍️ Amelia is loving her free calendar from the chemist, which helps her and her kids to visualise their holiday plans. Support independent women's media What To Listen To…

Parenting comes with big ideas, cultural moments and the occasional guilty pleasure, and this week we’re unpacking all three. Are fancy lollies the new Labubus? Stacey thinks this might be another sign adults are craving whimsy. Plus, Amelia has declared Bluey’s dad Bandit a certified DILF, and we dig into why hot dads are suddenly everywhere. And finally, Monz asks the hard question: has kids sport officially got out of control? Between fees, uniforms and weekend travel, is the cost of competition the newest victim of cozzie livs? Our Recommendations: 🚘 Stacey recommends the Kmart portable folding lap desk for just $13, a road trip game-changer with a built-in storage lid. ✋ Monz wants you to try a specific greeting when you bump into other mums on a walk or run — a free, instant mood booster! (Guess which host is rolling her eyes) 👜 Amelia is loving the Project Ten Beach Bag; a recycled plastic tote from a small Geelong business, which is perfect for Summer! Support independent women's media What To Listen…

Friends, do you too have a box of keepsakes? Perhaps teeny tiny socks, some pre-school era artworks, maybe even some old baby teeth or twenty? Well your parents might have been a collector and we pitch that perhaps there’s some truth to this form of maximalism. Plus, are we rushing kids out of childhood? Experts are saying that to delay delay delay when it comes to kids’ first years of school but there are some serious things missing from that theory which we’re going to talk about. And, why we might just need to reverse the parent/child hierarchy and force our kids to fit into our schedules. Monz, Stacey and Amelia make the argument that our friend catch ups and our schedules are JUST as important as Timmy’s 3 hour soccer practice. Our Recommendations: 💌 Stacey recommends a Meghan-esque parenting hack to capture the moments you might otherwise forget. 📚 Amelia recommends The Crucial Years to help guide those tricky conversations about sex and puberty with your kids. 💄 Monz is all about the lanoplips 12 hr…

Happy Holidays Parents! Are you having fun, are you a bit sweaty, dehydrated? Well don’t be, because today we're going to talk about: The mental health pyramid for both kids and adults that is both genius and incredibly simple. Plus, should you be able to choose who you sit next to on a flight and if so, would you ever sit next to a stranger’s baby again? And, do you have shameful little secrets? For some it’s Diet Coke, others the Real Housewives… Amelia it’s a rather quaint delicacy. We talk about the silly habits that get us through the motherhood trenches. Our Recommendations: 🎒 Stacey recommends a car hack that will stop you foraging for all your sh*t and ensure you're never out of tampons again. 📺 Amelia is all for ABC Cartoon Live Stream. Sometimes newer just isn’t better. 🥬 Monz has got the best food hack you’ll ever hear, the Too Good To Go App is Uber Eats for restaurants/cafes fighting food waste. Want $30 assorted things from Bakers Delight for $10 - this is the place. Support independent women's…

The Christmas rush has officially brought a new generational conflict: Grandparenting on Eggshells. We unpack the tension between teaching kids bodily autonomy and avoiding the Grandma guilt trip. Plus, where did all the weird kids go? Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks blame late-stage capitalism, social media surveillance, and a collective fear of deviance for the new conformity epidemic. And, we've had a few epiphanies this week. Between sending your kids on an errand and rewatching a Christmas classic, we're realising just how much the mental load has increased for parents. Our Recommendations: ☕ Amelia is all about sending kids to get a coffee. Empowering your little ones with a simple errand. 🍰 Stacey recommends making a fruit cake; it's showy, it's healthy and it's waaay easier than actually baking. 📺 Monz wants you to rewatch Home Alone as an adult. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Gentle Parenting Just Got Flipped Off &…

Is the ultimate parenting flex actually… no gifts at all? Because according to The Cut, Millennial parents now fall into two dramatic camps: Camp Maximalist: “Here’s every toy that's ever been produced.” Camp Minimalist: “Your present is… presence.” Meanwhile, gentle parenting has officially been cancelled. After a viral post dragged the whole “boundary-less vibes only” approach, we’re gathered here today to mount a defence before it’s declared emotionally supportive manslaughter. And in other critical news, the internet is deep into an investigation of the gossip going on about the Millennial mum group — Ashley Tisdale, Mandy Moore, and Hilary Duff — basically the Avengers of wholesome parenting. What are they hiding? PTA secrets? Matching snack schedules? We will, of course, be looking into it with the seriousness it deserves… which is none. Our Recommendations: 🕺Stacey is all about jumping up and down 50 times a day. Fear not, she does explain why. 📖 Monz recommends The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage.…