Feed Play Love

As soon as Sean Szeps realised he was gay, he gave up his dreams of becoming a parent. What followed was a long and painful journey to remembering …

For several years now Gen Muir has been giving Feed Play Love the benefit of their practical and compassionate advice on parenting. In our final week we've brought back one of our favourties- enjoy!

"Attention seeking" …

We're often talking and thinking about how to help our girls achieve equality, but what about our boys? Are we raising them to have equal ability to …

Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone in life was easy to get along with?  The truth is that no woman is an island, and so we often need to have …

One of our favourite parenting experts - Maggie Dent has always managed to step into a room and help parents feel at ease. To feel seen and heard. Her words always hit the right note with empathy, practical advice and …

One guest has been a consistent voice of reason across the years it's Sarah Hunstead from CPR kids. In the episode from our archives she helps to answer one of the biggest questions parents of small children ask: 'when …

As Feed Play Love comes to an end we're repeating some of our favourite interviews from the archive. Enjoy!

Professor Hannah Dahlen is a midwife, lecturer, international researcher and speaker. She believes that "the …

As Feed Play Love rolls to a close after 8 years of production, we're bringing back some of our favourite interviews - enjoy!

Discipline can mean …

Parents today try so hard to get it right, but we often feel we’re doing it all wrong. 

And that, on top of the physical nature of parenting, is …

Rachael Coopes is best known as a Play School presenter and author. But did you know she was also once a clown in Paris? Rachael recently released …

This is an interview from our archives with one of our favourite experts

When your child is a toddler you learn that tantrums are a normal part of …

This interview is brought to you by Bellamy’s Organic.

In the first year of life our babies have some incredible milestones. One of the most fun (and …

While getting a floral mug and some time to read a good book is a pretty amazing way to spend mother's day, Kate Christie author of The Life List …

This interview was previously aired in August 2022

Social media can cop a lot of flak. And most times - I'd agree with it. But Mikhailla Fitzgerald's story has made me think twice. As an influencer Mikhailla was used to …

Babies and toddlers are delightful. They are at an age where they are the cutest they will ever be. Which is fortunate, because babies and toddlers …

Parents today are constantly chasing their tails. 

They’re dropping kids off to day care or school, driving them to swimming, piano, or soccor... …

One of our favourites from the archive

Do you sing your child to sleep? Dr Anita Collins is a researcher in the area of music education and cognitive …

Back by popular demand!

Spiders, the dark, that thing under the bed, needles, loud noises...you name it, there are a LOT of things that our kids …

We're repeating this podcast because we feel it's something every mother needs to remember!!!

Do you have a 'to-do' list? Do you ever feel bad if you don't tick off all the items? When you're a busy parent it can be …

The first aid you apply to a burn can make a huge difference in how your child recovers from an accident. In our final episode for this season of Mother Doctor Nurse, paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead answers your …

This episode is back by popular demand!

Matt Baseley is a TV presenter and dad of three. When it comes to spending time with his kids Matt loves to …

Isabelle Odenberg wants to start a conversation about miscarriage. She wants us to talk about grief and loss and about how to support women medically and emotionally. Her book Hard to Bear investigates why miscarriage …

There's nothing as terrifying as seeing your child choking. Paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead knows how to avoid choking in the first place, and what to do if it happens. In the 11th episode of Mother Doctor Nurse Sarah …

This episode is back by popular demand

The world is not made for neurodivergent people. It can be particularly challenging for children on the …

You may have heard that boys can be a bit behind girls in terms of their social development. But do you know how important and deep boy friendships can be? Gen Muir is a parenting educator and mother of four boys. Gen …

Vomiting and diarrhoea are unpleasant things to deal with, but they can be dangerous cfor our kids if we don't manage it properly. On this episode of Mother Doctor Nurse paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead answers your …

This interview is back by popular demand

Children are all born with their own personalities, and when that personality is completely different to …

When you get to the end of a week – do you have much left in the kitty?  Do you feel like you have plenty of leeway when it comes to bills, groceries, rent or mortgage repayments?  Because the truth is – the rising …

When you are raising children in Australia you need to know what to do about bites and stings. Both how to prevent them, and then how to treat them. On this episode of Mother Doctor Nurse paediatrician Dr Deb Levy and …

Justin Hill from The Streaming Service joins us to outline the best shows coming up for kids this April.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has an incredible public health system, but there are still challenges for many Australians when it comes to getting access to the right kind of pregnancy and birth support. Jodi Wilson co-authored The …

Allergic reactions in children can range from the mild to severe... and they can have a big impact on quality of life for your child and your family.  On this episode of Mother Doctor Nurse paediatrician Dr Deb Levy …

Trigger warning: This interview contains reference to preterm birth, infant mortality and traumatic birth.

Shannon Trenwith and Kim Spragg did not have your average first birth. Their daughter Agnes was born premature …

Do you have a child who gets upset if they don't come first in every race? A child who has to make cupcakes like the winning cupcakes on Bake Off? Children who are focussed on being the best often face great …

If there's one thing that parents want to know, it's how to get their children to sleep. Whether it's a baby who won't sleep more than 45 minutes at …

Going back to work after having a baby can feel overwhelming. Your baby might still be breastfeeding, not sleeping through the night or you just …

Gen Muir is a mum of four boys. Over the years she's copped some strange comments from people about what it must be like. Not many of them have been accurate. In this episode Gen explains all the things people don't …

It's fair to say that prior to kids you didn't talk much about poo in everyday conversation. Once you become a parent however, it's hard to avoid. Because what comes out gives us a good indication of what's happening …

Staying on top of all the things - day care admin, play dates, family and friend commitments, bills - is only possible in the modern world thanks to our mobile phones. Unfortunately that utility also means we are super …

Seeing yourself reflected in the world is important. Which is why Jasper Peach decided to create their book, You'll Be a Wonderful Parent, advice and …

Just because you have the same equipment as your daughter doesn't mean you know all the things. Human bodies are curious things that can be surprising. Which is probably why Paediatrician Dr Deb Levy and paediatric …

The year has well and truly started- as have the new releases across streaming platforms. Justin Hill, host of The Streaming Service gives the …

The Covid-19 pandemic changed a lot of things. It changed how we felt about being out in public, how we communicated online. But it also had an impact on things like how we care for those we love. The Murdoch Children's …

To state the obvious: when we care for our babies we care for every little part of them - and that includes their genitalia. Sometimes where we're caring for a child that's the opposite of the sex we were born with, …

What do you know about manifestation? You might think it's a bit "woo woo"- out-there and not relevant to your parenting life, but Sarah Grynsberg …

When we're pregnant we take such good care of ourselves. We watch what we eat, what we do, all in the name of birthing a healthy baby. But once we have our babies in our arms our own self-care seems to go out the …

Crying babies are no laughing matter. When you have a child, it can be difficult to try and figure out what their cries mean, which can be exhausting …

As parents our instinct can be to shelter our children from the hard things that we might think of as “adult problems”. 

Whether we realise it or …

There’s a lot of information out there about what to do with a tantruming toddler and a trove of support for dealing with a moody teen.

The tween years – defined as being between the ages of 8 and 12 – seem neglected in …

Is it just a sniffle? A cold? The flu? What does that rash mean? Should I be worried about that cough that won't go away? 

As parents, we're the …

Parenting comes with challenges.

For parents of children with autism, those challenges are unique, and developing strategies that work for everyone …

Little kids often find wonder in the world that we adults miss, but their young minds can also worry, leaving them with big feelings that they don’t …

Welcome to the new Feed Play Love series, Mother Doctor Nurse. 

Being a parent involves tending to all sort of bumps, scapes and bodily fluids. …

Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt came to prominence after posting before and after pics that bucked the body shaming trend. Little did she know …

When Sophie Walker started the podcast Australian Birth Stories, she never could have imagined how successful it would become. Over 10 million …

Raising small children can be fraught with a myriad of health and safety concerns. There are questions about what sunscreen is safe for babies, why they're not sleeping (or why they're crying all the time) and that's …

Starting school can be stressful and not just for kids However, there are things you can do to help your little one with the transition. It's a time …

As a parent our needs are often put on the backseat while we juggle the the daily load of caring, cleaning, drop-offs, soothing, bathing, mediating...the list goes on! No wonder so many of us are feeling burnt out. 

…

It's thought that two students in a classroom of 30 will have developmental language disorder (DLD), so why haven't most of us heard of it? 

Children …

The exchange of breast milk via social media is usually done with the best intentions in mind, but regulators are calling for donations to be …

As parents and carers, we want the best for our children but even with the best of intentions, there are times when we’ll slip up. So, how can we recover when we make mistakes? And how can we accept that at the end of …

Compassion is a quality that most of us would like our children to have. But how does practicing compassion as parents help us raise healthy, happy …

Do you listen to music with your kids? Who gets to decide whether it's Frank Zappa or Baby Shark on high rotation? 

Sharing music together can be a …

Many parents, especially those with young children, find ourselves so caught up in the day-to-day that the other parts of our identity are subsumed. …

It's school holiday time, which means lots of hours to fill with the kids. Luckily, there's plenty of great shows to watch together as a family. …

Andy Day is Mick Jagger of children's entertainers. He's been the presenter for wildly popular CBeebies shows for 15 years, garnering fans all over …

Stepparents have a unique role to play in the life of a family but finding how to fit into this dynamic is not always easy.  

Getting to know …

With covid cases on the rise, how can you tell if your child has the virus or another common illness? Especially seeing the symptoms of covid: runny nose, sore throat and a fever, can look like other respiratory …

Christmas is around the corner, but for many families Santa will be cutting back. Budgets are stretched to the limit and there's no relief in sight. 

Scott Pape is famous for his Barefoot Investor books, but he is also …

Being a solo parent, whether by choice, or by circumstance, means that the buck stops with you. There's no other adult to turn to in the middle of …

Do you feel confident that you can keep your child safe online? 

Sometimes as a parent the inherent dangers of the internet can feel overwhelming, but there are ways that we can protect our kids while allowing them to …

Not content with winning The Voice, representing Australia at Eurovision and starting one of the most successful change.org petitions to date, Isaiah …

Whether you’re parenting in a couple or sharing custody with an ex, it can be challenging.  

You might decide that you want to be a parent and plan …

"Attention seeking" in children gets a bad rap. Whether they're acting out, being clingy, or loud, this sort of behaviour is often dismissed frustrating and something to ignore. 

But this attention seeking is just one …

The silly season is here! With the long days of school holidays stretching ahead, there's plenty of time to settle for some great movies and series …

Grandparents can perform a central and cherished role in a family – helping out parents and showering love, (and sugar) on their grandchildren. But …

We’ve all been there. Standing in the middle of a supermarket/park/busy intersection while our toddler has a meltdown and strangers stare with a mixture of pity and disgust.  

Toddler tantrums are a force to be reckoned …

For some kids, the idea of going to school can be overwhelming. They might be worried about being separated, struggling academically or distressed …

Do you ever tell your kids to take a time-out?  How about you? Do you ever think of taking a break, so that you can gather your thoughts and just breathe?  

Dr Rebecca Ray and Shevonne Hunt discuss the benefits of …

Sally Rippin is one of Australia’s most popular children’s book authors. 

When she realised her son was having trouble reading, she assumed that it …

Spiders, the dark, that thing under the bed, needles, loud noises...you name it, there are a LOT of things that our kids might have a phobia of.  

What are the best ways to help? Hint: shielding kids from the source of …

As parents, it often feels like our emotional needs are put last. So, we bury them, squishing them way down until we barely notice they’re there. But …

Online child exploitation has been described as a silent epidemic. Now a new LiSTNR podcast investigates the true extent of this crime.

Shevonne Hunt speaks to creator and host, Akhim Dev about why parents need to be …

The Barefoot Investor is back with a new book to help children be financially confident: Barefoot Kids. 

Scott Pape wants all kids to be armed with the skills they need to manage something that will be a constant in …

Let’s face it, who hasn’t been so mad at our kids that we want to scream? And sometimes we have. But yelling as a means of control can have long-term …

Intersex is a broad term used to describe people who have sex characteristics that don't fit  into the typical binary for either male or female. 

Many intersex children undergo irreversible surgeries, often not finding …

Our relationship with our bodies can be complicated, particularly after children. Zali Yager from the Body Confident Collective talks to Shevonne …

Tiger, helicopter, free-range...parenting labels can help us understand what we want for our children, but they can also be used to attack the choices we make.  

In the third episode of Parenting the Parent, clinical …

Not all children's content is created equal, luckily Justin Hill from The Streaming Service podcast joins Shevonne Hunt to talk about the best shows and movies to check out in November. The Teletubbies are back and Amy …

Meningococcal is a word that can strike fear in the heart of parents.  

The disease can have potentially devastating impacts and researchers are concerned about a rise in case numbers so far this year in Australia. 

…

Once you have a child, your brain will never be the same again!  

In the second episode of this 12-week series, clinical psychologist Dr Rebecca Ray …

Falling pregnant can be a time of great excitement and anticipation but, of course, things don’t always go according to plan.  

Up to 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage before 20 weeks, with parents then having to …

Anxiety in children is the second most common disorder in Australian children aged 5-14 and the most common disorder amongst girls. That's according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. And if you are a …

This is the first episode of a 12-week series called Parenting the Parent with special guest psychologist Dr Rebecca Ray.

As parents, we put a lot of …

As a parent, our instinct is to protect our children. When our child is being bullied, those protective instincts come to the fore. 

So, how can we …

Toddlers can have some big emotions but should we really expect them to be able to manage them? Dr Laura Jana is a paediatrician and the author of …

Lily Mandelbaum and Elisa Goodkind get people to undress in front of their camera for a living. They themselves have undressed, together, in front of a camera. But it's not like anything else you've ever experienced.

…

As parents, we put a lot of thought and energy into raising our kids. But what about us? How do we raise ourselves….as parents? 

Parenting The Parent

Have you ever felt so tired you have to drag yourself out of bed? 

The exhaustion might not be simply a lack of sleep, but rather iron deficiency, or even anaemia. Low iron can levels can leave you feeling depleted, …

There comes a time in every baby’s life when they start exploring the world with their mouth. 

This time of development for little ones is often a …

It's the kind of loss most of us can't fathom. When a parent loses a child - to miscarriage, stillbirth or illness, where do they go? Friends and family who have not experienced a similar loss are often don't know what …

There's nothing quite like having babies to disrupt your plans for the future. It could be having a family has meant your dream career no longer fits …

Ever had your child throw a tantrum in a supermarket and felt the weight of judgment from other shoppers? You may have heard that you're too soft for responding to your child's meltdown. But parenting educator Gen Muir …

Justin Hill from The Streaming Service joins the show to talk about:

Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney Plus
Oddball on Netflix
The School of Good and Evil on …

There's nothing like having children to awaken the feminist inside a woman. If you haven't come up against gender inequality before, chances are you'll feel it. From pregnancy discrimination, unequal domestic burdens at …

Children are all born with their own personalities, and when that personality is completely different to yours it can be challenging. How do you help support a child who is naturally introverted when your modus operandi …

Turia Pitt has run marathons, climbed mountains and survived burns to over 65% of her body. She’s also written a book, started her own running business and competed in Celebrity Apprentice. She’s tough, determined, and …

Melissa Leong is best known for her role as a judge on Master Chef. She is also a connoisseur of good food and flavour experiences. So when she …

Ever since the travel bans from the pandemic have lifted social media appears to be full of everyone's European holiday. But travelling with kids …

The world is not made for neurodivergent people. It can be particularly challenging for children on the spectrum who are growing up and learning in a …

Emma Watkins donned the yellow jersey of the Wiggles in 2010 and became one of their most-loved members. After leaving the Wiggles last year Emma has …

Do you have a 'to-do' list? Do you ever feel bad if you don't tick off all the items? When you're a busy parent it can be really hard to feel like you're kicking all the goals. This is when the feeling of …

If you've ever been unhappy with your body you need to meet Taryn Brumfitt. Taryn is a mum and film director who has inspired people all over the world to love the skin they're in. And now she's turned her attention to …

Is your home your sanctuary? Or is it where all the yelling happens? Life today for families can be hectic and stressful. But Maggie Dent knows how …

We're talking confidence, what did you think we meant? Mel Schilling is a therapist on Married at First Sight and confidence coach. She understands women and how our brains work - and she's devised a way for us all to …

Justin Hill from The Streaming Service takes us through some great movies to watch with dad this Father's Day and the best new shows to watch out for in September.

Listen to Justin on The Streaming Service: …

When you hear of something going viral these days you'd probably assume it's happened online. But when Ailsa Wild wrote a letter (on paper, with a …

We've all been there. It's Monday morning and your kid says they're too sick to go to school. But are they really? Sometimes it's hard to know when a …

Did you know that good sex education is the best way to prevent future sexual violence? Katrina Marson is a criminal lawyer who understands what …

If you live in Australia chances are you know someone who owns an Oodle. That's a dog that is part poodle, part other dog breed. Using a study from over 750,000 puppies seen at Glencross Vets and purchases from Pet Barn …

Ever got home at 7pm from the kids' soccor training and thought - what are we going to eat for dinner? I hate trying to work out what to cook, …

Once upon a time I was a young woman who believed that feminism had done its work. And then I became a mother. The inequality I discovered from pregnancy to birth and caring for my kids still astounds me. Fatherhood may …

Social media can cop a lot of flak. And most times - I'd agree with it. But Mikhailla Fitzgerald's story has made me think twice. As an influencer Mikhailla was used to sharing her life online, so when she fell pregnant …

Karen Young is a parenting educator and the brains behind the website Hey Sigmund where she offers lots of helpful advice about how to manage anxiety …

Gen Muir is a parenting educator with a tonne of great advice and tips for how to raise kids well. And yet even Gen - a mum of four boys- feels like a failure some times. I've been hosting a parenting show for over …

After I became a mother I learnt about matrescence and how we change and evolve once we have our children. It made me look at my experience of …

If there's one thing I want my children to know is that they are enough. They are exactly all they need to be, exactly how they are. Now there's a new book by social worker and author Jess Sanders that aims to teach …

When my daughter was about three she showed me a paper cut on her finger declaring that it was "the worst pain" she had ever felt. Which, for her, was probably true. How children experience pain is the subject of a new …

It took three children before Lael Stone discovered Aware Parenting. A traumatic birth led Lael to search for a way to help her baby and herself process what had happened. Aware Parenting proved to be the key that …

If you have a child in an early education service right now you are probably experiencing the unending hell of winter lurgies. Dr Deb Levy is a paediatrician and mum who understands how challenging this never-ending …

Ever been in a situation where you just couldn't find the right words to say? Maybe your friend's dog died, you made a big mistake at work or you're …

When you become a new parent you're told a number of things to help you look after your new baby. You're taught how to bathe them, feed them, watch …

Justin Hill from The Streaming Service joins us to outline the best shows coming up for kids this August.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence can be the key to moving forward. If you're feeling like you don't know what you're doing with a new baby or starting work again after a break, believing in yourself can make everything feel easier. My …

When was the last time you spent the whole day outside? To be fair, it's the middle of winter in Australia, and not the best time to traipsing …

If you have young kids, chances are you've been experiencing what seems like a never-ending series of illnesses this winter. Chief Paediatrician of NSW Dr Matthew O' Meara can explain why seasonal illnesses have been on …

How do you feel when you fight with your partner? I feel awful. In fact, nothing feels right when we're fighting, which is why I was drawn to …

I am completely in awe of the cultural history of our First Nations people. While so much knowledge was lost through colonisation, some wisdom and …

And if you do, how would you react if your obstetrician encouraged you to have surgery on your intersex baby? Simone-Lisa Anderson is an advocate for …

The TGA has provisionally approved the use of Moderna for children aged six months to five years. This age group is the last to be protected with the vaccine - but what do we know about its safety and efficacy? Dr Daryl …

When it comes to streaming services there are so many options to choose from. So how do you decide the best option for a family - where the smallest humans may be the biggest consumers of content? Justin Hill is the …

What are the more awkward and tricky situations you've come across involving kids? I asked some friends and colleagues and came up with the following:

The cost of living is rising across Australia and rent is one of the biggest costs for families. Leo Patterson Ross is the CEO of the Tenants Union …

Growing up in the 80s chicken pox was fairly common. But when I had my own kids I thought it was a disease of the past. We have vaccines now and I hadn't heard of it for many years. Then my daughter woke up with some …

Billy Black in an artist who grew up in care and a mum of two. Having experienced the powerlessness as a child growing up in out-of-home care, Billy wants to see kids having a greater say in what happens in their lives. …

Mothers' groups aren't for everyone. You can be put into a group where your only common experience is having had a baby. Most of the focus in these groups is about how to nuture your baby. But imagine if you had a group …

What's your wardrobe looking like lately? How many tracksuit pants do you have vs how many clothes you could wear to work? Chances are if you've had …

Do you wish you could go to the bathroom without a child wandering in? Perhaps you need to understand the relationship between boundaries and …

Healthy Harold has been a fixture in Australian primary schools since 1979. Now a revamped preschool programme is coming to a kindy near you. CEO of …

In honour of NAIDOC week I am revisiting a selection of episodes that celebrate our First Nations peoples. In this episode I speak with Aunty Rhonda …

In honour of NAIDOC week I am revisiting a selection of episodes that celebrate our First Nations peoples. In this episode I speak with Lisa Kennedy, a community artist who works with Elders and communities to pass on …

The practice of 'blessing' a baby is best known in western cultures as a Christening. But Darug woman Jasmine Seymour has created a picture book for …

In honour of NAIDOC week I am revisiting a selection of episodes that celebrate our First Nations peoples. In this episode producer Cinnamon Nippard speaks with Thomas Mayor, author of the children's book Finding Our …

Imagine if every primary school had a local First Nations teacher to talk about the history and cultural practices of the area. What would our future …

Once you have kids it can be difficult to commit to change, even when you want that change very much. Habits like meditation, exercise or other …

One of the more excruciating parts of a kid's education is helping them learn how to read. Particularly when you consider the types of books they're …

Jess Sanders is a social worker and children's book author. From her work with boys and young men in the justice system Jess saw all the ways that boys are getting toxic messages about what it means to be a man. Her …

Clementine Ford, Em Ruschiano and Abbie Chatfield have all recently spoken about their adult diagnosis of ADHD. At the same time they have expressed …

After many years of advocating for greater investment, the early learning sector is set for some significant changes. Executive Director of The Parenthood Georgie Dent was among others in the sector lobbying parties …

Ella Fields (alias) writes roughly two books a year. When she first started she was writing around four books a year. She describes her books as …

Perinatal depression and anxiety affects one in ten dads, yet only just over half reach out for help. Dave Edwards is the proud dad of two child aged 6 and 8. When his son was born he went through a really challenging …

Many people understand what domestic violence is, but child to parent violence is less well known. Jo Howard is a social worker who is an expert in …

Lauren Dubois was a successful political journalist before she turned her hand to blogging about parenting, eventually switching to Instagram. She's …

Leaving your child at day care while they're crying their little hearts out can be so hard. Gen Muir is a parenting educator at Connected Parenting and a mum of four. She's still going through challenging drop offs so …

I know. There are a million apps out there for parents, so what makes this one special? This is an app that could help parents who need the most …

When you met the love of your life, was your first thought 'I wonder if their parenting style will match mine?' You may have thought they'd make a great parent, but probably not all the nitty gritty of how they approach …

Matt Baseley is a TV presenter and dad of three. When it comes to spending time with his kids Matt loves to get messy in the kitchen. If you follow …

Labour can be an unknown and frightening prospect. But what if you could go into this experience feeling confident and empowered? Nadine Richardson …

When our babies crawl into toddlerhood they start to push their boundaries. This can often include running away, throwing food and other challenging behaviours. So how do you handle this stage if you have two babies …

Actor Ryan Johnson was going through a separation not long before the first lockdown in 2020. While coparenting through the pandemic he also met and fell in love with his new partner. On this episode Ryan talks about …

Childhood friendships can be light and easy, but as kids head into their tween years they can start to get a bit tricky. Dana Kerford is the Director of URStrong, an organisation that helps children understand the many …

New research from the University of South Australia has revealed that assistance dogs are helping to expand children on the autism spectrum and their families. Dr Shelley Wright is a qualified occupational therapist and …

Maggie Dent is best known for her work helping parents to raise their boys. Now Maggie has sunk her teeth into girlhood with her book of the same title. Girlhood, raising our little girls to be healthy, happy and heard …

Helping children navigate their big emotions can be challenging. Particularly when those emotions result in behaviour that is aggressive or difficult …

When it comes to pregnancy and birth support is focussed on the mum-to-be. But what about dads? Rob Sturrock is the author of Man Raises Boy. He believes that we need to be more inclusive of dads from the very beginning …

We all know the pain of telling our children over and over again to put on their shoes. Or brush their teeth. Or get ready for bed. But what if it's all about how we ask our children something that makes the difference? …

Everyone knows someone who has strongly held beliefs about the COVID- 19 vaccinations. Many parents still haven't had their children vaccinated. But where did such deeply held doubts about vaccines come from? Dyani …

Nine-year-old kids can be vastly different when it comes to where they are on the childhood scale. Some are still playing with toys while others are …

About 50% of parents are not intending to get their children vaccinated against the flu this coming winter, even though children under five are …

Allison Davies was working as a music therapist when she started to go through the process of getting her daughter assessed for autism. It was then she noticed that the boxes she was ticking for her daughter also …

The first year of your baby's life is full of big changes. Dr Deb Levy is a paediatrician and Sarah Hunstead is the CEO of CPR Kids. Together they go …

Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue has been helping parents and carers with their babies and toddler for thirty years. In that time she's seen an …

When it comes to discussions around how we give birth, women who have cesareans are not often included in the conversation. There remains an amount of judgment around the way we give birth. Some of those judgments come …

Toddlers can have some big emotions but should we really expect them to be able to manage them? Dr Laura Jana is a paediatrician and the author of …

How do you feel about terms like "body with a vagina" instead of using the word "woman"? Or "chest feeding" instead of "breast feeding"? The medical world is grappling with these terms as they seek to become more …

Trying to combine motherhood with all the things modern life demands of us can be challenging. Particularly if one of those things involves returning …

Anxiety in children is the second most common disorder in Australian children aged 5-14 and the most common disorder amongst girls. That's according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. And if you are a …

And if we can't, how can we make our children more comfortable? Paediatrician Deb Levy and former emergency nurse Sarah Hunstead from CPR Kids join us to talk about how we can try to dodge the dreaded lurgy this winter, …

How should we talk to our kids about Australia's history? How much do we share about the dark and tragic events that came with colonialism for the …

During the lockdowns of the past few years children used technology even more to stay connected with their friends. Now that they are back at school, …

What's your most awkward parenting moment? Perhaps you were out to dinner when your toddler decided it was a good time to play with themselves. …

When you're thinking about where you'll give birth, chances are you're not thinking of fluorescent lights, beeping noises and lots of metal surfaces. Janet Purcell is a registered nurse and positive birth advocate. …

Melanie Corlett had a toddler and a baby on the way when she decided that something needed to be done about the kind of support being offered to new mums. So in the thick of the 2020 lockdown she started to develop the …

Even as we head towards greater choice when it comes to having children, there is one group of people who are still fighting against prejudice when …

There is a lot of advice out there on how to deal with bullies. But when you're confronted with the experience in real life it can feel incredibly …

Our priorities around work can shift a lot after having a baby. Which is not to say that our jobs are no longer important, just that they may no longer have top billing. And even if they do remain high on the priority …

Imagine not knowing you're pregnant until you go into labour. For many women that seems impossible, but it's a rare phenomenon that does happen.  These types of pregnancies are referred to as hidden, concealed or …

Becoming a parent can be a mixture of big feelings - both joy and sorrow. It can also be physically demanding attending to a newborn's needs. Sharlene Vlahos is the Director of Education at Karitane, a non-profit …

Kerri Sackville is on a mission. The author and journalist wants women everywhere to know that allowing some mess and clutter might just be the secret to a happy life. Her latest book is called The Lifechanging Magic of …

Jess Moore ended up travelling halfway around the world in order to have a baby, but along the way she went through over ten rounds of IVF and attempted to use eggs from a friend. After several years and a lot of …

Having twins can feel daunting, but if you get the right advice on how to prepare, it can make life a lot easier when you bring your babies home. Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue has spent many hours with the parents of …

Do you want to be more present with your children? Less reactive, more responsive to where they are at as kids? Conscious parenting is a movement that encourages parents to understand their past so they can parent in …

Should toddlers be able to recognise numbers and letters? Do we, as parents, need to be teaching them these skills before they enter preschool or …

For many years parents have been told we are our kids' first teacher, but Kyle and John Hattie say this is misleading. Their book 10 Steps to Develop …

Gina Rushton is a journalist and millennial who experienced a medical emergency that forced her to confront her decision not to have kids. This lead her to research everything from the impact of climate change to the …

Needing to find some calm amongst the chaos of parenting? Perhaps you're trying to be a good leader in your home during uncertain times. Mindfulness …

What would make your life easier? How about a year of shared paid parental leave and universal access to early education and childcare and …

Do your parents understand why you want your baby to feed themselves? Do they follow your guidelines for sleep and settling? Mike Williams and his …

While separation can be painful the best evidence says that if you can put your kids first in a separation, they will be okay. But what happens when …

At six weeks new mums will have a check up with their health care professional - an obstetrician, midwife or GP. But these checks don't have the capacity to include a comprehensive check of a woman's pelvic floor. Lyz …

Enrolling your baby or child into day care the first time can be daunting. It's possibly the first time you've left them with someone other than …

The working world is not set up to accommodate child rearing. Which is why every school holiday can feel like a monumental headache for working …

No one enjoys contemplating their own mortality. But when Ella Ward was diagnosed with a rare cancer her daughter was only six it made her think …

Since the start of the pandemic parents have been told that not only are children unlikely to get Covid, but if they do get it they are unlikely to …

Seeing your baby's first pearly white pop through can be a moment of joy. Like all the little changes they go through, it's another sign of their development and growth. It can also be a time when your little one is …

Posting pics of your beautiful baby can feel like the most natural thing in the world. After all, who's not in love with their own child? But …

When it comes to getting fussy kids to start enjoying a wider range of foods, getting them cooking can be a great option. That's according to Annabel Karmel, nutritionist and cook book author. Her latest book is called …

Sean Szeps is an influencer, podcaster and queer parenting advocate. Having grown up believing that parenthood was only for straight people, he is now a husband and father of twins. Sean talks about how he came to be a …

Children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) can be challenging children to be around. They might have loud and aggressive tantrums …

Many parents are traveling overseas to visit family for the first time since having their babies. Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue has been helping families with this kind of travel for over 30 years. Chris shares her …

When small children go to day care, they can be seen in everything from tutus with hardhats to superhero costumes. But once kids enter formal education, with uniforms, just how much self expression are they allowed? …

Female reproduction is often referred to as a "ticking clock" and yet many women are not aware how challenging falling pregnant after 40 can be. Dr …

Step parenting is not something we talk about a lot, but inheriting non-biological children as part of a new relationship is common. As common as …

Most parents have heard about the challenges that can arise once a child has their own phone. Access to the internet at all hours and with many …

A tongue tie is when the membrane that attaches a baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth is tight or short. This can then cause problems with breastfeeding because the baby can't latch properly. However there are …

Shame is a very powerful word. One that most associate with the most serious of crimes. But the truth is shame is a very everyday experience. Parents …

If your child was to wake up screaming in the middle of the night, would you know how to work out if they were having a nightmare or a night terror? …

When Tabitha Carvan first noticed Benedict Cumberbatch her children were still very young. One moment he was an ordinary actor, the next she was obsessing over every plane of his face. Her book This is not a book about …

Does your son have a melt-down every time you ask him to put down his console? Does he want to be playing games every waking minute? Many parents …

Has your child ever woken in the night complaining of a sore leg? Or maybe it was the inside arch of their foot? Growing pains has been something children have complained about for years, but it's also something that …

Emma Power believes fighting is normal and it doesn't have to mean the end of everything. In her new book When Love Goes South, A guide to help you turn conflict around Emma explains how knowing yourself can help you …

From the moment you bring a second baby home you are dealing with sibling dynamics. And while that might start with just managing the needs of two …

Distraction, an obsession with youth and discontent are all part and parcel of being an adolescent. But author and social researcher Maggie Hamilton …

If you've ever heard a child cry out "but it's not faaaaair" you will be interested in this interview. Psychologist and author Dr Vanessa Lapointe …

When you're pregnant chances are you're thinking about labour and what to do with a baby once they're safely in your arms. We don't talk a lot about how you might feel physically. Lyz Evans is a women's physiotherapist …

Having a baby can be empowering and disempowering at the same time. On one hand you have brought a new life into the world, on another you can be …

How much control do you have of your finances? You may be happy to let your partner take care of the 'money stuff' as that's their strength, while …

Lo Carmen is an actress, musician, author and mother. She grew up surrounded by some of Australia's most influential female musicians. Along the way she starred in the iconic The Year My Voice Broke and toured with her …

The body we have after childbirth isn't the same as the one we started with. But not all of us want to jump on the exercise wagon after having our baby. Your body is probably tired and sore. But sometimes moving feels …

Should kids get pocket money? And if they should what is the right amount? Kate Browne is the editor-at-large for Finder.com.au They've done research …

They say that the one thing that is constant in life is change. Yet as human beings none of us like it very much. And when it comes to life changes, you can't get much bigger than starting a family. Jana Firestone is a …

Since the start of the pandemic parents were reassured that children were likely to be less affected by the virus. It was less likely they would …

Babies and small children can make things tense between parents, particularly when you're sleep deprived. Elisabeth Shaw is the CEO of Relationships …

When Rob Sturrock was suddenly made redundant in March last year he felt despondent and a bit like a failure. But with time he realised that it was an opportunity: to spend more time with his kids and to help with the …

There are some areas of motherhood that feel like they have been untouched by the hard work of feminists. Areas like how we birth our babies, feed or generally look after them. Clementine Ford is an author, feminist and …

The short answer is no. But if you have a child with a food allergy you will know how stressful it can be for you and your family. Even while …

Ever had a toddler decide the best place to have a tantrum is in the food court of your local shopping centre? How did you handle it? Toddlers are renowned for having mini breakdowns at the least convenient moment, but …

Once babies come along it can be hard to find time for romantic dinners. It can be hard to want to do anything other than sleep! But Associate Professor Gery Karantzas says that it's not a given that romance disappears …

Working out who you are once you become a parent can be challenging - but imagine trying to work out who you are as a person while grappling with your gender identity at the same time. That's what Michelle Sheppard went …

Separation can be painful and chaotic, particularly when young children are involved. Lucy Kippist separated from her husband three years ago when …

Women have given birth through different challenging times in history, with those challenges changing the way they experience pregnancy and labour. Since the very beginning of the pandemic Hannah Dahlen, a Professor of …

They say that knowledge is power, so knowing all you can about birth before you experience it is a good idea. At least that's what motivated Dr Stephen Tong to write The Birth Book , after seeing women head into the …

Modern family life can be crazy. There are so many things to fit into a day. Jodi Wilson was still breastfeeding her youngest of four children when she agreed to travel around Australia. She thought that was just what …

When former Australian of the Year Grace Tame recently refused to smile in a photo opportunity with the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, people were outraged. Journalist Peter van Onselen wrote an article describing her …

Feminists in the past have fought for women to have the right to choose how they conduct themselves in a world that has always told them what to do.  …

Disappointment is a part of life, but it's fair to say that many kids have had their fair share of it over the last two years. Lucy Bell is an author …

Maternity wear has come a long way in the last ten years. Or has it? Dr Catriona Fisk is a dress historian who did her PHD in the history of maternity wear. Her research goes all the way back to the 1700s, and offers …

If you have a child about to start school, or who is going back after the holidays, you may be feeling a bit uncertain about the first weeks and …

They say you can never be ready for a new baby, but there are some things you can do to make your life easier. You could, for example, hire a …

Parents of small children are used to having a long list of things they need to do. There are the daily chores like feeding, clothing and cleaning …

This is the second year that children starting school are coming in post-lockdowns. That means many children have missed out on the kind of …

Are you leaping into 2022 with a feeling of hope and excitement? That may have been the way you farewelled 2021 but it wasn't long into January before things started to get chaotic again. Amy Taylor-Kabbaz is an author …

Children under five are now the only Australians to remain unvaccinated. Parents have been told consistently that younger children aren't at high …

Rachael Coopes is a yoga teacher, Play School Presenter and mum. She found herself unexpectedly single whilst pregnant with her son. Through that …

There's nothing that can prepare you for the sound of your baby's cries in the middle of the night. But obstetrics social worker and parenting educator Genevieve Muir from Connected Parenting says that if you can …

Parents heading into 2022 may have been excited about heading back to work this week, but many are facing a lack of available care. Lisa Bryant is an …

Letting your kids fail can be tough, no one wants to see their children upset. But failing is part of building resilience. Susanna Cass is an expert in organisational change, a mum and a co-founder of The Epic Fail Game…

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

Casey Beros has been a wellness writer for decades. In her book The 'Bad' Girl's …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

It's been said that when you bring home your second baby it's akin to your husband …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

Parents can …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

Sarah Dingle is a journalist who discovered she was a donor-conceived baby when she …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

As we head into a new year we've called on finance expert Effie Zahos to give us some …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

As a new parent it's easy to worry about all the little signs that your baby is not …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

Dr Susie O Brien wants you to lose your parenting guilt. In her book The Secret of …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

Parenting educator, author and podcaster Maggie Dent explains what happens when boys …

This episode is one of our favourites from 2021. Feed Play Love will be back with new and interesting interviews on January 10, 2022.

Postnatal depression and anxiety is better understood today than in the past. We are …

Clare McFadden spends her days piecing together stories from bits of bones and relics from a time in deep history. Clare is a Postdoctoral Research …

When it comes to raising babies and small children some things can be a mystery. Like why they suddenly stop sleeping through the night, or why they decide that from now on only white food will do. Mothercraft nurse …

Note: this interview was done prior to the announcement that the Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11. 

Now that the TGA has given a provisional …

How many toys do your children have that they never play with? Imagine how great if those toys could have another life, with another child this …

When Belinda Jeffery cooks, she cooks with her heart, using memories from her childhood. Belinda watched her mother and Aunt cook, and those moments spent watching and engaging with food has led to a lifelong love of …

The following is a Feed Play Love highlight episode, back due to popular demand.

When your baby starts solids it’s exciting to watch them explore …

The following is a Feed Play Love highlight episode, back due to popular demand.

Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue has been working with families for …

Australia is a great place to bring up children. The weather is great and we have an abundance of beautiful beaches and bushland. It's also home to …

Most rational women know that a post-baby body is not going to look the same as it did pre-pregnancy. But rationality doesn't always help when you're looking at yourself in the mirror. As much as you might appreciate …

It's been a while since anyone has been globe trotting. Whether it was the lockdown that scuppered your plans or having babies - living in a romantic …

The following is a Feed Play Love highlight episode, back due to popular demand.Having a baby can be the most special thing you will ever share with …

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• A 22-month-old who won’t let dad do anything
• Sleep …

• How to get a 16-week-old to sleep in the cot when …