Kate and Juliet reflect on their year as working mums, sharing the real moments, the things that wobbled, and what helped them through. It’s a gentle, relatable kōrero about navigating busy lives, setting simple intentions, and remembering we don’t need to have everything sorted to move into a new year with hope and steadiness.

Juliet and Anna share an honest kōrero about grief, losing parents, and what truly supports us. They talk about the way grief can feel seasonal, the moments it rises again, and the small practices that help us keep moving. Grounded in lived experience and guided by Dr Lucy Hone’s research, this episode offers comfort, insight, and gentle connection for anyone navigating loss.

December can feel big. The pace lifts, the lists grow and it’s easy to feel pressure to buy and do more. In this episode, Kate chats with Keryn from the Brainwave Trust about staying grounded. They remind us that what our kids need in December is the same as any other time of year - connection, rhythm and moments of calm. A gentle kōrero to help you navigate the busyness with more ease.

This week Anna chats with Keli Livingston Filipo from Plunket, and it is such a fun and helpful episode. With new toys arriving for Christmas and birthdays, we talk about keeping play safe while still enjoying the magic. Keli shares clever tips for spotting sneaky risks, supporting patience, and saying no in a way that feels calm and connected. It is full of practical ideas you can use straight away.

Zazi is a mum of two, speech and language therapist, and the heart behind @zaziplays. What began as a blog during maternity leave grew into a thriving community helping parents support their children’s development through play. Now, she’s created Zazi - a brand designed with real families in mind, making everyday moments easier, calmer and full of connection.

In this episode of Being Real Parents, Anna Mowat talks with Elizabeth Goodwin, founder of Awhi ngā Mātua - a community for parents of intellectually disabled, neurodivergent, and medically fragile tamariki. They explore the kaupapa behind Awhi ngā Mātua, what parents are experiencing right now, and the insights, encouragement, and practical ways we can support one another across Aotearoa.

The Real Parents team aim to support parents to find their confidence and have more fun parenting.

In this episode of Being Real Parents, Anna talks with Keryn from Brainwave Trust about the science behind teenage brain development and why parents remain vital in the teen years. Part one of our two-part series explores research on adolescence, teen mental health, and parent–teen connection, giving you insight into why staying engaged matters and the positive difference it makes for your teenager.

In this week’s Being Real Parents podcast, Juliet shares her frustration with messy kids’ bedrooms while Anna coaches her through it. Discover practical parenting tips for tackling the messy bedroom battle, plus a behind-the-scenes look at how parent coaching works - even for child wellbeing professionals. Tune in for strategies every parent can use!

Parenting can be joyful and rewarding, but it also brings stress that’s often invisible to others. Anna and Juliet talk honestly about what parental stress looks like, and the small but powerful steps that help. From non-negotiables they do to the value of simply talking it through, this episode is packed with relatable insights and encouragement. Tune in and feel a little less alone.

Kate talks with Jessie from Dew Drops about her mahi supporting parents in the postpartum period. They explore how we can prepare for the shift into parenthood, ways to build a village of support, and how to lean on that village when it matters most. This kōrero also carries a gentle warning, as some parts may bring up feelings or memories for parents.

Feeling burnt out, overloaded, or constantly on the go? In this episode, Kate talks with Dr Denise Quinlan about the pressure to do more, why so many of us are working ourselves too hard, and how to shift toward balance and wellbeing. If you're tired of the hustle and craving calm, this episode is for you.

Journalist and co-founder of One Mother to Another, Joy Reid, joins Anna to talk hospital stays, parenting through crisis, and the small acts of kindness that make the biggest difference. We explore the emotional load parents carry and how to support each other when life gets hard. A must-listen for anyone navigating children’s health, NICU stays, or wanting to make a difference.

Keryn O’Neill from Brainwave Trust joins Anna to talk about teen drinking and the teenage brain. Keryn brings evidence-based insights into why adolescence is such a critical time and how alcohol affects development. She shares what we can do as parents to support our teens, set safe boundaries, and reduce harm - without unintentionally encouraging underage drinking. A must-listen for whānau navigating this tricky stage.

We chat with Zoe Crisp – the actor behind Peppa Pig in the hit live stage show Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! Zoe shares what it’s like performing as Peppa, how kids react, and the magic of live theatre for little ones. Plus, we’re giving away a family pass to the show on instagram! Don’t miss this fun, behind-the-scenes peek into the world of Peppa. 🐷🎭

Discover the power of mindfulness in Aotearoa with this inspiring episode featuring Grant Rix from Pause Breathe Smile. We explore how this evidence-based programme helps tamariki develop emotional resilience, focus, and kindness. Learn practical tools to support your tamariki wellbeing at home and discover for yourself how much of a difference these simple practices make.

Anna is joined by Bex Lipp from Wildling Books for an honest and heartfelt kōrero about parenting. Bex shares her experience of raising neurodivergent tamariki, home schooling, and finding her own rhythm as a mum. Bex’s story is full of insight, courage, and connection. Tune in for real talk on autism, motherhood, and the power of trusting yourself.

Looking for fun and affordable things to do with your kids? In this episode, we chat with NookNZ—your go-to guide for family-friendly activities, events, and hidden gems across Christchurch. Whether you're after weekend adventures, or ways to truly connect with your tamariki, NookNZ has you covered. Tune in for parenting hacks, connection tips, and local inspo you’ll love

Anna, Juliet, and Kate get real about those tough moments when self-doubt creeps in. They share honest kōrero about not feeling good enough sometimes—and the simple ways they support themselves through it. It's raw, relatable, and full of heart. Tune in to feel a little less alone and a lot more supported.

Anna and Kate unpack the truth about parenting styles — beyond the Instagram noise. Discover what research says about the styles that build kids' confidence, resilience, self-belief, and lifelong learning. No fluff, just evidence-based chat to help you parent with clarity.