Parenting is a rewarding journey, but it can also be incredibly demanding. For those moments when you need a little support, inspiration, or just a friendly voice, podcasts can be a great comfort.
Listening to podcasts can offer several mental health benefits, including stress reduction, emotional support, and opportunities for learning and connection, making them a valuable tool for self-care and well-being.
Here are some fantastic Australian parenting podcasts that you can listen to on the go, perfect for the time-poor parent. These podcasts will help you feel less alone on this journey.
1. 1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers (Gidget’s fabulous podcast!)
Hosted by news presenter Davina Smith, this podcast tells the silent truth of perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) and other early parenting, birthing and conception experiences loudly, in raw and honest accounts. Paired with expert insights from specialist clinicians, this podcast explores the realities of parenthood, breaks down stigma surrounding perinatal mental health from some of the one in five mothers and one and ten fathers living with it, and gives you the tools on how and when to seek support.
2. Beyond the Bump / Beyond the Balls
Brought to you by Jayde Couldwell and Sophie Pearce, Beyond the Bump is a podcast that aims to make you feel lighter, more supported, and more understood after each listen. Targeted at mums (and dads), this podcast covers a wide range of topics, from the pressures of motherhood to practical parenting tips. Jayde and Sophie have real discussions with honest and authentic guests, making it a relatable and comforting listen for any parent. Beyond The Balls, a spin-off, brought to you by Jayde Couldwell and Chi Lo, focuses on fatherhood, offering insights and advice for dads and dads-to-be, and anyone interested in the journey of fatherhood.
3. This Glorious Mess
Hosted by Tegan Natoli and Annaliese Todd, This Glorious Mess is a weekly look at parenting as it truly is: confusing, exhausting, inspiring, funny, and full of surprises. Each episode dives into the disasters and delights of parenting with a healthy dose of advice from trusted experts. It's a great way to feel connected to a community of parents who are all navigating the same journey.
4. The Imperfects
The Imperfects is a podcast that explores the beauty of imperfection. Hosted by Hugh van Cuylenburg (founder of The Resilience Project), Ryan Shelton, and Josh van Cuylenburg, who have candid conversations with a variety of guests, delving into personal struggles and vulnerabilities, offering valuable takeaways that can be applied to our own imperfect lives. This podcast is a reminder that it's okay to be imperfect and that we are all in this together.
5. Parental As Anything
Presented by beloved Australian parenting author and educator Maggie Dent and teen-parenting expert Bec Sparrow, Parental As Anything offers practical, supportive advice for parents. Covering a wide range of topics from screen time to friendships to behaviour, this podcast provides sensible solutions to everyday parenting challenges. It's a no-judgment zone where you can find the guidance you need.
6. Dr Golly and the Experts
Dr Golly delves into the hard-earned wisdom of parents who have faced tough times and come out the other side as experts. Each episode features stories from parents who have navigated significant challenges, offering insights and advice that can help other parents facing similar situations. This podcast is a comforting companion, providing both practical advice and emotional support.
These podcasts are more than just a source of information; they are a reminder that you are not alone on this journey. So, pop in your headphones while cooking dinner, take a deep breath, and let these voices accompany you through the ups and downs of parenting. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and you aren’t alone – here is proof!
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