Parent Unplugged

In this eye-opening podcast episode, we unpack the truth about potty training, nappies, toilet learning, constipation, poo withholding, and the “readiness” myth many parents are told to follow. A research nurse explains why children historically potty trained much earlier, how disposable nappies changed parenting culture, and why waiting for “signs of readiness” may be causing more problems than parents realise. We also discuss toddler constipation, bowel health, potty refusal, anxiety around pooing, and practical ways to make potty training gentler and less stressful for both children and parents. Essential listening for parents of toddlers navigating toilet training struggles, poo withholding, accidents, or delayed potty training.

Helen Thorn - comedian, author and one half of Scummy Mummies — joins me to share the story behind the smile. After discovering her husband had been having an affair, Helen suddenly found herself navigating heartbreak, divorce, single motherhood and rebuilding her life in her 40s - all at the start of lockdown. We talk about betrayal, telling the children, grief, anger, identity, people pleasing, and how she slowly created a life she never expected to love. This is an honest conversation about losing the future you imagined and discovering something better on the other side. ️ Topics: divorce, affairs, co-parenting, motherhood, rebuilding after heartbreak, relationships & resilience.

Breastfeeding is often described as “the most natural thing in the world” - so why do so many parents struggle with it?In this powerful conversation, midwife Louise Broadridge explores the emotional reality of infant feeding, the pressure placed on new parents, and why feeding trauma is rarely talked about. She explains how a lack of education around breastfeeding physiology leaves many families feeling like they're failing when, in reality, they're navigating a completely normal learning process.From milk supply worries and cluster feeding to formula feeding decisions and maternal mental health, Louise challenges the "breast is best" narrative and argues for a more supportive, evidence-based approach that helps parents meet their own feeding goals without guilt or shame.This episode explores:Why feeding struggles can feel traumaticThe gap between breastfeeding intentions and realityHow understanding milk production reduces anxietyThe impact of feeding challenges on maternal mental healthFormula feeding, breastfeeding, and informed choiceWhy parents need better feeding education and supportA compassionate and thought-provoking discussion about one of the most important - and misunderstood - parts of early parenthood.

What is it really like to foster a child? In this powerful episode, Charis sits down with Deborah Bright, who has spent the last 35 years fostering more than 200 children alongside raising her own family and adopting two children herself. Deborah shares the realities of fostering, from welcoming newborn babies into her home to the heartbreak of saying goodbye when they move on. She opens up about the emotional toll, the impact on her family, the challenges of caring for traumatised children, and the moments that have made it all worthwhile. Together, Charis and Deborah discuss: • How Deborah first became a foster carer • The hardest part of fostering • Supporting children through trauma and loss • Maintaining relationships with birth families • Why there is a shortage of foster carers • The realities of fostering teenagers • The emotional impact on foster carers and their families • The moment Deborah knew she'd made a difference This is an honest, moving conversation about love, loss, resilience and the life-changing impact of opening your home to a child in need. If you've ever considered fostering, or simply want to hear an extraordinary story from someone who has dedicated her life to helping children, this episode is for you.