Author of the Sophie Says series, Esther Marshall, joins us to share the story behind the books and her mission to help children grow confident, inclusive and emotionally literate. We talk about parenting through loss, turning pain into purpose, and practical ways to support kids’ mental health at home and in schools.

Note: this episode touches on bereavement and trauma — please take care while listening.

If you need support: (UK) Samaritans 116 123 (24/7) • text SHOUT 85258 • NHS 111 (non-emergency). call 999 in an emergency. You are not alone.

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The season is magical… and a bit mental. We’re talking about the pressure to make it “perfect,” what to buy (and how much), partner gifting, and the logistics of splitting Christmas between families with kids in the mix. In this episode we chat:

• making it feel special without burning out

• kids’ gifts, stockings & partner presents (how much is enough?)

• where to spend christmas: hosting vs visiting (and when to say no)

• simple traditions that actually work with little ones

• what kids really remember (spoiler: not the perfect tablescape)

Cosy, honest, zero judgement — a festive debrief for tired mums!

We know sleep is one of the biggest battles in the early years, so we brought in the expert. Paediatric sleep coach Victoria Louise Davies (@vdhsleep) joins us to talk all things baby/toddler sleep — what actually helps, what doesn’t, and what you can stop stressing about. Comforting, honest and genuinely helpful — this one’s for the mums and dads who are running on fumes.