Parenting Out Loud

This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack the 'max 3-hour mum' theory. That’s how long Skims co-founder and Kardashian-adjacent CEO Emma Grede thinks women should spend with their kids each day on weekends. We discuss whetther the mother of four's ‘quality over quantity’ approach is genius - or missing the point.
Also, is kids’ sport officially broken? From private strength sessions for 8-year-olds to parents getting red-carded on the sidelines, we ask when sport stopped being about 'having a go' and started being a ‘gateway to success’.
Plus, what exactly is the 'Jessica' hack? We discuss the viral TikTok trick that could snap your child out of a spiral.
And, in our modern screen age, is there any merit to the old-school rule that children should be ‘seen and not heard’?
RECCOMMENDATIONS:
Monz recommends: The Art Gallery (it’s free!), beach patrol (also free!) and the ultimate school holiday hack - a trip to Bunnings.
Amelia recommends: The Brinkley Yearbooks Series by Sarah Sax
Stacey recommends: Age of Attraction on Netflix and Harry Styles’ YouTube cover of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’.
Support independent women's media
What To Listen To Next:
Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule
The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect
The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’
New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand
Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts
What to read:
'I'm the breadwinner, and my husband stays home. Stop asking this one question.'
'I thought training for a marathon meant weeks of mum guilt. This one moment changed everything.'
'I thought I was raising my son right. Then he made one comment.'
GET IN TOUCH:
Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]
Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.
Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family
CREDITS:
Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley
Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine
Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz
Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock
Audio Producer: Jacob Round
Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re unpacking the 'parenting rule' that blew up the comments section this week: While the kids are awake, you come last. The Internet had thoughts and so do Monique Bowley, Clare Stephens and Amelia Lester. So, does putting yourself first actually make you a better parent?
Plus, we look at the the Barbie Dream Fest — or as the internet is calling it, Fyre Festival for toddlers. Imagine paying $190 USD for an ‘immersive experience’ only to find a warehouse, a concrete floor and a cardboard box with a pink blanket.
Also, Parks and Recreation actor Chris Pratt's wife Katherine Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to him on social media, calling him a 'Golden Retriever Husband', after he built their daughters a doll house. So why is the Internet still so annoyed with him over an Instagram caption from 2021 about opening a jar of pickles?
And, we explore why a Sydney school’s experiment to ditch school uniforms was ulimately an epic fail.
Our Recommendations:
🏀 Monz is loving the Noisy by Nature podcast on the ABC Kids Listen app — think David Attenborough meets The Wiggles.
📖 Clare recommends the Houdini Stop from Big W to stop your toddler’s great car seat escape.
🧴 Amelia is loving Brain Quest Smart Cards for screen-free fun at cafes
Support independent women's media
What To Listen To Next:
Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect
The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’
New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand
Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts
GET IN TOUCH:
Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]
Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.
Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family
CREDITS:
Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley
Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine
Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz
Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock
Audio Producer: Jacob Round
Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever seen a video online that made you feel like you were failing at a job you didn't even apply for? Welcome to parenting in 2026.
This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and special guest, Clare Stephens, are diving into a viral trend romanticising the bond between young siblings—and it's left some only-child parents feeling a little judged.
Plus, we discuss the basketball coach who went viral for screaming in a player's face. Was it ‘toxic’ or exactly the kind of high-stakes motivation our ‘gentle parenting’ era is missing?
And, if your child throws a tantrum in the middle of a busy shopping centre or sticks their fingers in someone else's birthday cake, they may have a fan in award-winning actress Viola Davis. We explain why.
Our Recommendations:
🏀 Monz is loving this Amazon Lock Phone Box.
📖 Clare recommends midwife Jen on Instagram @_jen_hamilton_
🧴 Stacey is loving the COSRX Snail mucin power essence.
SUBSCRIBE here to get 25% off an $89 annual subscription PLUS 25% off Nala. Your Mamamia discount will be applied at checkout. Then find your Nala code in the Subscriber Hub immediately after joining. Ends 1st April.
Support independent women's media
What To Listen To Next:
Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’
New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand
Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo
Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts
What to read:
'My mum and dad had 8 kids. Here's the most important lesson I learned growing up in a big family.'
OPINION: 'You're not gentle parenting, you're Instagram parenting.'
"I'm 34 with three kids. My expectations of friendship have completely changed."
'My best friends ghosted me after I had a baby. It taught me a lesson I didn't expect.'
Flakiness is out of control at the moment.
GET IN TOUCH:
Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]
Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.
Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family
CREDITS:
Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley
Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine
Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock
Audio Producer: Jacob Round
Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the rise of the Gen Alpha CEO is officially in full swing as Victoria Beckham’s daughter, Harper Seven, launches a beauty brand at 13. Monz, Stacey and Amelia ask at what point we decided teenagers need a corner office and a dedicated PR team instead of just... a hobby.
Plus, is ‘bagsing’ a spot in the playground slide queue ever acceptable, or have we officially lost our collective marbles? We unpack the world of park politics, optimisation and whether it’s just another form of snow-plough parenting.
Also, is it time to start running your home like a large corporation? We’re diving into the ‘family AGM’ trend and why the shareholders in one host’s house are very unhappy.
Our Recommendations:
🥞 Stacey is loving the viral ‘potcake’ hack from TikTok, which involves flipping a whole saucepan to create the perfect pancake stack.
📖 Monz recommends Meltdown by Lauren Novak, a well-researched deep dive into ‘mum rage’ that makes every burnt-out parent feel seen.
📺 Amelia recommends SNL's MAHAspital, a comedic take on The Pitt, describing the medical drama as ‘competency porn’ for those who love watching experts excel at their jobs.
Support independent women's media
What To Listen To Next:
Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand
Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo
Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts
What to read:
Someone needs to gently tell Harper Beckham this is a bad idea.
'I watch TV for a living. These are the 13 best shows of 2025.'
What the hell has happened to the school Easter bonnet parade?
The bleak reason smoking is 'back' has zero to do with cool.
GET IN TOUCH:
Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]
Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.
Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family
CREDITS:
Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley
Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine
Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock
Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges
Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Move over "conscious uncoupling". Divorce is getting a rebrand. This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack Hollywood Actor Lake Bell’s unconventional approach to explaining her split to her kids. So, why is she banning the word ‘but,’ and is she onto something?
Plus, Australian influencer Indy Clinton has gone viral for struggling with her sons kindergarten times tables, and honestly? Same. So, is homework still a thing in 2026 or is it time to let kids just be kids?
And, a viral post by Jana Barrett has the internet talking about the invisible labor behind every successful man. He got the trophy, she got the school run. It has us asking, do we all deserve a medal for carrying the mental load?
And our very own Jessie Stevens and Luca Lavigne are officially parents of three after twins Harry and Margot came into the world slightly earlier than planned. Luca checks in from the NICU 'baby bubble' to tell us how they’re navigating life as a family of five.
Our Recommendations:
💇‍♀️ Stacey is obsessed with The Wavytalk thermal blow dry brush for a smooth, salon-style finish.
📚 Amelia recommends the Babysitter’s Little Sister graphic novels.
📝 Monz has been hit hard by Darragh Fleming’s poem ‘If I Ever Have Boys’.
Support independent women's media
What To Listen To Next:
Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo
Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers
The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?
Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts
What to read:
'As a teacher of 20 years, I’ve seen what homework can do to a student.'
Indy Clinton was determined to unmask her trolls. She's just been handed a 64-page report.
The 2026 BAFTA nominations are out, and Aussies are making their mark.
'I can't stop Googling my ex from 7 years ago. It has nothing to do with missing him.'
'The perks of divorce nobody talks about. But everyone should hear.'
GET IN TOUCH:
Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]
Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.
Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family
CREDITS:
Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley
Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine
Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock
Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges
Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.