The Non Perfect Parents ClubExplicit

by Emma Townley

Honest conversations about parenting led by me, Emma from The Non Perfect Parents Club. I'll be delving into each guest's thoughts, feelings and values when it comes to being a parent. I'm not afraid to speak the unspoken or the truths we all sometimes need to hear. Expect swearing, laughter, tears and to be able to sigh a big sigh of relief when you realise you're most definitely not alone when it comes to the rollercoaster r ...   ...  Read more

Podcast episodes

  • Season 5

  • The Non Perfect Parents Club: The traumatic effects of a misdiagnosis

    The Non Perfect Parents Club: The traumatic effects of a misdiagnosis

    In this episode in our new series, my guest (who wishes to remain anonymous) tells us her 'story' about a situation that her family found themselves in in 2017 when her son was just 3 months old. My guest took her 3-month old son to the GP as he had a mark on his back that she'd not seen before. Medical professionals became concerned as it looked like a bruise, and a Section 47 Enquiry (Child protection assessment) was instigated. The family underwent an incredibly challenging time, before it was discovered that baby actually had a birthmark. Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis (formerly called a Mongolian Blue Spot) is often mistaken for a bruise, leaving families vulnerable to accusations of harm. My guest wants to raise awareness of this misdiagnosis, encourage parents to do their own research and ask questions when faced with difficult health or social care situations, and crucially, ask health professionals to always remain curious, non-judgemental and collaborative when working with families.

  • Season 4

  • Gillian Brown Alcohol Free Coach; Who wants to parent with a hangover?

    Explicit

    Gillian Brown Alcohol Free Coach; Who wants to parent with a hangover?

    Explicit

    In this episode I am joined by Gillian Brown, an alcohol free coach for Mums. We discuss: Why Mums drink and the effect of alcohol on women. The Mummy wine culture and why it's damaging. Why go alcohol free (and not just limit it)? Where to start with going alcohol free. What Gillian would say to someone who wanted to go alcohol free but who was worried about taking that step. Tips & advice for living a alcohol free lifestyle. Gillian's words of encouragement. You can find Gillian here: GB Coaching (@gillianbrowncoaching) • Instagram photos and videos If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! What would you like to hear next? Email thenonperfectparentsclub@outlook.com and let me know. Similarly, if you'd like to be a guest or sponsor an episode, apply via the above email.

  • Adopter's Advocacy; Compassion and Communication

    Adopter's Advocacy; Compassion and Communication

    In this episode I am joined by Laura, the project lead on a research project at Lancaster University called Adopters Advocacy. Adopters advocacy looks at the experiences of adoptive parents and has highlighted different challenges that they may face. Laura tells us about the project, how it started and what they've found so far. Laura, who was adopted and is now an adoptive parent herself tells us about the challenges and struggles she's found as an adoptive parent. How it's lonely and how she wanted to see if other adopters were feeling the same. She wanted to bring adopters voices into the discussion. She also tells us the ways in that parenting adoptive children can be difficult and how non adopters can be supportive. Laura notes that it's not always a fairytale ending and this is why it's important to ask 'how are you'. You can reach the Adopters Advocacy here: Email: adopters@lancaster.acuk Website: Adopters Advocacy - Lancaster University If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! | Thank you to Reading Fairy Lancaster for sponsoring this episode. | What would you like to hear next? Email thenonperfectparentsclub@outlook.com and let me know. Similarly, if you'd like to be a guest or sponsor an episode, apply via the above email.

  • The Non Perfect Parents Club: Starting Reception

    The Non Perfect Parents Club: Starting Reception

    In this episode I am joined by Becky, a mum of 2 and a reception teacher. We discuss tips and advice for parents who have a child starting Reception in September, and Becky answers some of your questions. This episode is jam packed full of advice and hopefully lots of reassurance for any parents who are apprehensive about the transition and the change that is coming. We cover: What are the most helpful things that parents can be doing to prepare their child for the transition to reception. How parents can prepare for the change Uniform Things you can be doing to encourage skills that will be needed for reading and writing Play How a teacher would understand a non verbal child's way of communicating What else parents need to buy How to deal with the lack of information after getting so much from nursery What to do if your child is a fussy eater Friendships How we can help summer born children to settle in reception The most important thing is to talk; to your child, and to their teacher/ the school staff. Thank you to Reading Fairy Lancaster for sponsoring this episode. Here is the playdough recipe that I use: 1 cup of water 1 cup of flour 1/2 cup of salt 2x tbsp oil 2x tbsp cream of tartar (or 1 sachet) Mix all ingredients in a pan and heat on a medium heat. Keep stirring. You will feel the mixture start to thicken, keep stirring until it sticks together and becomes playdough. Remove from pan, let cool and knead. wrap in cling film or put in an airtight container to store. (If it's sticky, you've usually either not kept it on the heat for long enough or not added enough salt.)

  • The Non Perfect Parents Club- Get Secondary Ready, Summer Term

    The Non Perfect Parents Club- Get Secondary Ready, Summer Term

    In this episode I am joined once again by Aimee from Get Secondary Ready. (Listen to our first episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/thenonperfectparentsclub/1340753/ ) Aimee, until recently, was an assistant head in a high school and found a gap on social media in information on the transition from primary school to secondary school. She has joined us again to share some of her knowledge based around the Summer term in Year 6, ready for the transition to Year 7 and to answer some of YOUR questions. If you are a parent of a year 6 child, this is a must listen to episode! We cover things like: How we can be preparing our children for the transition now that we're in the Summer term, emotionally and practically. What other secondary pupils found to be the biggest surprise and the biggest change transitioning to high school. Best Buys and Uniform tips. Communication with school. We cover so much within these points and Aimee offers SO many practical tips that could potentially make a huge difference to your child's (and yours) transition to secondary school. Find Aimee and Get Secondary Ready here: Aimee Quinn (@getsecondaryready) • Instagram photos and videos Top Tips for Parents and Tweens: Getting Ready for Secondary School | get secondary ready Other episodes to listen to: You control social media, not the other way around: https://rss.com/podcasts/thenonperfectparentsclub/989119/