My TV choices these days are quite different to life before motherhood but I’ve always enjoyed a good Disney movie.

Something that has always struck me though is how so many of these movies, and indeed fairytales of yesteryear, are based on the absence or loss of a parent and 'replaced' by a not so nice step parent coming in the scene.

Maybe because things like divorce were not deemed acceptable or the fact that no one could ever replace a parent that was lost.

Whatever the drivers are behind the messaging around step-parents, the narrative needs to shift. And I have just the person to prove that step-parents have such great intentions and care deeply about the children in their lives.

Join me now as I speak with Chloe Foy, Behavioural Strategist, about her journey, the expectations and reality of becoming a non-biological parent in her thirties.

One of the biggest challenges for many of us who are parents is deciding how to structure the balance of raising our children while building and maintaining our careers.

In this episode of For the Love of Kids I talk with Jim Cregan, a guy who has not only managed to build a brand and business from scratch - one that became a household name at that - whilst simultaneously becoming a father to a family of three.

We chat about how his parenting and career were intertwined, the incredible role his wife played to make all of this possible and how his experience has helped him shaped his thinking when raising his children.

I can’t wait for you to hear how about his incredible rad retro methods of teaching his kids to respect their youth, as well as the way that sunrises and other beautiful moments have featured in his role as dad.

The best feel good track you'll hear and watch all day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK1_vTdUoeY

We’re at a a really exciting time in history where the narrative on parenting is shifting. Traditional roles are changing, the systems and infrastructure of childcare and the workplace are under scrutiny and pressure to change for the better and psychologists are actively championing the importance of investing time and energy in the first five years of life to raise a generation of children that have the best chance of being healthy, secure and confident.

Speaking to fellow parent and creator, Matt Brown - host of the Every L podcast. We talk about how he’s reflected on generational and cultural learnings of his own upbringing to find what it is to be the kind of parent to ensure his children thrive in life. Even when at times it does feel like we are winging it.

How we react, adapt and embrace the changes when life throws you curveballs. In Matt’s case getting the news him and his wife were expecting twins with a one year old already in tow.

And why it’s so important to retain a sense of self to keep not only our sanity as parent but to provide our children of who we truly are.

Matt's podcasts:

Every L Podcast: https://everylpodcast.podbean.com/

2 minute quick charge: https://open.spotify.com/show/37tnco3hgUNBB9IIAK732v

Steph talks with father of three, Matt Brown, about how his life has changed since becoming a parent.

Let's face it, nothing changes your world quite like the word 'twins' especially when you already have a toddler.

Hear how Matt's upbringing has played such an important part of how he chooses to parent, how he retains his since of self and where he draws on inspiration from his community to be the best dad he can be.

https://everylpodcast.podbean.com/

Steph talks with Zamil Zareen, new dad and strategist at the full service kids and family agency, Kids Know Best.

Hear about the learnings he's taking from his work in understanding what captivates kids to be the best parent to his little girl.

Understand how his own family life is influencing his values and ambitions.

And discover some of the key trends that a resonating with kids, teens and families alike this Christmas and in the year ahead.