Parent Unplugged

Charis Halsall
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Parent Unplugged is a parenting podcast built on real stories. Through raw, honest conversations, we explore what it actually feels like to raise children - the moments no one prepares you for, the thoughts you don’t say out loud, and the experiences that change you. From everyday overwhelm to life-altering challenges, each episode brings you inside the reality of parenting - not the polished version. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling, thinking or feeling a certain way… you’re not.

  1. The Truth About Potty Training

    2 dage siden

    The Truth About Potty Training

    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.

    17 min.
  2. She Found a Love Letter in His Jacket Pocket After 22 Years of Marriage

    4 dage siden

    She Found a Love Letter in His Jacket Pocket After 22 Years of Marriage

    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.

    33 min.
  3. The Hidden Trauma of Feeding

    25. jun.

    The Hidden Trauma of Feeding

    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.

    12 min.
  4. I Fostered Over 200 Children

    23. jun.

    I Fostered Over 200 Children

    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.

    34 min.
  5. AUTISM CHANGED EVERYTHING

    18. jun.

    AUTISM CHANGED EVERYTHING

    What happens when the future you imagined for your child suddenly changes? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, a father shares what it really felt like in the early days of his son’s autism diagnosis - the fear, the uncertainty, and the quiet grief that so many parents experience but rarely talk about. From spiralling thoughts about the future… to feeling like everyone else has it easier… to questioning everything you thought parenting would be… This is the reality behind the moments no one sees. 💔 “What you’re grieving, in a sense, is the life you imagined.” We talk about: - The emotional impact of an autism diagnosis - The pressure parents feel to “do everything right” - Feeling isolated in everyday situations - Why grief can exist even when your child is right in front of you - Learning to navigate a completely different version of parenthood If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone in this - this conversation will make you feel seen.

    16 min.
  6. Losing My Wife at 31: Raising Our Daughter Alone

    16. jun.

    Losing My Wife at 31: Raising Our Daughter Alone

    In this deeply moving episode, Chris shares the story of losing his wife Laura to sarcoma — a rare and aggressive cancer — while raising their young daughter together. From the shock of diagnosis during early parenthood, through treatment, recovery, relapse, and ultimately end-of-life care, Chris opens up about the reality of navigating grief in real time while still trying to be a present father. He reflects on the moment their “normal life” changed forever, the challenges of explaining illness and death to a small child, and how he has continued to parent through heartbreak, responsibility, and love. This conversation explores grief, resilience, and what it means to keep going when everything you planned for your future disappears. A powerful story of love, loss, and legacy — and how one family continues to honour Laura’s memory every day. Topics include: Sarcoma diagnosis and treatment journey Parenting through terminal illness Sudden loss and bereavement Explaining death to young children Life after losing a partner Building legacy and raising awareness of sarcoma

    49 min.
  7. Children Are Allowed To Be Children

    11. jun.

    Children Are Allowed To Be Children

    In this highlight episode, Dr Martha joins Parent Unplugged to unpack what young children are really struggling with - and why so much of what we label as “bad behaviour” is often just development. From tantrums and public judgment to boundaries, punishment, emotional regulation and screen time, this conversation offers a calmer, more compassionate way to understand children without losing the need for firm, loving limits. Because children aren’t mini adults - and parenting isn’t about controlling them, it’s about guiding them.

    11 min.
  8. “What If I Hurt My Baby?” Understanding Intrusive Thoughts

    9. jun.

    “What If I Hurt My Baby?” Understanding Intrusive Thoughts

    In this episode of Parent Unplugged, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Emma Offord to talk about postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, and maternal mental health. Emma shares her personal experience of becoming a mum while dealing with intense intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and hypervigilance - and why these thoughts can feel so real, distressing, and confusing. We explore what intrusive thoughts actually are, why they are so common in new parents, and the truth behind fears like “what if this means something about me?” This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating postpartum anxiety, OCD, or struggling with thoughts they feel scared to say out loud. If you’ve ever questioned your thoughts, your identity, or felt alone in your experience - you’re not alone. Topics covered: Postpartum OCD Intrusive thoughts in motherhood Maternal mental health Anxiety and hypervigilance after birth Neurodivergence and parenting Listen now for an honest, reassuring conversation that will help you better understand your mind - and feel less alone 🤍

    44 min.
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Om

Parent Unplugged is a parenting podcast built on real stories. Through raw, honest conversations, we explore what it actually feels like to raise children - the moments no one prepares you for, the thoughts you don’t say out loud, and the experiences that change you. From everyday overwhelm to life-altering challenges, each episode brings you inside the reality of parenting - not the polished version. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling, thinking or feeling a certain way… you’re not.

Oplysninger

  • Skaber
    Charis Halsall
  • Aktive år
    2025 - 2026
  • Episoder
    98
  • Vurdering
    Anstødeligt
  • Copyright
    © Charis Halsall
  • Websted for serie
    Parent Unplugged
  • Leverandør

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