Is It Just Us?

Hayley Rice and Debbie Cullinane
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Is It Just Us...? A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all. Because it’s never just you. 🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection. Thanks for listening, Debbie and Hayley x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Is It Just Us.. or are Days Out/Holidays Kinda Stressful?

    We love the idea of them.. family memories, fresh air, new experiences, but the reality? Packing up half the house, refereeing sibling squabbles in the back seat, and making sure everyone else has a great time! Of course we know we’re lucky to be able to do these things, and we are grateful… but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot. Sometimes the “fun” comes with meltdowns (theirs and ours). In this episode we’re unpacking why these supposedly joyful outings can feel so overwhelming, and giving ourselves permission to laugh, vent, and admit: maybe it’s not just us. We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉 MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026. Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English. Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it! Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://hdcircle.framer.website/ Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  2. Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About YouTube?

    23 SEPT

    Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About YouTube?

    One minute your child is watching what appears to be a harmless cartoon, the next they’re down a rabbit hole of ads, influencers, or content that’s anything but child-friendly. Add in the rise of rapid-cut shows, with flashing edits and constant noise designed to hook attention, and suddenly you’re wondering what it’s doing to your child’s focus and regulation. In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of YouTube, from addictive elements to the way overstimulating content can affect the developing brain. We’ll share our own parenting worries, the traps we’ve seen firsthand, and therapist insights on how YouTube and rapid cut shows can shape children’s behaviour. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what parents can actually do to keep kids safe, without resorting to bans or constant battles. Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com Get evidence backed parenting support you can trust here Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  3. Is It Just Us Or...Is Parenting On The Same Page Incredibly Hard?

    16 SEPT

    Is It Just Us Or...Is Parenting On The Same Page Incredibly Hard?

    You love your kids. You love your partner. But when it comes to discipline, routines, or handling meltdowns, it can feel like you’re playing on two completely different teams. In this episode, we dive into what happens when parenting styles clash, the good cop/bad cop dynamic, the “you’re too soft/you’re too strict” arguments, and the confusion it creates for kids caught in the middle. We’ll talk about why being aligned matters so much for children, share stories of our own parenting mismatches, and offer therapist-backed strategies to find common ground without constant battles. Get your tickets for our Parent On The Same Page Webinar here! Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com Get our unique support and connect with a whole community of like-minded parents here Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  4. Is It Just Us Or...Is Work-Life Balance A Myth?

    9 SEPT

    Is It Just Us Or...Is Work-Life Balance A Myth?

    We’re told we can “have it all”- the career, the family, the social life, the self-care routine! But, most days it feels like we’re just spinning plates and waiting for one to crash. In this episode, we get real about the impossible standards women face around work–life balance. From guilt that follows us around all day, to the pressure of being present for everyone except ourselves, we unpack why balance feels so out of reach! We’ll share our own stories, the messy bits behind the scenes, and therapist-backed insights on how to rethink balance in a way that actually feels doable, or maybe accept that it doesn’t exist the way it's been sold to us. Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com Join our parent community for the unique therapist led support and connection you've been craving here https://hdcircle.framer.website/ Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min

  5. 2 SEPT

    Is It Just Us or Is Everyone Having a Tantrum These Days?

    Tantrums aren’t just for toddlers - grown-ups have them too, even if they look a little different or sometimes the exact same - shouting, banging things & crying - we’ve all been there!  In this episode, we unpack why stress, overwhelm, and emotions can push all of us toward meltdown moments. We share what’s helped us stay grounded and calm, and explore strategies that work for children and adults alike. Because sometimes, managing tantrums is really about managing ourselves. Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://hdcircle.framer.website/ Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  6. 26 AUG

    Is it Just Us Or....Do We Need To Talk About Sex?

    Not our sex lives (James & John can sigh with relief!) but how we talk to our children about theirs. Because despite what many of us were told, teaching children about sex isn’t “too much too soon,” and using the correct names for body parts won’t “take away their innocence.”  In this episode, we tackle the biggest myths that stop parents from having open, honest conversations about sex, consent, body autonomy, pleasure, and safety and why starting early sets the foundation for trust, confidence, and healthy relationships down the line. Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://hdcircle.framer.website/ Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  7. 19 AUG

    Is It Just Us Or....Do People Think Gentle Parenting Means Being a Doormat?

    Somehow, “gentle parenting” has been twisted into “never say no” or “let your kids walk all over you.” In this episode, we dig into the real meaning behind the approach, talk about our own approaches and why it’s not about giving in, staying quiet, or avoiding boundaries.  We’ll explore how firm limits, emotional connection, and respect go hand-in-hand and why being gentle doesn’t mean being passive. Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://hdcircle.framer.website/ Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  8. Is It Just Us Or... Is It Just Me? Quick Fire Edition

    12 AUG

    Is It Just Us Or... Is It Just Me? Quick Fire Edition

    Something different this week - Ready for a round of all the randomness, “Wait… is it just us, or is it just me?”. We’re firing off rapid-fire takes on everything from parenting fails to everyday oddities - fast, fun, and totally relatable. Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://hdcircle.framer.website/ Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below. https://debbiecullinane.ie/ https://www.hayley-rice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to Is It Just Us...? A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all. Because it’s never just you. 🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection. Thanks for listening, Debbie and Hayley x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Hayley Rice and Debbie Cullinane
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hayley Rice and Debbie Cullinane
  • Show Website
    Is It Just Us?

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