Parent Unplugged

Charis Halsall
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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. Going Home Without My Baby

    1d ago

    Going Home Without My Baby

    In this episode, Charis speaks with Dr Frankie Harrison about the trauma of pregnancy complications, losing one of her twins, developing pre-eclampsia, and delivering her son at just 31 weeks. Frankie shares the fear of meeting her baby in NICU, the heartbreak of going home without him, and the lasting impact neonatal trauma can have on a parent’s mental health. This is a powerful conversation about birth trauma, separation, guilt, anxiety, and why parents don’t have to “just get over it” once their baby is home. Listen now for an honest, validating discussion on premature birth, NICU life, and healing after a traumatic start to motherhood.

    45 min
  2. What Severe Autism Really Looks Like

    6d ago

    What Severe Autism Really Looks Like

    What is it really like raising children with severe autism? In this powerful and emotional highlight, one mother shares the raw reality of parenting two non-speaking autistic sons with high care needs. From early diagnosis and sleepless nights to extreme behavioural challenges, medication decisions, and the heartbreaking choice to separate her children - this is a story rarely told in full. She opens up about: The early signs of autism and the diagnosis journey Living through constant crisis and emotional burnout Watching your child in distress and not knowing how to help The impact on marriage, family life, and identity Co-parenting after separation and doing what’s best for your children Anxiety, mental health, and learning to ask for help This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about autism parenting, resilience, and survival. If you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child, a carer, or someone looking to better understand autism, this episode offers both insight and hope.

    14 min
  3. The Truth About Miscarriage

    May 25

    The Truth About Miscarriage

    In this deeply emotional episode, we’re joined by Bex Gunn to talk about the reality of miscarriage, baby loss, grief, and the silence so many parents experience after pregnancy loss. Bex shares the heartbreaking story of discovering there was no heartbeat at her 12-week scan during Covid, the traumatic physical experience of miscarriage, and the loneliness that followed. Together, we discuss the things nobody prepares you for - the medical language, the shame, the isolation, the impact on relationships, and why so many people feel unable to talk about pregnancy loss openly. We also explore: * What miscarriage is really like physically and emotionally * Why baby loss still feels so taboo * The comments that help - and the ones that hurt * Navigating grief while parenting other children * Fertility struggles, jealousy, anger, and guilt * How Bex went from sharing one honest post online to co-founding The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation * Why no one going through a miscarriage should feel alone This episode is raw, honest, validating, and incredibly important for anyone who has experienced miscarriage, fertility struggles, or baby loss - or wants to better support someone who has. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and share to help normalise these conversations around pregnancy loss and grief.

    35 min
  4. How Motherhood Changes Your Body

    May 18

    How Motherhood Changes Your Body

    Alice Liveing joins Parent Unplugged for an honest conversation about body image, self-worth, pregnancy, postpartum identity, and what it really means to feel strong. In this episode, Alice opens up about her early experiences in dance and fitness, the pressure to be thin, the reality behind being known as “Alice with abs,” and the physical and emotional cost of chasing a certain body. She also shares how becoming a mum has changed the way she sees strength, health, confidence, and the message she wants to pass on to her daughter. This is a powerful discussion about letting go of “bounce back” culture, rebuilding your identity after having a baby, and learning to value a body that feels strong rather than simply looks a certain way. If you’ve ever struggled with body image, comparison, postpartum confidence, or feeling at home in your body, this episode is for you. #ParentingPodcast #BodyImage #PostpartumJourney #Motherhood #AliceLiving

    47 min
  5. Mothers must stop trying to be selfless

    May 13

    Mothers must stop trying to be selfless

    So many mothers feel pressure to be endlessly giving, patient, and selfless. But what if that expectation is actually hurting us? In this highlight episode, psychologist and author Susie explains why the “selfless mum” myth leads to burnout, resentment, and losing your sense of self - and how small shifts in self-compassion and self-advocacy can change everything. You’ll also learn simple tools to calm your nervous system, reconnect with yourself in everyday moments, and show up as the parent you truly want to be. Because motherhood doesn’t mean you stop mattering.

    15 min
  6. Will My Son Ever Speak?

    May 11

    Will My Son Ever Speak?

    What happens when your child isn’t developing the way you expected? In this emotional episode, a father shares the reality of raising a nonverbal child - from the heartbreak of self-harm and the fear of an uncertain future, to the questions every parent is scared to ask: Will they ever speak? Will they make friends? Will they live independently? This is a raw, honest conversation about autism, parenting, and the mental spiral so many parents experience - but rarely say out loud. And then… a moment that changes everything. A small, unexpected act of affection that redefines connection, communication, and hope. If you’re a parent navigating autism, speech delays, or just the overwhelming unknowns of raising a child, this episode will stay with you. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to be the first to hear more real parenting stories every week.

    57 min
  7. Parents Are Using Pouches Wrong

    May 6

    Parents Are Using Pouches Wrong

    Are baby food pouches actually bad for children? 🤔 In this conversation, registered nutritionist Charlotte breaks down the growing debate around baby food pouches, sugar, and how early eating habits shape a child’s relationship with food. Charlotte explains why pouches aren’t necessarily “bad”, but why relying on them too often may affect a child’s development, texture learning, and long-term eating habits. She also shares practical advice for reducing mealtime pressure, introducing new foods, and helping babies develop healthy relationships with food. In this discussion we cover: Whether baby food pouches are good or bad for babies Why texture is important for babies learning to eat The truth about sugar and hyperactivity in children How early food exposure shapes long-term eating habits Why family meals matter during weaning How parents can reduce stress around mealtimes Simple “1% changes” that can improve your child’s diet This episode is all about removing guilt from parenting while giving practical, evidence-based advice on feeding babies and toddlers. Whether you're starting weaning or navigating toddler mealtimes, this conversation offers helpful insight and reassurance for parents.

    12 min
  8. How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?

    May 4

    How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?

    What age should kids get a smartphone - and are we getting it wrong? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest parenting debates right now: screen time, smartphones, and how to support children’s emotional development in a digital world. From toddler tantrums to teenage group chats, we unpack what’s actually going on beneath behaviour - and why emotional regulation is a skill that takes practice, not punishment. We talk about why telling kids to “calm down” often backfires, how to respond to big emotions in a way that actually works, and why perfection isn’t the goal when it comes to parenting. The conversation also explores the reality of screen use today - breaking down the difference between screens vs content, the pressures parents face, and how to set healthy boundaries without guilt. You’ll also hear practical advice on: Managing tantrums and emotional outbursts Teaching kids lifelong coping skills Setting realistic screen time boundaries Navigating smartphones, social media, and peer pressure Modelling healthy behaviour as a parent This is an honest, relatable conversation for any parent trying to do their best in a world that feels increasingly overwhelming. Because it’s not about getting it perfect - it’s about making small, meaningful changes that actually stick.

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Charis Halsall
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Parent Unplugged Media
  • Show Website
    Parent Unplugged
  • Provider
    Charis Halsall

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