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As your children grow into teenagers, knowing when to step back can be one of the hardest parts of parenting. This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and his wife Sheena, from ITV2’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire, as they share what family life really looks like behind the scenes while raising two teenage daughters. From earning their own money to finding their own path, Shane and Sheena explain how they’re raising their girls to stay grounded – even while growing up in the spotlight. They talk about social media, teenage ambition and why boundaries still matter, even when they’re pushed. They also share their honest take on the ‘nepo baby’ debate, and the reality behind the assumptions people make about their family life. At the heart of the conversation is that shift so many parents recognise – moving from being hands-on to learning to let go. Sheena describes the hardest part of that transition as “fear”, admitting she’s the worrier at home, while Shane takes a more relaxed approach. Together, they reflect on what it really means to trust your teenagers, even when it’s not easy. The couple also open up about their relationship, including their separation during lockdown and how they found their way back to each other. It’s an honest look at balancing marriage, work and family life, and what it takes to stay connected through change. There are lighter moments too – from raising “girlie girls” and teenage humour to the reality of what comes next, including the thought of becoming empty nesters. Warm, relatable and full of real-life takeaways, this episode is a reminder that raising teenagers isn’t about control – it’s about guidance, trust and, sometimes, having the courage to let go.In this episode: Raising grounded teens – independence, work ethic and values Their thoughts on the ‘nepo baby’ debate Letting go and trusting your teenagers to find their own way Social media, smartphones and setting boundaries Supporting ambition without creating entitlement Parenting girls and navigating teenage dynamics Keeping your relationship strong through change Therapy, communication and modern family life Honest advice for parents – from early years to teens The Real Housewives of Cheshire is back on Tuesdays at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX from next week Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums. Got a parenting question or dilemma? Email us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you. The Netmums Podcast – backed by experts, trusted by parents.Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB are joined by Rosie Kelly Smith, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about the realities of new motherhood.Rosie shares her experiences navigating the early days with her 18-month-old daughter, Billie, and reflects on the overwhelming pressure new parents face from societal expectations and the deluge of advice. Rosie discusses the generational shifts in parenting, sharing how her grandmother and mother approached motherhood and the wisdom that has been passed down through the family.In this episode, Rosie opens up about her struggles with postpartum anxiety and the often-unspoken challenges that come with being a new mum. She discusses the impact of social media on parenting and the need for kindness towards ourselves. In this episode:- The overwhelming pressure of parenting advice and societal expectations- Rosie’s journey through postpartum anxiety - Reflections on motherhood across generations- The impact of social media on new parents- Trusting your instincts and embracing imperfection in parenting- The joy and challenges of navigating life with a toddler This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia.Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums. JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

What does parenting really look like when you’re raising seven children – across completely different ages and stages – and learning, in real time, when to hold on and when to let go? This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Paris Fury – mum of seven, businesswoman and star of Netflix’s At Home with the Furys – for an honest, warm and revealing conversation about modern family life. Paris opens up about the organised chaos of a busy home, the juggle of raising children at every stage of childhood, and the emotional shift that comes as your role as a parent begins to change. From hands-on parenting with younger children to stepping back and giving independence to older ones, she shares how family life evolves – and how you grow with your children through it. The conversation also explores some of the more emotional sides of parenting. Paris reflects on her eldest daughter Venezuela’s engagement at 16 – a milestone she supports, having married young herself – while admitting that ‘letting go’ is one of the hardest parts of motherhood. She also speaks candidly about raising teenagers in today’s world, navigating social media pressures, and instilling confidence and individuality in her children. Warm, relatable and full of honest insight, this episode is a reminder that whether you’ve got one child or seven… parenting is a constant journey of learning, adapting and, sometimes, letting go. In this episode:- The daily chaos and joy of raising seven children- How to balance parenting with personal ambitions- Paris’ eldest daughter Venezuela's journey to married life in her teens- The importance of instilling confidence in and individuality in her children- Paris’s thoughts on body image and social media influence- Paris’ wellness routine and how she finds moments for herself This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia. Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums. JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Trigger warning: Discussions of baby loss. This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB are joined by Laura Adlington – the Great British Bake Off finalist, body positive activist and new mum – for a very special episode recorded live at The Baby Show in London in front of an audience of parents and parents-to-be. Laura has openly shared her nine-year pregnancy journey, calling it a ‘long and lonely road’.  She tells us about infertility, IVF and the emotional toll of trying to conceive for so long. And after the joy of welcoming her baby George late last year, Laura has most recently revealed her unexpected emotional aftermath: the identity shift, the body changes, and the not-so-quiet ‘now what?’ feeling that can follow a long-awaited dream. The conversation moves beyond the highlight reel of motherhood, as Laura talks honestly about the reality of the early newborn months – from sleep deprivation and relationship strain to mum guilt, identity shifts and the pressure many women feel around postpartum bodies. Louise and JB also reflect on the challenges many parents face when adjusting to life with a newborn, and why honest conversations about parenting are so important. In this episode: Laura’s nine-year fertility journey and the emotional realities of IVF What it really feels like when the baby you’ve longed for finally arrives The sleep deprivation and relationship challenges of the early newborn months Mum guilt, intrusive thoughts and why it's okay to find motherhood hard The pressure to “bounce back” after pregnancy and navigating body changes Identity shifts and learning to balance being yourself and being a parent This episode of The Netmums Podcast was recorded live at The Baby Show in London. Expect a powerful, honest and entertaining new parenting conversation with Laura Adlington. Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums. JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! Please share them with us at [email protected] and we may bring them into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB welcome Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental paediatrician and author of the insightful book 10 Things to Know About Your Child's Mental Health. This chat covers the crucial topic of children's mental health, particularly focusing on anxiety and how it manifests in children of different ages.Dr. Garvey shares invaluable advice on recognising signs of anxiety in children and the differences in how boys and girls may express their feelings. He discusses the importance of creating a nurturing environment that fosters emotional security, emphasising the need for parents to engage in both co-regulation and self-regulation to help their children navigate their emotions effectively.The conversation also touches on the pressures of modern parenting, the significance of unconditional love, and the role of communication in fostering a strong parent-child relationship.  In this episode:• Recognising anxiety in children and its impact on behaviour• The differences in how boys and girls experience anxiety• The role of co-regulation and self-regulation in emotional development• Practical tips for parents to support their child's mental health• The importance of creating a nurturing environment and the concept of 'sanctuaries' This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia. Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums. JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

On this week’s Netmums podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by olympic gold medallist and mum of three, Rebecca Adlington, for a very honest conversation about parenting, baby loss and learning to keep going. Rebecca talks openly about experiencing two miscarriages, the counselling that helped her and her husband through it, and the anxiety that can come with expecting a rainbow baby. She also shares the small things that helped her family cope – including giving her bump a nickname, ‘jellytot’, so the whole family could bond with the baby. Alongside the emotional side of parenting, Rebecca also explains why learning to swim is a life skill, not just a sport – and why she believes three to five years old is the ideal age for children to start proper swimming lessons. The episode also covers the real challenges parents face around swimming – from nervous children and reluctant swimmers, to the moment many girls start to feel self-conscious about their bodies in swimwear as they get older. In this episode we talk about:• pregnancy after loss and the reality of a rainbow baby• how partners can support mums through miscarriage and grief• why counselling helped Rebecca and her husband process loss• the importance of teaching children to swim• the best age to start swimming lessons for kids• helping children build confidence in the water• when body image can start to affect girls and swimming This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia. Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums. JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This week on The Netmums Podcast, JB and Louise are joined by the most dynamic mother-daughter duo on TV, The Traitors stars Roxy and Judy Wilson. They share their remarkable journey from adoption to motherhood; Roxy opens up about her experiences growing up in foster care and how her relationship with Judy has shaped her life.With Roxy expecting her first child and Judy preparing to be a grandmother for the twelfth time, the conversation covers the joys and challenges of parenting, the importance of stability, and the unconditional love that defines their bond. In this episode:- Roxy reflects on her childhood and the impact of being adopted by Judy.- Insights into the nurturing environment that Judy created for Roxy and her siblings.- The emotional journey of becoming a mother.- A frank discussion about fostering, adoption, and the need for more foster carers in the UK.- Tips for new parents navigating the early days of parenthood. This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia. Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums. JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, JB Gill and Louise Burke dive into the often unspoken role of the ‘default parent’ (the one who knows the school schedule, the birthday party details, and the ins and outs of family life).  Joining them is Lou Beckett, writer, former teacher, and mother of two – and also wife of comedian Rob Beckett. Her new book, Lessons from a Default Parent, sheds light on the realities of being the one who takes on the lion’s share of the parenting load. Lou shares her personal motherhood journey, discussing the gradual realisation of her default parent status and the complexities that come with it – and how to survive.  In this episode:- The emotional and practical challenges of being the default parent- Insights into the dynamics of parenting roles and the impact on relationships- Plenty of laughs and relatable stories from Lou's experiences- The importance of communication and understanding in co-parenting Grab your copy of Lessons from a Default Parent by Lou Beckett, available now. This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia. Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums. JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, JB and Louise delve into the complexities of parenting and the often overwhelming mental load that comes with it. Joined by journalist and TV presenter Ranvir Singh, a familiar face from Good Morning Britain, they explore the challenges of juggling family life as a single parent while maintaining a successful career. In this episode:- The realities of balancing work and family commitments, especially during busy school terms.- Ranvir shares her personal experiences as a single mother and how she navigates her son's growing independence.- The importance of being present for your children and how to manage feelings of guilt.- Honest discussions about the pressures of parenting, including the challenges of sleepovers and social dynamics at school.- Tips for dealing with overwhelm and the significance of focusing on what truly matters each day. This episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice for anyone struggling to find balance as parents navigating increasingly hectic lives. Connect with us on socials @Netmums and visit our website: netmums.com This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

**Sensitive content warning: This conversation explores some very serious themes, including self-harm, depression and sexual references. Please take care while listening We’re back for a brand new series of The Netmums Podcast! Meet your new parent hosts, TV presenter and JLS singer, JB Gill, and Netmums Editorial Director Louise Burke. JB and Louise are kicking off Series 18 with one of the hotly debated parenting topics right now: the issue of children’s screen time and the social media ban. How can we as parents tackle screen time and online use while raising a happy family? We’re joined by renowned social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt, who helps us explore the impact of smartphones on childhood, the difficult conversations parents face with their kids around social media use, and practical strategies for resetting family digital habits. In this episode of our podcast made by parents for parents:- The challenges of managing screen time in busy family lives – ‘bad’ screentime versus ‘good’ screentime- Insights into the effects of social media on children’s mental health- Practical tips for creating a balanced digital environment at home- The importance of play and outdoor activities in childhood development- Real-life stories from parents navigating these issues This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for support when it comes to parenting your child online. It also provides you with expert insight if you’re looking to gain a better understanding of the current digital landscape such as the impact of social media and its effect on children today. The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price is out now at all good booksellers. Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums. We also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this sponsored episode of the Netmums podcast with Johnson's Baby, we tackle the “Witching Hour” - that notorious time of day when babies seem to be at their crankiest. Wendy Golledge is joined by experts Dr. Punam Krishan, GP, author, and Strictly star, and Sarah Joy Owen, an NHS midwife and mum of three, to share practical strategies and advice for parents.

*Sensitive content warning - a conversation around baby loss features in this episodeIn this final episode of Cloud 9, the Netmums podcast miniseries brought to you by Aldi Mamia, we are thrilled to welcome Charlotte Dawson, a familiar face from your social media feed and TV screen. Charlotte, mum to three little ones, Noah, Jude, and baby Gigi, shares with us her journey through the whirlwind of motherhood and how she juggles a toddler, a preschooler, and a newborn!In this episode:- Charlotte's experience with pregnancy and childbirth, including her unfortunate miscarriage after her first Noah. - The importance of community support and the emotional load of motherhood- Navigating the pressures of social media while being a mum- Tips for finding moments of self-care amidst the chaosEnjoyed this one? There are six episodes in the series, featuring honest conversations with mums you know and love – Olivia Bowen, Lacey Turner and Katie Thistleton included. Happy binge-listening!This episode is sponsored by Aldi Mamia, the award-winning baby range loved by parents.Netmums – where real parents share the chaos and the comfort, so you know you’re not in it alone. Follow us on socials @Netmums and website:netmums.com Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of Cloud 9, the Netmums podcast miniseries brought to you by Aldi Mamia, we are joined by Ferne McCann, known for her unfiltered take on motherhood. Ferne, a proud mum of two, shares her journey of raising her daughters, Sunday and Finty, navigating the joys and challenges of parenting at different stages. She opens up about her experience as a girl mum, the dynamics between her daughters, and her breastfeeding journey.In this episode:- Balancing the demands of two different stages of childhood- Ferne’s personal experience of breastfeeding and the emotional bond it creates- The importance of therapy in shaping her parenting style- Navigating the complexities of parenting with a partner versus flying soloThere are six brilliant episodes in this special series featuring some of our best loved celebrity mums including Olivia Bowen, Charlotte Dawson and Katie Thistleton. Each episode delves into different aspects of early motherhood – go check them out. Enjoy!This episode is sponsored by Aldi Mamia, the award-winning baby range loved by parents.Netmums – where real parents share the chaos and the comfort, so you know you’re not in it alone. Follow us on socials @Netmums and website:netmums.com Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Welcome to a brand new miniseries of the Netmums Podcast: Cloud 9 is brought to you by the award-winning baby range Aldi Mamia. Hosted by Louise Burke, the editorial director of Netmums, this series is designed for those quiet, early hours when you’re feeding or rocking your little one and feeling like you’re the only one awake. Join us as we delve into the highs, lows, and everything in between of new motherhood.In this episode we’re joined by actress, mum of three, and all-round lovely human Lacey Turner, best known for her nearly two decades on EastEnders. Lacey recently welcomed her third baby, a little girl named Gipsy Olive, and she joins us to chat about life in her busy household; the beautiful chaos, the sleepless nights, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Lacey opens up about the reality of motherhood with three small children and her decision to step back from acting. She reflects on mum guilt, finding moments of calm, and the importance of carving out time for herself amidst the noise of family life (and the chickens!).In this episode: The joy and chaos of welcoming a third baby How Lacey manages sleepless nights and the juggle of three little ones Finding small, meaningful moments of calm and connection Letting go of guilt and embracing “good enough” parenting The importance of time outdoors, community, and self-care Why Lacey chose to step away from EastEnders to focus on family life There are six brilliant episodes in this special series featuring some of your favourite celebrity mums including Olivia Bowen, Lacey Turner, actress Lucy Fallon and Charlotte Dawson. Each episode brings a completely different kind of conversation about early motherhood – new voices, new experiences, and new truths, all of which reminds us that there’s no one way to do this.This episode is sponsored by Aldi Mamia, the award-winning baby range loved by parents.Netmums – where real parents share the chaos and the comfort, so you know you’re not in it alone. Follow us on socials @Netmums and website:netmums.com Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of Cloud 9, the Netmums podcast miniseries brought to you by Aldi Mamia, we are joined by Katie Thistleton, Radio One presenter and CBeebies Parenting Helpline host, who shares her journey into motherhood with her baby boy, Reuben, born in March 2025. Katie opens up about the beautiful yet challenging moments of new parenthood, from the joy of those first laughs to the harsh realities of sleep deprivation and the unexpected emergency surgery she faced just weeks after giving birth.In this episode:- The highs and lows of early motherhood- Navigating the challenges of sleep deprivation- Dealing with postnatal depression and mental health- The importance of community and support networks- Embracing the new normal and redefining identity as a parentKatie's honesty and warmth provide comfort and reassurance to new parents, reminding us all that we are not alone in this journey. There are six brilliant episodes in this special series featuring some of your favourite celebrity mums including Olivia Bowen, Lacey Turner, actress Lucy Fallon and Charlotte Dawson. Each pod delves into different aspects of early motherhood – they are all conversations that are relatable, comforting and entertaining. Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Aldi Mamia, the award-winning baby range loved by parents.Netmums – where real parents share the chaos and the comfort, so you know you’re not in it alone. Follow us on socials @Netmums and website:netmums.com Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative