Advertise on podcast: Parent Unplugged: Parenting Toddlers And Young Kids (Ages 2–7)

What happens when you're told your two autistic children may never be able to live together? In this deeply emotional episode of Parent Unplugged, Charis Halsall sits down with Charlotte, a mum of four, to discuss the heartbreaking realities of raising two severely autistic, non-speaking sons, the breakdown of her marriage, and the extraordinary sacrifices she's made to give her children the best possible lives. Charlotte shares how she first recognised signs of autism in her eldest son, Jude, when he was just a baby, and the devastating reality of watching him experience extreme distress, self-harming behaviours and overwhelming sensory challenges. When a specialist warned that her two sons might never be able to live under the same roof, Charlotte and her then-husband faced an unimaginable decision: **separate their children to protect their wellbeing.** She opens up about how that decision changed their family forever, the emotional toll of parenting children with complex additional needs, and how she and her ex-husband have built an unconventional co-parenting arrangement that puts their sons first. Charlotte also speaks candidly about her own struggles with anxiety, panic attacks and mental health, revealing how years of caring for others left her terrified about what would happen to her children if she were no longer around. In this episode, we explore: - Raising children with severe autism, learning disabilities and complex care needs - Recognising the early signs of autism and navigating diagnosis - Self-injurious behaviour, sensory distress and the challenges of non-speaking autism - The heartbreaking decision to raise two autistic siblings separately - Marriage breakdown, divorce and co-parenting children with additional needs - The impact of caregiving on maternal mental health, anxiety and burnout - The realities of being both a mother and a lifelong carer - Finding hope, resilience and happiness through extraordinary parenting challenges This is an honest, moving conversation about **autism, motherhood, disability, family separation and the invisible emotional load carried by parents of children with additional needs.** Above all, Charlotte's story is one of fierce love, resilience and finding a different way to build a happy family. 💬 Have you experienced the challenges of parenting a child with additional needs? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe to Parent Unplugged for more honest conversations about parenting, motherhood, mental health and family life. #ParentUnplugged #AutismParenting #SevereAutism #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismAwareness

A powerful and inspiring conversation about breast cancer, motherhood, triplets, parenting, fear, resilience and learning to live life after a cancer diagnosis. Emma shares her extraordinary journey of becoming a mum to triplets, raising four children, facing breast cancer, cancer recurrence and the challenges of parenting through illness. She also opens up about grief, anxiety, motherhood guilt, relationships, finding joy and the powerful moment her son told her: “Mum, you've got to live like it's not there.” Keywords naturally covered: breast cancer, cancer recurrence, motherhood, parenting, triplets, raising children, cancer journey, resilience, anxiety, motherhood guilt, life after cancer, parenting podcast and finding joy. https://linktr.ee/RunningStillEmmaCampbell

Helen Thorn: My Husband's 4-Year Affair, Divorce & Starting Over at 40 | Scummy Mummies What happens when you discover the person you've spent 22 years with has been having an affair for four of them? In this deeply honest episode of Parent Unplugged, host Charis Halsall sits down with comedian, bestselling author and Scummy Mummies podcast star Helen Thorne to discuss the devastating betrayal that ended her marriage, the reality of divorce with children and how she rebuilt her life in her 40s. In March 2020, just as the world was entering lockdown, Helen discovered a love letter hidden in her husband's jacket pocket. What followed was the shocking revelation that he'd been having a four-year affair with a woman who had also been trolling Helen and her Scummy Mummies co-host, Ellie Gibson, online. After 22 years together, Helen suddenly found herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her marriage. In this powerful conversation, Helen opens up about: Discovering her husband's four-year affair after 22 years together. The shocking connection between his mistress and the online trolling she'd experienced. Finding a love letter while preparing her daughter's World Book Day costume. The warning signs she now recognises, from emotional distance to feeling constantly criticised. How betrayal affected her confidence, self-worth and sense of identity. The emotional reality of divorce, co-parenting and rebuilding a family after separation. Why she believes she was in love with being a wife. Finding happiness, rediscovering herself and learning what she deserves from a relationship. Helen also reflects on her book Get Divorced, Be Happy, the importance of female friendships and why starting over doesn't have to mean you've failed. From infidelity and heartbreak to self-worth and new beginnings, this is an honest conversation about what happens when the life you imagined falls apart — and how you find the strength to build something new. Subscribe to Parent Unplugged for more honest conversations about parenting, motherhood, relationships, marriage, divorce and the realities of family life. 💬 Have you ever had to completely rebuild your life after a relationship ended? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Parent Unplugged on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Guest: Helen Thorne | Scummy Mummies Host: Charis Halsall | Parent Unplugged #HelenThorne #ScummyMummies #Divorce #Infidelity #ParentUnplugged

What would you do if you received a phone call saying your two-year-old daughter had been taken from nursery by someone else? In this episode of Parent Unplugged, Jodie Riley shares the terrifying story of the day her daughter Rosie was mistakenly collected from nursery by another child’s grandparent - and the questions that followed. Jodie describes the panic she felt receiving that phone call, what she says she was initially told about the incident, and the moment she was finally able to view the nursery CCTV. According to Jodie, the footage raised even more questions. Rosie had been awake while inside the nursery with the man, and Jodie calculated that her daughter had been away from the nursery for around 20 minutes in total. She also discusses her attempts to obtain answers, her solicitors’ involvement and later being told that the CCTV footage had been overwritten. Jodie opens up about the emotional impact the incident has had on her as a mother, why she feels unable to move on without answers, and how the experience has led her to campaign for stronger child safeguarding. This is a powerful conversation about nursery safeguarding, childcare safety, parental trust and what happens when a parent feels the systems designed to protect their child have failed. Subscribe to Parent Unplugged for more honest conversations about parenting, motherhood, mental health and real family stories.

Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton joins Charis on Parent Unplugged for an incredibly raw conversation about motherhood, fame and her experience of postnatal depression. Natasha became a mum for the first time at just 20 years old, while Atomic Kitten were at the height of their success. Just six weeks after an emergency C-section, she was back at work - performing in heels, travelling the world and trying to adjust to a life that suddenly felt completely different. Behind the glamour, Natasha was struggling. She opens up about the loneliness she experienced as a young mum, the deterioration of her mental health and the terrifying thoughts she kept hidden from those around her - including believing that her children might be better off without her. For the first time, Natasha shares just how dark that period became and the fear that speaking honestly about her mental health could mean losing her baby. She also reveals what happened when her therapist recommended she take 6-12 months away from work, only for Natasha to be given two weeks - and how the pressure surrounding her career ultimately contributed to her decision to leave Atomic Kitten. Now a mum of five, Natasha reflects on becoming a mother again in her 40s, how her experiences of pregnancy and postnatal mental health have changed over the years, and why asking for help can be one of the most important things a mother can do. This is a conversation about what can exist behind the picture-perfect exterior - and why no mother should feel ashamed to say she isn't okay. Subscribe to Parent Unplugged for more honest, unfiltered conversations about parenting, motherhood and the realities we don't talk about enough. 💚 Maternal Mental Health Support Research from Sport In Mind found that 88% of mothers say they struggled with their mental health after having a baby, while 84% believe there is still a stigma surrounding maternal mental health. For many mums, accessing help can be difficult. The research found that barriers include not knowing where to get support (44%), the cost of support (27%) and a lack of available services (24%). Sport In Mind is the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, providing free-to-access sports sessions for new mums, alongside sessions for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. Their Marching for Mothers campaign is helping to raise awareness of maternal mental health and the importance of accessible support for mums who are struggling. Find out more about - Sport In Mind: https://shorturl.at/meW4k Marching for Mothers: https://shorturl.at/aV47r ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of postnatal depression, mental health struggles and thoughts about not being here.

When Alex Jean received a frantic phone call telling her that her three-year-old daughter Ayda was in a lake, her first thought was: “She must be dead.” Ayda had never run off before. At the time, Alex had never even heard of autistic elopement or understood the particular risks that water can pose for autistic children. By the time Alex arrived home, emergency crews were fighting to save her daughter’s life. Ayda had been pulled from the water unresponsive and given CPR. At hospital, Alex was warned that even if she survived, she could be left with severe brain damage. What happened next was extraordinary. In this episode of Parent Unplugged, Alex takes Charis through the terrifying events of that day, Ayda’s remarkable recovery, and the lasting trauma of almost losing her child. She also explains what she has since learned about autistic elopement and water safety, the measures she now takes to keep Ayda safe, why she believes families need greater awareness and access to swimming lessons, and the judgement parents can face when a child elopes. Following the devastating death of three-year-old Noah Woods, Alex also shares why his story brought everything flooding back - and why she has so much compassion for a family experiencing unimaginable loss. ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses child drowning, near-drowning and contains descriptions of a child in distress. Ayda survived and is alive and well today. #AutismAwareness #AutisticElopement #WaterSafety #ParentingPodcast #ParentUnplugged

Amy Hart joins Parent Unplugged to talk openly about her journey to motherhood - from fertility testing and freezing her eggs to experiencing two miscarriages, pregnancy after loss and adjusting to life with two young boys. Amy shares why she always knew she wanted to be a mum, how miscarriage changed the way she experienced pregnancy, the reality of going from one child to two, and why she’s already thinking about growing her family again. A warm, funny and honest conversation about fertility, loss, motherhood and learning to embrace the chaos while it lasts.

Ollie Locke joins Parent Unplugged to share the deeply personal journey that led him and his husband Gareth to becoming dads to their twins. From the challenges and financial pressures of surrogacy, to multiple failed pregnancies and losing six embryos, Ollie opens up about the heartbreak, uncertainty and moments when he wondered if fatherhood would ever happen for them. He shares how they eventually welcomed their twins, the terrifying experience of their premature birth, and what it was really like spending weeks in NICU. Ollie also talks honestly about becoming a parent, the unexpected challenges of raising twins, the importance of kindness and equality, and his hopes for his children growing up with two dads. This episode is an honest and emotional conversation about surrogacy, LGBTQ+ parenting, premature babies, NICU, fatherhood, fertility, parenthood and the long road to building a family. If you're considering surrogacy, navigating fertility struggles, parenting premature babies, or simply want to hear an honest story about the highs and lows of becoming a parent, Ollie's story is one you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Listen to the full episode of Parent Unplugged now.

What if pregnancy meant being violently sick up to 40 times a day, spending months bedridden, and questioning whether you could survive another day? This week on Parent Unplugged, Charis sits down with Amy Never, who shares the devastating reality of living with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) - a severe pregnancy illness that affects around 1% of pregnancies but is so much more than "morning sickness." Amy opens up about: Being bedridden for months and unable to keep even water down. Repeated hospital visits, feeling dismissed, and the trauma of spending hours in A&E. Losing weight, losing her confidence, and considering pregnancy termination out of sheer desperation. The emotional toll HG took on her marriage, career and identity. Why she believes women with HG deserve better support and understanding. Finding hope, healing and purpose after the darkest chapter of motherhood. This is an incredibly honest conversation about maternal mental health, invisible illness, the pressure of motherhood, and why so many women suffer in silence. Whether you've experienced HG yourself, supported someone who has, or simply want to better understand what some parents endure, this episode is an important listen. 🎧 Topics covered: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Pregnancy complications Maternal mental health Pregnancy trauma Miscarriage after-effects Career and motherhood Hospital experiences Support networks for mums Parenting after trauma Women's health awareness

When Francesca Amber found herself pregnant with twins during the pandemic, everything changed. Already a single mum, she suddenly faced losing her business, financial uncertainty, isolation, and the overwhelming reality of raising three children alone. In this honest conversation, Francesca opens up about the grief of losing the motherhood experience she imagined, why she struggled to bond with her twins, the guilt she still carries, and how she rebuilt her life one step at a time. Together, we explore single motherhood, identity, resilience, and what it really takes to keep going when life doesn't go to plan. Whether you're a single parent, feeling lost in motherhood, or simply navigating a difficult season, this episode is a reminder that it's possible to rebuild - even when everything feels like it's falling apart.

Ashleigh was diagnosed with OCD before becoming a mum, but when she fell pregnant with her daughter Aurora, her intrusive thoughts became all-consuming. In this powerful highlight episode, she opens up about the fear that her baby would die, the compulsions and constant reassurance-seeking that took over her pregnancy, and how the loss of her mum's baby before she was born shaped her deepest fears. She also shares the reality of her postpartum OCD, the terrifying health anxiety that followed Aurora's birth, and the guilt she carries over feeling like she couldn't fully enjoy those precious first weeks with her baby. But this is ultimately a story of hope. Ashleigh talks about finding the right treatment, having another baby, and learning that the thoughts that once consumed her don't have to last forever. A raw and honest conversation about OCD, intrusive thoughts, pregnancy, postpartum mental health, motherhood and finding your way back to yourself.

What happens when your dream of becoming a parent is met with heartbreak? In this deeply honest episode of Parent Unplugged, Peggy opens up about her IVF journey, the hope of finally seeing a positive pregnancy test, and the devastating moment everything changed. Peggy shares the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and the reality of navigating grief while sharing her story online. She also reflects on the unexpected support she found from complete strangers, the resilience it took to keep going, and why she's determined to help others feel less alone. This is a powerful conversation about hope, heartbreak, and finding strength when life doesn't go to plan. If you've experienced infertility, IVF, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss, we hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone. ❤️ Subscribe for more honest conversations about parenting, fertility, mental health and family life. #IVF #Miscarriage #PregnancyLoss #FertilityJourney #ParentUnplugged

Christine McGuinness opens up about raising three autistic children, receiving her own autism diagnosis, navigating motherhood, divorce and family life, and learning to embrace parenting on her family’s own terms.

This conversation contains sensitive topics including addiction, substance misuse, sexual assault, trauma, and postnatal mental health. Cat shares her story openly and honestly, including some difficult moments from her journey. Cat Sims opens up like never before about alcoholism, motherhood, recovery, undiagnosed ADHD, and the shame she carried for years behind a seemingly "normal" life. She shares the devastating moments that forced her to confront her addiction, how recovery transformed her marriage and parenting, and why understanding herself changed everything. This is an honest, powerful conversation about hitting rock bottom, finding hope, and proving that recovery is possible.

Mother of two autistic children Lisa opens up about the heartbreaking reality of masking, postnatal depression, feeling dismissed, school struggles, and learning to parent children with completely different needs. A powerful, honest conversation that every parent - and everyone supporting autistic families - needs to hear. 💜