Is He Actually Hurt… Or Just Avoiding School?
My Mum Just Exposed My Childhood
Half-Term Chaos, Mum Guilt & the Working Parent Juggle: Inside This Week’s Mum’s The Word Podcast
Parenting rarely goes exactly as planned and that’s exactly what Georgia Jones and Kelsey Parker spoke about in the latest episode of the Mum’s The Word podcast.
From half-term chaos to the constant pressure of balancing work and family life, the episode dives into one of the most relatable struggles for modern parents: how do you juggle being a parent, a partner and a professional without feeling like you’re failing at all three?
Here’s everything that happened in this week’s episode of Mum’s The Word.
The School Morning That Turned Into A Parenting Dilemma
The week’s episode began with Georgia sharing the story of a school morning that quickly spiralled into chaos.
After half-term finally ended, Georgia expected things to return to normal, but her son Cooper had other plans.
After stubbing his big toe badly, he couldn’t walk properly or even get a shoe on.
Suddenly Georgia was faced with one of the most common parenting dilemmas:
Is your child genuinely injured… or are they trying to get out of school?
As Georgia explains, deciding whether to send a child to school when they say they’re hurt can be surprisingly difficult.
Parents want to be supportive and caring, but they also know children can sometimes exaggerate injuries to avoid school or responsibilities.
Kelsey jokes that sometimes the only way to find out is to send them in anyway, because if they’re really hurt, the school will call.
The Reality Of Being A Working Parent
The situation also highlighted another challenge many parents face today: balancing work commitments with parenting responsibilities.
Georgia found herself juggling podcast recordings, work commitments and childcare all at once.
Because she works from home, Cooper often sees her sitting on her laptop or phone, which can make it difficult for children to understand that their parent is actually working.
Georgia explained that when you try to work while caring for a child at the same time, it can often feel like you’re doing two jobs badly instead of one job well.
This is a common struggle for many working parents, particularly those working remotely or running businesses from home.
Mum Guilt And The Pressure To Do Everything
One of the key themes of the episode is mum guilt, something Georgia admits she experiences often.
During half-term, she tried to keep working while also keeping Cooper entertained at home.
But the reality of trying to do both at the same time meant she felt stretched thin.
Kelsey offers a practical suggestion: planning ahead for school holidays.
Holiday clubs, activity camps and sports programmes can provide children with something fun to do while also allowing parents to focus on work.
However, both agree that even with planning, the pressure on parents today can feel overwhelming.
Modern parenting often comes with the expectation that you should be able to balance:
Work
Parenting
Friendships
Relationships
Social media
Home life
And somehow make it all look effortless.
Are Kids Too Busy These Days?
Another interesting part of the conversation explores how childhood has changed over the years.
Kelsey reflects on her own childhood, where half-term often meant simple days spent with family, watching television or walking to the local shop with her grandmother.
Today, children have access to endless activities, from trampoline parks and sports clubs to organised holiday camps and entertainment venues.
But more activities doesn’t necessarily mean better childhood experiences.
Both Georgia and Kelsey agree that being bored can actually be good for children.
When kids are bored, they often start to play creatively, build things or invent their own games.
For Cooper, boredom led to hours spent building dens in the house, something Georgia says kept him entertained for an entire afternoon.
Kelsey’s Half-Term Trip To Tenerife
While Georgia spent half-term juggling work and parenting, Kelsey had a very different week.
She travelled to Tenerife with her children while working on a collaboration with Jet2.
The hotel they stayed at was designed for families, with activities including:
Water parks
Climbing areas
Kids’ clubs
Surf machines
Gaming zones
Kelsey explains that places like this work so well for family holidays because children are constantly entertained — which gives parents a chance to relax too.
However, even on holiday, parenting never fully switches off.
The Truth About Social Media And Parenting
Towards the end of the episode, the conversation turns to social media and the assumptions people make online.
Kelsey shares that some followers messaged her asking whether she and her partner Will had split up simply because he didn’t appear in her holiday posts.
It’s a reminder that social media only ever shows small snapshots of real life.
Behind every perfect photo or video are the same everyday challenges most parents experience.
Juggling responsibilities, managing chaos and trying to keep everything running smoothly.
Why This Episode Resonates With So Many Parents?
The latest episode of Mum’s The Word highlights something that many parents feel but don’t always talk about openly.
There’s no such thing as perfectly balanced parenting.
Some days feel organised and productive. Other days start with stubbed toes, missed school runs and complete chaos.
But as Georgia and Kelsey remind listeners, that’s completely normal.
Parenting is messy, unpredictable and sometimes exhausting — but it’s also full of moments that make it all worthwhile.
“My Mum Just Exposed My Childhood…” – Georgia Jones’ Most Honest Episode Yet
The Mother’s Day Special of Mum’s The Word gets brutally honest, unexpectedly emotional… and seriously relatable.
What happens when you put your mum on a podcast… and let her tell the truth?
That’s exactly what Georgia Jones did in this Mother’s Day special of Mum’s The Word, and within minutes, her mum, Mumma Jean, was already spilling childhood secrets Georgia might have preferred to keep hidden.
From “you didn’t have a lot of chin, darling” to stories of passing out mid-tantrum, this episode is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, emotional reflections, and the kind of honesty only a mum can deliver.
“You Didn’t Have a Lot of Chin…” – The Baby Stories Get Brutal
Every parent says their baby is perfect… but Mumma Jean? Not quite.
In one of the episode’s funniest early moments, she describes Georgia as:
“covered in a lot of hair… on your ears, down your back”
and admits she “didn’t have a lot of chin”
It only gets worse (or better, depending how you look at it).
Georgia even reveals her grandad’s first reaction when meeting her:
“Oh, I suppose she’ll be alright. She’ll do.”
It’s the kind of brutally honest family humour that instantly makes this episode brilliant.
The Moment That Shocked Everyone: “She Held Her Breath Until She Passed Out”
But it’s not all laughs.
One of the most talked-about moments in the episode is when Jean reveals something genuinely shocking about Georgia as a child:
“You just held your breath until you passed out.”
Yes, actually passed out.
Jean recalls multiple terrifying incidents where Georgia, as a toddler, would get upset… hold her breath… and lose consciousness.
“It was petrifying.”
It’s a moment that hits every parent listening, that fine line between childhood behaviour and real fear, and the helplessness that can come with it.
Motherhood Across Generations: The Conversation That Hits Hard
Beyond the humour, this episode goes somewhere deeper.
Jean opens up about experiencing miscarriages both before and after having her daughters, describing how quickly life can change:
“You plan things differently… and then all of a sudden that’s taken away from you.”
It’s one of the most emotional parts of the episode, and a reminder of how Mum’s The Word continues to balance honesty, vulnerability and real-life parenting experiences.
“You Were Excelling… Just Not Where People Noticed”
Another standout moment comes when Georgia reflects on growing up alongside her sister, a high-achieving doctor, and feeling like she didn’t quite measure up.
But Mumma Jean quickly shuts that down:
“You were excelling in different things.”
It’s a powerful reminder for parents:
Success doesn’t look the same for every child.
And it’s exactly this kind of grounded, reassuring perspective that makes the episode resonate so strongly.
The Turning Point: How Mumma Jean Changed Georgia’s Life
One of the most defining stories in the episode?
The moment Jean pushed Georgia to enter Miss York, a decision that would ultimately lead to Miss England and Miss World.
Georgia admits she didn’t believe in herself at the time… but her mum did.
“Go on. What have you got to lose? Have a go.”
That “forceful nudge” changed everything, and it’s a powerful example of how parental belief can shape a child’s future.
Boyfriends, Chaos & Teenage Reality
Of course, no mother-daughter conversation is complete without teenage stories… and questionable boyfriends.
From:
the boyfriend who wore a hat all the time
to the one with no food in his fridge
to the one whose friends ended up smoking drugs in the garden
…it’s chaotic, hilarious, and painfully relatable.
As Jean puts it:
“I used to look forward to all these tales coming home.”
Final Thoughts: Funny, Emotional… and Very Real
This Mother’s Day special delivers exactly what you want:
Big laughs
Emotional honesty
Stories you definitely weren’t expecting
But more than anything, it’s a reminder that behind every parent…
there’s a story. And behind every child… there’s a mum who remembers everything.
THEY TWISTED MY WORDS AND I TOOK THE BACKLASH
‘They Twisted My Words… And I Took the Backlash’ 😳 Inside Georgia Jones & Kelsey Parker’s Most Honest Episode Yet
What happens when your words are taken out of context… and the internet runs with it?
This week on Mum’s The Word, Georgia Jones and Kelsey Parker deliver one of their most raw episodes yet, and it’s not just about mum life.
It’s about judgement, grief, online hate, and the reality behind the headlines.
😳 “That’s Not What I Said…” — When The Headlines Get It Wrong
The episode takes a powerful turn as Kelsey opens up about the backlash she faced after a headline completely twisted her words about grief.
What she actually shared was a deeply personal reflection on navigating loss as a mum, but the way it was reported told a very different story.
And the result? Online judgement, cruel comments, and people forming opinions without knowing the full truth.
Georgia doesn’t hold back either, calling out the damage these kinds of headlines can do, especially when people only read the top line and never the full story.
It’s a moment that hits hard, and one every parent (and honestly, every social media user) will relate to.
💻 The Reality of Online Judgement (And Why Everyone Has an Opinion)
From parenting choices to everyday decisions, this episode highlights something we’ve all experienced: unsolicited opinions.
Kelsey shares how she was criticised simply for getting her dog professionally trained, something completely normal, yet it still sparked backlash online.
Because in today’s world, it feels like:
Everyone has an opinion
Everyone feels entitled to share it
And no one stops to think before judging
Georgia sums it up perfectly, most of that judgement says more about the person commenting than the person being judged.
💔 Grief, Strength & The Things People Don’t See
At the heart of this episode is something much deeper.
Kelsey speaks candidly about loss: from losing her husband to experiencing the heartbreak of losing her baby and the complexity of navigating that while raising children.
It’s honest.
It’s emotional.
And it’s a reminder that: You never really know what someone is carrying.
Georgia reflects on how easy it is for the outside world to misinterpret moments, especially when only a snapshot is shown online.
And together, they highlight the importance of showing the real side of life and not just the polished version.
😂 From Heavy To Hilarious: Kids, Crushes & Growing Up Too Fast
Just when things get emotional, the episode brings it back to what Mum’s The Word does best: real-life parenting moments.
Georgia shares the adorable (and slightly shocking) moment she realised Cooper might be growing up… fast.
From cuddling on the sofa with a little “girlfriend” to full-on blushing and early signs of puberty.
It’s equal parts cute, awkward, and so relatable.
Kelsey joins in with her own stories of childhood “relationships,” proving that even at a young age… kids have big feelings.
🙈 “We Listen & We Don’t Judge” — The Mum Fails We All Needed
And of course, the episode wraps with the fan-favourite segment:
We Listen & We Don’t Judge
This week’s listener stories are full of classic mum fails: the kind that feel mortifying in the moment but hilarious afterwards.
From things going completely wrong to those “why did I do that?!” parenting decisions, it’s a reminder that:
👉 No one gets it right all the time
👉 Every mum has those days
👉 And sometimes, all you can do is laugh
💬 The Takeaway: No One Has It All Figured Out
If there’s one thing this episode makes clear, it’s this:
No one’s life is perfect, no matter what it looks like online.
Behind every post, every headline, every “perfect” moment… there’s real life, real struggles, and real emotions.
And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is:
Be honest
Be kind
And stop judging
🎧 Listen Now
If you’ve ever:
Felt judged as a parent
Questioned your decisions
Or been misunderstood
This episode is for you.
Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and catch up with Georgia & Kelsey on Mum’s The Word.
“Becoming Dads Overnight Changed Everything"
“We Took Him From His Foster Mum… And Felt Like the Worst People” The Emotional Reality of Becoming Dads
Kelsey Parker sits down with Matthew and Ryan Mackinnon to uncover the truth about adoption, guilt, and becoming parents overnight — and it’s not what you think.
Becoming a parent is life-changing… but what happens when it happens overnight?
This week on Mum’s The Word, Kelsey Parker is joined by Matthew and Ryan Mackinnon, hosts of Daddies Overnight, who share their extraordinary journey into fatherhood through adoption. And while their story is full of love, laughter and joy, it also comes with a side of parenting that isn’t often talked about.
From navigating the realities of adoption to confronting unexpected guilt and emotional challenges, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really means to become parents in an instant.
“We Became Dads Overnight” — But Nothing Could Prepare Us
Matthew and Ryan’s story starts like many modern relationships: building a life together, creating content online, and talking about the future.
But as a same-sex couple, the conversation around children came with added layers.
Do you want kids?
How do you have them?
And when is the right time?
After exploring both surrogacy and adoption, the pair quickly realised that the path to parenthood wasn’t as straightforward as they’d imagined.
Surrogacy, often glamorised online, came with unexpected complications, legal hurdles and eye-watering costs. Adoption, on the other hand, was something they initially misunderstood.
But one conversation changed everything.
The Adoption Myth That Needs Debunking
Like many people, Matthew and Ryan had preconceived ideas about adoption: that it would be difficult, restrictive, or even inaccessible.
The reality?
Completely different.
They describe being welcomed with open arms by adoption agencies and quickly realising just how many children are in need of loving homes.
It’s a powerful moment in the episode, as Kelsey reflects on the emotional weight of that reality, and how misunderstood adoption still is.
Because behind every statistic is a child waiting for a family.
“We Felt Like Bad People” The Guilt No One Talks About
One of the most emotional parts of the episode comes when Matthew and Ryan describe the moment they brought their son home.
It should have been pure joy.
But instead… it was complicated.
Because their son had already been loved.
Deeply.
By his foster carer.
Taking him home didn’t just feel like gaining a child, it felt like taking him away from someone else.
They describe feeling overwhelming guilt, despite knowing they were giving him his forever home.
And it’s this honesty that makes the conversation so powerful.
Because this side of adoption, the emotional complexity, the conflicting feelings, is rarely spoken about.
The Reality of Foster Care (And Why It Matters)
The episode also shines a light on the incredible role foster carers play.
Kelsey shares her own emotional experience of witnessing foster families in action, highlighting just how much love, care and sacrifice goes into looking after children, often knowing they will eventually have to say goodbye.
It’s a reminder that adoption doesn’t start at “forever”.
It starts with people who step in during the hardest moments.
And without them, the system simply wouldn’t work.
From Emotional Chaos to Everyday Parenting
Of course, it’s not all heavy.
In true Mum’s The Word style, the episode balances emotion with relatable parenting chat: including one detail that will make every parent listening slightly jealous…
Their son sleeps.
Really well.
We’re talking full nights. Long naps. No drama.
Naturally, Kelsey (and every parent listening) can’t quite believe it.
But beyond the sleep routines, what shines through is how much Matthew and Ryan adore their new life as dads, and how quickly that bond formed.
Would They Do It Again?
With such an intense and emotional journey, the question naturally comes up…
Would they adopt again?
Their answer is honest, funny, and very relatable: especially for any parent who knows that no two children (or sleep schedules) are ever the same.
Why This Episode Matters
This isn’t just a story about adoption.
It’s a story about:
Challenging misconceptions
Redefining what a family looks like
The emotional realities no one prepares you for
And the fact that there’s no single “right” path into parenthood
Most importantly, it’s a reminder that behind every parenting journey, no matter how it begins, is love, learning, and a lot of figuring it out along the way.
“Mum Life Isn’t Slowing Down… Georgia Jones & Kelsey Parker on Parenting Chaos, School Stress & Real Life"
“Why Does Everything Feel So Chaotic Right Now?”
If you’ve ever felt like life is just one long to-do list with no pause button? this episode of Mum’s The Word will hit home.
Georgia Jones and Kelsey Parker are back for a refreshingly honest catch-up, diving straight into that feeling so many parents are experiencing right now… total exhaustion.
From unpredictable weather to endless school runs and work that never stops, both mums admit things just feel a bit flat, and like everyone is running on empty.
School Holidays, No Plans & The Pressure to “Do It All”
With Easter holidays looming, the reality sets in fast:
what do you actually do with the kids for weeks on end?
Georgia admits she hasn’t planned anything, something every parent can relate to, while Kelsey embraces the chaos of having the kids at home.
It perfectly sums up the classic parenting divide:
One mum craving structure (and maybe a bit of peace)
The other leaning fully into the madness of it all
But underneath it all is a shared truth:
life doesn’t stop when the kids are off school.
Work, responsibilities, and the mental load just keep going.
Swimming Lessons, Verrucas & The Real Parenting Struggles No One Talks About
Then comes one of the most relatable conversations of the episode… school swimming lessons.
From last-minute requirements to the logistics of getting everything ready, it quickly turns into a full-blown parenting stress.
Georgia shares her very real fear of swimming pool floors (honestly, same), from:
Wet changing rooms
Barefoot kids
The dreaded verruca anxiety
It’s the kind of everyday detail that rarely makes it into the “perfect mum life” you see online — but is very real for parents.
“The Work Doesn’t Stop”: The Mental Load of Modern Mum Life
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is just how relentless modern parenting can feel.
Even during school holidays, there’s:
Work commitments
Life admin
Emotional load
And the constant juggling act of it all
Georgia sums it up perfectly: there’s no real “break,” just a different kind of busy.
Meanwhile, Kelsey leans into the chaos, joking that adding more to her plate is just part of her personality, a sentiment many mums will recognise.
We Listen & We Don’t Judge Returns
Of course, it wouldn’t be Mum’s The Word without a bit of listener honesty.
The fan-favourite segment “We Listen & We Don’t Judge” is back, bringing those unfiltered parenting moments that remind everyone they’re not alone.
Because behind every “perfect” mum online…
there’s usually a bit of chaos, compromise, and winging it.
The Reality of Mum Life? Messy, Funny & Non-Stop
This episode is a reminder that mum life isn’t about having everything figured out.
It’s:
Last-minute school prep
Half-planned holidays
Constant tiredness
And finding humour in the chaos
And maybe that’s the point.
Because sometimes, just hearing someone else say “this is a lot” is exactly what you need.
“BLENDED FAMILIES ARE NOT WHAT YOU THINK" Kelsey Parker & Lauren Adamson Reveal The Brutal Truth
Blended families might look picture-perfect online… but according to Kelsey Parker and Lauren Adamson, the reality is far messier, and a lot harder than people think.
On the latest episode of Mum’s The Word, Kelsey sits down with Lauren, host of the chart-topping podcast Nip Tuck, and from the very first moment, the honesty is brutal.
👉 “Half the time it’s a shit show… and the other half is just a smaller one.”*
Not exactly the fairytale version you see on social media.
From Quiet Life… To FIVE Kids Overnight
Lauren opens up about the reality of going from a calm, quiet home… to suddenly becoming part of a blended family with five children.
Yes, five!
Between her and husband James, the household includes:
A baby
Multiple young children
Different routines
And a lot of moving parts
And while it might sound wholesome, the transition wasn’t exactly smooth.
👉 “You’re suddenly expected to just be a family… but you don’t even really know each other yet.”
“There Are A LOT Of Opinions…” — The Hidden Pressure No One Talks About
It’s not just about the kids.
With blended families comes something else entirely:
Other parents.
Ex-partners. Different parenting styles. Clashing routines.
And, as Lauren puts it… “a lot of opinions.”
It’s a side of family life that rarely gets discussed publicly, but one that adds a whole new level of pressure behind the scenes.
The Instagram Illusion… And The Truth Behind Closed Doors
Scroll social media and you’d think blended families slot together effortlessly.
But Lauren is clear:
That’s not real life.
Behind the photos are:
Adjustments that take time
Relationships that need to be built
And moments that are far from perfect
👉 “It hasn’t been easy.”
Simple as that.
The Reality Of Life With Five Kids? Holidays, Chaos… And Staying Close To Home
If you’re imagining glamorous family holidays? Think again.
With seven people to organise, even getting away becomes a logistical nightmare.
Flights? Expensive.
Planning? Stressful.
Solution?
👉 “We’re going to Wales.”
Relatable.
Parenting In 2026: “People Are Mean… That’s Life”
The conversation quickly turns to modern parenting and whether kids today are being too protected.
Kelsey doesn’t hold back when it comes to how she handles school drama.
👉 “People are mean. That’s life. You’ve got to get on with it.”
It’s a no-nonsense approach that’s bound to divide opinion: but one both women agree is necessary to raise resilient kids.
Are “Boy Mums” Creating A Generation Of Man-Children?
And then comes the moment that will definitely get people talking…
Lauren shares her honest take on raising boys and whether mums might be doing too much for them.
From doing everything for them growing up… to the knock-on effect in adult relationships, it’s a conversation that’s equal parts funny and uncomfortably accurate.
“No One Has It Figured Out”
If there’s one takeaway from the episode, it’s this:
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — especially in a blended family.
It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s complicated.
But it’s also real.
And maybe that’s why this conversation hits so hard.
“I LOVE MY KIDS BUT I DON’T ALWAYS LOVE BEING A MUM" Georgia Jones & Kelsey Parker Get Real About Parenting Truths
It’s the confession every mum thinks but rarely says out loud… and now it’s finally been said.
On the latest episode of Mum’s The Word, Georgia Jones and Kelsey Parker have gone there: admitting that while they adore their children, they don’t always love being a mum.
And honestly? It’s the most relatable thing you’ll read all day.
🚗 SCHOOL RUN DRAMA & “TERRITORIAL” PARENTS
The episode kicks off with pure chaos, and if you’ve ever done a school run, you’ll feel this in your soul.
Georgia reveals she had an awkward confrontation with another parent over parking, joking that some people seem to “patrol the streets” looking for drama.
From zig-zag lines to driveway stand-offs, it quickly becomes clear:
the school run isn’t for the weak.
📚 PARENTS’ EVENING… AND A HUMBLING REALITY CHECK
Things don’t get any easier inside the classroom either.
Georgia opens up about parents’ evening.eexpecting glowing feedback, only to be told her child’s weakest subject is… the very one she helps with.
Yes. English. 😬
And it gets worse: the pair admit they’ve had to Google basic grammar terms like adjectives.
So if homework makes you feel like you’re back in school yourself… you’re not alone.
📱 KELSEY SPEAKS OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURE
In a more emotional moment, Kelsey reveals why she’s been noticeably quieter online.
“It’s been a really hard time… I just needed a bit of a break.”
She explains the pressure of constantly being watched, where every post can be picked apart, and why showing up authentically isn’t always as easy as it looks.
And in a world of perfectly curated feeds, both agree:
👉 Most of it just isn’t real.
They even joke that Instagram needs a “BS filter” to flag fake perfection.
🤯 THE CONFESSION EVERY PARENT FEELS (BUT WON’T SAY)
But the biggest moment? The one that stops you in your tracks.
Georgia admits:
“I’ll always love my child with everything… but sometimes I don’t love being a mum.”
Kelsey immediately agrees calling it a completely normal feeling.
From cancelled plans because your child is sick, to the constant exhaustion and pressure… it’s a side of parenting that rarely makes it onto Instagram.
And yet, it’s the realest part.
🍫 SNACK WARS, TAKEAWAY GUILT & “WINGING IT”
Of course, it wouldn’t be Mum’s The Word without a bit of chaos.
The pair clash over kids’ snacks: with Georgia firmly in the “everything in moderation” camp, while Kelsey admits she’s gone down a deep rabbit hole researching food and ingredients.
Cue debates over:
Processed snacks vs homemade
Whether Oreos are basically “chemicals”
And if £20 for a Nando’s is borderline criminal 😅
Spoiler: no one has it fully figured out.
💬 “WE’RE ALL JUST DOING OUR BEST”
If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this:
👉 Parenting is messy.
👉 No one gets it right all the time.
👉 And behind every “perfect” mum online… there’s probably chaos off camera.
From school gate showdowns to social media struggles and those brutally honest thoughts we never say out loud.
Georgia and Kelsey prove that sometimes, the most comforting thing is knowing you’re not the only one finding it hard.
And maybe… just maybe… that’s exactly what mums need to hear.
TALIA MAR SAYS PREGNANCY WAS "HELL" AS SHE’S BRUTALLY HONEST ABOUT HYPEREMESIS, AUTISM DIAGNOSIS AND WHY HAVING A DAUGHTER CHANGED EVERYTHING!
Talia Mar has lifted the lid on the reality of new motherhood and she's not holding back.
The singer joined host Georgia Jones on the latest episode of Mum's The Word and delivered one of the most candid conversations the podcast has ever seen.
From a pregnancy she describes as "hell" to navigating life as a neurodivergent mum, Talia, who welcomed daughter Juni in mid-2025, opened up about the parts of motherhood nobody puts on their Instagram grid.
'I NEED THIS BABY TO EXIT IMMEDIATELY'
If you were expecting Talia to gush about the magical glow of pregnancy, think again.
The singer revealed she suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy sickness, throughout her pregnancy, telling Georgia: "I was going through all my notes on my NHS app and it's just hyperemesis, hyperemesis, hyperemesis."
"You kind of get used to feeling like the worst thing in the world," she admitted. "And then the back pain hits, and then you get lightning crotch…"
Georgia, who escaped the sickness herself, was quick to sympathise and the pair shared a moment that will resonate with every woman who has ever been told that excruciating pregnancy symptoms are "completely normal."
"If it was a man experiencing these things, they'd be like, 'We will hospitalise you, put you on a drip, send you for physio,'" Georgia pointed out. "Whereas we just get on with it."
Talia eventually chose to be induced, a decision she made entirely on her own terms. "I was like, I need this baby to exit immediately”
And the birth itself? Talia might be the first guest in Mum's The Word history to say she actually enjoyed it. "I love birth. Had an epidural. I had a great time."
THE SONG SHE HAD TO WRITE
Becoming a mother to a daughter sparked something in Talia that found its way straight into the recording studio.
Her new single Lady, available now on all platforms, was the first song she wrote after having Junie, and it came from a deeply personal place.
"I'm now not only upset that I've experienced certain things. I'm now fearful that this is going to continue on, and that the child I have is going to follow in the same footsteps," she told Georgia.
She spoke candidly about the experiences that shaped the track: from street harassment to the uncomfortable truth that a whole generation of women simply accepted behaviour that was never acceptable.
"My pure existence is an issue for some people," she said. "I turned up today in a mini skirt and I've already had catcalls. Why should we even have to think about how we're dressing?"
Georgia agreed, admitting: "Back when I was younger, you just accepted it. If a man groped you in a club, you'd be like, 'It is what it is.' Which is literally mind-blowing now."
Talia describes Lady as bittersweet. "It's hopeful, but it's also like why do we have to hope for this? It should just be the norm."
'I'VE ESSENTIALLY REWIRED MY OWN BRAIN'
In one of the episode's most powerful moments, Talia opened up about receiving an autism diagnosis in her mid-twenties and how it reframed her entire life.
"I'd always known," she admitted. She recalled a school lesson on autism aged nine or ten where she turned to the person next to her and said, "I don't really understand autism, everyone does these things." Their response? "No, no, I don't."
The formal diagnosis finally came after a panic attack at a club led her to therapy. When her therapist kept searching for a root cause, Talia had a moment of clarity: "There is no causal situation. I wasn't triggered by something that happened in my childhood. I'm just autistic."
Her assessor noted that she had essentially spent her whole life doing the work herself. "He said, 'It's really common in women, but you've essentially rewired your own brain to mask and cope.'"
She also opened up about self-administering exposure therapy for social touch, something she had always found deeply uncomfortable. "I would go into situations and just say, 'Oh, I'm a hugger,' and then I'd hug. I did it with every issue I saw in myself."
Georgia, visibly moved, pointed out the silver lining: "You're going into motherhood loaded with all of this information and knowledge, which is lovely for Junie."
NEURODIVERGENT MOTHERHOOD AND COPING WITH OVERSTIMULATION
Talia was refreshingly honest about the challenges of being an autistic mum to a newborn, an experience she describes simply as "hard."
"I went into it expecting it, and I had my plans," she said, revealing that she kept headphones by her bed during night feeds to manage overstimulation. "I just wasn't going to give myself the opportunity to have the stimulation of her cry."
She also praised her husband Simon, who she suspects may be undiagnosed ADHD, for instinctively knowing when she needs to step away. "He can sense it pretty quickly."
Now, she says, she has found her rhythm. "As long as she's safe, I can step out for 30 seconds, regulate, and back in we go."
'SCREEN TIME IS A WEAPON AND I WILL PICK MY BATTLES'
As a lifelong gamer, Talia had some strong opinions on the screen time debate and she's firmly in the pro-gaming camp.
"A lot of people don't realise that your dexterity's getting worked, your decision-making, you are developing skills while playing games," she said. "People think, 'Oh, it's a screen, there can't be anything good that comes from that.' And it's just not true."
She also gave Georgia some invaluable intel on Minecraft, confirming that yes, you absolutely can pause mid-game in most modes without losing progress. Georgia's eight-year-old son Cooper will not be pleased.
"I've just ruined his next few years," Talia laughed.
Her overall take? "Screen time is a weapon, and I will pick my battles."
LITTLE JUNI FOR FUTURE PRIME MINISTER?
The episode ends on a high, with Georgia declaring that baby Juni, who the pair agree has already won the genetic lottery, could one day be Prime Minister.
"Maybe she can change the world for us," Georgia said.
"This could be part of her campaign speech," Talia laughed.
We'd vote for her.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Mum's The Word with Georgia Jones and Talia Mar now, available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major podcast platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow @mumstheword_pod on socials.
'I'm Not Scared of Dying' Georgia Jones & Kelsey Parker Get DEEP on Old Souls, Fear & Why Kids Are Smarter Than We Think
Kelsey Parker leaves Georgia Jones stunned with bombshell confession about death — as she reveals shock theory that her kids 'chose' her as their mum
She opened up in the most spiritual episode of Mum's The Word yet — admitting she believes she's nearing the end of her soul's journey
KELSEY PARKER has left fans open-mouthed after making a string of jaw-dropping confessions on the latest episode of her hit podcast Mum's The Word.
She stunned co-host Georgia Jones as she casually revealed she has ZERO fear of death — before dropping an even bigger bombshell about her children.
"I'm not scared of dying, no," Kelsey declared, leaving Georgia visibly shocked.
When pressed further, the brunette beauty went on to reveal her belief that her two kids — Aurelia, six, and Bodhi, five — actively chose her to be their mum before they were even born.
"I believe my children chose me for a reason," she told a stunned Georgia. "On a soul level, yeah."
'SHE'S LIVED LIVES BEFORE'
But Kelsey wasn't done there. The podcast host went on to claim that little Aurelia is an "old soul" who has lived multiple lifetimes already.
"What Aurelia comes out with, I'm like, 'You have been here before,'" Kelsey insisted. "There's stuff she knows, Georgia. I've not taught her it. There's just no doubt."
She even went as far as to suggest she herself may be reaching the end of her own reincarnation cycle — telling Georgia she could "transcend" and become a guardian angel in her next existence.
A baffled Georgia, could only laugh: "Kels, you never fail to surprise me with things that come out your mouth."
HALF-MARATHON HEARTBREAK
Elsewhere in the explosive episode, Georgia brelived her recent half-marathon — revealing she sobbed her way through the entire 13.1 miles.
She admitted three "intimidating" girls in the toilet queue almost made her quit before she'd even started.
"Standing behind them, hearing them talk like that, I was just a bit like, 'Oh God, maybe I can't do this,'" she confessed.
But the real tear-jerker came when Georgia revealed she ran the entire race alongside two strangers raising money for a brain tumour charity — the very cause closest to Kelsey's heart.
"As soon as I saw them, I was like, 'Oh my God, how weird,'" Georgia recalled. "We ran at the exact same speed the entire time."
iPAD WARS
The pair didn't hold back as they tore into modern parents who hand their kids iPads at the dinner table — with Kelsey branding the practice a major no-no in the Parker household.
"I think going out for a meal with your child is a privilege," she fumed. "That's the time where you all learn."
But Georgia bravely pushed back, admitting she sometimes lets son Cooper play on his Nintendo Switch when she's out for dinner — just so she can have "five minutes of adult conversation".
FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER
Kelsey also used the episode to announce that her annual Tom Parker Foundation football match is returning to Bromley FC on May 17th — with Jay McGuiness from The Wanted presenting, plus stars from The Traitors, Love Island and Married At First Sight all set to attend.
This year, the proceeds will be split between brain tumour charity Ahead of the Game, the Lily Mae Foundation for stillborn babies, and individual families in need.
Listen to the full episode of Mum's The Word wherever you get your podcasts.
Holly Hagan-Blyth Reveals Her Husband Has NEVER Heard Her Fart in 10 Years and It's the Real Reason She Won't Give Birth Naturally
The former Geordie Shore star got brutally honest about pregnancy, poo phobias and grief in an emotional episode of Mum's The Word
Holly Hagan-Blyth has opened up about the surprising reason she's too terrified to have a natural birth and it has nothing to do with the pain.
The former Geordie Shore star admitted on the latest episode of Mum's The Word with Kelsey Parker that her fear of pooing during labour is so extreme she'd rather be "cut open" than push.
And in a jaw-dropping confession, Holly revealed that her husband Jacob has never once heard her break wind in their entire ten-year relationship.
"My husband has not heard me fart in 10 years," Holly told a stunned Kelsey. "I've never farted once in 10 years."
When Kelsey pushed for more details, Holly explained that during pregnancy she waits for Jacob to leave for the gym before using the toilet on holiday and has even asked him to sit on the balcony with music on so she can go in peace.
"Sometimes I'll say, 'Right, I'm actually desperate. Will you go and sit on the balcony and put your music on and just not listen?'" Holly said. "This is 10 years in. I just can't. It's just who I am."
The mum-of-one, who shares son Alpha Jax with husband Jacob Blyth, admitted the phobia goes all the way back to childhood.
"I've had this since I was a child. I used to hide behind the sofa, and I've never got over it," she laughed.
Kelsey was quick to diagnose the issue: "So you won't actually give birth because you're worried. It's actually not you being in control. That's what you're scared of."
Holly agreed, admitting: "I won't push properly, 'cause I know I'll feel like I'm gonna poo."
Holly's planned C-section and why she's 'terrified' of natural birth
Holly, who had a planned caesarean section with Alpha Jax at 39 weeks, confirmed she'll be doing the same this time around, and even if she goes into early labour, her answer will stay the same.
"She did say, 'If you start going into labour, what do you wanna do?' I was like, 'Still, please, cut the baby out,'" Holly recalled.
When Kelsey pointed out the irony of being comfortable with major surgery but not natural birth, Holly didn't hold back.
"I just think being sore from the stomach is easier than being sore from a place I need to use every day," she said.
Holly also revealed that Alpha Jax weighed 8lb 9oz at 39 weeks, meaning he could have been a 10-pounder had she gone to full term.
Despite Kelsey's insistence that she "could've easily got that out," Holly wasn't convinced.
The baby name that left fans in stitches
The pair also discussed Holly's viral baby name reel, which saw husband Jacob react in horror to her shortlist for baby number two.
Among the contenders were Honey, Alessia Wild Bloom (with a Y, naturally), Octavia, Delta, to match Alpha Jax, and Miley.
Holly confirmed the name they've actually chosen is "very normal" and "more popular in America," but refused to reveal it on air after Kelsey's first guess of Riley came too close for comfort.
"Don't guess anymore, 'cause I'm scared," Holly laughed. "I can't lie."
She also shared the sweet story behind Alpha Jax's name, explaining she'd always loved Jax but wanted something unique. The family call him "Moomin" day-to-day, and Holly admitted they did worry about the pressure of giving a child such a strong name.
"We did feel like we were putting a big bit of pressure on him for his personality," she said. "But he is Alpha Jax. He pulls his name off so well."
Holly's emotional update on grief after losing her sister
The conversation took a more emotional turn when Holly spoke about losing her younger sister six months ago.
In one of the most powerful moments of the episode, Holly pushed back against people who told her that grief would "hit" her at a certain point.
"People would message me and be like, 'Make sure you take some time for yourself, because it'll hit you in six months,'" she said. "And I'm sat there panicking, 'cause I've never gone through grief before. I'm thinking, 'Oh my God, I'm gonna have a mental breakdown.'"
Holly explained that she had to remind herself that showing up and staying strong was her way of coping, not a sign that she wasn't grieving properly.
"Just because I'm showing up and being strong doesn't mean that I'm not grieving. I'm just finding different ways to grieve," she said. "I've got children, and I've got a family to support, and that is my driver."
Kelsey related deeply to Holly's experience, sharing her frustration at people projecting their expectations onto how grief should look.
"People online just look at them few minutes and you're like, 'Are you actually joking?'" Kelsey said. "Instagram, TikTok, a podcast, it's a minute of your life."
Holly also gave an honest update on her parents, revealing that losing their 19-year-old daughter has left them devastated and that her son Alpha Jax and the new baby on the way have given them a reason to keep going.
"They've said that themselves. They're like, 'I actually don't know if we would've wanted to continue in life,'" Holly shared. "To know that now they're needed because they're grandparents gives them that sense of purpose."
From Geordie Shore 'menace' to married mum-of-two
Holly also reflected on her journey from walking into the Geordie Shore house at just 18 years old to the woman she is today.
She revealed she applied after spotting a newspaper clipping about a UK version of Jersey Shore, and admitted she was "so naive" during her audition that she accidentally said everything producers wanted to hear.
"I said, 'Oh yeah, I've got a boyfriend, but he'll let me get with other people,'" Holly recalled, cringing. "The producers must've been rubbing their hands together."
The star also confessed to wearing nine pairs of eyelashes at once, stuck on with hair glue and left on for a month at a time.
"You know this clean girl era? I was the opposite of that," she joked. "I was dirty girl era."
While she doesn't regret the experience, Holly was clear that times have changed.
"I don't think 18-year-olds should be on TV," she said. "I'm glad I was allowed, because of what it's done for me. But I hope that no 18-year-old ever has to go into a situation like that."
How a Club biscuit addiction changed Holly's career
In one of the episode's most unexpected revelations, Holly shared that her passion for nervous system regulation and postpartum fitness actually started with a biscuit problem.
"I couldn't stop eating biscuits. I had a Club biscuit addiction," she laughed. "I was eating five to seven of those a day."
Holly explained that she eventually realised the crunching sensation was regulating her nervous system, something she later connected to her inattentive ADHD diagnosis.
"Every time I'm stressed with work, I'll go to the fridge, I'll get a biscuit, and I'll feel, for a moment, calm," she said. "I had to learn, well, okay, how do I become calm without the biscuits?"
That discovery led her to study nervous system regulation and launch her fitness and wellbeing business, though she admitted that having four million Instagram followers doesn't automatically translate to business success.
"Do you think any of them give a shit about the business that I have in fitness? None of them do," she said. "People think that I can start a business and all of a sudden just have so much success 'cause I've got four million followers, and it's hard."
Listen to the full episode of Mum's The Word with Kelsey Parker and Holly Hagan-Blyth, available now wherever you get your podcasts.
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Georgia Jones Admits She STILL Hasn't Sent Her Wedding Thank You Cards — Years Later — As She and Kelsey Parker Reveal the Parenting Struggles Every Mum Will Relate To
The Mum's The Word hosts got hilariously honest about homework meltdowns, mum guilt, and the five minutes of silence after school drop-off that feels like a spa day
Georgia Jones has made a confession that will either horrify you or make you feel infinitely better about yourself — she never sent out her wedding thank you cards. And years on, they're still sitting in a box.
The Mum's The Word host dropped the bombshell during the latest episode of the podcast alongside co-host Kelsey Parker, admitting: "Me and Danny never sent out our wedding thank yous. We got them all made. I had a list of what everyone had got for us. Never sent them."
Georgia revealed she'd planned to send them out on her 10th wedding anniversary as a joke — but that milestone has already been and gone too.
"I reckon half the people might be dead by the time I send them," she laughed, with Kelsey adding: "Thank you for the tea set. Sorry that she's dead."
Kelsey was quick to reassure her, saying she and late husband Tom Parker probably never sent theirs either: "I am thankful. I am grateful. I'm not gonna send you a card to then say again that I'm thankful. I'm just not that organised."
Danny was 'nearly in tears' after Cooper's first round of golf
The episode opened with Georgia sharing a surprisingly emotional moment from a family weekend — Danny, her dad and son Cooper playing their first ever round of golf together as three generations.
"Danny was nearly in tears when they got back," Georgia said. "He said, 'That was such a big moment for me to watch three generations all playing golf together.'"
She explained that the outing was particularly meaningful given that Danny's dad isn't on the scene and her own father never had a son, making Cooper the link between them.
"My dad's face on the videos — he just looks so proud," Georgia said. "When I was born, Dad was like, 'Well, I was kind of hoping for a boy, but I love you just the same, George.' So when Cooper came along, they became thick as thieves."
Georgia then admitted to feeling a small pang of jealousy — not at the golf itself, but at the significance of the bonding moment.
"Part of me was like, 'Oh, I wish I had an experience like that with Cooper,'" she said. "I don't think we'll ever be into the same things."
Kelsey reassured her that boys always come back to their mums for different things: "He will come to you for advice. That will be your time."
Kelsey's message to parents: 'Just choose to live'
Kelsey used the episode to share why she's been more vocal online recently about making the most of life — a perspective shaped by losing Tom.
"You're here once. Just choose to live your life. Do what you want. Don't hold back," she said. "The only person that's holding you back is you."
She told Georgia that she's always felt that way but has been expressing it more openly to encourage others, adding: "We are all in our own heads. If you sit in your own head sometimes, you think, 'Why have I just put that doubt into anything I'm gonna do?' You can do and be whatever you wanna be."
The pair then got into a candid discussion about the cost of living crisis and its impact on families, with Kelsey warning: "The mental health is gonna go through the roof. Your worst struggle in life is having a financial struggle. People are gonna be hitting rock bottom."
She also revealed she's been paying for private schooling — not out of preference, but because her work schedule means she could be called away at short notice: "If they were in a state school, I'm getting the fine and then the courts involved. So now I have to pay for the education of the children because of that reason."
'Just put all homework in the bin'
The pair were firmly united on their Top Five segment — things that shouldn't be homework — with both agreeing the list should simply be "everything."
"There's not even a top five," Kelsey said. "Just don't give the kids homework."
Georgia singled out maths as her number one nightmare, before moving on to craft-based projects that require parents to somehow produce a school model from materials they don't have.
"I'm very hot on recycling," she said. "So when something comes home saying, 'Can you build a pyramid?' I'm like, 'Well, we have no cardboard or containers to build a pyramid from.'"
This led to one of the episode's funniest moments — the pair pitching a hypothetical app where parents can order pre-made school projects at an age-appropriate standard.
"You go on there and go, 'Right, pyramids,' and then they send you a made pyramid," Kelsey said. "Like, 'Looks like a seven-year-old has made it.'"
Georgia added the crucial detail: "Shit, but not too shit."
They declared the idea legally theirs, with Georgia warning listeners: "If somebody copies us now from this podcast, this is mine and Kelsey's idea."
The moment Georgia asked if 'Brazilian' is a language
In what may be the episode's most viral moment, the pair were reminiscing about school languages when Georgia enthusiastically suggested learning "Brazilian" for a trip abroad.
Kelsey gently corrected her — they speak Portuguese in Brazil — leaving Georgia momentarily stunned.
"Is Brazilian not a language?" Georgia asked, before conceding: "I didn't do that well at school."
Kelsey, who attended performing arts school Italia Conti, wasn't far behind in the academic stakes, revealing she dropped French after years of lessons with no progress: "I've been with you since year seven and I have no idea."
Five minutes of silence after drop-off is 'basically a spa day'
Georgia also admitted to sitting alone in her car for five minutes after the school run on the first day back from Easter — simply to enjoy the quiet.
"No one's asking to do a back flip off anything. No one's asking me to get them a drink," she said. "I've got my podcast on. The heating is at the perfect temperature."
Kelsey agreed it was the small moments of peace that keep parents going, with both women bonding over the universal relief of a child-free car.
The episode also covered re-gifting presents, skipping the school newsletter, getting more excited about kids' films than the children themselves, and whether a cancelled plan is secretly the best thing that can happen to a parent.
I didn't even like being a mum': Claire Warren reveals the truth about early motherhood — and the contraceptive pill side effect that 'ruined' her experience with her first child
The @MyKindaMum creator opens up to Georgia Jones about mum guilt, the 'geriatric mother' label at 36, the mental load her partner doesn't see — and why stopping the pill changed everything.
Mum's The Word | Published May 2025
She's built a community of hundreds of thousands of mums by saying the things most parents think but are too afraid to say out loud. And now Claire Warren — the creator behind the hugely popular @mykindamum — has sat down with Georgia Jones for one of the most honest episodes of Mum's The Word yet.
From the moment she arrived (after train delays and multiple rescheduled recordings), Clare had the kind of energy that makes you feel like you've known her for years. But behind the warm laugh and razor-sharp humour is a mum who's been through it — and isn't afraid to admit it.
'I didn't like it, if I'm honest,' Clare told Georgia when asked about adjusting to life as a new mum. 'I went from 100 miles an hour, fast-paced career to suddenly sitting on the floor waiting for someone to roll over. It was really slow-paced and really dull.'
'I thought I'd be a stay-at-home yummy mummy, baking and doing crafts and loving it. No. It was dull. Really, really dull.'
It's the kind of admission that would have been unthinkable a generation ago — and it's exactly why Clare's content resonates with so many. She told Georgia she was 'terrified' when she first started posting honest takes on motherhood, convinced people would come for her and accuse her of being ungrateful. Instead? 'The vast majority was people going, "Me too. Me too."'
'Geriatric mother' — at 36
Clare became a mum at 36, making her what the NHS officially classifies as a 'geriatric mother' — a label both women agreed was nothing short of offensive.
'I was only 35, 36,' Clare said, visibly incredulous. 'You just can't take it any other way than offensively, can you?'
Georgia was equally unimpressed. 'We already have to do it all, and then you call us geriatric? Could you not have thought of a kinder word?'
Clare's partner, Darren, was 50 when their eldest was born — making him, as Georgia joked, 'definitely geriatric.' But Clare was quick to point out that age didn't give them any extra preparation. 'We didn't have any more clue about what we were doing than anybody else,' she said. 'Nothing prepares you for children. Nothing.'
The contraceptive pill revelation that left Clare 'furious'
Perhaps the most striking moment of the episode came when Clare revealed how stopping the contraceptive pill transformed her mental health.
Clare had suffered from serious anxiety for years — heart palpitations while washing up, sweating while sitting in a parked car, panic with no identifiable trigger. When her partner asked what she was anxious about, she couldn't answer. 'That's the point,' she said.
After her second child, she stopped taking the pill. And the anxiety vanished.
'I realised it had been this false hormone thing I'd been putting in my body since I was 18 years old. I felt so angry — it ruined my experience with my first child.'
Georgia related deeply, sharing that her own PMS and mood swings were 'next level' while on the pill and that she'd been on contraception from the age of 16. 'That's a really long time to be pumping your body with hormones that actually shouldn't be in there,' she said.
The pair also discussed the male contraceptive pill — which Clare revealed was invented and trialled years ago but shelved after men experienced side effects including anxiety and sleep disruption. The very same side effects women have been living with for decades.
'Because it was men, they decided we probably shouldn't roll that out,' Clare said. Georgia's response? 'Ooh, it makes me angry, that.'
The mental load: 'It's gone over 12 million views — because every mum relates'
If there was one theme that ran through the entire conversation, it was the mental load — and the fact that it falls disproportionately on mothers.
Clare referenced a recent reel she'd posted showing herself walking through the house doing laundry while a voiceover ran through the relentless internal monologue of a mum's brain. It's since had over 12 million views. 'The comments are just: this is me, this is me, this is me,' she said.
Georgia admitted the word 'resentment' has become part of her vocabulary since becoming a parent. She described the cycle familiar to millions of mums: asking your partner to do something, them not doing it, having to remind them, checking it's been done, and then feeling like a nag for the whole process.
'It could've just been one thing if I'd done it myself,' Clare agreed. 'But then we sit there going, there's too much stuff to do. Why has no one else noticed? It's this vicious circle. You can't get out of it.'
Key moments from the episode
Clare's daughter ate everything as a baby — then decided she 'only wants a ham sandwich'
Georgia admitted she didn't feel instant love for Cooper when he was born
Clare added Darren to the class WhatsApp group — his first message was 'What is this?'
Both mums agreed a solo supermarket trip now qualifies as self-care
Clare described a smear test waiting room as 'a relaxing holiday break'
Georgia confessed to forgetting a friend's name while sat directly opposite them
Clare's son pointed his willy straight up the first time he tried to wee standing
Clare is getting married in Yorkshire in just 10 days
'Sod everybody else': the feeding wars and why mums need to stop judging each other
Clare bottle-fed both of her children because she physically couldn't breastfeed — but said she still felt compelled to add disclaimers to any content showing a bottle in shot. 'I just thought, why are you defending yourself?' she said.
Georgia shared the story of a close friend whose nipples were 'ripped to shreds' from trying to breastfeed, yet who still felt pressure to continue. 'You're not winning any awards,' Georgia told her at the time. 'None of you are happy.'
Both women agreed the mum community can be fiercely competitive — particularly around feeding, sleeping, and birth choices — with mothers becoming 'quite aggressive towards people that have gone for another choice.' But Clare said the freedom that comes from dropping the judgment is life-changing.
'The freedom of not trying to preach, not trying to teach anybody anything — just listening, being supportive, having each other's backs — is so much better,' she said.
The Friday night check-in keeping their relationship alive
With a partner 13 years her senior who grew up in a very different parenting era, Clare admitted that navigating their relationship alongside raising two young children isn't easy. Their solution? A weekly Friday night check-in — steak, a bottle of red, kids in bed, and an honest conversation.
'We try to discuss things with an open mind and not get too defensive,' Clare said. Georgia called the idea 'so basic but brilliant,' admitting no one had ever told her they did anything similar with their partner.
Clare explained that the check-ins prevent small frustrations from building into bigger resentments — particularly when it comes to different parenting styles. 'We set a rule from the beginning: agree in front of the kids, chat about it afterwards. Don't undermine each other in front of the children.'
'A glass of red wine definitely helps as well.'
From baby-led weaning to 'Is anyone else finding this really hard?'
Before @mykindamum existed, Clare was running a completely different account — Feeding Their Futures — posting nutritious baby-led weaning recipes drawn from her experience running a gym and nutrition courses with Darren.
The only problem? Her daughter was still in that blissful phase where babies eat everything. 'I was in that bubble of having no idea what it was like to have a child that just says, "Mm, no thanks,"' Clare laughed.
When her daughter inevitably became fussy and Clare pivoted to simply asking, 'Is anyone else finding this really hard?' — the response was overwhelming. 'Everyone went, "Yeah, me." And I went, "Oh, right. Well, should we just talk about that instead?"'
The rest, as they say, is history — and a community of hundreds of thousands of mums who finally feel seen.
Kelsey Parker Reveals 'Secret Brother' Nobody Knew About as She and Georgia Jones Slam 'Disgusting' Geriatric Pregnancy Label in Explosive New Episode
The Mum's The Word hosts held nothing back as they tackled double standards, mum guilt, and the parenting moments no one talks about
Kelsey Parker has revealed she has a secret older brother — and even her co-host Georgia Jones had no idea he existed.
The Mum's The Word presenter shocked Georgia during their latest episode when she casually dropped that she doesn't just have two younger brothers, but an older brother called Sammy, 40, who she describes as her "mum's soulmate."
"He hates any attention," Kelsey explained. "He'd hate me talking about him right now. If you put me and him in a room and had to pair up siblings, you would not put us together."
Georgia was stunned. "Oh my God, I thought you just had the two young ones," she said, before dubbing Sammy "the enigma."
But it was the pair's conversation about having children later in life that really got heated.
'That Is Disgusting' — Georgia and Kelsey Slam Geriatric Pregnancy Label
The hosts didn't hold back when discussing the pressure women face around when to have children, with Kelsey revealing she was classed as a "geriatric pregnancy" when she was expecting her daughter Aurelia — at just 35.
"I wanted to go, 'F**k off,'" Kelsey said. "I'm not a geriatric."
"That is disgusting," Georgia fired back. "As if we're not going through enough already."
The pair pointed to Sienna Miller, 44, who was recently called "irresponsible" for having her second child at 41 — while male celebrities face zero scrutiny.
"Robert De Niro and Al Pacino had kids in their 80s and they didn't get judged at all," Georgia said. "It's complete double standards."
Kelsey then delivered a powerful moment, drawing on her own experience of losing husband Tom Parker to a brain tumour in 2022.
"Me and Tom had children in our 30s, and Tom's died," she said. "If people are worried about your parents being older, I just think it's absolutely irrelevant. You've no idea when that person's gonna die."
Georgia Admits She Left Cooper Twice in One Week — After He Begged Her Not to Go
Georgia opened up about the guilt of leaving her son Cooper behind while she jetted off to Ibiza for a work trip — only to leave him again the very next morning to visit her parents.
"He went, 'Don't ever leave me like that again,'" Georgia recalled. "Little did he know I was leaving him the next morning."
She admitted she couldn't bring herself to tell him that night: "I was like, 'I won't leave you like that again.' I mean, he wasn't upset. He was just jokey when he said it."
But Georgia was unapologetic about needing the time away, confessing she went home specifically to "be the child again."
"I need to be mothered, not be the mother," she said. "Mum cooks for me, gives me cuddles. And for some reason, Mum's toast is the best toast you've ever tasted."
She even had to call her dad for a lift home from the train station after a night out with friends — "just like the old days when we used to go to the discos."
'Periods, Babies, Menopause — We've Been Dealt a Tough Card'
The conversation took an emotional turn as Georgia and Kelsey reflected on the unique pressures women face at every stage of life.
"We start off with bloody periods when we're so young and don't even understand," Georgia said. "Then you have to grow a baby, have a baby, and then by the time you've finished raising a child, you bang into the menopause."
Georgia, who is approaching 40, admitted she's convinced she's already experiencing perimenopause, while Kelsey's mum went into menopause immediately after having her youngest son Maxwell at 41.
The pair agreed that women are "judged whatever we do" — whether it's having children young, waiting, choosing surrogacy, or deciding not to have them at all.
The Top 5 Things They Miss About Life Before Kids
In their regular top five segment, Georgia and Kelsey ranked the things they miss most about their pre-children lives — and it struck a chord.
1. Freedom — "Just that freedom to go anywhere and do anything," Georgia said, with Kelsey adding: "And not have to think about other humans."
2. Sleep — Georgia admitted she hasn't slept properly since having Cooper, partly because she's deaf in one ear and is hyper-alert at night.
3. Silence — Kelsey recalled checking into her hotel at the BAFTAs and filming a video saying "Do you hear that? Nothing."
4. Being Ill in Peace — "When you're sick, no one actually cares," Kelsey laughed.
5. Cheap Holidays — Georgia mourned the loss of adults-only hotels and affordable flights, accidentally calling them "child-free hotels" before being corrected.
'He Gets the Ick About My Dinner' — The Parenting Confessions That Had Them in Stitches
The episode's listener confessions segment — Listen and Don't Judge — delivered some standout moments.
One mum admitted her school asked for eco homework using only recycled materials, so she ordered everything off Amazon. Another confessed to watching Bluey without the kids — which both hosts fiercely supported. "Bluey's banging," Georgia declared.
But it was the dinner battles that really got Kelsey going. She revealed her children eat "everything" at school but refuse the same food at home, with one listener sharing that her five-year-old said he "got the ick" about his dinner.
"Where's he got the ick from to start off with?" Kelsey asked, before launching into her own rant about Aurelia and Bodhi eating all their roast potatoes at their nan's house but refusing them at home.
"I think they just love punishing us parents," Kelsey concluded.
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The full episode of Mum's The Word is available now wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the show on socials at @mumstheword_pod and subscribe on YouTube to watch the full episode.
Mum's The Word with Georgia Jones and Kelsey Parker releases new episodes weekly.
'Not Everyone Was Happy For Me': Phoebe Tomlinson Breaks Down The Cruel Trolling She Faced For Becoming A Young Mum — And The Heartbreaking Grief That Shaped Her
Louis Tomlinson's little sister opens up to Kelsey Parker about online hate, losing her mum at 12, and the eerie moment her daughter recognised a grandmother she never met
She's the proud mum to two-year-old Olive, one half of a famous set of twins, and — in her own words — a "Gen Z mum" who wouldn't change a thing. But when Phoebe Tomlinson sat down with Kelsey Parker on the latest episode of Mum's The Word, she didn't hold back about the brutal reality of becoming a mother in the public eye.
The model and podcaster, sister of One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, became a mum at 20 after welcoming daughter Olive with her footballer boyfriend. And while it was a dream come true, Phoebe admitted the moment she announced her pregnancy, the trolls came out in force.
'They Assume Your Baby Wasn't Planned'
Phoebe revealed that much of the online abuse boiled down to one thing: her age.
"They just judge you 'cause of your age, and they just assume that 'cause you're so young, your baby's not planned," she told Kelsey. But that couldn't have been further from the truth — Olive was very much planned, and motherhood was something Phoebe had always wanted.
The cruel comments ranged from claims her baby would "ruin her life" to suggestions that her life would "never be the same again." Phoebe's response? A defiant shrug.
"I just wanted to be a young mum. Who cares what people say?"
She admitted, though, that the hate stung more than she lets on. "When I did announce Olive, I say it doesn't affect me, but… this is so exciting and happy in my life, and not everyone was happy for me." Like so many of us, she confessed it's the negative comments that linger: "You read the 10 horrible ones, and then obviously there's thousands of amazing nice ones" — but it's the bad ones you remember.
The Grief That Made Her Grow Up Fast
The conversation took a deeply emotional turn as Phoebe and Kelsey — who lost her own husband, The Wanted singer Tom Parker, in 2022 — bonded over their shared experience of grief.
Phoebe was just 12 when she lost her beloved mum, Johannah, and only 16 when her older sister Félicité died suddenly. The double heartbreak, she says, forced her to grow up far quicker than her peers.
"When I was 19, I just felt like a little 30-year-old," she explained. "When you go through such traumatic events… it does alter your brain. And it just reminds you how short life is."
It's a feeling Kelsey knows all too well, and the pair agreed that living through loss strips away any fear of judgement — or even of death itself. Asked outright if she was scared of dying, Phoebe didn't hesitate: "No… I'm not scared of actually dying."
'Tell Kids The Truth' — Phoebe's Powerful Message On Grief
One of the episode's most moving moments came when Phoebe reflected on being shielded from the truth as a child while her mum was ill.
"I definitely feel like we were shut out," she said. "But I do think if you're straight-up and honest with kids, they respond better to that."
It's a lesson she's carrying into her own parenting. While conversations about her late mum and sister haven't come up with Olive yet — "she's still two" — Phoebe says she'll always choose honesty when the time comes.
The Spine-Tingling Moment That Left Phoebe Convinced
Perhaps the most goosebump-inducing revelation came when Phoebe described a moment that left her believing Olive has a connection she can't explain.
Despite never having spoken to her daughter about her late mum, Phoebe was stunned when Olive pointed at a photo in the living room and said one word: "Nanny."
"I've never really said to Olive that that was Nanny… I do feel like kids just know things," she said. Both mums agreed children are "so in tuned" with the world in a way adults lose as they grow up.
'Same Challenges, Same Ups And Downs'
For all the heavy moments, the episode was packed with warmth and laughter too — from the great Christmas debate (winter-lover Phoebe versus Christmas-sceptic Kelsey), to life with an identical twin, Daisy, who Olive has somehow never once mixed up with her mum.
But Phoebe's overriding message was simple: motherhood is hard, joyful and relentless at any age. Her most-hated question? "What's it like being a young mum?"
"It's the same as being a mum any age," she insisted. "Same challenges, same ups and downs. It's just the way people view you."
And on whether she feels she's missed out by having Olive so young? Phoebe couldn't have been clearer.
"I feel like the opposite."
Listen Now
The full episode of Mum's The Word is available now wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the show on socials at @mumstheword_pod and subscribe on YouTube to watch the full episode.
Mum's The Word with Georgia Jones and Kelsey Parker releases new episodes weekly.
Mum’s The Word host Georgia Jones admits she buys her parents cards signed ‘from your favourite daughter’ — as expert reveals 74% of parents DO have a favourite child
The podcaster got brutally honest about sibling rivalry, birth order and why she’s ‘the little princess’ of the family in a candid chat with broadcaster Catherine Carr
GEORGIA JONES has laid bare the cheeky rivalry she has with her doctor sister Lauren — admitting she winds up her mum and dad every year with birthday cards signed “from your favourite daughter.”
The Mum’s The Word host made the playful confession during a frank chat with award-winning broadcaster and author Catherine Carr, whose new book Who’s The Favourite? digs into the messy, fascinating world of sibling relationships.
And it turns out Georgia might be onto something. Carr revealed that studies suggest a whopping 74% of parents admit to having a favourite child — but only one in ten would ever say it out loud.
‘You love me more’
Georgia, who is mum to son Cooper, didn’t hold back about her dynamic with her high-achieving sister, telling listeners she’s long played “the little princess” while Lauren was the “golden girl” winning all the awards.
“Every year [I] buy either my mum or my dad a birthday card that says, ‘from your favourite daughter,’” she laughed. “It always makes them squirm… they’re like, ‘Oh, you know we love you both the same.’ And I’m like, ‘No, you don’t. You love me more.’”
The myth that’s stuck ‘like superglue’
Carr — who also hosts the hit podcast Relatively — was on a mission to bust some long-held family myths, and top of the list was the idea that only children are spoiled, selfish or “a bit weird.”
She traced the stereotype back to a Victorian-era figure who, she explained, drew wild conclusions from looking at happy litters of piglets and gathering dubious “data” on so-called peculiar children. The verdict has been disproved “almost every decade since,” she said — “and yet, that stuck like superglue.”
In fact, Carr argued, research suggests only children often make better friends because “they don’t take anyone for granted like siblings do.”
Why your siblings could outlast everyone
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment came when Carr explained the idea that first hooked her on the subject — that your sibling relationship could be the longest one of your entire life.
“Before your friends, before your lovers, after everyone else has gone… they might still be there,” she said, describing the realisation as feeling like she’d been “slapped round the face.” A bond, she pointed out, that could stretch across eight or nine decades.
‘You’re never born into the same family’
Carr also blew apart the assumption that siblings raised under one roof share the same childhood. Parents are older or younger, richer or poorer, more tired or more relaxed — meaning every child arrives into a subtly different world.
“You’re never born into the same family as your sibling,” she said — something Georgia admitted had completely changed how she sees her own upbringing.
Firstborns, favourites and the ‘maternity leave’ twist
The pair also tackled whether firstborns really are the brainboxes. Carr said studies show eldest children tend to score “ever so slightly higher” on IQ tests — but stressed it’s “not deterministic” and heavily shaped by culture.
She also shared an eye-opening detail she hadn’t clocked until writing the book: a firstborn in a typical family might effectively get three rounds of their mum’s maternity leave over the years, while later children get fewer — but gain older siblings as built-in mentors.
‘It’s a constellation’
The conversation ended on a note that left Georgia vowing to repeat it “to everybody.” Rather than seeing families as a rigid pecking order, Carr shared a family therapist’s image of a baby’s mobile — everyone connected, free to move and change, with the whole unit adjusting when one person shifts.
“It’s a constellation,” she said — prompting Georgia to declare it the perfect note to end on.
Catherine Carr’s book Who’s The Favourite? is out now in all good bookshops (you can’t miss the bright orange cover). Listen to the full episode of Mum’s The Word wherever you get your podcasts.
'It does things to my brain': Kelsey Parker and psychologist Dr Charlotte Armitage reveal the shocking truth about kids and screens
The Mum's The Word host and the expert behind Generation Zombie get brutally honest about why screens are harming a generation – and the statistics will make every parent think twice
She's never been one to hold back, and this week Kelsey Parker is doubling down on one of her most controversial parenting choices: banning screens for her children completely.
The Mum's The Word host, mum to five-year-old Aurelia and six-year-old Bodhi, made the confession during a candid sit-down with psychologist and psychotherapist Dr Charlotte Armitage – and the pair didn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths about what devices are really doing to a generation of children.
"They're under the bed, getting dusty right now," Kelsey revealed of her kids' iPads, admitting the only time screens come out is on a flight, when she'll download a film or two. "Other than that, we don't do them."
'It does things to my brain'
Kelsey, who runs a performing arts school, says she made the decision after watching her own daughter's behaviour change. The turning point? A heartbreaking admission from little Aurelia herself.
"When she'd get off the device, she would lose her temper, get really, really angry," Kelsey recalled. "And she actually said to me, 'Mummy, it does things to my brain.'"
For Kelsey, that was all the proof she needed. "It's actually cruel if I gave her an iPad, isn't it really, when she's expressing that?"
The statistics that will horrify you
Dr Armitage – the psychologist behind the critically acclaimed Generation Zombie and founder of Be Device Wise – backed up Kelsey's stance with figures that are nothing short of alarming.
According to the latest Ofcom Children's Media Lives Report, some children are now spending up to eleven hours a day glued to their screens. Even more shocking? Around 10% of children under the age of one already have access to a phone.
And it's not just the little ones. The worldwide average screen time, Dr Armitage says, now sits at six hours and forty minutes a day – with many teens racking up that total before and after school.
"And then we wonder why when they come to GCSEs, they're so nervous they can't do them," she warned.
The 'dopamine dummy' damaging young brains
So what's actually happening? According to Dr Armitage, short-form content delivers a hit of dopamine to the brain every few seconds – effectively wiring children to expect instant rewards for zero effort.
"The brain's expecting dopamine, and then when you take it away, the child can't sit still, can't control their own body," she explained. The result is a generation of kids arriving at school in what looks like withdrawal – unable to focus, struggling to make eye contact, and presenting with symptoms that can look strikingly like ADHD.
"It may be that they've spent so much of their early years on a device that they now present like they've got ADHD," Dr Armitage said – pointing out that a staggering 52% of the top ADHD videos on TikTok were found by psychologists to simply describe the normal human experience.
'They're not safe in their own bedrooms'
Perhaps the most sobering part of the conversation came when the pair discussed online safety. Both agreed that the old "stranger danger" fears of their own childhoods have been replaced by something far harder to police.
"We grew up thinking the danger was the man in the white van," Dr Armitage said. "Now it's online – and it's worse."
She compared handing a child an unsupervised device to dropping them into "a supermarket full of all the most malevolent people in the world" – warning that the online world is evolving so fast that law and policy simply can't keep up.
It's OK to be bored
But it wasn't all doom and gloom. The episode was packed with practical, reassuring advice for overwhelmed parents – starting with permission to do less.
"It's okay for your children to be bored," Kelsey insisted. "Because when they are bored, that's when they create the games."
Dr Armitage agreed: "The brain fills the space itself. If a child says 'I'm bored,' you just say, 'Good.'"
The duo also tackled the crushing weight of "mum guilt," the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses on social media, and why an emotionally present parent will always beat a calendar packed with expensive activities.
"Children really just need you to be an emotionally present parent," Dr Armitage said. "They don't need these expensive activities. We've overcomplicated it."
Love, not punishment
So how do you actually break the news to a screen-obsessed child? For Dr Armitage, who is solo mum to a nearly-thirteen-year-old, it all comes down to honesty.
"Come at it from a place of: this is because I love you, I know the risks, and I'm trying to protect you," she said. "It's not about a punishment."
It's advice Kelsey lives by with her own two. "The best you can do is be honest, be open, and tell them why."
Want to hear the full conversation? Listen to this episode of Mum's The Word with Kelsey Parker and Dr Charlotte Armitage, out now wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the full episode on YouTube – just search Mum's The Word.
"I Nosedived Straight Into Perimenopause": Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton on Having Her Fifth Baby at 43
Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton reveals she 'nosedived into perimenopause' after fifth baby
Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton has laid bare the brutal reality of becoming a mum again at 43, revealing she "nosedived" straight into perimenopause after welcoming her fifth child.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Mum's The Word podcast with host Georgia Jones, the singer, now 43, opened up with remarkable candour about IVF, an emergency surgery that followed the birth, the hormone chaos that nearly derailed her marriage, and the long road back to her music career.
IVF heartache and a difficult birth
The founding Atomic Kitten member admitted she and her husband had struggled to conceive and were told they'd need IVF. After a gruelling round that didn't work — and which she found "traumatising" — she fell pregnant naturally just four months later when they'd stopped thinking about it.
But it was the aftermath of the birth that floored her. Hamilton revealed she suffered a haemorrhage when her placenta wouldn't detach, requiring emergency surgery, and was left in a body she "did not recognise."
'A baptism of fire'
Perimenopause hit almost immediately. "So I had the baby and just nosedived into perimenopause," she told Georgia, describing it as "a baptism of fire."
Asked what her warning signs were, Hamilton didn't hold back, joking that it was "almost ending up in jail 'cause I wanted to kill my husband." She described struggling to get out of bed, brain fog so severe she couldn't recall words, and a complete shift in how she felt about her relationship.
How HRT 'gave her her marriage back'
The star, who went on HRT after reading Davina McCall's book Menopausing, explained there's a well-documented link between perimenopause and divorce. She said the hormone imbalance made her genuinely believe she'd fallen out of love — until HRT turned things around and, as she put it, "Oh, I do love you."
Hamilton was candid that the NHS approach felt like "one-size-fits-all," and that after things stopped working as well earlier this year, she's now seeking private blood tests to get the full picture, trusting her instinct that "something's not right."
A young mum in the spotlight
The conversation also touched on Hamilton's earliest days of motherhood, when she had her eldest son at the height of Atomic Kitten's fame. She recalled being back at work just six weeks after an emergency C-section, performing dance routines in high heels on a full world tour.
She spoke movingly about suffering postnatal depression at 20, crying herself to sleep while topping the charts, with the right support simply not there for a young mother in a pop group at the time. Years later, after the birth of her daughter Ella, she experienced what she described as a mental breakdown — something she credits therapy with helping her through.
Now a mum of five with children ranging from a 24-year-old, recently married son to a toddler, Hamilton reflected on parenting across four decades and how differently she handles it now.
The chilling experiment that changed how she parents online
One of the episode's most chilling moments came as Hamilton described a social media experiment she'd seen a mother carry out — setting up a Snapchat account posing as a 14-year-old to see what content her teenager would be served. The results, Hamilton said, were "terrifying," filled with dark material around self-harm and depression rather than anything reflecting young girls simply enjoying life.
She showed the footage to her own daughter to help her understand why she's so cautious, calling it the reality of the world children now navigate.
Finishing the story on her own terms
Hamilton also spoke about the bittersweet way her time with Atomic Kitten ended, and why returning to music now feels even sweeter. As an independent artist funding the project with her own savings, she admitted to moments of doubt, but said she's doing it to fulfil the dream she started years ago.
A family affair: the new EP and 'White Feather'
Her new EP, Extraction, is a deeply personal body of work she described as a "beautifully painful extraction of life experiences." Its heart is the single White Feather, written about her late grandmother and the signs Hamilton believes she still sends. The video is a family affair — her daughter Ella plays a young Natasha in a red wig, her mother plays her late nan, and her father hands over the feather, alongside loyal fans who appeared as extras.
Throughout the chat, Hamilton championed honesty over the "highlight reel," embracing being "messy," and refusing the pressure on women to do it all perfectly.
The full episode is available to watch and listen now. Search Mum's The Word wherever you get your podcasts.
Natasha's EP Extraction is out now. You can follow her on Instagram @natashahamilton and subscribe to her Substack, Natasha Hamilton Notes.
Kelsey Parker says her pregnancy 'feels like a gift' from late husband Tom and son Phoenix as she opens up on rainbow baby joy
Kelsey Parker has finally spoken publicly about her pregnancy, revealing she believes the baby is a gift from her late husband Tom Parker and son Phoenix — as she and best friend Georgia Jones also weigh in on Britain's controversial new social media ban for under-16s.
Speaking on their podcast Mum's The Word, Kelsey opened up for the first time about why she chose to keep the pregnancy quiet for so long, admitting she wanted to protect the news after facing backlash when she announced she was expecting Phoenix.
"IT'S A RAINBOW BABY"
Kelsey confirmed the baby is what's known as a rainbow baby — a term used for a child born after the loss of a previous pregnancy or baby. She said the response since going public has been overwhelming, telling Georgia she feels people now simply want her to be happy after everything she's been through.
Daughter Aurelia has already chosen the baby's name, though the pair are keeping it firmly under wraps for now. Kelsey revealed she was shocked by the choice, joking it was "so on brand" with her own name.
TOM AND PHOENIX SENT ME THIS BABY
In one of the episode's most emotional moments, Kelsey explained why she believes this pregnancy is connected to Tom and Phoenix. She revealed a medium once told her that Tom is watching over Phoenix — something she says brings her huge comfort, especially as her husband Will now cares for Tom's children the way Tom is said to be caring for theirs.
Kelsey also hinted she's been experiencing strange, unexplainable feelings since falling pregnant, telling Georgia she believes pregnancy has left her more open to "the universe" than ever — though she stopped short of revealing exactly what's been happening, promising to fill her in once the mics were off.
WILL'S RELUCTANT RISE TO SOCIAL MEDIA STARDOM
It's not just Kelsey in the spotlight — eagle-eyed fans have noticed her husband Will making far more appearances on her social media lately. Kelsey admitted he "hates it," but revealed she sent him a full breakdown of the content she needed from him before a recent family trip to Rhodes, with a little encouragement from her mum Dianne along the way.
"WOULDN'T LET MY CHILD TALK TO A STRANGER — SO WHY IS ONLINE ANY DIFFERENT?"
The pair also tackled the UK's newly introduced social media ban for under-16s, with Kelsey admitting she's fully behind it — despite already keeping her own children off social media and iPads. She said she worries constantly for teenagers' mental health, describing social media as somewhere young people can face bullying from the moment they wake up to the moment they fall asleep.
Kelsey shared a comparison from a recent guest that stuck with her: parents would never let their child go off and have a conversation with a stranger in a white van, yet children are having conversations with strangers online every day without anyone knowing.
Georgia agreed, admitting she's already had to shut down requests from her son Cooper to game online with friends, after hearing about a case where friends turned on one another the moment things became "faceless" online.
Both admitted, though, that they expect kids to find ways around the ban — pointing to reports from Australia, where under-16s have reportedly used VPNs to bypass similar restrictions.
MUM'S THE WORD TOP FIVES: LIFE BEFORE KIDS
The episode closed with another instalment of Mum's The Word Top Fives, with Georgia and Kelsey running through the things their friends without children simply don't understand — from last-minute cancellations to the impossible task of listening to more than one conversation at once while keeping an eye on a toddler.
Listen to the full episode of Mum's The Word wherever you get your podcasts, or watch in full on YouTube.
Am I not his dad?': Jaackmaate's Happy Hour star Stevie White breaks his silence on losing baby Noah at 23 weeks — and the heartbreaking decision that followed
The podcaster opened up like never before on this week's Mum's The Word with Georgia Jones, revealing the rare condition that no doctor had ever seen, the Christmas Eve phone call that changed everything, and why he and wife Ariane have chosen to stop at one
He's best known for the laughs on Jaackmaate's Happy Hour — but this week Stevie White showed a very different side.
Sitting down with host Georgia Jones on the latest episode of Mum's The Word, the 32-year-old podcaster spoke publicly for the first time about the loss of his son Noah, admitting it was "probably the most I've spoken about it" in five and a half years.
But the conversation didn't start in heartbreak. It started, as Stevie's stories tend to, with a joke.
'Am I not his dad?'
Stevie is stepdad to Isaac, who turns 10 this month, and met him when the little boy was just three years old. Now, he says, he can't resist winding up strangers who assume he isn't the real thing.
"If she'll mention Isaac and she goes, 'Oh, but his dad,' I'll always just interrupt and be like, 'Am I not his dad?'" he laughed. "And it makes people so uncomfortable. I love it so much."
The pair's bond, he explained, has always been led entirely by Isaac — including the day the youngster first called him "Dad" completely out of the blue.
"Isaac must have probably been about five or six when he just randomly called me Dad," Stevie recalled. "It felt amazing."
Isaac's biological father, he told Georgia, disappeared when the boy was around three and a half and is "not in the picture at all." These days, the two share a relationship so easy that Isaac even tried to use it as an insult — telling Stevie "at least my dad cares about me," only for Stevie to fire back: "My dad's still around."
The Christmas Eve that changed everything
The mood shifted as Stevie described the couple's pregnancy with baby Noah in 2020.
At the 12-week scan, doctors spotted a heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot — serious, but survivable. The couple began preparing for a life of heart surgeries and hospital visits. But further testing revealed something far graver: a translocation in Noah's DNA so severe that doctors told them they had never seen anything like it.
"They said, 'We've never seen it in anything. There's no textbooks of nothing that's been this serious before,'" Stevie said. Medics were "more surprised that he'd even survived to that point."
The couple were given the devastating news on Christmas Eve. Because Ariane was 23 weeks pregnant — just under the 24-week legal limit — they had only days to make an impossible decision. Six days later they were back in a hospital in Wales for a termination for medical reasons (TFMR).
Noah was born in the early hours over New Year's, as fireworks lit up the sky outside the window.
"It was 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning he was born," Stevie said quietly. New Year's, he admitted, was "absolutely horrific."
'We're now on never'
In the years since, Stevie has been open about how hard the grief hit. He and Ariane "ballooned," ate their feelings and went through "a really rough couple of years" that put a strain on their marriage.
Tests later revealed the translocation runs in Ariane's family in a balanced form, meaning the couple could try again — but with no guarantee the same heartbreak wouldn't repeat itself.
For Stevie, the risk is simply too great.
"If something went wrong again, it almost broke us last time. It's not worth the risk," he said. "I just don't think I'm emotionally there."
With Isaac about to turn 10, the couple have decided their family is complete. "We're now on never," Stevie admitted — though he confessed Ariane still gets broody, and he still melts at the sight of a baby. "Isaac's everything we need anyway right now."
Georgia, who has been candid about her own postnatal depression after son Cooper, told him she understood completely: "Like you, I'm protecting myself."
Turning grief into good
There were lighter moments too — including Stevie's remarkable 28-hour Twitch stream in Noah's memory, which raised £10,000 for baby-loss charity Sands. Every time he hit a fundraising milestone he did something ridiculous, from waxing his legs to bleaching and dyeing his hair green live on camera, before shaving his head entirely when he smashed his target.
He's since had a hair transplant ("I looked like Buzz Lightyear"), lost more than two stone, and taken up running — recently completing the hilly Cromer Marathon, which he cheerfully described as "one of the worst things I've ever done."
You can hear the full, emotional conversation on this week's episode of Mum's The Word with Georgia Jones — watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
If you've been affected by baby loss, Sands offers support and can be reached via sands.org.uk.