Episode 22 - Expectations VS Reality

This week's episode brings you a deep dive into the pros and cons of various age gaps - and asks the question: is Roo right about 5 and 7 being the magical ages where it suddenly gets easier? And if so... can Stevie survive that long! As Roo stares down the barrel of becoming a second time mum, the pair share their own experiences, insights and things they reckon along with updates from the world of parenting. (This episode was recorded on 30th August)

As Roo heads ever closer to her delivery date the girls discuss if birth plans are worth it and how often do things go to plan? And even if they don't go perfectly to plan, how being prepared can help support you through labour. Predictably, Roo has big opinions, wild analogies and her signature brand of pragmatism. Stevie shares her own birth stories which are validating, honest and encouraging! Plus you can expect chaotic interruptions from tiny humans, listener correspondents and a few magical moments!

This time it is Roo's turn to take a trip with her toddler, and Stevie asks the burning question: Is it actually worth it? Roo imparts her wisdom, experience and top parenting fails with unfiltered honesty about everything from airport wait times, screen time in restaurants and handling bedtime abroad.

This episode focuses on not what to feed your toddler but HOW to feed your toddler? It's all well and good lovingly making a nutritious, balanced plate of goodness - but how do you get it in the Toddler's mouth? With expert tips plus their own real life experience, Stevie and Roo discuss what has actually worked for them, and what they're still working on themselves! Definitely a must listen for parents of toddlers navigating meal times! PLUS stay tuned right to the end for a dinner time update from Stevie!!

This week Stevie and Roo discuss the mental load as well as the physical load of parenting and the hacks that they have tried and tested - and most importantly what actually works! Every hack is accessible, doesn't require money or infinite Grandparent assistance on tap! Stevie reveals perhaps her most controversial parenting realisation and Zack makes his podcast debut!

As Roo enters the "terrible" twos, the pair discuss what really works when your beloved tiny human throws themself on the floor in the cereal aisle. Debating NHS guidance, alongside their own parenting experiences, Stevie and Roo bring you their signature unfiltered honesty with zero judgement and tonnes of solidarity. Plus stay tuned until the end to find out the gender of Roo's latest baby! Follow and subscribe and find out what the hosts actually look like on Instagram: @Its_A_Magical_Time

This week's parenting adventure sees Roo tackle five nights flying solo. Listen to her, as always, unfiltered account of how it really went down. And laugh at her struggles! Plus pick up some tips, hacks and observations that make up some useful, practical, judgement free parenting advice.

This week's episode marks Mental Health Awareness Week. In this episode, Stevie and Roo share their own early post-partum experiences with mental health as well as some ongoing thoughts and feelings. They dive into the topics of infertility, mental health struggles, identity and feeling like a failure - drawing on their own lived experiences of the truth and reality of motherhood and parenting. The pair hope that by sharing these deeper reflections they can provide a safe, judgement free space of solidarity for those with similar experiences and help raise awareness.

As Stevie prepares to embark on a new career path the pair discuss what life looks like juggling work, home and parenting. Stevie delves into feeling like a child playing dress up, Roo get's philosophical and a rogue toddler makes an interesting culinary choice!

In this week's episode Stevie and Roo get real about their parenting expectations and how they panned out in reality... They share what caught them by surprise, the things that have changed their perspectives and the harsh realities of getting the bus! Roo also shares updates from her recent getaway and Stevie re-lives a trip to the RAF Museum.