Alyssa Fritzlaff – Offspring Magazine

Australian mums are using Tiktok to share their tips, tricks and struggles through parenthood.

Using #aussiemumsoftiktok, mums across Australia are taking over the platform. Largely centred around parenting humour and genuine advice, their tiktoks can both entertain and educate. From budget tips, to lunchbox hacks, these mums are creating videos for every type of parent.

Mummy Republic

@MummyRepublic

Brisbane mum of two Dannii Rogers, is a mummy blogger, podcaster and tiktoker. Under the name mummyrepublic, Dannii details her experience as a mum, transparently describing her day-to-day life with humour and enthusiasm. Having recently given birth, Dannii often reflects on breastfeeding and her rough sleep schedule with comedy – pushing back against the pressure faced by mothers.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mummyrepublic/video/6852619610815106309?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v2

Danni’s tween, Peyton, appears in many of her videos – often taking part in tiktok dances and comedic comparison of mother and daughter. Dannii’s second child, Archer, born in 2020, has a condition called Pierre Robin Sequence – which requires him to have a feeding tube. Through Tiktok Dannii addresses the judgement and unwanted advice from others she receives, dancing with her infant while including humorous captions.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mummyrepublic/video/6835787530244295942?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v2

Mumma G

@Mummag_au

Tiktoker Mumma G discovered the platform during Victoria’s second lockdown. She has three children, and shares hilariously relatable content. The Melbourne woman’s short skits, cooking and tiktok trend videos are focused on the trials and tribulations of parenting. Her brutally honest videos display the not so attractive parts of motherhood, including parenting fails.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mummag_au/video/6930495076284124418?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v2

Mumma G also gets her three children involved in tiktoks, having them comedically mock her parenting and participate in a number of tiktok trend videos. Her light-hearted content fights back against the idea of perfect parenting, allowing her followers an escape from the world.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mummag_au/video/6921970671664794881?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v2

Allison Marie

@secretsofabusymum

Busy mum of eight, Allison Marie, is a hilariously sarcastic mother, who delights in providing her audience with budgeting tips, recipes and parenting hacks. Having five biological children, and three adopted children at only 30, Allison has had to learn fast. Keeping a home of ten people clean isn’t easy!

@secretsofabusymum
I don’t judge when things get tough #mumsover30 #momsoftiktok #mumsontiktok #parentsoftiktok #aussiemumsoftiktok #fyp #aussiemum
♬ Mood (feat. iann dior) – 24kGoldn

Many of her tiktoks centre around home organisation, and ways parents can lighten the load. Her videos include tips on how to save money at the grocery store, and how to deep clean your carpet. Every video is short and practical – catering to those busy mums who don’t have all day to scroll through tiktok.

@secretsofabusymum
budget friendly organising hack – drink bottles #organizationhacks #organisingtips #mumsover30 #kitchenhacks #organizedhome #aussiemum #kmarthacks
♬ Summer – Aesthetic Sounds

Vivian Fellah

@thetiktikmumma

Mum of two, Vivian, is a busy Sydney based fashionista. Posting relatable content about pregnancy, marriage and motherhood – Vivian doesn’t shy away from the truth. Her video’s are up-beat, entertaining insights into her life. From Vivian’s labour and pregnancy challenges, to her day-to-day experiences. In one video Vivian re-enacts her own mother and grandmothers style of parenting, before humorously comparing it to her own – highlighting the generational gap in parenting styles.

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetiktokmumma/video/6871775970232241409?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v2

While many parents on social media relentless judgement, Vivian doesn’t let that stop her. In one video she addresses comments about her house being ‘too clean’ to have kids living there, turning the camera to her kids play room, putting their mess on full display – showing her audience that things aren’t always what they seem.

@thetiktokmumma
A reminder that social media is the highlight reel of our best life. Don’t be hard yourselves mummas -no one’s perfect! #instavsreality
♬ Use this sound if your cool – Ed

Katie Stockley

@katiestockley5

Brisbane mum Katie Stockley, is a mum of three. Each video challenges parenting expectations. As a parents of two young boys and a girl, Katie is constantly exhausted, posting videos chronicling her struggles over the school holidays and COVID lockdowns.

She finds humour in every moment of parenting – from school lunches returning home uneaten, to teenage temper tantrums. Reacting her day to day parenting struggles for her followers.

https://www.tiktok.com/@katiestockley5/video/6864402358126841094?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v2

Sometimes Katie’s kids make cameos, participating in fun tiktok dances and sing-alongs. Hilariously self-aware she makes jokes about bribing her kids to participate in her tiktoks, using things like chocolate to entice them into making a video.

https://www.tiktok.com/@katiestockley5/video/6865510145917504774?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v2

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DEVELOPMENT

Why you shouldn’t wait to have ‘the talk’ with your child

By Alyssa Fritzlaff February 5, 2021

As children are entering puberty earlier than ever before, sex education has never been more important.

‘The talk’ is a phrase that strikes fear into parents, eliciting reactions like cringing, nervous laughter and hope that the conversation is a long way off – but how soon is too soon?

Modern day biological and environmental changes are causing children to enter puberty earlier than ever before. Medical writer, Dr Randi Epstein, says girls are entering puberty at 10-11 years of age, while boys are starting a little later, at 11-12 years of age. These findings, combined with the vast amount of technology and knowledge at children’s fingertips, has health professionals and parents re-evaluating sexuality education.

For kids, the absence of sex education can run deeper than a simple lack of knowledge. With bodily changes occurring much earlier, children midway through primary school who have not had these discussions can be left feeling scared and confused as they enter puberty – yet experts warn this is not the only danger.

Children’s bodies are developing well before their brains, faster than ever recorded. Creating what Psychologist Jane Mendle calls ‘maturational disparity’, a result of both environmental and biological factors. This condition has been observed as having detrimental effects primarily in young girls – although it can affect boys as well.

Mendle says girls who begin puberty early and experience this condition, are “more likely than others to suffer from panic attacks, suicidality, body dissatisfaction, substance abuse, and depression that extends into adulthood”. She also notes these girls are at greater risk of sexual harassment at school.

While maturational disparity significantly impacts the psychological wellbeing of children, having open discussions about sex and sexuality can positively impact children having such experiences and reduce the risks linked with the condition.

There are other dangers associated with leaving ‘the talk’ too late. Children could be missing out on crucial information that influences their wellbeing and safety. In a recent survey of secondary students by Latrobe University, over one quarter (28.4 per cent) of sexually active students had experienced unwanted sex at least once, and one third of students reported engaging in sexting in the last two months.

While schools are working to reduce risk taking behaviours and are educating students about consent – a parent’s role in sexuality education cannot be ignored. According to the Australian Department of Education, parental involvement in sex education “contributes to greater openness about sex and sexuality and improved sexual health among young people”.

While what your child may need to know is heavily dependant on their personal needs and unique development, health experts have outlined basic information your child should engage with based on their age group.

Ages 0 to 5

For those with children under five, professionals say to start small, sharing information that will help create clear, open lines of communication between a parent and child. For under 5’s:

Teach the correct anatomical terms for body parts.
Explain the concepts of public and private.
Ensure your child understands the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.

Ages 6 to 10

At this stage in your child’s development it is important to prepare them for the changes they are about to experience before they begin puberty. Having this discussion prior to such changes happening will prevent fear and confusion when entering this stage of development.

Teach your child how babies are born, and how they grow inside the womb.
Explain puberty, how their body and mind will change as they get older.
Explain different sexualities and preferences.
Discuss gender stereotyping.

Ages 11 to 12

As many children are entering puberty, it may be helpful to explain exactly why these changes are happening, and how to navigate a world in which technology is such a big part of life.

Teach the names and functions of reproductive organs.
Explain sexual intercourse.
Teach your child how to respect themselves and others.
Teach basic hygiene practices associated with puberty, for example: wearing deodorant.
Instruct your child about responsible use of technology.

Age 13 to 18

During high school teenagers are entering their first relationships, and health professionals say it is better to provide the following information before your teenager is sexually active – rather than waiting until it’s too late.

Educate your child on safe sex practices.
Explain sexually transmitted infections, and how to prevent them.
Teach the meaning of consent.
Educate your child on healthy relationships.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Parenting podcasts

By Alyssa Fritzlaff February 5, 2021

The top parenting podcasts to listen to right now.

The Early Parenting Podcast

Australian mum of two and early parenting consultant, Jen Butler, offers quick tips for early parenthood in her brief, practical and upbeat episodes. Focusing on ages 0 to 4, Jen discusses topics like new-born sleep, breastfeeding, family health and toddler behaviour.

Offering up her expertise as a parent and midwife, Jen also includes self-care for mums, answering questions like ‘how do I know if I’m ready to have another baby?’.

In one episode, Jen talks about dummies, discussing the pros and cons. She says that the dummy can be used as a tool to help others to soothe your baby and warns against introducing the dummy too early. Jen also provides advice for weaning your child off the dummy as they age.

Episodes are very short, considering those parents with little time on their hands, each hitting under 10 minutes.

Spot Family Podcast

A deeply informative weekly podcast about children’s development, health and learning. Australian host Heidi Begg, a speech pathologist and founder of Spot (an online speech therapy service), provides advice for parents.

Every episode includes advice from Heidi, interviews with doctors and health professionals, and science-based tools to help children reach their fullest potential.

This relatively new podcast, answers questions such as ‘is my child a late talker?’ and topics such as ‘how language impacts behaviour’ from the perspective of professionals.

Heidi talks about how to fix lisps and other speech issues, discussing the causes and psychological impacts of speech impediments. She explains the different kinds of lisps and the risks associated with leaving the condition untreated. Heidi highlights the impact of having a childhood lisp on educational development – saying that it can cause problems when learning to speak and read in school.

All advice provided is well grounded in research and professional experience, and episodes range from 30 to 60 minutes.

Baby Steps

Baby Steps follows parents (and YouTube sensations) Ned and Ariel Fulmer, as they prepare for their second child. In their mid thirties, Ned and Ariel live in LA with their dog and two year old son. In the podcast you join them through the ups and downs of Ariels second pregnancy and beyond.

They discuss the joys, fears, and messy parts of parenthood – reviewing new products, sharing personal stories, and offering advice.

In one episode about sex after pregnancy, the couple talk about the awkward moments and the challenging ones. These intimate stories are often humorous, and touch on taboo subjects. The couple recount their arguments about whether to have sex with the baby in the room and discuss the importance of maintaining an intimate relationship postpartum.

Episodes run for 30 to 60 minutes and focus on different aspects of parenthood and pregnancy. While Ned and Ariel claim they are not experts on parenting, the podcast is candid and entertaining.

The One in a Million Baby

In this podcast, host Tessa Pebble interviews parents of children with disabilities from New Zealand and all over the world. Every week, Tessa sits down with a new guest to discuss their unique experiences.

Each episode of The One in a Million Baby offers insight into the lives of families who experience the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child with special needs.

Many guests on the podcast are parents, advocates and educators for children with disabilities – and offer advice and personal stories. In her third episode Tessa explores the challenges Beth Armstrong faced when trying to find suitable education for her disabled daughter. Beth’s child Molly, has ADHD, Autism and is partially blind. In an engaging and heartfelt conversation, Beth explains her struggles against an education system not suited to disabled children.

Having lost her first child to Charge Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that causes life threatening birth defects) at only 10 months of age, Tessa explores parenting children with disabilities through a unique perspective. Understanding and empathising with guests as they share their own stories. Episodes run for 30 to 60 minutes.

Spawned

Joint founders of CoolMomPicks.com, Liz Gumbinner and Kristen Chase are parents and writers. In their podcast Spawned, the two women sit down and discuss challenges affecting today’s parents. Each episode focuses on a new topic – such as parenting culture, general tips and tricks, and interviews with celebrity guests.

The podcast features a wide variety of guests, and examines challenges such as raising unplugged kids, and discipline.

One of the guests, psychologist Mike Brooks, discusses how to effectively reduce screen time for children. The hosts and Brooks examine the issue together, while Brooks provides practical advice for listeners.

The hosts provide entertaining and comedic stories and discussions, usually ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. Liz, Kristen and their guests work together to decipher modern parenting issues– providing different perspectives on today’s biggest parenting concerns.

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