Ever thought about how to dodge a surprise baby once your family's set? While the usual suspects are contraception or the ol' snip for the guys, more women are opting for sterilisation. This week Libby and Tegan talk to a mum who just had the procedure, how she reached that decision and the reactions she's getting. And later on they dive into a heated debate: Can you bail on a school concert right after their kid's performance? And who's the real arsehole here? Let the showdown begin! You...

With all the awful news over the weekend and the last few days, here at the mothers group in your ears, we wanted to help you find the tools to talk to your kids in age appropriate terms. You can read Gen Muir’s article ‘How to talk to children of every age about the Westfield Bondi Junction attacks, according to a grief counsellor.’ If you or someone you know is in need of support contact help is available:Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue 1300 22 46361800RESPECT  1800 737 732 THE END...

Is the generation of cul de sac kids dying out? In this weeks episode Libby and Tegan discuss their free range childhoods and how its changed now they are parents. Asking the question, is the world changing or is the news just scarier? Plus what age is too young for school camp and who should set the age rules?  And in nails and fails Libby wants to social distance from her son, Tegan wins a raffle and they both discuss dates, prunes and all the things they do for their kids bowel...

On todays very special episode Tegan & Libby sit down with podcast duo 'Sassy' Scott O'Halloran to hear the incredible story of how he became a father. Scott and his brother Luke rose to fame with hilarious prank videos during the pandemic and have turned their humour into a career.  This episode Scott shares the story of how he and his partner Marcus navigated the world of surrogacy, a journey that took six years and cost half a million dollars.  And Uncle Luke the biology nerd goes...

Are dads actually contributing more to the day-to-day parenting of their kids? In this episode, Libby and Tegan explore the idea of ‘Dad Culture’ and how the mental load of parenting can and should be split between primary and secondary caregivers. And have you ever noticed your child feeling a bit left out when their siblings have your attention? We chat about how we handle sibling rivalry and help one listener navigate it.  Plus, in this week’s Nails & Fails, Tegan wants to normalise...

What’s been your least favourite phase of parenting? In this episode, Tegan and Libby look back on the stages of parenthood they've experienced so far and agree on one phase in particular being the worst, and it’s not what you’d expect. And if you're exhausted about worrying about every member of you families feelings, same. Libby and Tegan dive into the mental load of parenting 'feelings first'. Plus, Libby had a special guest join her in this episode, and we count that as her nail of the...

Do you remember who you were before you had kids? Or does that feel like fever dream at this point? In this episode, Libby and Tegan reflect on what their lives were like before becoming parents and how having kids has changed them. You might be familiar with Libby's pre-kid life...but did you know Tegan had a different kind of microphone-related job?They also chat about how you can help your child get used to going to school, after-school activities and the importance of downtime. Plus,...

When have you lied to your kids? And what lies did you parents tell you growing up? From white lies to exaggerating the truth, sometimes a little truth bending is required to get through a sudden tooth fairy dilemma or to simply get your kids to eat their crust. In this episode, Libby and Tegan share the hilarious and heartfelt moments they've had to fib to their kids. Plus, they discuss Ash Barty's recent reflections on missing milestones and mum guilt.   LOOKING FOR A LAUGH? CHECK OUT THE...

A heads up: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and may be better to listen to with headphones if little ears are around. As parent we know that conversation with our kids can sometimes go in one ear and out the other, but sometimes there is a conversation so important we need to make sure it sticks.  This episode Tegan Natoli is joined by Triple M Rush Hour Sydney Host and founder of Gotch4Life Gus Worland, who is also the founder of Gotcha For Life, to learn how to talk to your...

Are school swimming carnivals really that important? How is everyone keeping their kids entertained while running errands? And what do you do when your child gets body shamed by someone close to you? In this episode, Libby and Tegan discuss Libby's viral Instagram video, the importance of participation, and we share our secrets to keeping kids calm at the shopping centre.Plus, Tegan has a new role in the P&C at her kids' school she doesn't remember volunteering for. LOOKING FOR A LAUGH?...

Our friends do so many incredible things for us. But what happens when your best friend offers to have your baby for you? In this episode, Libby and Tegan speak to best friends Edwina and Jen who went down a surrogacy path together. They share how they navigated this new territory as friends and what it's like to have kids who are 'womb mates". Plus, Tegan can't get enough of a very specific hot cross bun, and Libby's dairy-free journey continues. RECCOMENDATIONS: Biscoff Hot Cross...

We know children don’t come with an instruction manual, so we’re bound to make mistakes, especially with our first child. This episode Libby and Tegan discuss which of their children they have done the best parenting on and which child is the ‘practice pancake’. Plus, most families in Australia are struggling with the cost of living crisis, so we’ve got some simple changes for your every day to ease a bit of the financial load. And in nails and fails Tegan’s son is loving his mullet, and...

Going through a divorce is never easy. But no one told us one of the hardest parts is actually figuring out how to tell the kids. On this weeks episode Tegan speaks to Clinical Psychologist Katherine Lawrence about how and when to talk to your kids about separation or divorce. And on a lighter note Libby and Tegan have searched the internet far and wide to bring you the weirdest baby names ever recorded in history. And Libby has a not so secret reveal which shocks Tegan to her core. In...

This week Tegan & Libby are talking all things 1's and 2's and unpacking a comedian’s controversial toilet training regime to start ’em young... like 5 months young! Perhaps even more controversial, we agree (kind of). Plus, did you know that night terrors are actually your child exploring their imagination? This terrifying and annoyingly important stage can be a struggle, so we have some tips to manage the night time scaries. And, in Nails and Fails Tegan struggles with wrangling the...

Breaking news: Libby Trickett & Tegan Natoli are potty mouth parents. Their naughty words are causing problems in the playground with Tegan even being are called out by a literal 6 year old child. But is this normal? Or setting their kids up for a school detention or two? Plus, it’s the first week back at school, kicking off the age old debate as to whether school uniform are inclusive and important or a thing of the past, especially with many offices around the country becoming more...

We are This Glorious Mess but this week we are also the Bluey Parent Appreciation Group (BPAG for short). We know it’s not just parents and little kids who love Bluey, early childhood educators are actually using episodes to teach. We explain why. And, Libby and Tegan try to solve a dilemma that divided the Mamamia Family Facebook but end up adding to the conflict! While Libby has a habit that grinds Tegan’s gears. Plus, Tegan recommends a read to celebrate Mum’s being the queen of the...

We’re now deep into school holidays and we’re here to help you fill those (sometimes very long) days. Don’t worry it’s not all big adventures, spending money or long drives, because Libby and Tegan are detectives finding free activities. Plus you may start seeing back to school ads so we’ve got all the tips and tricks to prepare yourself as well as your kids for the year ahead. And, in nails and fails Libby gets parented by her own child and Tegan recommends the beach bag you’re all going...

Holly Wainwright is back on This Glorious Mess with clinical Psychologist and host of Help! I Have A Teenager Jo Lamble for a very special crossover episode, Help I Have A Tweenager. In this episode, they tackle a common dilemma: what to do when your tween asks for a phone? And how young is too young?  With Holly’s down to earth approach and Jo’s constant reminder to express empathy, this episode will help you get as ready as you can be for the next stage of parenting.This episode was made...

Whilst your in a holiday haze and entertaining children shouting ‘I’m boredddddddddd’ take 20 minutes for yourself and reflect on your own year of nails and fails. Here at This Glorious Mess there have been a lot of parenting fails like injuries, mother guilt and missed lunches, but there has been some nails as well including navigating milestones, perfect toys and the best simple hacks. You’re not alone in the Glorious Mess that is parenting, so here are our favourite nails and fails from...

It’s officially 2024, Tegan and Libby are ready to shake off 2023 and kick start the new year (and we hope you are too!). Tegan wants to find that time management sweet spot with a bit of extra focus but a slower pace, while Libby is all about ‘momentum’ for 2024, after nailing her word of the year last year. Plus, if you’re struggling to find the perfect school holiday activity, Libby and Tegan are here to help with some of their favourites that won’t break the bank. THE END...

Merry Christmas to all our This Glorious Mess listeners! Whilst you’re probably trying to stay cool this summer silly season, we’ve put together some of our favourite interview moments from the year. From Jessica Rowe’s silly jokes, Nas Campanella smashing stigmas, Will McMahon’s epic fails and Tammin Sursok’s calming approach to parenting, we’ve learnt a lot this year and we hope you have too. See you in 2024! THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia We’ve compiled all the best resources for...

It’s the week of Christmas and even reformed grinch Libby Trickett is getting into the festive season. In nails and fails, Australian Christmas royalty, Lucy Durack joins us and shares her love of an advent chocolate breakfast (which we fully support)! Plus, Libby and Tegan talk about the many ways in which Santa threats are saving the household, but is it naughty or nice? Recommendations: Rebel Readers  Koko & The Coconut by Turia Pitt  THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia We’ve...

Libby and Tegan talk about how to be the best sideline parent to your kids. The four time gold medal winner shares some of her favourite comments to say to your little sports stars to keep them positive AND keep them in the game! Plus a listener dilemma has Tegan reliving the moment she sent a strongly worded letter to a baby store. And in Nails and Fails it’s Christmas concert season and the tears of joy are certainly flowing! THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia We’ve compiled all the...

With so much distressing content in the news, your little ears may have questions but is there a right way to handle it? This episode Libby and Tegan give their two cents and hear from the Mamamia Mums on how they are talking to their kids about news in age appropriate terms. Plus, Libby gets a little bit ‘woo woo’ talking about mother intuition and how vital it is to trust your gut as a parent. And, in recommendations Tegan has some Christmas present ideas and Libby truly disgusts Tegan...