Being Real Parents

Kate and Juliet reflect on their year as working mums, sharing the real moments, the things that wobbled, and what helped them through. It’s a gentle, relatable kōrero about navigating busy lives, setting simple intentions, and remembering we don’t need to have everything sorted to move into a new year with hope and steadiness.

Juliet and Anna share an honest kōrero about grief, losing parents, and what truly supports us. They talk about the way grief can feel seasonal, the moments it rises again, and the small practices that help us keep moving. Grounded in lived experience and guided by Dr Lucy Hone’s research, this episode offers comfort, insight, and gentle connection for anyone navigating loss.

December can feel big. The pace lifts, the lists grow and it’s easy to feel pressure to buy and do more. In this episode, Kate chats with Keryn from the Brainwave Trust about staying grounded. They remind us that what our kids need in December is the same as any other time of year - connection, rhythm and moments of calm. A gentle kōrero to help you navigate the busyness with more ease.

This week Anna chats with Keli Livingston Filipo from Plunket, and it is such a fun and helpful episode. With new toys arriving for Christmas and birthdays, we talk about keeping play safe while still enjoying the magic. Keli shares clever tips for spotting sneaky risks, supporting patience, and saying no in a way that feels calm and connected. It is full of practical ideas you can use straight away.

Zazi is a mum of two, speech and language therapist, and the heart behind @zaziplays. What began as a blog during maternity leave grew into a thriving community helping parents support their children’s development through play. Now, she’s created Zazi - a brand designed with real families in mind, making everyday moments easier, calmer and full of connection.