Being Real Parents

Join Kate and Keryn from Brainwave Trust as they explore how ordinary, day-to-day moments are powerful opportunities to support the development of tamariki aged 0-5 years. In this episode, they discuss why the early years truly matter while reminding us that perfect parenting doesn’t exist. Hear how simple activities like talking, playing, and even hanging out the washing can help young tamariki brains grow and develop.

What helps when life changes in ways we never wanted or expected? Dr Lucy Hone joins Anna for a deeply human kōrero about her new book, How Will I Ever Get Through This? Together they explore grief beyond bereavement, the losses we don’t always recognise, and practical, research-backed ways to navigate change and uncertainty. Anna didn’t realise how much she needed this book until she read it for this interview. You may discover that you need it too.

Have you ever wondered whether fostering could be for you? Diana Hamilton from Key Assets explains how the process works, what fostering can look and feel like, and the support available along the way. We talk honestly about the challenges, the rewards, and the many different people who can make brilliant foster carers. An encouraging first listen for anyone curious about opening their home, supporting tamariki and giving something meaningful back.

Want to move your body but don’t know where to begin? Lisa Fong, founder of Move it Mama, joins Anna for an honest, inspiring kōrero about exercise in the reality of parenting. Lisa shares how to start when you’re busy, tired or completely new to movement, why small steps count, and how exercise can support your energy, confidence and wellbeing. An encouraging episode for every parent who thinks fitness might not be for them.

As parenting evolves, so does the advice. In this episode, Kate and Anna unpack some of the strategies they no longer use, including ignoring emotional meltdowns, teaching emotional literacy in isolation, and expecting children to regulate emotions before they're developmentally ready. They explore what current research tells us, what they've learned from working alongside families, and what they choose to do differently today.