Have you ever seen a video online that made you feel like you were failing at a job you didn't even apply for? Welcome to parenting in 2026.

This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and special guest, Clare Stephens, are diving into a viral trendromanticising the bond between young siblings—and it's left some only-child parents feeling a little judged.

Plus, we discuss the basketball coach who went viral for screaming in a player's face. Was it ‘toxic’ or exactly the kind of high-stakes motivation our ‘gentle parenting’ era is missing?

And, if your child throws a tantrum in the middle of a busy shopping centre or sticks their fingers in someone else's birthday cake, they may have a fan in award-winning actress Viola Davis. We explain why.

Our Recommendations:

🏀 Monz is loving this Amazon Lock Phone Box.

📖 Clare recommends midwife Jen on Instagram @_jen_hamilton_

🧴 Stacey is loving the COSRX Snail mucin power essence.

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What To Listen To Next:

• Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
• The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’
• New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand
• Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
• Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
• The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
• FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
• So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo
• Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

What to read:

• 'My mum and dad had 8 kids. Here's the most important lesson I learned growing up in a big family.'
• OPINION: 'You're not gentle parenting, you're Instagram parenting.'
• "I'm 34 with three kids. My expectations of friendship have completely changed."
• 'My best friends ghosted me after I had a baby. It taught me a lesson I didn't expect.'
• Flakiness is out of control at the moment.

GET IN TOUCH:

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

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