Welcome to Is It Just Us...?
A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all.
Because it’s never just you.
🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection.
Thanks for listening,
Debbie and Hayley x
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Is It Just Us...?
A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all.
Because it’s never just you.
🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection.
Thanks for listening,
Debbie and Hayley x
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's time to chat about Ultra Processed Foods! Is it scare mongering or do we need to take note? What if there are eating disorders and other challenges involved? In this episode we sit down to chat bout our take on this topic as friends, colleagues and parents. Debbie shares her perspective as someone in recovery from eating disorders too.
We hope you enjoy!
HIT subscribe now and share this with a friend! Email us your thoughts, comments and pod ideas at isitjustuspod@gmail.com
Head over to our site to browse our courses and join our parent hub here
Thank you so much to MimiToys for sponsoring this podcast!
MimiToys offer an expert range of developmental toys and puppets that will blow you away. Their range is curated with care by Miriam, a mother of 4, who has been running Mimi Toys for over 20 years.
As therapists we highly recommend www.mimitoys.ie for all of your toy needs! And what is better than shopping Irish and supporting family run businesses?
Use the Code: JUSTUS10 at the check out and get 10% your order 🎉
Don't forget to sign up to the Mimi Toys newsletter and get their free activity booklet featuring activities in 4 different languages!
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s one of those topics that still makes parents squirm. You might see it joked about online, hear friends say “just a little tap,” or even feel that split-second urge when tempers flare…but slapping a child is never the answer. In this episode, we dig into why hitting..even lightly..can damage trust, model aggression, and escalate rather than solve conflicts. We talk about the impact on children’s emotional development, how it affects the parent-child relationship, and practical alternatives for managing frustration, enforcing boundaries, and teaching respect. This isn’t about shaming parents.. it’s about giving tools to stay F.I.R.M. calm, consistent, and loving, even when parenting gets really hard.
We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉
MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.
Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.
Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you heard of F*ck Around & Find Out” Parenting? Maybe sounds funny on the TikTok, but in real life? Not so much. Children and teenagers will test limits.. but leaving them to just “FAFO” their way through life isn’t exactly the supportive guidance they need.
In this episode we’re unpacking why the hands-off, wait-and-see approach doesn’t always work, what kids actually learn when adults step back too far, and how we can balance natural consequences with connection, safety, and teaching. Because our job isn’t to watch them fail...it’s to help them grow.
We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉
MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.
Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.
Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We don’t love talking about porn, but the reality is our children and teenagers are growing up in a world where names like Bonnie Blue aren’t hidden in the shadows.. they’re a click away (and they’re the chat at school).. As parents, we might feel awkward, shocked, or even scared, but pretending it doesn’t exist won’t protect our children or teenagers. In this episode we’re unpacking why it’s so important to know who and what they might stumble across online, how porn shapes expectations and self-image, and how we can open up conversations that keep our kids safe, informed, and grounded in real relationships.
We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉
MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.
Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.
Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We love the idea of them.. family memories, fresh air, new experiences, but the reality? Packing up half the house, refereeing sibling squabbles in the back seat, and making sure everyone else has a great time! Of course we know we’re lucky to be able to do these things, and we are grateful… but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot. Sometimes the “fun” comes with meltdowns (theirs and ours). In this episode we’re unpacking why these supposedly joyful outings can feel so overwhelming, and giving ourselves permission to laugh, vent, and admit: maybe it’s not just us.
We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉
MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.
Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.
Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One minute your child is watching what appears to be a harmless cartoon, the next they’re down a rabbit hole of ads, influencers, or content that’s anything but child-friendly. Add in the rise of rapid-cut shows, with flashing edits and constant noise designed to hook attention, and suddenly you’re wondering what it’s doing to your child’s focus and regulation.
In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of YouTube, from addictive elements to the way overstimulating content can affect the developing brain. We’ll share our own parenting worries, the traps we’ve seen firsthand, and therapist insights on how YouTube and rapid cut shows can shape children’s behaviour. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what parents can actually do to keep kids safe, without resorting to bans or constant battles.
Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com
Get evidence backed parenting support you can trust here
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You love your kids. You love your partner. But when it comes to discipline, routines, or handling meltdowns, it can feel like you’re playing on two completely different teams. In this episode, we dive into what happens when parenting styles clash, the good cop/bad cop dynamic, the “you’re too soft/you’re too strict” arguments, and the confusion it creates for kids caught in the middle.
We’ll talk about why being aligned matters so much for children, share stories of our own parenting mismatches, and offer therapist-backed strategies to find common ground without constant battles.
Get your tickets for our Parent On The Same Page Webinar here!
Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com
Get our unique support and connect with a whole community of like-minded parents here
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re told we can “have it all”- the career, the family, the social life, the self-care routine! But, most days it feels like we’re just spinning plates and waiting for one to crash. In this episode, we get real about the impossible standards women face around work–life balance. From guilt that follows us around all day, to the pressure of being present for everyone except ourselves, we unpack why balance feels so out of reach!
We’ll share our own stories, the messy bits behind the scenes, and therapist-backed insights on how to rethink balance in a way that actually feels doable, or maybe accept that it doesn’t exist the way it's been sold to us.
Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com
Join our parent community for the unique therapist led support and connection you've been craving here https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tantrums aren’t just for toddlers - grown-ups have them too, even if they look a little different or sometimes the exact same - shouting, banging things & crying - we’ve all been there!
In this episode, we unpack why stress, overwhelm, and emotions can push all of us toward meltdown moments. We share what’s helped us stay grounded and calm, and explore strategies that work for children and adults alike. Because sometimes, managing tantrums is really about managing ourselves.
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Not our sex lives (James & John can sigh with relief!) but how we talk to our children about theirs. Because despite what many of us were told, teaching children about sex isn’t “too much too soon,” and using the correct names for body parts won’t “take away their innocence.”
In this episode, we tackle the biggest myths that stop parents from having open, honest conversations about sex, consent, body autonomy, pleasure, and safety and why starting early sets the foundation for trust, confidence, and healthy relationships down the line.
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Somehow, “gentle parenting” has been twisted into “never say no” or “let your kids walk all over you.” In this episode, we dig into the real meaning behind the approach, talk about our own approaches and why it’s not about giving in, staying quiet, or avoiding boundaries.
We’ll explore how firm limits, emotional connection, and respect go hand-in-hand and why being gentle doesn’t mean being passive.
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Something different this week - Ready for a round of all the randomness, “Wait… is it just us, or is it just me?”.
We’re firing off rapid-fire takes on everything from parenting fails to everyday oddities - fast, fun, and totally relatable.
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We hear it all the time “Be good", “Are you being good?” But what does that actually mean? For adults, it often shows up as restriction: staying in control, following the rules.
For children, it’s usually about compliance - being quiet, being polite, not making a fuss. In this episode, we unpack how this vague idea of "being good" creates confusion, fuels people-pleasing, and leaves both adults and children without a clear sense of values or self-direction. What if “being good” is getting in the way of being well or being authentic in ourselves?
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why does something as essential as feeding your baby come loaded with so much judgement? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the shame, pressure, and unspoken rules around breast and bottle feeding. One of us breastfed, one didn’t and we were both shamed for it.
We’re sharing our experiences, the guilt we felt (or were made to feel), and the silent comparisons that happen far too often. We also touch on the recent Karen Millen controversy and why it struck such a nerve with so many parents.
Whether you're breast feeding, bottle-feeding, combo-feeding, or just trying to survive the newborn haze, this one’s for you. No preaching. No pressure. Just us talking about what it’s really like.
Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com
And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here
https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Grey hairs, fine lines, changing bodies, and a culture that tells us to fight it every step of the way. In this episode, we’re getting real about ageing, appearance, and the quiet pressure to stay “youthful.” From the beauty industry to social media filters, we unpack why it’s so hard to just let ourselves be, and what it might look like to age on our own terms!
If you'd like to join our amazing Parent Space click the link https://hdcircle.framer.website/
Thanks so much for listening x
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From first-day drop-offs to homework battles and everything in between, school can stir up a lot, for our kids and for us. Whether it’s worry, pride, guilt, or frustration, it’s more than just reading and writing. In this episode, we talk about why school hits so deep, what it brings up from our own pasts, and how to support our kids (and ourselves) through it all.
Thanks for listening x
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Screens, snacks, sleep routines, every decision feels like it’s up for debate. And sometimes, it’s not just others judging us... it’s that inner critic too. In this episode, we unpack the pressure, the guilt, and the silent weight of feeling like you’re always getting it wrong. Let’s talk about how judgment shows up, and how to quiet the noise.\
Thanks so much for listening x
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Juggling life, children, work- it’s no wonder friendships feel harder to hold onto as we get older. But no one talks about how lonely it can feel. In this episode, we dive into the reality of drifting apart, the guilt of not reaching out, and why it’s not just you if you’re missing the closeness and the craic you once had!
Thank you so ,much for listening x
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We all want our children to grow up resilient, able to handle life’s curveballs without falling apart. But what is resilience, really? And is it something we can actively teach, or does it just happen through experience?
In this episode, we unpack what resilience actually looks like in children (it's not just “bouncing back”) and explore the subtle, everyday ways parents shape it, through connection, co-regulation, and even in the messiest moments.We also reflect on our own childhoods and ask: were we taught resilience, or did we learn it in a different way?
Join us as we navigate the difference between “toughening up” and truly supporting emotional strength, and why helping our children feel safe might just be the real key to resilience.
Oh and...Debbie and Hayley have been very busy lately! Find out what they have been up to here
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We all know play is important, but what if you don’t have the time… or simply don’t enjoy it? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the guilt that creeps in when play feels like a chore. We talk about why it’s so common to feel disconnected from play as a parent, what it means if you just don’t like it, and how to find playful connection in ways that actually work for you, too.
Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here
Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.
Thanks to Smyths Toys for sponsoring this podcast. Shop the incredible range at Smyths here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
