Beyond The Chaos
Join parent educator and obstetric social worker - Gen Muir - and mum of three - Amy Gerard - as they tackle the challenges of parenthood and answer your questions on Beyond The Chaos. Listening to this podcast is guaranteed to reduce parent guilt, help with practical tips and show you that you're not alone - because parenting is by far the hardest and weirdest thing you'll ever do.
"My Husband Drives Me Crazy"
Is it ok to sometimes...hate your partner? Just a little bit? Amy is often frustrated by her husband, but does The Oracle get under Gen's skin in the same way?
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
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What To Do When Your Child Says (Very) Inappropriate Words
Sometimes our kids can see or hear a word, and repeat it, even when they know they shouldn't. Today we hear from a mum who's little one won't stop saying a very inappropriate word, and has no idea what to do.
Plus, the never ending question of when your child should get a phone.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
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Picking The Right School For Your Child
Whether it's primary or high school, picking the right school isn't always as simple as which one is closest. There's the needs of your child, public or private, religious or not, and so much more.
Amy and Gen speak about their own experiences picking a school for their kids and give some advice about how to choose.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
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"My Husband Is Uncomfortable With My Daughter Having A Boyfriend!"
Whether you have younger or older kids, chances are you'll be facing them having a boyfriend or girlfriend at some point. So what do we do when the feeling makes us uncomfortable? Gen and Amy unpack a question from a listen who's husband is uneasy with his daughter's relationship.
Plus ingrown toenails, bedroom dance clubs, and cuddles before bed.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen...
"Women Can Do It All, Just Not All At Once"
Amy has just been announced as the new host of KIIS breakfast radio, and is navigating what this career change means her family, and Gen has some sage advice based upon her own experiences.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
<...ARFID In Children: More That Being A 'Picky' Eater
ARFID and trouble with eating is more that being 'picky', as most mums know, and can be hard to navigate. Gen delves into her personal experience for this listener question.
Plus, some parenting highs and lows including a very successful teenage party and Gen and Amy's big career news.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
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Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us a...
The Bittersweet Feeling Of Your Kids Growing Up
One day your kids are holding your hand and calling you mummy, and the next they want to be dropped off on the corner so their friends don't see you. Our kid's growing up is inevitable, and comes with a whole host of feelings that Amy and Gen discuss in this episode.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
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Beyond The Chaos x Beyond The Bump: Why Kids Need Boundaries
In this special episode, we are joined by Sophie and Jayde from Beyond The Bump for a crossover episode! They keep Amy's seat warm while she's in Italy, and speak to Gen about everything to do with kids and boundaries, including some life-changing advice about what to do when things aren't working for mum.
Follow Beyond The Bump here: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebump.podcast/?hl=en
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/g...
Playing, Learning, And The Pressure To Get Your Kid 'School Ready'
It seems like the pressure to get your kid ready to sit down at school and learn is getting earlier and earlier. So what is the ideal age, and should we be encouraging our kids to sit down and read and write before they've started school?
Plus, our parenting highs and lows, from a 'runaway' kid to setting boundaries with your kids.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your q...
The Real Reason Behind Your Kid's Mega Meltdown
Amy is back from Italy, and got home to a loving peaceful household. For about 30 seconds. Her kids melted down one by one, but Gen has the reason behind why your nice moments are 'ruined' by tantrums and fights.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High L...
Do Your Kids Know How To Answer A Phone?
Do your kids answer the phone with a 'yep?' or a 'what?' instead of 'hello', and you're not sure why? Well, we have a theory. Plus, we hear from a listener who is worried about her daughter being too bossy and controlling in social settings. But is that really a bad thing?
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
<...How Long Would You Leave Your Kids To Go On Holidays?
Every parent deserves the occasional child-free holiday, and this week Amy has jetted off to Italy. She's not going for very long but is already anxious about leaving her kids, but Gen has a story about her parents leaving her when she was 4 for a very long time...
Plus, an update on Gen's lost suitcase!
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo...
"I Have A Hyperactive Child, Is This 'Normal'?"
Lots of kids have extra energy, but sometimes hyperactivity can start being concerning. At what point is behaviour too disruptive for your child, and everyone else, and what do you do? Gen and Amy answer a listener question about this topic.
Plus, Amy has a gross parenting fail, but a beautiful win.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
<...The Book That Has Divided The Country
It's an AMEN (featuring a new theme!) and Amy and Gen are discussing the new hit book Yesteryear, Amy's upcoming travel plans, and why Gen swears by a holiday hike.
Pre-order Gen's new book Why Kid's Need Boundaries here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761906817/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Find Amy's wines...
The Heartbreak Of Your Child Saying And Doing Hurtful Things
Everyone has experienced their child acting out with their words and actions, but when is intervention needed? And what do you do? We hear from a worried listener who needs support, and Gen and Amy have some sage advice.
Plus, Gen's nightmare situation in Melbourne, and how self care makes all the difference in the world.
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When Amy Called Gen For Parenting Advice
It's an AMEN episode! This week, Amy called Gen with a parenting dilemma of her own, and needed some level headed advice on whether punishing a kid for lying ever works.
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
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Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced...
Different Kids, Different Rules? Parenting Siblings Individually
Is it inevitable that if you have more than one child, you will parent them differently? And how does that affect the kids, and the family dynamic? This is a common dilemma for our listeners, and today Amy and Gen hear from a parent experiencing this concern.
Plus, Amy's got a fairy godmother in her life, and Gen's son does something that got him dubbed 'The Piggybank'.
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Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
...
Getting On The Same Page As Your Partner with Matty J from Two Doting Dads
We have a very special guest on this episode! One half of Two Doting Dads, former Bachelor, and dad of 3 Matty J joins Gen and Amy on the show!
In this bumper episode they speak about their highs and lows of the week, as well as answer a listener question about getting on the same parenting page as your partner.
You can listen to Two Doting Dads here: https://www.twodotingdads.com/
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and...
Mum Guilt: Does It Ever Go Away??
On this week's AMEN, Gen and Amy discuss their perpetual mum guilt. Despite doing what feels like more than ever for our kids, why does it still feel like it's not enough?
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big...
Teaching Your Child To Say 'No'
Do you struggle to instil in your child the ability to say 'no'? And when is the right time to draw a boundary? Gen and Amy hear from a listener struggling with this, but suspect this question goes a bit deeper than just saying no.
Plus, Amy and Gen's wins and losses include an appointment f-up, a play and an outsourced blow dry.
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Why It Sometimes Feels Easier When Your Partner's Away
Do you find it easier or harder to manage your household when your partner is away? In this AMEN episode, Amy and Gen break down why life sometimes seems easier when their husbands travel.
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
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Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
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Separation Anxiety, Meal Prepping, and "I Hate You Mum"
In this bumper episode, Gen and Amy answer a question from a parent wondering how to manage separation anxiety in her child, and wonders if she's to blame. Plus, they discuss everything from plantar heel pain, to meal prepping, to kid's hurtful words.
Join our Facebook group and have your say: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself...
A Vent About School Lunchboxes
It's an AMEN episode, and can we get an amen for how hard it is packing lunch boxes? Do your kids pack their own? Do they eat the food you give them? Will the cycle of bringing home uneaten food ever end? Jump in our Facebook group and let us know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246445168215669
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE<...
Do 'Time Outs' Ever Actually Work?
Time outs are a contentious subject; while they've been used to try and discipline children for a long time, do they ever actually work? Amy and Gen discuss a great listener question this week from a mum who is not sure.
Plus, Amy has a cracker of a 'low' from her trip to Vietnam.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
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Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE<...
"I'm A Motherless Mother": Reflections On Mother's Day
Amy and Gen are popping in your feeds for a quick Mother's Day reflection, with Amy dialling in from Vietnam. Will it be better than last year's disaster? Plus, it's Gen's first Mother's Day without her own mum.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
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<...Why Your Child 'Pushing Your Buttons' Is Not What You Think
Have you ever thought, 'man my child just loves to push my buttons'? Most parents have at some point. Well, Gen has some thoughts around the idea of back chat and pushing buttons that might surprise you.
Plus, Amy reckons the Tooth Fairy needs to lift her game.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
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Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book...
Why Your Child's Eye Health Is So Important
How much do you know about myopia? Or even what it is? It's super common in children, and can not only affect how children see the world, but their ability to learn and play. Today on the show we're joined by Margaret Lam, Head Optometrist at 1001 Optometry, to learn more about myopia.
To find out more about 1001 Optometry's Magnif-eye tool, head to magnifeye.com.au
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You Need To Be Having The Sex Conversation Earlier Than You Think
You're probably cringing at the thought of it, but we all know how important the 'where do babies come from' conversation is. But what age is appropriate, and what do you say? We hear from a listener grappling with this.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM...
Kids and Screens: Is It A Losing Battle?
Amy is back, and needs some help from Gen managing her kids and screens. Can you have different rules for different kids?
Plus, Gen and Amy compare their very different school holidays.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
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Managing Kids Who Use Harsh Words
Most kids go through a phase where they can use some really callous language, and while this is normal, it is shocking! Today, Gen answers a listener question about a little girl who can say some not very nice things.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
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Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM...
The Manosphere And Raising Boys (And Girls)
In this special A-GEN episode, Gen dives into some of the fears both parents of boys and girls have right now; The Manosphere and raising good boys.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Email us at [email protected]
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Holidaying With Kids- It's Possible!
Amy has just gotten back from a family holiday to Bali and she not only survived, she thrived! Plus, Gen recounts the family holiday from hell where she almost died (apparently).
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM Podcasts
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Heartbreak Of Having A Misunderstood Child
Today on the show, we hear a heartbreaking but all too common dilemma from a dad whose child is struggling to be understood at their school. Gen and Amy offer some advice for this parent on how to support their child at home.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM Podcasts
See omnystudio.com...
Parenting In Your 40's: The Exhaustion Is Real!
It's a fun and loose AMEN episode today, and since Amy just turned 40, her and Gen break down the unique exhaustion that comes with parenting in your fourth decade (and just existing as woman, full stop!)
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM Podcasts
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Help! My Daughter's Dancing Making Me Uncomfortable!"
While we know that kids often just copy things they see on tv or in the media, sometimes that means that they can do things that are a little too...mature for their age. That's what a mum is struggling with this week, with her daughter's dancing, and wants to know the best way to handle it.
Plus a fail that ended up with a hole in Amy's wall.
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"My Daughter Is Rude To Me In Front Of Her Friends, And I'm Sick Of It"
This week, it's Amy who has the parenting dilemma, and needs Gen's help! What do you do when your tween starts acting like a different person in front of their friends? And what happens when the FOMO moves into meltdown territory?
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM Podcasts
See omnystudio.com/listener for p...
"Help! My Child Is Jealous Of My New Baby"
While we all like to imagine our kids are going to be best friends, sibling jealousy is very normal and can be especially prevalent when a new baby enters the family. Today we hear from a mum whose eldest gets jealousy especially during feeding, and Gen and Amy have some sound advice.
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Parenting Imposter Syndrome Is A Real Thing
We talk a lot on Beyond The Chaos about how hard it is when it looks like everyone else has it together, while you feel like you're falling apart (even when we all know no one is perfect). On this episode we hear from a mum who is feeling imposter syndrome as a mum and health professional, and Gen and Amy break down this complicated and relatable feeling.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap...
The Number 1 Rule For Getting Your Child To Sleep
So many kids have a complicated relationship with sleep; everything from not wanting to sleep in their own bed, to not being tired at bedtime. We hear from a listener going through this problem with her 8 year old, and Gen has one rule to tackle it.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM Podcasts
...
Thank F*** School Holidays Are Over
Gen and Amy are back in the studio for 2026! They reflect on the highs and lows of school holidays; which as we know can range from beautiful moments of bonding to breaking up screaming matches between siblings and counting down the days 'til they're back at school.
Leave your question for Gen and Amy here: memo.fm/beyondthechaos
Get your pack of High Low Buffalo cards here
Order Amy Gerard's book 'Strap Yourself In' HERE
Order Gen Muir's book 'Little People, Big Feelings' HERE
Produced by DM Podcasts
<...