Your kids might be a bit older, and you’re back in the routine of life—work, kids, chores—but how’s your relationship? Has it started to feel more like you’re roommates than partners? 

Before you know it, you might find yourselves in the "roommate phase."

In this episode of This Glorious Mess, we explore the telltale signs of this phase and share tips on how to reconnect. We're also joined by a dad, who brings his own perspective on navigating the roommate dynamic in relationships.

And to wrap things up, we leave you with a song that might just hit you right in the feels.

You can read Bek Day's Mamamia article 'I coach married parents through the "roommate phase". Here's the 2 day experiment I swear by.'

Like what you heard? You can listen to more of This Glorious Mess wherever you get your podcasts.

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Tegan Natoli, Annaliese Todd & Sarah Marie Fahd 

With thanks to Thom Lion

Producer: Grace Rouvray

Audio Producer: Lu Hill

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

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Welcome to a brand new podcast from This Glorious Mess called Little Love Stories.

Little Love Stories is an open-hearted conversation with someone who has love and gratitude to share, whether it's about a person, an object, or an event.

In this first episode, This Glorious Mess co-host Annaliese Todd shares the love story she wrote to herself. No one plans on becoming a single parent, but through this journey of self-discovery, Annaliese is breaking down stigmas and finding love for herself as she navigates the dark days.

Little Love Stories explores gratitude through written form and heartfelt conversation. The world is full of little moments of love and magic—it's time we started to notice them.

Want more This Glorious Mess? Click here. 

You can read Annaliese's full essay here. 

Got a Little Love Story you want to share? We’re listening! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]

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Subscribe to Mamamia

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CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Grace Rouvray

Guest: Annaliese Todd 

Audio Producer: Lu Hill

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We need to talk about sleep. Not your kids sleep - YOUR sleep.

Introducing This Glorious Mess the parenting podcast that's just had a major glowup.

In this very special sleep episode hosts Tegan Natoli and Annaliese Todd share how the mental load impacts their sleep, and discuss how a "sleep divorce" could be the key to a good nights rest.

Annaliese speaks to a sleep expert, leading to her full meltdown after learning about the mistakes she's been making and how we could all be doing better in the bedroom.

Plus, Sarah Marie hears from a mom craving alone time but feeling like she'll never get it. 

And, we hear from the regional mum who feeds her kids dinner at 3pm (yes you read that right) all in the name of calm afternoons and a better sleep routine.

If you loved this episode, you can listen to more episodes over at This Glorious Mess

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Got a message for Sarah Marie? We’re listening! Send us a voice message, email us at [email protected]

Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.

Subscribe to Mamamia

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CREDITS:

Host: Tegan Natoli, Annaliese Todd & Sarah Marie Fahd 

Guests: Rachel Beard, Sleep Wellness Manager at A.H. Beard’s Sleep Wellness Centre and Aimee Connor.

Producer: Grace Rouvray

Audio Producer: Lu Hill

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know teenagers are going through a lot, but they often don’t open up to us about it. After reading an article about what it’s like to be a teenager in 2024, we have some insight for any confused parents.

Plus, seeing your kids fight can be really tough. So, what do you do when they both come to you to complain? And, how can you help them build a positive relationship with each other?

And finally, after two years of hosting this podcast and answering so many of your wonderful questions, what have Ginni and Jo learned about parenting teens?

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• Listen: How To Help Your Teen Stop Worrying About Cozzie Livs
• Read: This is actually what it's like to be a 14-year-old girl in 2024.

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taxcuts.gov.au

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble

Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html 

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Production: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting groups want to hold off on giving teens phones to protect them from disturbing online content. But does this risk making them feel left out? Ginni and Jo tackle the big conversation about teens and screens.

Plus, parents separate for all sorts of reasons, but how do you talk to your kids about it when infidelity is involved? We discuss the best way to handle this tough topic.

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• Listen: The Psychology Of Mum Guilt & How To Fight It

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If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble

Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html 

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Production: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our teens get anxious about a lot of things; their body image, to school stress and fitting in socially. But how can you tell if it’s regular worry or something more serious like an anxiety disorder? We discuss.

Plus, creating family traditions is so important for connection. So, Ginni and Jo share what they do in their families, and other ideas you might want to try out.

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• Listen: The Psychology Of Mum Guilt & How To Fight It

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble

Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html 

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Production: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As parents, we often fret over how much time our kids spend on social media or with friends, but they have bigger worries. Ginni and Jo discuss the differences in worries between teenagers and parents, and how we can bridge that gap in understanding.

And, is your teen mumbling? We give advice on how to help teens communicate better when they want to be heard.

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• Listen: The Psychology Of Mum Guilt & How To Fight It

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble

Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html 

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Production: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sleepless nights, the expensive feeding, the mess... Just when you thought you were done with those years, your child becomes a teenager. This episode we discuss all the things that surprised us about becoming parents of teens and why we found those to be the hardest years.

Plus, what happens when your teen starts to distance themselves? Ginni and Jo share their insights and tips on fostering meaningful connections without pushing too hard.

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• Listen: The Psychology Of Mum Guilt & How To Fight It

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble

Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html 

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Production: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A heads up: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and may be better to listen to with headphones if little ears are around.

As parents, we know that conversations with our kids, regardless of age, can sometimes go in one ear and out the other. But sometimes, there is a conversation so important that we must make sure it sticks.

In this special episode, Tegan Natoli, host of 'This Glorious Mess,' is joined by Triple M Rush Hour Sydney Host and founder of Gotch4Life, Gus Worland, who is also the founder of Gotcha For Life. They discuss how to talk to your child about their safety, how you can adapt those conversations for any age child, and the resources available to help you navigate those chats with confidence.

For more information click here. Or listen to this episode of our news podcast The Quicky.

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GET IN TOUCH:

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

CREDITS:

Host: Tegan Natoli & Gus Worland

Executive Producers: Talissa Bazaz & Courtney Ammenhauser 

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As our teens start looking more like adults, should we expect them to start acting like adults too? Ginni and Jo dive into teenage brain development and share tips for handling moments when emotions take over.

And, when it comes time for a family vacations should you make your teens join even if they're not keen? Our host's opinions are a little bit controversial this time around.

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• Listen: ‘Hits Different, Pop Off, Rizz’: Why Is My Teen Speaking Another Language?

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account.

Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.

If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble

Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html 

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Production: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you noticing your teen becoming more hesitant about going to school lately? The growing number of school refusals is becoming alarming. Luckily, we've got some tips to help encourage them to attend.

Plus, a dilemma involving a teenage girl who doesn't enjoy staying at her dad's house. But does she legally have to go? We discuss.

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• Listen: ‘Hits Different, Pop Off, Rizz’: Why Is My Teen Speaking Another Language?

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account.

Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.

If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble

Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html 

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Production: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.