Podcasts
Podcast transcript
{INTRO MUSIC and BACKGROUND (composed by Fraser Myers)}
Dom: Hello and welcome to our very first episode. We are the Take A Break Team creating podcasts for parents by parents. As parents, we knew nothing about podcasting so we are very grateful to the Time Out organisation who has helped us make this possible. First things first, though, we should introduce ourselves. I’m Dom, I have 1 daughter in Yr 3 and a son in yr 6 at Melton Sth Primary School and I’m a stay-at-home mum.
Greta: And hi, Im Greta and have two boys in prep and Grade 1, also at Melton SOuth Primary School.
Dom: And we also have Bree with us today from Time Out. We feel very blessed to have you in our lives, Bree. I’d love you to explain to our listeners how we came to be.
Bree: Hi! Yeah thanks for having me on your very first. And yeah so I’m part of the organisation Time Out - or time out for parents. And we actually began quite commonplace - we were a group of occupational therapists who met at uni and who became passionate about something. I guess its that passion that got us from those early discussions to where we are now.
Greta: and what were those discussions?
Bree: Well, we became really interested in the occupation or role of parenting, you know? Through our own experiences and work we started noticing the amount of stressed parents we were interacting with, and realised that parents are not getting the support they need. The research is showing increases in stress and decreases in mental wellbeing in Australia due to financial strain, social isolation, role overload, not to mention single parents. This mixed with inadequate education on coping strategies, parent guilt, stigma on mental illness, and an increased turning to substance abuse, no wonder there are so many struggling parents out there!!
Dom: You’ve got a great handle on parent stress, Bree. I think that’s what we appreciate about the Time Out squad.
Bree: Haha yeah thanks I don't have kids of my own yet like my colleagues, BUT I DO have an amazing mother who I look up to as a great model of taking time out and making sure her own needs are met so that she can wholeheartedly care for the rest of us. I’ll get her on the phone a bit later so she can share her story. A balanced parent definitely equals a balanced family and even community!
Dom: Oh that would be great!
Greta: So how did you grow this original idea to where you are now - I mean, Time Out is a program recognised and funded by the Education Department as something, I believe, will be rolled out across the state…
Bree: Yeah! So we have funding at the moment, for the pilot program here in Melton - your schools are our lucky guinea pigs! Then we’ll have a review with the department in a years time, report what amazing success (hopefully) we’ve had and then see it become available everywhere.
Greta: That’s so exciting. I’m sure you’ll have lots to report - I mean, I know Melton South Primary school is already feeling its effects.
Bree: Oh I’m so glad! Well, our mission is really to empower you - the parents/ caregivers with children — to take control of your mental health and wellbeing. We provide a Wellbeing Program, but we really know that you guys have the resources and experience = we want to tap into that! And this podcast is a perfect example. We are absolutely thrilled that you got together and took this opportunity to connect, share and inspire each other. We just provide the initial spark, some coaching and any supports needed.
Dom: Like this podcast equipment! Thanks Castaway Studios for coming in and setting us all up. Derek, the owner, is one of our dads and has kindly donated his time as he too is gaining great benefit from the connection and topics we’re sharing from week to week.
Greta: In the last two months we’ve surveyed parents on the ground at our school to find out what issues matter to them when it comes to looking after their health and wellbeing. Overwhelmingly, many parents indicated they are struggling to cope with parenthood - struggling to find time and money to look after themselves, often putting their children’s needs first and struggling to access help. Many families are struggling financially, often working multiple jobs while juggling the demands of raising children and either can’t afford the time or have the money to spend on their health. Parents also talked about the stigma surrounding mental health and feeling ashamed to admit they are not coping. Many supported the idea of a parents podcast - for parents, run by parents, as a way to anonymously talk about these important issues in a positive and empowering way that enables parents to remain anonymous yet still get help.
Dom: There’s no blaming or shaming here, just positive helpful tips and advice from parents for parents.
Greta: We thought once a month we’d send a shout out to parents through an anonymous online survey and on the ground feedback boxes in parent rooms within Melton’s schools to get an idea of what issues parents most want to discuss then this will form the theme for out once a month podcast series for parents.
Greta - Our first survey had a high response rate from mothers who identified the age-old issue of “mum guilt” as a key issue for them. So mum guilt is going to be our focus for today!
Dom: To begin with, I felt guilty even at the thought of taking some time out for myself but after attending the parent get-together’s and connecting with others on Facebook, I realise I’m a much happier mum. I joined because I was finding it hard to cope with everything I had to do.. Have you had a similar experience Greta?
Greta: Thanks Dom, yes similar to you I've also struggled a lot with taking time out away from work and the kids. As a single Mum of two young boys Im very time poor and find it a constant struggle to juggle full time work with child raising and running the house. Money is very tight and there’s never any left over for luxuries like attending a yoga class. That’s where Time Out has been great for me. The free weekly yoga classes that Time Out set up at our school utilising skills from trained yoga instructors who are already a part of our school community has been awesome! And the kids are welcome to come too so I don’t have the hassle of needing to find a babysitter!
Dom: Last night while I was multitasking by balancing work on my knee in front of the TV with the kids, a Medibank ad came on which caught my eye. Have you girls seen it?
Bree: Yeah I saw it this morning.
Greta: I saw it last night too. Crazy!
Dom: Let’s quickly play it for our listeners. (Play ad - https://youtu.be/mof6v1HZzO4)
Dom: I’m trying to process how I felt about it. On one hand it was great they were recognising that breaks are important and that the whole family can benefit, but on the other hand there was something rather uncomfortable about it. It certainly brought up this issue of mum guilt.
Greta: So I’m interested in how mums are feeling and responding to parent guilt. I know that personally I've struggled with …….. Maybe, Bree could we get your mum on the phone to share her story?
Bree: For sure.
{CALL MUM} Bree: Hi mum, thanks for coming on. Would you like to start our discussion on mum guilt by sharing your thoughts on how you balance your life and take time out?
{Bree’s Mum discusses her experiences taking time out for herself and the intergenerational effects Dom: So nice to hear from another generation who has lived through this. Thanks for sharing her with us and the listeners, Bree. Bree: you’re welcome!
Greta: Yes thanks for sharing everyone. It’s now time to take a quick break. When we return we’ll talk about some great tips that you guys - the parents - have shared with us! First hand, lived experience of what's worked to help you avoid the dreaded mum guilt. And we’ll get input from an occupational therapy perspective from our wonderful guest Bree!
