Beyond The Chaos
Kids & Family
About
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.
Episodes
- Why Your Child's Eye Health Is So Important
This episode of Beyond The Chaos discusses myopia in children and its effects. Head Optometrist Margaret Lam from 1001 Optometry provides insights into this common eye condition.
- You Need To Be Having The Sex Conversation Earlier Than You Think
This episode of Beyond The Chaos discusses when and how to have conversations about sex and reproduction, prompted by a listener's question. It delves into the appropriateness of age and typical approaches to these discussions.
- Kids and Screens: Is It A Losing Battle?
Amy and Gen discuss the challenges of managing children and screen time, including whether different rules can apply to different kids. They also compare their experiences during school holidays.
- Managing Kids Who Use Harsh Words
Gen answers a listener question about how to handle children who use callous or harsh language. This episode addresses why this behavior occurs and how parents can manage it.
- The Manosphere And Raising Boys (And Girls)
Gen discusses parental concerns regarding the manosphere and the raising of boys and girls in this episode. The segment also outlines ways for listeners to contact the hosts and provides resources for further reading and activities.
- Holidaying With Kids- It's Possible!
Amy discusses her recent family holiday to Bali, while Gen shares a challenging experience from a past family vacation.
- The Heartbreak Of Having A Misunderstood Child
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, Gen and Amy discuss the challenges faced by a parent whose child is struggling to be understood at school. They provide advice on how parents can support their children at home.
- Parenting In Your 40's: The Exhaustion Is Real!
Hosts Amy and Gen discuss the unique exhaustion associated with parenting while in their 40s and the general experiences of womanhood. This episode also includes information on listener engagement and promotional links for the hosts' books.
- "Help! My Daughter's Dancing Making Me Uncomfortable!"
In this episode, Gen and Amy discuss how to handle children mimicking mature dance moves they see in media. The episode also features a story about an accident that resulted in a hole in a wall and provides information on the hosts' books…
- "My Daughter Is Rude To Me In Front Of Her Friends, And I'm Sick Of It"
Amy and Gen discuss parenting strategies for managing a tween's rude behavior in front of friends and how to handle meltdowns driven by FOMO. This episode is part of the Beyond The Chaos podcast.
- "Help! My Child Is Jealous Of My New Baby"
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, hosts Gen and Amy address a listener's question about managing a child's jealousy toward a new baby, particularly during feeding. They provide practical advice for parents navigating this common develop…
- Parenting Imposter Syndrome Is A Real Thing
In this episode, Gen and Amy discuss the experience of parenting imposter syndrome, hearing from a mother who struggles with these feelings while working as a health professional. They explore the commonality of the feeling that everyone e…
- The Number 1 Rule For Getting Your Child To Sleep
Hosts Gen and Amy address a listener's question about an 8-year-old child's sleep struggles. Gen shares a single rule to help manage issues with bedtime resistance and sleeping independently.
- Thank F*** School Holidays Are Over
Gen and Amy return for 2026 to discuss their experiences during the school holidays, covering both the positive bonding moments and the challenges of managing sibling conflicts.
- What Is The Right Age To Talk To Your Teen About Dating?
In this episode, hosts Amy and Gen answer a listener question regarding the appropriate age to discuss dating with teenagers and how to approach the conversation comfortably.
- Are Your Kids Old Enough to Go Out Unsupervised?
Amy and Gen discuss the dilemma of when to allow children to roam unsupervised and how to handle situations where another parent has done so without permission. This episode addresses a listener's question on child supervision boundaries.
- Our Top 5 Tips For Getting Through Starting School
Gen provides five practical tips to help children and parents manage anxiety as the start of the school year approaches. The episode focuses on supporting families through the transition of a child starting school for the first time.
- "My Child's Grandparent Calls Her Fat"
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, Amy and Gen discuss how parents can address problematic comments grandparents make to children, such as remarks about weight.
- Amy's Foolproof Guide To Surviving NYE With Kids
Amy Gerard provides a survival guide for parents looking to navigate New Year's Eve with children. The episode covers practical strategies for managing the evening and family dynamics during the holiday.
- Gen's Christmas Eve Meditation
Gen offers a special Christmas Eve meditation for parents experiencing a chaotic household during the holidays. The episode also provides information on resources from Gen Muir and Amy Gerard.
- "My Child Is Suddenly Self-Conscious, What Can I Do?"
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, Gen and Amy address a listener's question about how to support a young child who has suddenly become self-conscious. This is the first in a series of summer mini episodes.
- How To Explain Death To Your Child
In this episode, Gen shares personal tips on how to talk to children about the death of a loved one following her own experience with her mother's illness.
- Siblings Are Meant To Fight - Here's Why
Hosts Gen and Amy discuss the challenges of sibling rivalry and offer advice on how to manage it. Additionally, Gen shares a tip for addressing when children steal from their parents.
- We're Sick Of Being Shamed By Instagram Parenting Experts
Gen and Amy discuss the challenges of parenting advice found on social media, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising children. They address parental feelings regarding criticism from online experts, particularly…
- How Do You Tell Your Kids To Put Down The Screen, When You're Also Addicted?
Gen and Amy discuss the challenges of managing children's screen time while parents struggle with their own screen habits. They share potential strategies for navigating this complex issue.
- Why Your Kid's Tantrum Might Be Due To Them Being a 'DFK'
Amy and Gen discuss parenting a child who experiences severe dysregulation, including physical outbursts. The hosts also share personal stories about a school fair and an embarrassing incident.
- How Important Are Report Cards, Really?
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, hosts Gen and Amy discuss the potential negative impacts of over-parenting and shielding children from negative experiences. They reflect on the significance of report cards and personal parenting habit…
- The Real Reason Your Child 'Prefers' The Other Parent
Hosts Amy and Gen discuss the common experience of children showing a preference for one parent over the other. The episode also includes a personal win from Gen regarding her teenager and reflections from Amy on her past.
- The School Holidays Juggle
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, hosts discuss the challenges of managing school holidays, including childcare and household responsibilities. They offer support to listeners who may be feeling overwhelmed by these demands.
- How Dysregulation May Be Causing Your Kid To Act Out
Amy and Gen discuss emotional dysregulation in children, offering tips for parents for managing school-related behavior issues. The episode also covers a personal success story with iPads and the challenges of managing school holidays.
- High Low Buffalo: Gen's Exciting News
Gen discusses the creation of her new High Low Buffalo conversation cards, a tool designed to improve family communication and help children open up. In this episode, Amy and Gen demonstrate how to use the cards.
- The Highs And Lows Of Having A Clingy Child
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, Gen discusses the reasons behind a child's clingy behavior and provides strategies for parents. Additionally, the hosts address the issue of partners returning home later than promised.
- A Quick Rant About Parenting While Sick
Amy Gerard and Gen Muir discuss the challenges of parenting while ill, including the importance of partner support and self-care. This conversation is part of the Beyond The Chaos podcast.
- How To Handle A Withdrawn Tween
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, Amy and Gen discuss how to handle a tween who is becoming increasingly withdrawn from family activities. They also share personal experiences regarding screen-related challenges.
- How To Explain Grief To A Child
Gen Muir discusses how to explain death and guide children through grief. The episode also explores the experience of spending time away from children and the benefits of encouraging them to take risks.
- Dear Schools: Why. So. Many. Emails?!
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, the hosts discuss the frustrations surrounding the excessive volume of school communications and explore potential improvements. The conversation also touches on a personal experience regarding the gym.
- My Daughter Is Assh*le To Me - Here's Why That's A Good Thing
Gen Muir explains why a daughter's challenging behavior during the tween and teen years may be a positive sign. The hosts discuss common struggles with parent-child relationships and invite listeners to submit their own questions.
- "I Have 'Sneaky' Kid...Should I Be Worried?"
This episode explores when common childhood behaviors like stealing, swearing, and lying should cause concern. It also considers the role of AI in parenting and outlines how to manage a sneaky child.
- Dealing With Parental Overwhelm
In this episode of Beyond The Chaos, Amy and Gen discuss the topic of parental overwhelm, focusing on navigating the vast amount of parenting information available and the importance of self-kindness.
- Everything You Need To Know About Breastfeeding
For Breastfeeding Awareness Month, hosts Amy and Gen discuss the realities of breastfeeding with obstetrician Dr. Hugh Porter and midwife and lactation specialist Megan Hangan. The episode covers the highs and lows of the nursing experienc…
- Teaching Your Sensitive Child How To Lose
Gen and Amy discuss how to support sensitive children in learning to handle losing and understanding concepts of right and wrong. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and information about their respective books.
- The Trick To Getting On The Same Parenting Page As Your Partner
Amy and Gen discuss the challenges of aligning parenting styles with a partner, sharing personal experiences and advice on the Beyond The Chaos podcast.
- "My Son Gets Stage Fright- But Only When I'm Around"
This episode discusses why children may experience stage fright when their parents are present for performances. Gen and Amy offer advice for parents, along with a tip for managing bedtime nosebleeds.
- When Is The Right Time To Stand Up To Bullies?
Gen and Amy discuss how and when to intervene when witnessing bullying. The episode also covers dealing with never-ending school holidays and birthday planning tips.
- The Real Reason Your Kid Is Acting Out
This episode of Beyond The Chaos offers advice for parents dealing with unexpected behavioral outbursts in children. The hosts also discuss spending quality time with kids and share personal highlights from their week.
- The Craziest Reasons Our Kids Have Gotten Mad At Us
This episode explores the reasons why children may have sudden tantrums, such as being driven to school or prompted to drink water. It also addresses how choice paralysis can impact a child's ability to complete daily tasks like getting dr…
- 'Transition Overwhelm' May Be Causing Your Kid's Meltdown
In this episode, Gen and Amy discuss 'transition overwhelm' and provide practical tips for managing meltdowns during school or daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. The hosts also share a positive Mother's Day story and discuss their weekly pare…
- BONUS: Our Unfiltered Thoughts On Mother's Day
Amy and Gen record an unedited bonus episode reflecting on their experiences of disappointing Mother's Day celebrations. They discuss the expectation for mothers to manage the mental load within the household.
- Sensory Seeking Kids And How To Help Them
This episode addresses questions regarding sensory-seeking behaviors in children, specifically hair pulling. The hosts also share personal updates, including recent failures and product recommendations.
- When Is The Right Time To Make Big Changes?
In this episode, Gen and Amy discuss the timing of major childhood transitions, such as moving from a cot to a bed. The hosts also address a listener's question, offer a solution for screen addiction, and share a personal update.