The Juggling Act

Latest Episodes:

Finance expert reveals the best way to save for your child's education Feb 08, 2021

Show notes

I’m a words not numbers person, so thinking about finances and planning for the future does hurt my head a bit. One thing I did do when my kids were born, was start an education fund. But I have often wondered whether it’s the best way to save for their schooling. Today’s guest is one of Australia’s leading personal finance commentators, and the author of Ditch the Debt and Get Rich (yes please!). Mum-of-two Effie Zahos joins us to share her advice on saving for schooling and where families go wrong when it comes to finances.

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The Amazing Race parents battling cancer and losing their business Feb 07, 2021

Show notes

Last year was tough, but for firefighter Deb and former NRL player Shane it was particularly tough. Shane was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Deb lost her gym during Covid.
With Shane’s health improving, they decided they were ready to make the most of life and compete in the race of a lifetime – The Amazing Race Australia. They join us and reveal the hardest thing about the race, why they did it and how much the prize money would change their lives.

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Weekly Catch-Up Feb 06, 2021

Show notes

This week, we chat with Beau Ryan who reveals his top tip for travelling with kids and actually enjoying it. We get some incredible tips on raising girls who like themselves (in a world that tells them they're flawed). We meet the mums competing in The Amazing Race Australia and find out why they entered. Former Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson opens up about how she keeps smiling after a heartbreaking loss. And Sarah and Mel chat managing conflicting opinions around social distancing with families and friends.

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Navigating conflicting stances on social distancing Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

The rules around what we can and can't do and with how many people has been nothing short of confusing! It's also been interesting to see how different family and friends have reacted to covid restrictions - some are very strict, some a bit more laid back. So how do you navigating varying opinions around what should or shouldn't be done without falling out with family or friends? Sarah and Mel share their experiences and how to navigate this complicated world we find ourselves in.

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How former Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson keeps smiling after a heartbreaking loss Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

I’ve been dragging my kids to swimming lessons since they were only a few months old. We had breaks here and there when it all becomes too much – and too expensive – but now they both love the water. I know that’s not the case with every child, so how can we make sure our kids are water confident without the headache – and the drain on the bank account? Today’s guest is an Australian Olympic Gold medallist in swimming and the mum of four – they lost their son Jack in 2011 at 9 months old after he was born prematurely. Brooke Hanson has joined now joined forces with Child’s Farm and has some fantastic tips around making sure the whole family enjoys the water this summer and reveals how she stays positive after such a heartbreaking loss.

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Why two mums took on the gruelling Amazing Race Australia Feb 02, 2021

Show notes

Well a couple of weeks ago The Amazing Race Australia host Beau Ryan told us this season, set only in Australia, was the toughest one yet. He was right. It’s been hard watching the contestants battle the extreme weather conditions, and for the mums on the show, Jude and Shannon, it’s been even more difficult because their relationship was tested to the limits in the most surprising way.

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Raising girls who like themselves (in a world that says they shouldn't) Feb 01, 2021

Show notes

As women, we spend so much of our lives disliking things about ourselves. Our bodies, our looks, our laugh, the list goes on… So when Mel's 8-year-old daughter started telling her the things she didn’t like about herself, she thought, 'nooooo, you’re too little! Stay innocent for longer please!' Sadly she’s not the only one. Alarming research has found that more than half of all Aussie girls between 8-9, don’t like their body. That’s just heartbreaking. Luckily today’s guests are here to help. Author Kasey Edwards has teamed up with her husband Dr Christopher Scanlon to write Raising Girls Who Like Themselves, and they join us to share all their advice.

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Beau Ryan's top tip for travelling with kids and enjoying it Jan 31, 2021

Show notes

One of Mel's favourite reality TV shows is The Amazing Race. She loves travelling and watching how the contestants handle the stress of a foreign country. But this year, the show is going to look very different. There are no language barriers, no cultural challenges, because this year - thanks to Covid - the race will be held in Australia only. The show’s host, former rugby league player and dad of two, Beau Ryan is also back – fresh off a trip caravanning with the entire family! He joins us to share his top tips for travelling with kids and actually enjoying it, why this is the toughest season of The Amazing Race Australia so far and he gives a surprising response to whether he wants more kids!

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Weekly Catch-Up Jan 30, 2021

Show notes

This week, Sarah and Mel talk about the things you need to think about when choosing a daycare (see we are helpful sometimes!). We’re joined by an Indonesian-American mum living in Melbourne to talk about raising culturally aware children. Teacher and author Sharon Witt shares her experience around choosing the right school for your child and urges parents to speak up if something isn’t working. Candice Warner is in the studio and opens up about how she’s going to talk to her three daughters about the stories written about her in the media. And Mel explains to Sarah why your second child starting school is so much harder than the first!

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Why your second child starting school is so much harder Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

When your first child starts school, you worry about the logistical stuff - can they open their lunchbox, put their shoes back on, wipe their bottom. Second time around it's a different story. You know what's ahead of you. You know how much and how quickly they change. It feels like they go from being babies to little people overnight and that can be really, really hard to process - especially if they're your youngest!

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