Single Mother Survival Guide

In this solo episode, Julia discusses the Child Care Subsidy which comes into effect on the 2nd July 2018.  Links mentioned in the episode: Read Julia's blog post on how the new Child Care Subsidy will affect single parents here. What is adjusted taxable income? Thank you to this week's sponsor - Goodstart.  Vote for Julia in the 2018 Mum Blog Awards here.  To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode, Julia talks with single mum, columnist, social commentator and author of new book Out There: A survival guide for dating in midlife, Kerri Sackville.  Five years ago Kerri's marriage of 17 years ended. When she started dating again she made every mistake known to womankind. She swiped right on scammers and fakers, spent weeks fruitlessly texting, agreed to long dates with the wrong men, and got involved with hot messes and commitment-phobes. She also met amazing men and went on sensational first dates, and learned how to navigate the minefield that is dating in midlife. In her new book, she shares all her wisdom with us. In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, we chat about the book and I pick Kerri's brain on dating in midlife. We discuss what it felt like for Kerri to put herself out there in the dating world after a 17-year relationship, how she knew when she was ready, the red flags we should ALL be aware of, her dating guidelines, why dating is not always the solutio

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode with one of the bravest and most beautiful women I've had the opportunity to speak with on the show. In Part 1, my guest told her horrific story of her experience in the 10-year relationship she had with the father of her children. Since then, she has rebuilt her life from the ground up. It has not been an easy road. But she is strong, and she is beautifully brave. She is a survivor.  In this episode, her story continues. She tells us about the sentencing of her ex-partner because of what he did to her. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison for a lengthy list of charges including torture, deprivation of liberty, assault causing grievous bodily harm, and assault with a weapon.  She also shares what has happened since then and offers her advice for women going through something similar. We discuss the following.  What life was like in a refuge. The organizations that helped her. How she helped her kids whilst going through her own recovery. How she rebuilt her life. Precaut

This episode is one of the hardest and most emotional episodes I have ever recorded. It's a heartbreaking story. But it's also a story of survival, strength, and courage. And it's a very important story.  May is the month of family and domestic violence prevention in QLD, Australia. Its aim is to raise awareness in the community of the social and personal impacts of domestic violence and to support those affected. And that's exactly what my guest today is doing in this week's and next week's episode by sharing her story. She has experienced hell. Throughout her ten year relationship with the father of her three children, she was tortured with belts, lighters, and sex toys. Repeatedly hit with the handle of a hammer. She was doused with petrol at eight and a half months pregnant. He would tie her up. She was constantly threatened with death. Locked in a bedroom and forced to miss Christmas Day with her children.   When he beat her so badly in January 2017, she made the brave decision to make a run for it, taki

In this solo episode, Julia shares her advice for camping as a single mum. This includes all the key takeaways that she got out of her recent camping trip with her daughter. From what to bring, to how long to go for, to where to go. She also reveals her secret hacks to make the trip far more enjoyable.  She also discusses the great, the good, and the not so great parts of single-parent camping. If you are planning a camping trip with your little one (or little ones), don't miss this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast. Links mentioned in the episode: Read Julia's blog post on camping here. Download the camping essentials list here.  Vote for Julia in the 2018 Mum Blog Awards here.  To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide

In this episode, Julia talks with single mum Belinda Phillips. This is Belinda's single mum story. Thirteen years ago Belinda ended the relationship with the father of her children after an awakening that came out of a financial betrayal. She went from living in a mansion with home help and being a stay at home mum to living in a small unit and trying to make ends meet.  A year later she met the man (a subconscious rescue plan) who would become her second husband. They were together for seven years. He was a destructive and violent man who was (at that stage) undiagnosed with bipolar.  The final straw was when she discovered pornographic material of underage girls on his computer. Belinda didn't have any parental support, her first husband then sided with her second husband, she signed over all the financial assets to her ex-husband, and if it couldn't get any worse, her son chose to move back to South Africa to live with his dad. In this episode, Belinda tells how she recovered from the whole situation, what

Isiah McKimmie, one of Australia’s leading relationship and sex experts is back to chat with Julia in this week's episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast. This time, Julia and Isiah talk about all things ORGASMS. They discuss if orgasms are possible for everyone, if it is normal to struggle to reach an orgasm, what kind of factors can get in the way of reaching an orgasm, what you can do to find your orgasm, and lots more! Isiah also answers questions from listeners such as: Is it common for mothers over 40 to lose their sex drive completely?  How do you get your orgasm back after having a child?  When it comes to sex, is it a case of “use it or lose it”? Isiah is a passionate couples therapist, sex therapist, sexologist and tantra expert who has been helping women and couples discover deeper intimacy and desire for over a decade.   One of the most qualified Sex and Relationship Experts in Australia, Isiah holds a Masters degree in Relational Psychotherapy, a Master degree in Science in Medicine

In this solo episode Julia shares her advice on traveling as a single mum with children who are five and under. From what you need to do before you get to the airport, to what to bring on the plane, to researching hotels, to legals, and so much more. She also discusses the Family Law Watchlist and the Hague Convention. If you are planning a trip with your little one (or little ones), listen to this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast. Links mentioned in the episode: For instructions on how to check if your child is on the airport watch list, go to: http://www.singlemothersurvivalguide.com/frequentlyaskedquestions/ and expand "what is the family law watchlist?". Vote for Julia in the Mummy Blog Awards 2018 HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us a

In this episode Julia talks with single mum, and co-founder of Wyld Tribe Tracy Mcfie.  Five years ago Tracy was happily married to her teenage love of over two decades, a fly-in-fly-out worker. Her and her two children lived in Western Australia, and her husband (who worked in the mines) was in China working 3 out of 4 weeks. Life was challenging at times but after living this lifestyle for 17 years, it was something that Tracy was used to (though slightly sick of).  Tracy's world came crashing down after she received a text message from another woman which revealed her husband's infidelity.  In this episode, Tracy tells us how she was left lying on the bathroom floor at the edge of the darkness and completely broken. She endured heartbreak, terrible betrayal, loss and grief. She also went through stages where she looked down the back of the couch for coins and worked her butt off doing anything to keep her family safe. Five years after the darkness Tracy radiates happiness. Her attitude and zest for life is

In this solo episode Julia talks about goal setting for single mums. She tells you why setting goals will change your life, and how to set them so that you achieve them. This is a continuation of Episode 86 - finding your identity as a single mum. Some questions to ask yourself to get started: What do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve it? What is your plan? Links mentioned in the episode: You can listen to Episode 86 HERE. Blog Post - 6 THINGS FOR A SINGLE MUM TO DO AFTER A REDUNDANCY Don’t forget! Sign up to the Don’t Just Survive, THRIVE online program for single mums by Friday April 20, 2018 (sign up here). To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twi

In this episode Julia talks with breast cancer warrior, 2016 Mother of the Year, and single mum Farrah Millar. Farrah was on the show a year ago (episodes 34 and 35) and in this episode we get an update from Farrah on the last 12 months since she was on the show. Farrah was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when her daughter was just 14 months old and her son was less than 24 hours old. Recovering from a caesarean section, Farrah began 4 months of intense chemotherapy, and then further treatment (including a double mastectomy), all whilst parenting two babies and dealing with the breakdown of her relationship. With her daughter now three and her son two, Farrah updates us on what's happened in the last 12 months - 15 admissions to hospital (including 6 operations), her phenomenal efforts at raising money for breast cancer and spreading breast cancer prevention awareness, the overhanging fear of cancer returning, trekking the Great Wall of China, a new love, and so much more.  If you haven't already, listen

In this solo episode Julia talks about finding your identity as a single mum. Sometimes when we come out of our relationships we have lost who we are, and in this episode Julia shares her tips on how you can start to rediscover yourself again and get back to being YOU. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the finding yourself exercise here.  Sign up to the Don’t Just Survive, THRIVE online program for single mums by Sunday April 15, 2018 (sign up here). To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Services. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast Julia chats with one of Australia’s leading Relationship and Sex Experts, Isiah McKimmie. Julia and Isiah talk about all things SEX AND BODY IMAGE. They discuss the perception that mums can’t be sexual, why mothers are struggling to find their sense of sensuality and desire again, the male perception of a mother's sexuality, and what celebrity mothers are doing for the perception of sexuality in society.  Isiah also shares her advice: for any mother getting herself out there and feeling confident sexually if it's been a while, and having sex with a new partner; getting emotionally ready, and the potential of carrying forward old issues from the past; getting past the body image insecurities which can lead to feeling extremely self-conscious when it comes to getting naked and having sex;  shutting the inner critic down during sex; and LOTS MORE! Isiah also shares her tips for any women whose bodies may have taken a toll due to illnesses such as canc

In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, Julia talks with Marcia Watts. This is Marcia's second time on the show. Marcia is a counsellor in the private practice Transform to Lead based in Brisbane, Australia. She offers clients a compassionate, solution-oriented counselling service, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. She is passionate about helping adults and couples improve their personal lives, marriages, and family relationships and she has a special interest in re-partnering and step families, as well as her own personal experience of marriage breakdown and five years as a single parent of 3 boys, before marrying her now husband, Ian, and creating a blended family. In this episode Marcia and Julia discuss: the different terms for step families and blended families, the concept of loving step children as your own, and if that is even possible, the idea of the “intentional family”,  how children may feel when one of their parents remarries, avoiding di

In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, Julia chats with single mums Nadia Mori and Lyndsey Bramble about secret single mums business for the third time. We chat about kids starting school, single mum guilt, dating, and so much more. Listen to our first Secret Single Mums Business Episode here.  Listen to the second Secret Single Mums Business Episode here. Sign up to the Don't Just Survive, THRIVE online program for single mums here. Book: Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari.  To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Services. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.  

In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast Julia chats with single mum, and editor of Australia’s number one parenting website Kidspot, the gorgeous Melissa Wilson. Mel shares how she manages to juggle being a single mum to two kids and the editor of Kidspot, a typical day in her life, the relationship with her ex ending and how she coped in the early days and weeks of being a single mum, how she felt about becoming a single mum and how it's changed over time, and co-parenting with her ex.  She also shares her advice for other mums who are struggling with the decision of leaving a relationship or staying in it, benefits she's encountered and advice for new single mums. Links mentioned in the episode: Kidspot.com.au The Juggling Act Podcast Connect with Mel on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram (here and here).  Sign up to the Don't Just Survive, THRIVE online program for single mums here. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. or information about the single parent mentorin

In this solo episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, Julia chats about what's been going on for the last couple of months. She talks about her last trip to Perth, her recent holiday to Fiji, her daughter starting school, and more. Links mentioned in the episode: Blog post: Top Tips for Single Mum Travel.  Blog post: Why a child’s first day at school is so hard on single mums. Braving the Wilderness: The quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone by Brené Brown To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Services. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, Julia chats to holistic health practitioner Robin LaCross.  Robin and Julia discuss how to talk to kids about sex, the right terminology to use with children, how to answer the where did I come from? question and any other sex related questions, talking to our kids about menstruation, what HPV is, the cervical cancer vaccine, how to protect yourself from HPV, having safe sex with HPV, natural birth control methods and much more.  Robin specializes in women's reproductive health. She is on a mission to reduce unintended pregnancies and the spread of STDs in the world by changing the way mothers talk to their children about growing up, sex and staying safe. She is also the founder of The HPV Education Project to raise awareness about the virus, new advances in HPV testing and holistic methods of promoting cervical health. Links mentioned in the episode: The HPV Education Project www.cervixhealth.com www.raisingempowereddaughters.com  Email Robin at ho

In this solo episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, Julia chats about Valentine's Day for the new single mum and how to get through it. But it is suitable for ALL single mums to listen to, no matter how long you've been a single mum.   Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Services. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, Julia continues her chat from last week with family lawyer Todd Street.  This is the second part of Todd's second time on the show and again, Todd answers questions which were sent in by the Single Mother Survival Guide Community. The questions relate to getting an ex drug tested, when your ex wants to change the current 60/40 care arrangement to a 50/50 arrangement and you are not keen, continuity when changing lawyers, how good legal aid is and if you can still get a good outcome using legal aid, what qualifies someone for legal aid, how to get a court to recognise domestic violence and ongoing emotional abuse with young children and reducing access with an unstable parent, what to do when children are traumatised and really not wanting to go with the other parent when it is court ordered, and lots more!  Links mentioned in the episode: Visit Todd's website, Todd Street Lawyer here. Connect with Todd on Facebook, or email him at todd@streetlawyer.