60 acast.com Is It Just Us? https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/is-it-just-us en Hayley Rice and Debbie Cullinane parenting,support ,advice,children,mom,dad,parenting help Hayley Rice and Debbie Cullinane Welcome to Is It Just Us...?


A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all.


Because it’s never just you.


🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection.


Thanks for listening,

Debbie and Hayley x

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to Is It Just Us...?


A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all.


Because it’s never just you.


🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection.


Thanks for listening,

Debbie and Hayley x

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> true Hayley Rice and Debbie Cullinane isitjustuspod@gmail.com 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 is-it-just-us episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115/1746874247208-57e61dca-6462-4648-ae9d-5850be4f6a6e.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/is-it-just-us Is It Just Us? Ep. 53 Is It Just Us Or...Quick Fire Parenting Round! Ep. 53 Is It Just Us Or...Quick Fire Parenting Round! Tue, 12 May 2026 23:01:00 GMT 25:55 69c65aedf4bf09c599dc1404 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69c65aedf4bf09c599dc1404 69c65aedf4bf09c599dc1404 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full Welcome back! In this episode we are answering quick fire questions straight from Instagram. We have a laugh and a chat about some everyday parenting challenges and thoughts. We hope you enjoy and thank you all sooo much for listening!


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


There is still time to join us for our super popular Raising Boys Who Thrive webinar happening tonight May 13th! Get your ticket (which includes the unlimited replay) HERE


This episode is proudly sponsored by The FIRM Parent Hub. The F.I.R.M Parent Hub is a therapist-led 24/7 parenting supportive space designed to help you raise confident, emotionally healthy children with boundaries that feel calm, clear, and connected. Inside, you’ll find practical tools, expert support, weekly parenting guidance, live trainings, and a community of parents who truly get it. Grounded in our F.I.R.M. Approach®-Fair, Intentional, Regulated and Modelled- the Hub helps parents move beyond surviving parenting and start feeling more confident, steady, and supported right away. For as little as €5 per week, trusted support is accessible and here for you! Join us here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome back! In this episode we are answering quick fire questions straight from Instagram. We have a laugh and a chat about some everyday parenting challenges and thoughts. We hope you enjoy and thank you all sooo much for listening!


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


There is still time to join us for our super popular Raising Boys Who Thrive webinar happening tonight May 13th! Get your ticket (which includes the unlimited replay) HERE


This episode is proudly sponsored by The FIRM Parent Hub. The F.I.R.M Parent Hub is a therapist-led 24/7 parenting supportive space designed to help you raise confident, emotionally healthy children with boundaries that feel calm, clear, and connected. Inside, you’ll find practical tools, expert support, weekly parenting guidance, live trainings, and a community of parents who truly get it. Grounded in our F.I.R.M. Approach®-Fair, Intentional, Regulated and Modelled- the Hub helps parents move beyond surviving parenting and start feeling more confident, steady, and supported right away. For as little as €5 per week, trusted support is accessible and here for you! Join us here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> BONUS EP Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About Parenting Boys? BONUS EP Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About Parenting Boys? Fri, 08 May 2026 23:01:00 GMT 20:23 69fe0150c117aa79bfa12a6e true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69fe0150c117aa79bfa12a6e 69fe0150c117aa79bfa12a6e 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 🎉It's our birthday! Is It Just Us? Podcast is ONE year old! THANK YOU to each and every one of you who listen! We really appreciate it. We have had a blast and loved bringing you a new episode every, single week. If you haven't already done so, it would make our day if you could subscribe, rate and tell a friend about our pod! 🥰


⭐️To say a huge thank you here is a bonus episode we know you will love on a really hot topic- raising boys. In this chat we talk about why this is such an important conversation, what challenges we face as parents of boys and what helps to set them up for the future! We hope you get loads from this.


AND if you want more solid information you can trust and practical tools you can use each day our Raising Boys Who Thrive webinar is available to book here. The webinar is set to take place live on 13th May and a replay will be sent out by email to all ticket holders. After that it will only be accessible via our F.I.R.M Parent Hub all access tier.


For the absolute best value- join our F.I.R.M Parent Hub all access tier now and get this webinar for FREE as part of your subscription. You can sign up here (cancel anytime!)


This episode is proudly sponsored by The FIRM Parent Hub. The F.I.R.M Parent Hub is a therapist-led 24/7 parenting supportive space designed to help you raise confident, emotionally healthy children with boundaries that feel calm, clear, and connected. Inside, you’ll find practical tools, expert support, weekly parenting guidance, live trainings, and a community of parents who truly get it. Grounded in our F.I.R.M. Approach®-Fair, Intentional, Regulated and Modelled- the Hub helps parents move beyond surviving parenting and start feeling more confident, steady, and supported right away. For as little as €5 per week, trusted support is accessible and here for you! Join us here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 🎉It's our birthday! Is It Just Us? Podcast is ONE year old! THANK YOU to each and every one of you who listen! We really appreciate it. We have had a blast and loved bringing you a new episode every, single week. If you haven't already done so, it would make our day if you could subscribe, rate and tell a friend about our pod! 🥰


⭐️To say a huge thank you here is a bonus episode we know you will love on a really hot topic- raising boys. In this chat we talk about why this is such an important conversation, what challenges we face as parents of boys and what helps to set them up for the future! We hope you get loads from this.


AND if you want more solid information you can trust and practical tools you can use each day our Raising Boys Who Thrive webinar is available to book here. The webinar is set to take place live on 13th May and a replay will be sent out by email to all ticket holders. After that it will only be accessible via our F.I.R.M Parent Hub all access tier.


For the absolute best value- join our F.I.R.M Parent Hub all access tier now and get this webinar for FREE as part of your subscription. You can sign up here (cancel anytime!)


This episode is proudly sponsored by The FIRM Parent Hub. The F.I.R.M Parent Hub is a therapist-led 24/7 parenting supportive space designed to help you raise confident, emotionally healthy children with boundaries that feel calm, clear, and connected. Inside, you’ll find practical tools, expert support, weekly parenting guidance, live trainings, and a community of parents who truly get it. Grounded in our F.I.R.M. Approach®-Fair, Intentional, Regulated and Modelled- the Hub helps parents move beyond surviving parenting and start feeling more confident, steady, and supported right away. For as little as €5 per week, trusted support is accessible and here for you! Join us here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 52 Is It Just Us Or... Does Babysitting Feel Riskier These Days? Ep. 52 Is It Just Us Or... Does Babysitting Feel Riskier These Days? Tue, 05 May 2026 23:01:00 GMT 31:30 69c658e29b6be94a1ad85c3a true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69c658e29b6be94a1ad85c3a 69c658e29b6be94a1ad85c3a 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full In this episode we reflect on a recent Irish Independent article Hayley contributed to about babysitting. We chat about our own experiences with baby sitting as teens, how it feels as parents now and what has changed. We also explore today's teens and what stepping into that role today might look and feel like for them. We hope this gives you some helpful insights into this topic!


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode we reflect on a recent Irish Independent article Hayley contributed to about babysitting. We chat about our own experiences with baby sitting as teens, how it feels as parents now and what has changed. We also explore today's teens and what stepping into that role today might look and feel like for them. We hope this gives you some helpful insights into this topic!


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 51 Is It Just Us Or... Do We Need To Talk About PMDD and Peri Meno With Guest Caitlin Kirrane Ep. 51 Is It Just Us Or... Do We Need To Talk About PMDD and Peri Meno With Guest Caitlin Kirrane Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:01:00 GMT 40:13 69c6573526c1fb9c07c1bedf true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69c6573526c1fb9c07c1bedf 69c6573526c1fb9c07c1bedf 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full This week's episode is such a treat! We had an amazing conversation with mum of 4, Caitlin Kirrane https://www.instagram.com/mrscaitlinkirrane/. Caitlin shares her life living in a mobile home with 4 children whilst building their dream home. She is open and honest about her pregnancies, living in the mobile, her PMDD and more recently, her quest to help herself through peri menopause. This conversation is an absolute must listen! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week's episode is such a treat! We had an amazing conversation with mum of 4, Caitlin Kirrane https://www.instagram.com/mrscaitlinkirrane/. Caitlin shares her life living in a mobile home with 4 children whilst building their dream home. She is open and honest about her pregnancies, living in the mobile, her PMDD and more recently, her quest to help herself through peri menopause. This conversation is an absolute must listen! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 50 Is It Just Us Or... Did Our Teenage Jobs Teach Us More Than School Ever Did? Ep. 50 Is It Just Us Or... Did Our Teenage Jobs Teach Us More Than School Ever Did? Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:01:00 GMT 30:30 69c6558f26c1fb9c07c14093 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69c6558f26c1fb9c07c14093 69c6558f26c1fb9c07c14093 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full This is a really nostalgic and fun chat about our own teenage jobs, earning money as a teen, and the lessons that came with it. We also reflect on how different things feel for teens growing up today and what that might mean for their independence, confidence and relationship with money. We hope this gives you a laugh and some helpful insights too.


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This is a really nostalgic and fun chat about our own teenage jobs, earning money as a teen, and the lessons that came with it. We also reflect on how different things feel for teens growing up today and what that might mean for their independence, confidence and relationship with money. We hope this gives you a laugh and some helpful insights too.


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Ep. 49 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Hear From The Teens With Guest Shonagh O' Sullivan ]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:01:00 GMT 53:01 69d91baaaf4db69e0df0279d true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69d91baaaf4db69e0df0279d 69d91baaaf4db69e0df0279d 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full Parents, get ready for an episode that is going to blow you away, open your eyes wide to the world of teenagers and also give you a sense of hope for the future too. We are absolutely delighted to be joined by 17 year old Shonagh O' Sullivan from Tralee this week. Shonagh did a TED Talk entitled "Behind The Selfie" which was inspired by her experience of Snapchat and Coco's Law. In this conversation Shonagh gives us a glimpse into the world of a teenager. We discuss parenting, social media, friendships, pressures, her leaving school early and so much more. We hope you love it as much as we did!


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Parents, get ready for an episode that is going to blow you away, open your eyes wide to the world of teenagers and also give you a sense of hope for the future too. We are absolutely delighted to be joined by 17 year old Shonagh O' Sullivan from Tralee this week. Shonagh did a TED Talk entitled "Behind The Selfie" which was inspired by her experience of Snapchat and Coco's Law. In this conversation Shonagh gives us a glimpse into the world of a teenager. We discuss parenting, social media, friendships, pressures, her leaving school early and so much more. We hope you love it as much as we did!


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 48 Is It Just Us Or...Is There Nothing Down About Down Syndrome Ep. 48 Is It Just Us Or...Is There Nothing Down About Down Syndrome Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:01:00 GMT 1:10:48 69c653ec26c1fb9c07c0a8b4 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69c653ec26c1fb9c07c0a8b4 69c653ec26c1fb9c07c0a8b4 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full In this week's episode we are so excited to welcome Ciara and James Carty who tell us all about their wonderful little girl, Iris. Ciara and James tell the story of how Iris came in to the world, the challenges they all faced and how their lives changed, for the better in so many ways. This conversation is a tale of true inspiration and strength and a lesson in how children are incredible beings who will defy the odds and live life on their own terms! There really is nothing down about Down syndrome. Share this episode far and wide. We really hope you love it as much as we did.


https://downsyndrome.ie/branches/mayo/

https://www.instagram.com/ciaraduffy37/


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this week's episode we are so excited to welcome Ciara and James Carty who tell us all about their wonderful little girl, Iris. Ciara and James tell the story of how Iris came in to the world, the challenges they all faced and how their lives changed, for the better in so many ways. This conversation is a tale of true inspiration and strength and a lesson in how children are incredible beings who will defy the odds and live life on their own terms! There really is nothing down about Down syndrome. Share this episode far and wide. We really hope you love it as much as we did.


https://downsyndrome.ie/branches/mayo/

https://www.instagram.com/ciaraduffy37/


Send your thoughts and comments to us at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 47 Is It Just Us Or...Is The Manosphere a Grim Reality For Parents? Ep. 47 Is It Just Us Or...Is The Manosphere a Grim Reality For Parents? Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:01:00 GMT 30:38 69bd400f62f6c66afea3e932 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69bd400f62f6c66afea3e932 69bd400f62f6c66afea3e932 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full Did you watch it yet? In this episode, we unpack Louis Theroux's recent documentary which aired on Netflix and is all about the "Manosphere". It was not for the faint of heart and we found it a hard watch. Today we talk about how boys are being influenced online, and share practical advice on how to protect connection, build awareness, and support your child’s safety in the digital world. We hope you enjoy and get lots from it!


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts!


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources. The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults and the Signature Rooms are Devine, plus, the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Did you watch it yet? In this episode, we unpack Louis Theroux's recent documentary which aired on Netflix and is all about the "Manosphere". It was not for the faint of heart and we found it a hard watch. Today we talk about how boys are being influenced online, and share practical advice on how to protect connection, build awareness, and support your child’s safety in the digital world. We hope you enjoy and get lots from it!


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts!


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources. The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults and the Signature Rooms are Devine, plus, the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Ep. 46 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Hear From The Dads?! With Guest Stephen "Cowboy" Kelly ]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT 41:38 69a19008eebc4a99c650780a true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69a19008eebc4a99c650780a 69a19008eebc4a99c650780a 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 46 We are delighted to have been joined for the first time by a dad and who better to represent than Stephen "Cowboy" Kelly. A father of 5, you may recognise Stephen from his role as "Cowboy Lavin" on the hit TV show "The Hardy Bucks" from social media or from the many sketches and comedy shows he performs in- but it's unlikely that you've heard him speak about parenting! Beyond the personality and presence, Stephen shares honestly about resilience, life lessons, setbacks, his health scares and being a dad. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts.


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We are delighted to have been joined for the first time by a dad and who better to represent than Stephen "Cowboy" Kelly. A father of 5, you may recognise Stephen from his role as "Cowboy Lavin" on the hit TV show "The Hardy Bucks" from social media or from the many sketches and comedy shows he performs in- but it's unlikely that you've heard him speak about parenting! Beyond the personality and presence, Stephen shares honestly about resilience, life lessons, setbacks, his health scares and being a dad. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts.


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 45 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About Parental Separation? Ep. 45 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About Parental Separation? Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT 26:34 69a1884b0e309558510828bb true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69a1884b0e309558510828bb 69a1884b0e309558510828bb 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 45 In this episode we are taking a big topic- parental separation. We unpack the common issues we see in our work and really focus on how parents can support themselves and their children through this difficult time. We hope you find it helpful. Check out some resources in the show notes below.


https://rainbowsireland.ie/parents-guardians/parental-separation-divorce-relationship-breakdown

https://knowledge.barnardos.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/e5cef7a5-cd42-4d14-82c8-728c3a617249/content


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your default parenting thoughts!


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode we are taking a big topic- parental separation. We unpack the common issues we see in our work and really focus on how parents can support themselves and their children through this difficult time. We hope you find it helpful. Check out some resources in the show notes below.


https://rainbowsireland.ie/parents-guardians/parental-separation-divorce-relationship-breakdown

https://knowledge.barnardos.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/e5cef7a5-cd42-4d14-82c8-728c3a617249/content


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your default parenting thoughts!


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning

Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in

Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for

children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources.

The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults

too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the

restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for

money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 44 Is It Just Us Or...Is Perspective Everything? with Guest Charlene Flanagan Ep. 44 Is It Just Us Or...Is Perspective Everything? with Guest Charlene Flanagan Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT 39:46 69a18714240faaa9b5fd3da1 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69a18714240faaa9b5fd3da1 69a18714240faaa9b5fd3da1 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 44 This is a truly inspiring and uplifting conversation with Charlene Flanagan, CEO, co-founder and skin expert. One half of the global skin care brand we all love, Ella & Jo, Charlene opens up about motherhood, work and life. We went away with so many nuggets of wisdom and Debbie even had a few tears. We hope you love this conversation as much as we did!


Check out Ella & Jo here


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts.


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources. The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This is a truly inspiring and uplifting conversation with Charlene Flanagan, CEO, co-founder and skin expert. One half of the global skin care brand we all love, Ella & Jo, Charlene opens up about motherhood, work and life. We went away with so many nuggets of wisdom and Debbie even had a few tears. We hope you love this conversation as much as we did!


Check out Ella & Jo here


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts.


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources. The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 43 Is It Just Us Or...Is Being The Default Parent Hard Going!? Ep. 43 Is It Just Us Or...Is Being The Default Parent Hard Going!? Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT 29:52 69a185059d923e5ce91df87d true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69a185059d923e5ce91df87d 69a185059d923e5ce91df87d 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 44 We are back with another topic that comes up so frequently in our work! Being the "default" parent. In this episode we unpack what it means to us and we look at the ways it can impact us too. We share our own experiences and insights on this and of course, we offer some help. We hope you enjoy!


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your default parenting thoughts!


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources. The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We are back with another topic that comes up so frequently in our work! Being the "default" parent. In this episode we unpack what it means to us and we look at the ways it can impact us too. We share our own experiences and insights on this and of course, we offer some help. We hope you enjoy!


Send us an email at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and let us know your default parenting thoughts!


We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored by the stunning Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. They are in Ireland's Top 3 Family Friendly Hotels and cater for children of all ages with an abundance of activities and resources. The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout for the adults too, the upgraded Signature Rooms are Devine, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 42 Is It Just Us Or...Are Eating Disorders Still A Tricky Topic? Ep. 42 Is It Just Us Or...Are Eating Disorders Still A Tricky Topic? Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT 37:37 699d9ca1e58ea9113881760e true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/699d9ca1e58ea9113881760e 699d9ca1e58ea9113881760e 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 42 It is eating disorders awareness week and we are so grateful for this conversation with Aoife O' Brien from AOB Coaching. Aoife talked us through some amazing insights on the topic of eating distress, eating disorders and all that comes with it. Debbie shares some of her experiences with this topic too. A truly honest and important conversation. We hope you enjoy.


You can find more about Aoife here https://www.instagram.com/aob.coaching/

You can get support on this topic here https://www.bodywhys.ie/eating-disorders-awareness-week-events-2026/

Aoife mentioned that she got help at this clinic https://www.marinotherapycentre.com/


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> It is eating disorders awareness week and we are so grateful for this conversation with Aoife O' Brien from AOB Coaching. Aoife talked us through some amazing insights on the topic of eating distress, eating disorders and all that comes with it. Debbie shares some of her experiences with this topic too. A truly honest and important conversation. We hope you enjoy.


You can find more about Aoife here https://www.instagram.com/aob.coaching/

You can get support on this topic here https://www.bodywhys.ie/eating-disorders-awareness-week-events-2026/

Aoife mentioned that she got help at this clinic https://www.marinotherapycentre.com/


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 41 Is It Just Us Or...Is Bedtime The Hardest Part Of The Day? Ep. 41 Is It Just Us Or...Is Bedtime The Hardest Part Of The Day? Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT 26:30 6973503982622989702a8fc5 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/6973503982622989702a8fc5 6973503982622989702a8fc5 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 41 Bedtime! It can't be just us? 😅 It's chaos, it's triggering, we are wrecked, some nights it ends in tears (everyones) ... This week we dive in to this topic and share our honest experiences. We have a laugh and give some tips too! We hope it helps x


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Bedtime! It can't be just us? 😅 It's chaos, it's triggering, we are wrecked, some nights it ends in tears (everyones) ... This week we dive in to this topic and share our honest experiences. We have a laugh and give some tips too! We hope it helps x


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 40 Is It Just Us Or...Would Parenting Be Easier If....? Ep. 40 Is It Just Us Or...Would Parenting Be Easier If....? Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT 26:37 69734d2c6982fb7698273bba true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69734d2c6982fb7698273bba 69734d2c6982fb7698273bba 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 40 Our 40th episode in a row! We are so grateful to you guys and have had a blast making these episodes! We never want a break, the weekly chats are everything! In this episode we use answers from Debbie's Instagram question box to have some fun and talk through the things that make life hard as parents! This convo is funny and very REAL! We hope you love it.


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Our 40th episode in a row! We are so grateful to you guys and have had a blast making these episodes! We never want a break, the weekly chats are everything! In this episode we use answers from Debbie's Instagram question box to have some fun and talk through the things that make life hard as parents! This convo is funny and very REAL! We hope you love it.


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 39 Is It Just Us Or...Does Nobody Know What Play Therapy Actually Is? Ep. 39 Is It Just Us Or...Does Nobody Know What Play Therapy Actually Is? Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT 25:51 69734be9d284f5cd094b5c43 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69734be9d284f5cd094b5c43 69734be9d284f5cd094b5c43 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 39 Following on from last week (we got carried away talking about how we became therapists 😅), this week we are chatting about the absolute wonder and amazingness of play therapy, how it works and the cases that stood out to us over the years! We hope this helps you to understand how incredible play is and how deeply wise children are.


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Following on from last week (we got carried away talking about how we became therapists 😅), this week we are chatting about the absolute wonder and amazingness of play therapy, how it works and the cases that stood out to us over the years! We hope this helps you to understand how incredible play is and how deeply wise children are.


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 38 Is It Just Us Or...Is Changing Careers Something We All Think About? Ep. 38 Is It Just Us Or...Is Changing Careers Something We All Think About? Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT 26:16 69734abeb2d74ff843445da7 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69734abeb2d74ff843445da7 69734abeb2d74ff843445da7 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 38 One of our most asked questions is around how we made the leap from teaching to therapy! In this episode, we talk about how we both went on journeys we never expected and where it has led us today!

We hope you enjoy and that it might help or inspire if you are considering a career change too!


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> One of our most asked questions is around how we made the leap from teaching to therapy! In this episode, we talk about how we both went on journeys we never expected and where it has led us today!

We hope you enjoy and that it might help or inspire if you are considering a career change too!


Send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are so grateful to be sponsored by the incredible Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation!!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 37 Is It Just Us Or...Is Autistic Barbie More Than A Doll? Ep. 37 Is It Just Us Or...Is Autistic Barbie More Than A Doll? Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT 18:34 696fcdbccf18de22d7da42dd true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/696fcdbccf18de22d7da42dd 696fcdbccf18de22d7da42dd 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 37 Mattel has released its first ever autistic Barbie, complete with headphones, fidgets and a communication device. In this episode of Is It Just Us…? we chat all about why this matters and how representation in toys can shape attitudes.

From a therapist’s lens, we explore play, identity, inclusion and why this Barbie is so much more than a doll.


We hope you enjoy and send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Mattel has released its first ever autistic Barbie, complete with headphones, fidgets and a communication device. In this episode of Is It Just Us…? we chat all about why this matters and how representation in toys can shape attitudes.

From a therapist’s lens, we explore play, identity, inclusion and why this Barbie is so much more than a doll.


We hope you enjoy and send your thoughts and comments in to isitjustuspod@gmail.com! We love hearing from you!


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 36 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need to Talk About Grok? Ep. 36 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need to Talk About Grok? Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT 30:39 69664fadd56ec2663790c0df true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69664fadd56ec2663790c0df 69664fadd56ec2663790c0df 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 36 Grok - the AI image editing app that has exploded on to the scene recently with it's nudifying abilities. In this episode we try to unpack its impact while also providing you with as much helpful info as possible. It's a scary time in the online world, so we hope this episode brings you some clarity and reassurance.

https://hotline.ie/

https://smartphonefree.ie/

https://www.cybersafekids.ie/

https://www.familyitguy.com/


Send your QUESTIONS, feedback and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


**AND there is still time to join us for our 5 Day Behaviour Reset Challenge! 10 min podcasts each day all about behaviour, regulation, boundaries and more- in your own time (it's recorded)! At just €10 you'd be mad not to! https://www.firmparenting.com/checkout/5-day-behaviour-reset-challenge

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Grok - the AI image editing app that has exploded on to the scene recently with it's nudifying abilities. In this episode we try to unpack its impact while also providing you with as much helpful info as possible. It's a scary time in the online world, so we hope this episode brings you some clarity and reassurance.

https://hotline.ie/

https://smartphonefree.ie/

https://www.cybersafekids.ie/

https://www.familyitguy.com/


Send your QUESTIONS, feedback and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


**AND there is still time to join us for our 5 Day Behaviour Reset Challenge! 10 min podcasts each day all about behaviour, regulation, boundaries and more- in your own time (it's recorded)! At just €10 you'd be mad not to! https://www.firmparenting.com/checkout/5-day-behaviour-reset-challenge

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 35 Is It Just Us Or...Do You Need A Reset More Than A Resolution Ep. 35 Is It Just Us Or...Do You Need A Reset More Than A Resolution Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT 33:38 695d5a5e39d31c85884204ef true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/695d5a5e39d31c85884204ef 695d5a5e39d31c85884204ef 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 35 Happy New Year!! Is it just us… or does the New Year call for a reset more than a resolution? In this episode, we talk about letting go of pressure, calming your nervous system, and gently finding your feet again after a full-on season. We speak about the ways we personally reset as well as about resetting things like boundaries and routines. Enjoy!


Send your QUESTIONS and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


**AND join us for our brand new 5 Day Behaviour Reset Challenge kicking off with 10 min podcasts each day- in your own time (all recorded)! At just €10 you'd be mad not to! https://www.firmparenting.com/checkout/5-day-behaviour-reset-challenge


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Happy New Year!! Is it just us… or does the New Year call for a reset more than a resolution? In this episode, we talk about letting go of pressure, calming your nervous system, and gently finding your feet again after a full-on season. We speak about the ways we personally reset as well as about resetting things like boundaries and routines. Enjoy!


Send your QUESTIONS and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


**AND join us for our brand new 5 Day Behaviour Reset Challenge kicking off with 10 min podcasts each day- in your own time (all recorded)! At just €10 you'd be mad not to! https://www.firmparenting.com/checkout/5-day-behaviour-reset-challenge


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 34 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need A Christmas Deload? Ep. 34 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need A Christmas Deload? Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT 33:36 6952732acb029db757eccf9b true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/6952732acb029db757eccf9b 6952732acb029db757eccf9b 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 34 Is it just us or does Christmas now require a recovery period?! This week, we’re debriefing the festive season in real time..from the chaos and sickness to feelings of grief and thoughts on the new year, we’re chatting about how Christmas actually felt this year, what surprised us, what drained us and why even the good stuff can be… a lot!

No festive perfection, no toxic positivity... just a very honest post-Christmas chat and a gentle nod to the idea that maybe Christmas needs a deload week. Or three!!


Send your feedback and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


**AND join us for our brand new 5 Day Behaviour Reset Challenge kicking off with 10 min podcasts each day from Jan 5th! At just €10 you'd be mad not too! https://www.firmparenting.com/checkout/5-day-behaviour-reset-challenge



Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Is it just us or does Christmas now require a recovery period?! This week, we’re debriefing the festive season in real time..from the chaos and sickness to feelings of grief and thoughts on the new year, we’re chatting about how Christmas actually felt this year, what surprised us, what drained us and why even the good stuff can be… a lot!

No festive perfection, no toxic positivity... just a very honest post-Christmas chat and a gentle nod to the idea that maybe Christmas needs a deload week. Or three!!


Send your feedback and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.


**AND join us for our brand new 5 Day Behaviour Reset Challenge kicking off with 10 min podcasts each day from Jan 5th! At just €10 you'd be mad not too! https://www.firmparenting.com/checkout/5-day-behaviour-reset-challenge



Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 33 Is It Just Us Or...Is F.I.R.M. Parenting The Way Forward? Ep. 33 Is It Just Us Or...Is F.I.R.M. Parenting The Way Forward? Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT 38:04 6941566758c537ceb66dd890 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/6941566758c537ceb66dd890 6941566758c537ceb66dd890 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 33 It's Christmas Eve! In this episode we are chatting all about our F.I.R.M. Parenting approach, what it actually stands for and how it came to be! We share behind the scenes insights into how we work and what is to come too! As a special Christmas gift to you here is a link to our 7 day FREE trial so you can check out our hub yourself!

We hope you enjoy!

We would like to wish all of our listeners a very happy Christmas! Thank you so much for listening, we really appreciate you all.


Send your feedback and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.




Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> It's Christmas Eve! In this episode we are chatting all about our F.I.R.M. Parenting approach, what it actually stands for and how it came to be! We share behind the scenes insights into how we work and what is to come too! As a special Christmas gift to you here is a link to our 7 day FREE trial so you can check out our hub yourself!

We hope you enjoy!

We would like to wish all of our listeners a very happy Christmas! Thank you so much for listening, we really appreciate you all.


Send your feedback and pod suggestions to us isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly hotel in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. Check it out here

If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation.




Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 32 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About ADHD? Ep. 32 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About ADHD? Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT 31:15 694138a4cc3f4b4c73872734 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/694138a4cc3f4b4c73872734 694138a4cc3f4b4c73872734 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 32 After the incredible response to last week's podcast with Jack O' Dea on ADHD, we wanted to unpack this topic a little more. In this episode, we open up an honest, judgment-free conversation about ADHD, questions parents are asking, the worries they’re holding, and the confusion that can come with trying to make sense of it all.


We hope you enjoy! Send your feedback and future topic ideas to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly resortl in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. See for yourself here https://www.breaffyhouseresort.com/


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation! Thank you Breaffy House Resort for sponsoring this podcast.


This time of year can be a lot! Watch our FREE Christmas Without The Chaos masterclass here and get the strategies and practical tools that will help you to hold boundaries and avoid burnout this Christmas.


Thank you for listening!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> After the incredible response to last week's podcast with Jack O' Dea on ADHD, we wanted to unpack this topic a little more. In this episode, we open up an honest, judgment-free conversation about ADHD, questions parents are asking, the worries they’re holding, and the confusion that can come with trying to make sense of it all.


We hope you enjoy! Send your feedback and future topic ideas to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


We are delighted and excited to welcome our new podcast sponsor - Breaffy House Resort. This is a beautiful 4-star, family-friendly resortl in Co. Mayo. We recently stayed there & it was second to none! The brand new outdoor thermal suite is a real standout, the upgraded Signature Rooms are stunning, and the food in the restaurant is genuinely delicious. See for yourself here https://www.breaffyhouseresort.com/


If you’re planning a stay, use the code JUSTUS for money off your room reservation! Thank you Breaffy House Resort for sponsoring this podcast.


This time of year can be a lot! Watch our FREE Christmas Without The Chaos masterclass here and get the strategies and practical tools that will help you to hold boundaries and avoid burnout this Christmas.


Thank you for listening!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Ep. 31 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk To Jack O' Dea?]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT 37:40 6938172d4a9751f83d7f45aa true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/6938172d4a9751f83d7f45aa 6938172d4a9751f83d7f45aa 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 31 This week's podcast truly is a very special one. We had the privilege of speaking with Jack O' Dea, our first ever guest! Jack is a 22 year old Masters student from Galway who was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old. He talks us through what life was like growing up, how he navigated school, friendships and the sometimes negative feedback he faced. We talk about advocacy, parenting, giving children the right information and the huge strengths that ADHD can bring.


Thank you so much to Jack for joining us. We really hope that this session helps you parents and teachers out there!

You can follow Jack on Instagram here


Send your feedback and questions to isitjustuspod@gmail.com, we would love to hear from you.


Thank you to our incredible podcast sponsor https://mimitoys.ie/ for sponsoring this podcast. We adore Mimi's developmental and super unique toys range! Check them out for all your Christmas gift and stocking fillers this year.


And thank you to Mimi for our exclusive discount code JUSTUS10- this will give you 10% off your order at checkout! Unreal!


Join us in the F.I.R.M. Parent Hub here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week's podcast truly is a very special one. We had the privilege of speaking with Jack O' Dea, our first ever guest! Jack is a 22 year old Masters student from Galway who was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old. He talks us through what life was like growing up, how he navigated school, friendships and the sometimes negative feedback he faced. We talk about advocacy, parenting, giving children the right information and the huge strengths that ADHD can bring.


Thank you so much to Jack for joining us. We really hope that this session helps you parents and teachers out there!

You can follow Jack on Instagram here


Send your feedback and questions to isitjustuspod@gmail.com, we would love to hear from you.


Thank you to our incredible podcast sponsor https://mimitoys.ie/ for sponsoring this podcast. We adore Mimi's developmental and super unique toys range! Check them out for all your Christmas gift and stocking fillers this year.


And thank you to Mimi for our exclusive discount code JUSTUS10- this will give you 10% off your order at checkout! Unreal!


Join us in the F.I.R.M. Parent Hub here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 30 Is It Just Us Or...Are Phones Stealing Childhood? Ep. 30 Is It Just Us Or...Are Phones Stealing Childhood? Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT 32:13 692ee10324ca2001755abfcf true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/692ee10324ca2001755abfcf 692ee10324ca2001755abfcf 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 30 In this week’s episode of Is It Just Us?, we dive into one of the most loaded parenting topics right now… smartphones for children and teens. With Christmas just around the corner, you may be feeling the pressure! We talk honestly about the pros and cons of smartphones, the emotional, social, and behavioural impacts we’re seeing and how to make choices that are aligned with your values! We hope you enjoy!


Send us your emails at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and tell us your thoughts and what you would like to hear from us!


Thank you to our incredible podcast sponsor https://mimitoys.ie/ for sponsoring this podcast. We adore Mimi's developmental and super unique toys range! Check them out for all your Christmas gift and stocking fillers this year.

And thank you to Mimi for our exclusive discount code JUSTUS10- this will give you 10% off your order at checkout! Unreal!


Check out https://smartphonefree.ie/ and their instagram https://www.instagram.com/smartphonefreechildhoodireland/

For information on this topic https://www.cybersafekids.ie/


Listen to Shonagh Sullivan's Ted Talk here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqHi6U6z_rc


Come to our FREE Christmas Without The Chaos Masterclass https://www.firmparenting.co/cwc-masterclass/


It's a great time to join the F.I.R.M. Parent Hub and avail of our FREE trial before it's gone! https://www.firmparenting.com/hub-offer

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this week’s episode of Is It Just Us?, we dive into one of the most loaded parenting topics right now… smartphones for children and teens. With Christmas just around the corner, you may be feeling the pressure! We talk honestly about the pros and cons of smartphones, the emotional, social, and behavioural impacts we’re seeing and how to make choices that are aligned with your values! We hope you enjoy!


Send us your emails at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and tell us your thoughts and what you would like to hear from us!


Thank you to our incredible podcast sponsor https://mimitoys.ie/ for sponsoring this podcast. We adore Mimi's developmental and super unique toys range! Check them out for all your Christmas gift and stocking fillers this year.

And thank you to Mimi for our exclusive discount code JUSTUS10- this will give you 10% off your order at checkout! Unreal!


Check out https://smartphonefree.ie/ and their instagram https://www.instagram.com/smartphonefreechildhoodireland/

For information on this topic https://www.cybersafekids.ie/


Listen to Shonagh Sullivan's Ted Talk here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqHi6U6z_rc


Come to our FREE Christmas Without The Chaos Masterclass https://www.firmparenting.co/cwc-masterclass/


It's a great time to join the F.I.R.M. Parent Hub and avail of our FREE trial before it's gone! https://www.firmparenting.com/hub-offer

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep 29 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need A Life Update! Ep 29 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need A Life Update! Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT 31:58 6925ba98b1fff443d5e82ce2 false https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/6925ba98b1fff443d5e82ce2 6925ba98b1fff443d5e82ce2 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 29 Ok, so much has been going on, it is high time we filled you guys in! From home new to work news, we hope you enjoy this chatty life update episode!


Send us your emails at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and tell us your thoughts and what you would like to hear from us!


Thank you to our incredible podcast sponsor https://mimitoys.ie/ for sponsoring this podcast. We adore Mimi's developmental and super unique toys range! Check them out for all your Christmas gift and stocking fillers this year.

And thank you to Mimi for our exclusive discount code JUSTUS10- this will give you 10% off your order at checkout! Unreal!


And do check out https://www.breaffyhouseresort.com/ for a look!


P.S. We never, ever do discounts in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub- so run to our website and check out our limited Black Friday opportunity and safe yourself €100 while you are at it! https://www.firmparenting.com/hub



Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ok, so much has been going on, it is high time we filled you guys in! From home new to work news, we hope you enjoy this chatty life update episode!


Send us your emails at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and tell us your thoughts and what you would like to hear from us!


Thank you to our incredible podcast sponsor https://mimitoys.ie/ for sponsoring this podcast. We adore Mimi's developmental and super unique toys range! Check them out for all your Christmas gift and stocking fillers this year.

And thank you to Mimi for our exclusive discount code JUSTUS10- this will give you 10% off your order at checkout! Unreal!


And do check out https://www.breaffyhouseresort.com/ for a look!


P.S. We never, ever do discounts in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub- so run to our website and check out our limited Black Friday opportunity and safe yourself €100 while you are at it! https://www.firmparenting.com/hub



Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 28 Is It Just Us Or.. Is Skin Care For Toddlers A Step Too Far? Ep. 28 Is It Just Us Or.. Is Skin Care For Toddlers A Step Too Far? Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT 31:15 691c809fb958098159c0e6bf true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/691c809fb958098159c0e6bf 691c809fb958098159c0e6bf 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 28 In this episode we talk about the recently launched TODDLER skin care range! We chat through the message it sends to our young children but also how playing with the theme of "home spa" can be great! We touch on the skincare trend for tweens too and have loads to say about this topic both as parents and professionals! Also, can you guess the old staple that Hayley is now using on her face at night? 🤣


Thank you so much to www.mimitoys.ie for being our pod sponsor. Mimi toys are a family run business, curating a developmental toy and puppet range for over 20 years. Use the code JUSTUS10 for 10% off your order. Mimi toys have a fabulous range that are perfect to shop for those stocking fillers and Christmas presents.


Don't forget to sign up to Mimi Toys news letter and get some bonus gifts and offers too


And join us and 100s of parents like yourself in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub where you can get our support and find your firm. https://www.firmparenting.com/hub


AND tickets for our NEW F.I.R.M. Parenting Approach power hour workshop is now available https://buytickets.at/hayleyriceplaytherapy/1952772

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode we talk about the recently launched TODDLER skin care range! We chat through the message it sends to our young children but also how playing with the theme of "home spa" can be great! We touch on the skincare trend for tweens too and have loads to say about this topic both as parents and professionals! Also, can you guess the old staple that Hayley is now using on her face at night? 🤣


Thank you so much to www.mimitoys.ie for being our pod sponsor. Mimi toys are a family run business, curating a developmental toy and puppet range for over 20 years. Use the code JUSTUS10 for 10% off your order. Mimi toys have a fabulous range that are perfect to shop for those stocking fillers and Christmas presents.


Don't forget to sign up to Mimi Toys news letter and get some bonus gifts and offers too


And join us and 100s of parents like yourself in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub where you can get our support and find your firm. https://www.firmparenting.com/hub


AND tickets for our NEW F.I.R.M. Parenting Approach power hour workshop is now available https://buytickets.at/hayleyriceplaytherapy/1952772

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 27 Is It Just US Or...Do We Need To Talk About Toy Guns? Ep. 27 Is It Just US Or...Do We Need To Talk About Toy Guns? Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:21:14 GMT 32:22 69109c91f273d64d0b9b5a57 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/69109c91f273d64d0b9b5a57 69109c91f273d64d0b9b5a57 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 27 Toy guns! The topic that had brought much debate! In this week's episode we chat about Debbie's recent Ireland AM appearance and her chat on the topic of toy guns and aggression toys in the studio. We shed light on the subject as therapists and mothers and Debbie shares some key insights she didn't have time to mention on live TV!


We would love to know your personal thoughts on this at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Thank you so much to www.mimitoys.ie for being our pod sponsor. Mimi toys are a family run business, curating a developmental toy and puppet range for over 20 years. Use the code JUSTUS10 for 10% off your order. Mimi toys have a fabulous range that are perfect to shop for those stocking fillers and Christmas presents. https://mimitoys.ie/


Don't forget to sign up to Mimi Toys news letter and get some bonus gifts and offers too!


And join us and 100s of parents like yourself in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub where you can get our support and find your firm. https://www.firmparenting.com/hub


AND tickets for our NEW F.I.R.M. Parenting Approach power hour workshop is now available https://buytickets.at/hayleyriceplaytherapy/1952772


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Toy guns! The topic that had brought much debate! In this week's episode we chat about Debbie's recent Ireland AM appearance and her chat on the topic of toy guns and aggression toys in the studio. We shed light on the subject as therapists and mothers and Debbie shares some key insights she didn't have time to mention on live TV!


We would love to know your personal thoughts on this at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Thank you so much to www.mimitoys.ie for being our pod sponsor. Mimi toys are a family run business, curating a developmental toy and puppet range for over 20 years. Use the code JUSTUS10 for 10% off your order. Mimi toys have a fabulous range that are perfect to shop for those stocking fillers and Christmas presents. https://mimitoys.ie/


Don't forget to sign up to Mimi Toys news letter and get some bonus gifts and offers too!


And join us and 100s of parents like yourself in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub where you can get our support and find your firm. https://www.firmparenting.com/hub


AND tickets for our NEW F.I.R.M. Parenting Approach power hour workshop is now available https://buytickets.at/hayleyriceplaytherapy/1952772


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Ep. 26 Is It Just Us Or...Is "Calm Parenting" Completely Unrealistic?]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT 27:19 68fa35af18bcdad2ab8922ce true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68fa35af18bcdad2ab8922ce 68fa35af18bcdad2ab8922ce 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 26 We all know that staying calm when parenting is the ideal, but what happens when this advice just makes you feel like you are failing!? Even when you are not! In this episode we unpack what it really means to be calm and put the focus on regulation instead. We talk about repair, reconnection, authenticity and modelling a range of emotions as a parent - in other words, being human! If you've ever felt guilty for shouting, snapping or walking off, this one is for you.


Join our FREE masterclass here

https://www.firmparenting.co/live-masterclass/


We’re thrilled to have MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://www.firmparenting.com/hub


Thanks for listening!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We all know that staying calm when parenting is the ideal, but what happens when this advice just makes you feel like you are failing!? Even when you are not! In this episode we unpack what it really means to be calm and put the focus on regulation instead. We talk about repair, reconnection, authenticity and modelling a range of emotions as a parent - in other words, being human! If you've ever felt guilty for shouting, snapping or walking off, this one is for you.


Join our FREE masterclass here

https://www.firmparenting.co/live-masterclass/


We’re thrilled to have MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://www.firmparenting.com/hub


Thanks for listening!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 25 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About UPFs? Ep. 25 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About UPFs? Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:01:00 GMT 25:21 68f8b52029bbaf7428302990 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68f8b52029bbaf7428302990 68f8b52029bbaf7428302990 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 25 It's time to chat about Ultra Processed Foods! Is it scare mongering or do we need to take note? What if there are eating disorders and other challenges involved? In this episode we sit down to chat bout our take on this topic as friends, colleagues and parents. Debbie shares her perspective as someone in recovery from eating disorders too.

We hope you enjoy!


HIT subscribe now and share this with a friend! Email us your thoughts, comments and pod ideas at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Head over to our site to browse our courses and join our parent hub here


Thank you so much to MimiToys for sponsoring this podcast!

MimiToys offer an expert range of developmental toys and puppets that will blow you away. Their range is curated with care by Miriam, a mother of 4, who has been running Mimi Toys for over 20 years.

As therapists we highly recommend www.mimitoys.ie for all of your toy needs! And what is better than shopping Irish and supporting family run businesses?

Use the Code: JUSTUS10 at the check out and get 10% your order 🎉


Don't forget to sign up to the Mimi Toys newsletter and get their free activity booklet featuring activities in 4 different languages!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> It's time to chat about Ultra Processed Foods! Is it scare mongering or do we need to take note? What if there are eating disorders and other challenges involved? In this episode we sit down to chat bout our take on this topic as friends, colleagues and parents. Debbie shares her perspective as someone in recovery from eating disorders too.

We hope you enjoy!


HIT subscribe now and share this with a friend! Email us your thoughts, comments and pod ideas at isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Head over to our site to browse our courses and join our parent hub here


Thank you so much to MimiToys for sponsoring this podcast!

MimiToys offer an expert range of developmental toys and puppets that will blow you away. Their range is curated with care by Miriam, a mother of 4, who has been running Mimi Toys for over 20 years.

As therapists we highly recommend www.mimitoys.ie for all of your toy needs! And what is better than shopping Irish and supporting family run businesses?

Use the Code: JUSTUS10 at the check out and get 10% your order 🎉


Don't forget to sign up to the Mimi Toys newsletter and get their free activity booklet featuring activities in 4 different languages!


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 24 Is It Just Us… or Is Slapping Never Okay? Ep. 24 Is It Just Us… or Is Slapping Never Okay? Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:01:00 GMT 24:22 68da7448136216b12fdb04d9 false https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68da7448136216b12fdb04d9 68da7448136216b12fdb04d9 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 24 It’s one of those topics that still makes parents squirm. You might see it joked about online, hear friends say “just a little tap,” or even feel that split-second urge when tempers flare…but slapping a child is never the answer. In this episode, we dig into why hitting..even lightly..can damage trust, model aggression, and escalate rather than solve conflicts. We talk about the impact on children’s emotional development, how it affects the parent-child relationship, and practical alternatives for managing frustration, enforcing boundaries, and teaching respect. This isn’t about shaming parents.. it’s about giving tools to stay F.I.R.M. calm, consistent, and loving, even when parenting gets really hard.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> It’s one of those topics that still makes parents squirm. You might see it joked about online, hear friends say “just a little tap,” or even feel that split-second urge when tempers flare…but slapping a child is never the answer. In this episode, we dig into why hitting..even lightly..can damage trust, model aggression, and escalate rather than solve conflicts. We talk about the impact on children’s emotional development, how it affects the parent-child relationship, and practical alternatives for managing frustration, enforcing boundaries, and teaching respect. This isn’t about shaming parents.. it’s about giving tools to stay F.I.R.M. calm, consistent, and loving, even when parenting gets really hard.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 23 Is It Just Us.. Or Is FAFO Parenting Actually a Thing? Ep. 23 Is It Just Us.. Or Is FAFO Parenting Actually a Thing? Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:01:00 GMT 25:41 68da7369acc34956e68329fb true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68da7369acc34956e68329fb 68da7369acc34956e68329fb 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 23 Have you heard of F*ck Around & Find Out” Parenting? Maybe sounds funny on the TikTok, but in real life? Not so much. Children and teenagers will test limits.. but leaving them to just “FAFO” their way through life isn’t exactly the supportive guidance they need.


In this episode we’re unpacking why the hands-off, wait-and-see approach doesn’t always work, what kids actually learn when adults step back too far, and how we can balance natural consequences with connection, safety, and teaching. Because our job isn’t to watch them fail...it’s to help them grow.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Have you heard of F*ck Around & Find Out” Parenting? Maybe sounds funny on the TikTok, but in real life? Not so much. Children and teenagers will test limits.. but leaving them to just “FAFO” their way through life isn’t exactly the supportive guidance they need.


In this episode we’re unpacking why the hands-off, wait-and-see approach doesn’t always work, what kids actually learn when adults step back too far, and how we can balance natural consequences with connection, safety, and teaching. Because our job isn’t to watch them fail...it’s to help them grow.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 22 Is It Just Us... Or Does Bonnie Blue Scare You Too? Ep. 22 Is It Just Us... Or Does Bonnie Blue Scare You Too? Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:01:00 GMT 27:41 68da71f82552b72c2019bfdb false https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68da71f82552b72c2019bfdb 68da71f82552b72c2019bfdb 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 22 We don’t love talking about porn, but the reality is our children and teenagers are growing up in a world where names like Bonnie Blue aren’t hidden in the shadows.. they’re a click away (and they’re the chat at school).. As parents, we might feel awkward, shocked, or even scared, but pretending it doesn’t exist won’t protect our children or teenagers. In this episode we’re unpacking why it’s so important to know who and what they might stumble across online, how porn shapes expectations and self-image, and how we can open up conversations that keep our kids safe, informed, and grounded in real relationships.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We don’t love talking about porn, but the reality is our children and teenagers are growing up in a world where names like Bonnie Blue aren’t hidden in the shadows.. they’re a click away (and they’re the chat at school).. As parents, we might feel awkward, shocked, or even scared, but pretending it doesn’t exist won’t protect our children or teenagers. In this episode we’re unpacking why it’s so important to know who and what they might stumble across online, how porn shapes expectations and self-image, and how we can open up conversations that keep our kids safe, informed, and grounded in real relationships.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 21 Is It Just Us.. or are Days Out/Holidays Kinda Stressful? Ep. 21 Is It Just Us.. or are Days Out/Holidays Kinda Stressful? Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT 27:50 68da6f772552b72c201748f5 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68da6f772552b72c201748f5 68da6f772552b72c201748f5 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 21 We love the idea of them.. family memories, fresh air, new experiences, but the reality? Packing up half the house, refereeing sibling squabbles in the back seat, and making sure everyone else has a great time! Of course we know we’re lucky to be able to do these things, and we are grateful… but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot. Sometimes the “fun” comes with meltdowns (theirs and ours). In this episode we’re unpacking why these supposedly joyful outings can feel so overwhelming, and giving ourselves permission to laugh, vent, and admit: maybe it’s not just us.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We love the idea of them.. family memories, fresh air, new experiences, but the reality? Packing up half the house, refereeing sibling squabbles in the back seat, and making sure everyone else has a great time! Of course we know we’re lucky to be able to do these things, and we are grateful… but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot. Sometimes the “fun” comes with meltdowns (theirs and ours). In this episode we’re unpacking why these supposedly joyful outings can feel so overwhelming, and giving ourselves permission to laugh, vent, and admit: maybe it’s not just us.


We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉


MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.


Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 20 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About YouTube? Ep. 20 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About YouTube? Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT 26:52 68bc5ad2b306fbb419943445 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68bc5ad2b306fbb419943445 68bc5ad2b306fbb419943445 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 20 One minute your child is watching what appears to be a harmless cartoon, the next they’re down a rabbit hole of ads, influencers, or content that’s anything but child-friendly. Add in the rise of rapid-cut shows, with flashing edits and constant noise designed to hook attention, and suddenly you’re wondering what it’s doing to your child’s focus and regulation.


In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of YouTube, from addictive elements to the way overstimulating content can affect the developing brain. We’ll share our own parenting worries, the traps we’ve seen firsthand, and therapist insights on how YouTube and rapid cut shows can shape children’s behaviour. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what parents can actually do to keep kids safe, without resorting to bans or constant battles.


Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Get evidence backed parenting support you can trust here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> One minute your child is watching what appears to be a harmless cartoon, the next they’re down a rabbit hole of ads, influencers, or content that’s anything but child-friendly. Add in the rise of rapid-cut shows, with flashing edits and constant noise designed to hook attention, and suddenly you’re wondering what it’s doing to your child’s focus and regulation.


In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of YouTube, from addictive elements to the way overstimulating content can affect the developing brain. We’ll share our own parenting worries, the traps we’ve seen firsthand, and therapist insights on how YouTube and rapid cut shows can shape children’s behaviour. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what parents can actually do to keep kids safe, without resorting to bans or constant battles.


Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Get evidence backed parenting support you can trust here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 19 Is It Just Us Or...Is Parenting On The Same Page Incredibly Hard? Ep. 19 Is It Just Us Or...Is Parenting On The Same Page Incredibly Hard? Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT 25:12 68bc565fb306fbb4199360f6 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68bc565fb306fbb4199360f6 68bc565fb306fbb4199360f6 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 19 You love your kids. You love your partner. But when it comes to discipline, routines, or handling meltdowns, it can feel like you’re playing on two completely different teams. In this episode, we dive into what happens when parenting styles clash, the good cop/bad cop dynamic, the “you’re too soft/you’re too strict” arguments, and the confusion it creates for kids caught in the middle.


We’ll talk about why being aligned matters so much for children, share stories of our own parenting mismatches, and offer therapist-backed strategies to find common ground without constant battles.


Get your tickets for our Parent On The Same Page Webinar here!


Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Get our unique support and connect with a whole community of like-minded parents here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> You love your kids. You love your partner. But when it comes to discipline, routines, or handling meltdowns, it can feel like you’re playing on two completely different teams. In this episode, we dive into what happens when parenting styles clash, the good cop/bad cop dynamic, the “you’re too soft/you’re too strict” arguments, and the confusion it creates for kids caught in the middle.


We’ll talk about why being aligned matters so much for children, share stories of our own parenting mismatches, and offer therapist-backed strategies to find common ground without constant battles.


Get your tickets for our Parent On The Same Page Webinar here!


Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Get our unique support and connect with a whole community of like-minded parents here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 18 Is It Just Us Or...Is Work-Life Balance A Myth? Ep. 18 Is It Just Us Or...Is Work-Life Balance A Myth? Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT 26:18 68bc52291af371182a1e3c66 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68bc52291af371182a1e3c66 68bc52291af371182a1e3c66 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 18 We’re told we can “have it all”- the career, the family, the social life, the self-care routine! But, most days it feels like we’re just spinning plates and waiting for one to crash. In this episode, we get real about the impossible standards women face around work–life balance. From guilt that follows us around all day, to the pressure of being present for everyone except ourselves, we unpack why balance feels so out of reach!


We’ll share our own stories, the messy bits behind the scenes, and therapist-backed insights on how to rethink balance in a way that actually feels doable, or maybe accept that it doesn’t exist the way it's been sold to us.


Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Join our parent community for the unique therapist led support and connection you've been craving here https://hdcircle.framer.website/



Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We’re told we can “have it all”- the career, the family, the social life, the self-care routine! But, most days it feels like we’re just spinning plates and waiting for one to crash. In this episode, we get real about the impossible standards women face around work–life balance. From guilt that follows us around all day, to the pressure of being present for everyone except ourselves, we unpack why balance feels so out of reach!


We’ll share our own stories, the messy bits behind the scenes, and therapist-backed insights on how to rethink balance in a way that actually feels doable, or maybe accept that it doesn’t exist the way it's been sold to us.


Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to isitjustuspod@gmail.com


Join our parent community for the unique therapist led support and connection you've been craving here https://hdcircle.framer.website/



Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 17 Is It Just Us or Is Everyone Having a Tantrum These Days? Ep. 17 Is It Just Us or Is Everyone Having a Tantrum These Days? Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT 34:01 68b59b657c69e13c181b645f false https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68b59b657c69e13c181b645f 68b59b657c69e13c181b645f 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 17 Tantrums aren’t just for toddlers - grown-ups have them too, even if they look a little different or sometimes the exact same - shouting, banging things & crying - we’ve all been there!


 In this episode, we unpack why stress, overwhelm, and emotions can push all of us toward meltdown moments. We share what’s helped us stay grounded and calm, and explore strategies that work for children and adults alike. Because sometimes, managing tantrums is really about managing ourselves.

Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Tantrums aren’t just for toddlers - grown-ups have them too, even if they look a little different or sometimes the exact same - shouting, banging things & crying - we’ve all been there!


 In this episode, we unpack why stress, overwhelm, and emotions can push all of us toward meltdown moments. We share what’s helped us stay grounded and calm, and explore strategies that work for children and adults alike. Because sometimes, managing tantrums is really about managing ourselves.

Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 16 Is it Just Us Or....Do We Need To Talk About Sex? Ep. 16 Is it Just Us Or....Do We Need To Talk About Sex? Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:01:00 GMT 32:48 68a47d7573bf5b629883f8a1 false https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68a47d7573bf5b629883f8a1 68a47d7573bf5b629883f8a1 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 16 Not our sex lives (James & John can sigh with relief!) but how we talk to our children about theirs. Because despite what many of us were told, teaching children about sex isn’t “too much too soon,” and using the correct names for body parts won’t “take away their innocence.” 


In this episode, we tackle the biggest myths that stop parents from having open, honest conversations about sex, consent, body autonomy, pleasure, and safety and why starting early sets the foundation for trust, confidence, and healthy relationships down the line.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Not our sex lives (James & John can sigh with relief!) but how we talk to our children about theirs. Because despite what many of us were told, teaching children about sex isn’t “too much too soon,” and using the correct names for body parts won’t “take away their innocence.” 


In this episode, we tackle the biggest myths that stop parents from having open, honest conversations about sex, consent, body autonomy, pleasure, and safety and why starting early sets the foundation for trust, confidence, and healthy relationships down the line.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 15 Is It Just Us Or....Do People Think Gentle Parenting Means Being a Doormat? Ep. 15 Is It Just Us Or....Do People Think Gentle Parenting Means Being a Doormat? Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:01:00 GMT 30:32 68a47e02352b565deb2de303 false https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/68a47e02352b565deb2de303 68a47e02352b565deb2de303 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 15 Somehow, “gentle parenting” has been twisted into “never say no” or “let your kids walk all over you.” In this episode, we dig into the real meaning behind the approach, talk about our own approaches and why it’s not about giving in, staying quiet, or avoiding boundaries. 


We’ll explore how firm limits, emotional connection, and respect go hand-in-hand and why being gentle doesn’t mean being passive.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Somehow, “gentle parenting” has been twisted into “never say no” or “let your kids walk all over you.” In this episode, we dig into the real meaning behind the approach, talk about our own approaches and why it’s not about giving in, staying quiet, or avoiding boundaries. 


We’ll explore how firm limits, emotional connection, and respect go hand-in-hand and why being gentle doesn’t mean being passive.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 14 Is It Just Us Or... Is It Just Me? Quick Fire Edition Ep. 14 Is It Just Us Or... Is It Just Me? Quick Fire Edition Tue, 12 Aug 2025 23:01:00 GMT 31:16 687bf22926fb62be8c972afd true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/687bf22926fb62be8c972afd 687bf22926fb62be8c972afd 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 14 Something different this week - Ready for a round of all the randomness, “Wait… is it just us, or is it just me?”.


We’re firing off rapid-fire takes on everything from parenting fails to everyday oddities - fast, fun, and totally relatable.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/




Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Something different this week - Ready for a round of all the randomness, “Wait… is it just us, or is it just me?”.


We’re firing off rapid-fire takes on everything from parenting fails to everyday oddities - fast, fun, and totally relatable.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/




Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Ep. 13 Is It Just Us Or...Is "Being Good" Totally Overrated?]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2025 23:01:00 GMT 27:15 687bee590de40e9a7ca6ab58 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/687bee590de40e9a7ca6ab58 687bee590de40e9a7ca6ab58 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 13 We hear it all the time “Be good", “Are you being good?” But what does that actually mean? For adults, it often shows up as restriction: staying in control, following the rules. 


For children, it’s usually about compliance - being quiet, being polite, not making a fuss. In this episode, we unpack how this vague idea of "being good" creates confusion, fuels people-pleasing, and leaves both adults and children without a clear sense of values or self-direction. What if “being good” is getting in the way of being well or being authentic in ourselves?


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We hear it all the time “Be good", “Are you being good?” But what does that actually mean? For adults, it often shows up as restriction: staying in control, following the rules. 


For children, it’s usually about compliance - being quiet, being polite, not making a fuss. In this episode, we unpack how this vague idea of "being good" creates confusion, fuels people-pleasing, and leaves both adults and children without a clear sense of values or self-direction. What if “being good” is getting in the way of being well or being authentic in ourselves?


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 12 Is It Just Us Or... Is There Way Too Much Shame Around Boobies or Bottles? Ep. 12 Is It Just Us Or... Is There Way Too Much Shame Around Boobies or Bottles? Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT 33:23 687bed01fd9acfeba4ac19ab true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/687bed01fd9acfeba4ac19ab 687bed01fd9acfeba4ac19ab 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 12 Why does something as essential as feeding your baby come loaded with so much judgement? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the shame, pressure, and unspoken rules around breast and bottle feeding. One of us breastfed, one didn’t and we were both shamed for it. 


We’re sharing our experiences, the guilt we felt (or were made to feel), and the silent comparisons that happen far too often. We also touch on the recent Karen Millen controversy and why it struck such a nerve with so many parents. 


Whether you're breast feeding, bottle-feeding, combo-feeding, or just trying to survive the newborn haze, this one’s for you. No preaching. No pressure. Just us talking about what it’s really like.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why does something as essential as feeding your baby come loaded with so much judgement? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the shame, pressure, and unspoken rules around breast and bottle feeding. One of us breastfed, one didn’t and we were both shamed for it. 


We’re sharing our experiences, the guilt we felt (or were made to feel), and the silent comparisons that happen far too often. We also touch on the recent Karen Millen controversy and why it struck such a nerve with so many parents. 


Whether you're breast feeding, bottle-feeding, combo-feeding, or just trying to survive the newborn haze, this one’s for you. No preaching. No pressure. Just us talking about what it’s really like.


Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com


And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 11 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About Botox? Ep. 11 Is It Just Us Or...Do We Need To Talk About Botox? Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT 37:00 685f0dee2f0a31b43be83d12 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/685f0dee2f0a31b43be83d12 685f0dee2f0a31b43be83d12 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 11 Grey hairs, fine lines, changing bodies, and a culture that tells us to fight it every step of the way. In this episode, we’re getting real about ageing, appearance, and the quiet pressure to stay “youthful.” From the beauty industry to social media filters, we unpack why it’s so hard to just let ourselves be, and what it might look like to age on our own terms!


If you'd like to join our amazing Parent Space click the link https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Thanks so much for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Grey hairs, fine lines, changing bodies, and a culture that tells us to fight it every step of the way. In this episode, we’re getting real about ageing, appearance, and the quiet pressure to stay “youthful.” From the beauty industry to social media filters, we unpack why it’s so hard to just let ourselves be, and what it might look like to age on our own terms!


If you'd like to join our amazing Parent Space click the link https://hdcircle.framer.website/


Thanks so much for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 10 Is It Just Us Or... Does School Bring Up All The Feelings? Ep. 10 Is It Just Us Or... Does School Bring Up All The Feelings? Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT 39:05 685f0c712f0a31b43be7e885 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/685f0c712f0a31b43be7e885 685f0c712f0a31b43be7e885 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 10 From first-day drop-offs to homework battles and everything in between, school can stir up a lot, for our kids and for us. Whether it’s worry, pride, guilt, or frustration, it’s more than just reading and writing. In this episode, we talk about why school hits so deep, what it brings up from our own pasts, and how to support our kids (and ourselves) through it all.


Thanks for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From first-day drop-offs to homework battles and everything in between, school can stir up a lot, for our kids and for us. Whether it’s worry, pride, guilt, or frustration, it’s more than just reading and writing. In this episode, we talk about why school hits so deep, what it brings up from our own pasts, and how to support our kids (and ourselves) through it all.


Thanks for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 9 Is It Just Us Or...Are Parents Judged No Matter What We Do? Ep. 9 Is It Just Us Or...Are Parents Judged No Matter What We Do? Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT 31:52 685f0b222f0a31b43be76ae0 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/685f0b222f0a31b43be76ae0 685f0b222f0a31b43be76ae0 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 9 Screens, snacks, sleep routines, every decision feels like it’s up for debate. And sometimes, it’s not just others judging us... it’s that inner critic too. In this episode, we unpack the pressure, the guilt, and the silent weight of feeling like you’re always getting it wrong. Let’s talk about how judgment shows up, and how to quiet the noise.\


Thanks so much for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Screens, snacks, sleep routines, every decision feels like it’s up for debate. And sometimes, it’s not just others judging us... it’s that inner critic too. In this episode, we unpack the pressure, the guilt, and the silent weight of feeling like you’re always getting it wrong. Let’s talk about how judgment shows up, and how to quiet the noise.\


Thanks so much for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 8 Is It Just Us Or... Do Friendships Feel Harder As You Get Older Ep. 8 Is It Just Us Or... Do Friendships Feel Harder As You Get Older Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT 34:24 685f07079951fac41bf3de95 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/685f07079951fac41bf3de95 685f07079951fac41bf3de95 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 8 Juggling life, children, work- it’s no wonder friendships feel harder to hold onto as we get older. But no one talks about how lonely it can feel. In this episode, we dive into the reality of drifting apart, the guilt of not reaching out, and why it’s not just you if you’re missing the closeness and the craic you once had!


Thank you so ,much for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Juggling life, children, work- it’s no wonder friendships feel harder to hold onto as we get older. But no one talks about how lonely it can feel. In this episode, we dive into the reality of drifting apart, the guilt of not reaching out, and why it’s not just you if you’re missing the closeness and the craic you once had!


Thank you so ,much for listening x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 7 Is It Just Us Or...Is Resilience Something We Need to Teach? Ep. 7 Is It Just Us Or...Is Resilience Something We Need to Teach? Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT 48:28 685a9947f42ce0122424c746 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/685a9947f42ce0122424c746 685a9947f42ce0122424c746 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 7 We all want our children to grow up resilient, able to handle life’s curveballs without falling apart. But what is resilience, really? And is it something we can actively teach, or does it just happen through experience?


In this episode, we unpack what resilience actually looks like in children (it's not just “bouncing back”) and explore the subtle, everyday ways parents shape it, through connection, co-regulation, and even in the messiest moments.We also reflect on our own childhoods and ask: were we taught resilience, or did we learn it in a different way?


Join us as we navigate the difference between “toughening up” and truly supporting emotional strength, and why helping our children feel safe might just be the real key to resilience.


Oh and...Debbie and Hayley have been very busy lately! Find out what they have been up to here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We all want our children to grow up resilient, able to handle life’s curveballs without falling apart. But what is resilience, really? And is it something we can actively teach, or does it just happen through experience?


In this episode, we unpack what resilience actually looks like in children (it's not just “bouncing back”) and explore the subtle, everyday ways parents shape it, through connection, co-regulation, and even in the messiest moments.We also reflect on our own childhoods and ask: were we taught resilience, or did we learn it in a different way?


Join us as we navigate the difference between “toughening up” and truly supporting emotional strength, and why helping our children feel safe might just be the real key to resilience.


Oh and...Debbie and Hayley have been very busy lately! Find out what they have been up to here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 6 Is It Just Us...Or Do You Feel Guilty When It Comes To Play? Ep. 6 Is It Just Us...Or Do You Feel Guilty When It Comes To Play? Tue, 17 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT 33:14 6851d17b259ce49e3e24442a true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/6851d17b259ce49e3e24442a 6851d17b259ce49e3e24442a 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 6 We all know play is important, but what if you don’t have the time… or simply don’t enjoy it? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the guilt that creeps in when play feels like a chore. We talk about why it’s so common to feel disconnected from play as a parent, what it means if you just don’t like it, and how to find playful connection in ways that actually work for you, too.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We all know play is important, but what if you don’t have the time… or simply don’t enjoy it? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the guilt that creeps in when play feels like a chore. We talk about why it’s so common to feel disconnected from play as a parent, what it means if you just don’t like it, and how to find playful connection in ways that actually work for you, too.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 5 Is It Just Us...Or Does Becoming Parents Really Change Your Relationship Ep. 5 Is It Just Us...Or Does Becoming Parents Really Change Your Relationship Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT 34:04 684720f8d911dedd6507d5ba true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/684720f8d911dedd6507d5ba 684720f8d911dedd6507d5ba 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 4 This week, we’re diving into the shifts that happen in relationships after children arrive, the good, the hard, and everything in between. From feeling like teammates one minute to total strangers the next, we talk about the ways parenthood tests connection and how it can deepen it too. If you’ve ever felt the stretch but still believe in finding your way back to each other, this one’s for you.


And if you are thinking about the summer months and dreading it a bit- click this link for an unmissable resource we have deigned especially for you https://app.tickettailor.com/event/ev_6174589


Follow, share, and let us know — is it just us? And send us in your suggestions or stories on isitjustuspod@gmail.com

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week, we’re diving into the shifts that happen in relationships after children arrive, the good, the hard, and everything in between. From feeling like teammates one minute to total strangers the next, we talk about the ways parenthood tests connection and how it can deepen it too. If you’ve ever felt the stretch but still believe in finding your way back to each other, this one’s for you.


And if you are thinking about the summer months and dreading it a bit- click this link for an unmissable resource we have deigned especially for you https://app.tickettailor.com/event/ev_6174589


Follow, share, and let us know — is it just us? And send us in your suggestions or stories on isitjustuspod@gmail.com

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 4 Is It Just Us... Or Do We Need To Talk About Sleep Deprivation? Ep. 4 Is It Just Us... Or Do We Need To Talk About Sleep Deprivation? Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT 33:44 683d94db6c26028f69d08302 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/683d94db6c26028f69d08302 683d94db6c26028f69d08302 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 full 4 In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the hardest, most unspoken parts of parenting—sleep deprivation. From brain fog to burnout, we chat about how lack of sleep impacts everything: your mood, your relationships, your patience, and even your sense of self. If you're running on empty and wondering if it’s just you… it’s not. You are not alone, and you’re not imagining how hard this is.


Let’s talk about it—and remind each other that you’re doing an incredible job, even when you're utterly exhausted.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the hardest, most unspoken parts of parenting—sleep deprivation. From brain fog to burnout, we chat about how lack of sleep impacts everything: your mood, your relationships, your patience, and even your sense of self. If you're running on empty and wondering if it’s just you… it’s not. You are not alone, and you’re not imagining how hard this is.


Let’s talk about it—and remind each other that you’re doing an incredible job, even when you're utterly exhausted.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 3 Is It Just Us...Or Did Growing Up In 90s Diet Culture Impact Your Relationship With Your Body And Food? Ep. 3 Is It Just Us...Or Did Growing Up In 90s Diet Culture Impact Your Relationship With Your Body And Food? Tue, 27 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT 39:09 681628c69704d99f84480cd4 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/681628c69704d99f84480cd4 681628c69704d99f84480cd4 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 The Lasting Effects of Diet Culture full 3 Welcome to another episode of Is It Just Us...? In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on how growing up in the 90s – surrounded by diet culture, unrealistic beauty standards, and food guilt – has shaped our relationship with our bodies and food. Did it leave a lasting impact? We dig deep into our own experiences and explore how we can break free from these old patterns.


Thanks for joining us on this journey! If this episode hits home, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to another episode of Is It Just Us...? In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on how growing up in the 90s – surrounded by diet culture, unrealistic beauty standards, and food guilt – has shaped our relationship with our bodies and food. Did it leave a lasting impact? We dig deep into our own experiences and explore how we can break free from these old patterns.


Thanks for joining us on this journey! If this episode hits home, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 2 Is It Just Us… Or Are Phones Stealing SO Much From Us? Ep. 2 Is It Just Us… Or Are Phones Stealing SO Much From Us? Tue, 20 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT 34:37 681627bea1c12fc2991807c2 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/681627bea1c12fc2991807c2 681627bea1c12fc2991807c2 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 How Phones Are Taking More Than Just Our Time full 2 Welcome to episode two of Is It Just Us...? – where we dig into the tough realities of parenting. Today, we’re tackling a big one: Is it just us, or are phones stealing SO much from us as parents? We explore how our devices have become distractions, taking away from our time, attention, and connection with our kids.


Thanks for tuning in! If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe and share it with another parent who might be feeling the same.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to episode two of Is It Just Us...? – where we dig into the tough realities of parenting. Today, we’re tackling a big one: Is it just us, or are phones stealing SO much from us as parents? We explore how our devices have become distractions, taking away from our time, attention, and connection with our kids.


Thanks for tuning in! If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe and share it with another parent who might be feeling the same.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 1 Is It Just Us...Or Is Motherhood Harder Than We Expected? Ep. 1 Is It Just Us...Or Is Motherhood Harder Than We Expected? Tue, 13 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT 33:20 6815e3fccea6682986362284 true https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/6815e3fccea6682986362284 6815e3fccea6682986362284 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 Opening Up About The Tough Parts Of Motherhood full 1 Welcome to the very first episode of Is It Just Us...? – the podcast where we dive into the real, raw moments of motherhood. In today’s episode, we’re asking the big question: Is motherhood harder than we expected? Spoiler alert: you’re not alone if it is. We’ll share our thoughts, open up about the challenges, and explore the parts of parenting that often get overlooked.


Thanks so much for listening! If you feel seen or know a fellow mom who needs to hear this, don’t forget to share this episode. And of course, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an honest conversation.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to the very first episode of Is It Just Us...? – the podcast where we dive into the real, raw moments of motherhood. In today’s episode, we’re asking the big question: Is motherhood harder than we expected? Spoiler alert: you’re not alone if it is. We’ll share our thoughts, open up about the challenges, and explore the parts of parenting that often get overlooked.


Thanks so much for listening! If you feel seen or know a fellow mom who needs to hear this, don’t forget to share this episode. And of course, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an honest conversation.

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Is It Just Us Trailer Is It Just Us Trailer Sat, 10 May 2025 10:47:22 GMT 2:21 681f2ebb58009636d57dcb00 false https://shows.acast.com/is-it-just-us/episodes/681f2ebb58009636d57dcb00 681f2ebb58009636d57dcb00 67bc87f3b63437eabc36e115 Welcome To Our Podcast trailer Welcome to Is It Just Us...?


A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all.


Because it’s never just you.


🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection.


Thanks for listening,

Debbie and Hayley x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to Is It Just Us...?


A podcast for every parent who’s ever wondered if they’re the only one finding it all a bit… much. In each episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of parenting and life, with honesty, humour, and heart. From sleep deprivation to screen battles, identity shifts to unexpected joys—we talk about it all.


Because it’s never just you.


🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week—where real talk meets real connection.


Thanks for listening,

Debbie and Hayley x

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here


Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>