Cat & Nat Unfiltered

This week, we’re basically our own therapists. We’re talking about that weird stage of motherhood where your kids are growing up and the life you pictured doesn’t quite exist anymore. One of us is feeling completely under stimulated, bored, and desperate to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, while the other is trying to figure out if the answer is more plans, more travel, or simply accepting that the old summer dream isn’t happening. We get into the grief that comes with realizing a version of your future you’ve imagined for 20+ years might not actually happen, what it feels like to have a daughter heading off to university, and why sometimes we’re more emotional about what a milestone means for US than for our kids. Plus, we debate whether it’s okay to keep picking up your almost-too-old-for-this kid, summer jobs for university students, and the very different energy that comes with raising boys who are suddenly VERY into being boys.Keywordsparenting, summer, personal growth, routines, change, family life, mental health, parenting challengesKey topicsManaging summer expectations and realitiesParenting challenges and personal growthEmbracing change and new routinesThe impact of seasons on mental healthBalancing family needs with personal desires

In this repeat episode we are talking about the real reasons our kids are glued to their phones (hint: dopamine addiction, not FOMO) and how to rewire their brains for satisfaction in real life, not just social media scrolls. We break down the science behind purpose, confidence, and responsibility with practical hacks like Saturday team chores, meaningful responsibilities, and how to teach kids courage by making mistakes.You’ll discover:Why “doing nothing” is the root of brain fog and anxiety—and how purpose is the antidoteSimple routines to turn procrastination into productivity (without yelling)The secret to building resilience and confidence through small, manageable risksHow to get your kids to love chores by framing them as teamwork, not punishmentThe one thing missing from most kids’ days that’s leaving them anxious and aimlessIgnore this advice at your peril—because if you don’t teach kids to handle frustration, failure, and responsibilities now, they’ll be lost in the adult world flailing for purpose. If you're over the chaos, ready to raise resilient, independent little humans who know their worth without constant validation, this episode is your new parenting playbook.Perfect for exhausted parents craving sanity, teens craving independence, and anyone tired of the endless “Why won’t they just do it” battle.Bonus: We’re dropping science-backed strategies, real-life stories, and no-nonsense tips to make parenting feel less like a war and more like a team sport. Tune in—your future self (and your kids) will thank you.

In this wild, emotional, and very real repeat episode, we pull back the curtain on our postpartum experiences — the good, the bad, the hilarious, and the moments where you’re just trying to survive on mini Oreos and zero sleep.From delivery room surprises and questionable wardrobe planning to the pressure to “bounce back” and somehow have it all figured out, we’re talking about the things no one really prepares you for after having a baby.We’re diving into the perfectionism that falls apart in those first exhausting months, the unrealistic expectations around sleep, weight, and motherhood, and the ridiculous things we did trying to feel like we had even a tiny bit of control.Because behind the cute baby photos and “she’s fine, she’s just tired” comments is a whole world of emotions that so many new moms experience but don’t always talk about. The overwhelm. The identity shift. The moments where you wonder if anyone else is feeling the same way.This isn’t your typical postpartum conversation filled with perfect advice and picture-perfect moments. It’s an honest, hilarious, and sometimes uncomfortable look at the messy reality of becoming a mom — because motherhood is beautiful, but it is also a lot.

In this repeat episode we're talking about the emotional rollercoaster of raising adult children: watching them leave home, letting go of the need to fix everything, and realizing that your role as a parent is constantly evolving. We get honest about the grief that comes with watching your kids become independent, the unexpected moments that catch you off guard, and why "it gets easier" isn't always true—it just gets different.From university worries and big life decisions to the bittersweet realization that you can't protect them from every heartbreak, we're sharing what this season of parenting really looks like. It's messy, funny, emotional, and filled with the kind of conversations that make you realize you're not the only one figuring it out as you go.If you're raising teenagers, navigating young adults, or wondering how you're supposed to let go without completely falling apart, this episode is for you.

School isn't built for every kid... so why do we keep expecting every child to fit the same mold? We weren't kids who needed to "try harder"—we just needed to learn differently. We struggled through school, and now we're raising kids with different learning styles of their own. Looking back, we realize that "try harder" was some of the worst advice we ever received. This conversation is about shifting the focus from grades to confidence, because we truly believe that protecting our kids' self-worth is far more important than protecting their report cards. If you've ever wondered whether your child is lazy, unmotivated, or simply wired to learn differently, we hope this episode reminds you that sometimes the answer isn't to try harder—it's to try differently.KeywordsADHD, parenting, education, neurodivergent, school system, learning challenges, parenting tips, mental health, school reform, childhood developmentKey topicsThe spectrum of ADHD and misconceptionsChallenges of traditional school systems for neurodivergent childrenParenting strategies for children with learning differencesThe importance of trying different teaching methodsThe role of medication and alternative supportsThe value of passion and confidence in educationSystemic issues in education and potential reformsPersonal stories of navigating school and diagnosis

Are year-round sports making our kids stronger? We are talking about the wild world of competitive youth sports—from 5 a.m. hockey practices and travel teams to reclassing kids for a competitive edge and wondering when enough is enough. We unpack the pressure parents feel to keep up, whether kids are chasing their own dreams or ours, and what happens when sports become less about fun and more about the pursuit of "what if." We are talking about the wild world of competitive youth sports—from 5 a.m. hockey practices and travel teams to reclassing kids for a competitive edge and wondering when enough is enough. We unpack the pressure parents feel to keep up, whether kids are chasing their own dreams or ours, and what happens when sports become less about fun and more about the pursuit of "what if."Keywordsyouth sports, parenting, school sports, hockey, reclassing, hobbies, childhood development, Canadian vs American sports systemsKey topicsYouth sports and early specializationDifferences between Canadian and American school sports systemsReclassing in grades 6-8 for sports developmentThe impact of travel teams and club sportsParenting choices and children's autonomy in sports and hobbies

In this repeat episode we are talking all about midlife. Midlife isn't halfway to death—it's when you stop pretending. Your energy changes. Your body changes. Your parents start aging. Your kids need you in completely different ways. The things that once felt so important suddenly don't matter nearly as much. Caring for aging parents has a way of changing you. It gives you perspective, whether you were ready for it or not.

We are diving into one of the biggest parenting questions of our time: are we helping our kids... or accidentally holding them back?From making orthodontist appointments and surviving camp without a proper towel, to why jobs, sports, awkward moments, and even a little discomfort might be exactly what kids need to become capable adults, this conversation goes deep. We unpack the impact of parenting guilt, why we're so quick to rescue our kids, and how convenience, technology, and social media may be changing the way this generation grows up. We also get into the emotional development of boys, the influence of online culture, the importance of accountability, and why some of the hardest parenting moments might actually be the most important ones. If you've ever wondered whether you should step in... or step back, this episode is for you.Because maybe the greatest gift we can give our kids isn't making life easier—it's letting them discover they can handle hard things.Keywordsparenting teenagers, social media impact, adolescent behavior, parenting tips, youth culture, puberty, accountability, digital desensitizationKey topicsParenting windows for boys and girlsImpact of social media and screen timePuberty and behavioral changesAccountability and consequences in youthDesensitization to real-world issuesParenting with less guilt and more resilience

We are bringing you back one of your favourite Friday episodes! Remember when dating was simple? You had a crush, ran in the same friend group, maybe shared a few drinks, made out once or twice, and suddenly you were together. If you were talking to someone, you were dating them. Fast forward to today, and we genuinely have no idea what the rules are anymore. If we were single and dating a man our age (or younger), we'd still be operating by the old-school playbook. The real question is: would he be playing by the same rules?