The Crashtest Mummies Podcast

So we've lost count of how many weeks into lockdown we are in, and the uncharted waters of homeschooling has become our new 'normal' but what do we really feel about it all? In this episode we talk openly about how we are finding educating our children at home; the highs and the lows and what advice we would give our former selves in preparation for these unprecedented times!

You know the phrase 'you can do anything but you can't do everything?' Well in this episode, we open up about about some of the things that you may be expected to do as perfect parents but have completely scrapped from our manuals. One of us doesn't iron ANYTHING, the other doesn't do family dinners, but that doesn't make us bad parents... our kids still wear clothes (allbeit crumpled) and we still feed our kids! Sometimes it's important to take a step back and look at what's expected of you as a parent versus reality and to realise that your 'normal' isn't really all that bad now, is it? We've avoided talking about the 'C' word this week (no, not that one, the other one!) because Coronavirus can just do one at this point. So if you have a spare half hour (and if you don't, just pretend the kids are at school and make time!) and join us to hear just how terrible we are at this parenting gig - you won't believe some of the things we don't do!

We completed week THREE of lockdown and we are sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of this crazy time. We are focusing on mental health, and how difficult this time can be on all of us who are either feeling alone, or overstimulated! We obviously couldn't finish the episode without getting side-tracked and discussing the ins and outs of tiger king, Joe Exotic, and Carole Baskin...did she murder her husband? We are breaking it down. And if you HAVEN'T watched Tiger King, be like Karen and binge watch 7 45 minute episodes in one night. Just do it and thank us later! Lastly, Alexie talks about being pregnant during the lockdown and how it has affected her view on pregnancy, health, and fear. We know it is a WEIRD TIME right now and we hope that we can be the constant! We are laughing, crying, moaning, and being thankful all at once, as i'm sure we all are. It's ok to not be ok, but know that even though you may feel alone, you are never alone here!

We are living in crazy times, aren't we? No one could have predicted that by the end of March, over a quarter of the world's population was in lockdown. It's a very anxious and scary time for many, and yet the sense of unity among humanity is stronger than ever. From celebrities making us smile on social media, to the younger generations stepping up to look after the elderly, the world is a different place than it was a few weeks ago. We are staying positive this week, in lockdown for the 3rd week for both our families, we are sharing how we are surviving, what life looks like at home 24/7 and exploring the different actions the US and the UK have taken. If you fancy some background noise to your busy household, or want to steal away for a little while, grab a tea, coffee, wine or gin and enjoy!If you like what we do, please leave us a 5 star rating and a review on iTunes!Speak soon,Karen and Alexie x

We have special guest, Amanda Mignone who is a kindergarten teacher and administrator at a private school in South Carolina and runs the blog Little Teacher Moments (@littleteachermoments) on today to talk about how to keep our kids learning and staying sane as parents while they are out of school! We know this is a stressful time for many parents! The pressure to be the perfect parent and now perfect teacher can feel overwhelming, but Amanda is breaking it down and giving helpful ideas for independent play and learning tools so everyone stays sane!Here are some links to the resources we talked about in the episode:Switcheroo zoo : Watch, listen, and play games to learn all about amazing animals!Nat Geo for Kids: Learn all about geography and fascinating animalsInto the Book: Go "into the book" to play games that practice reading strategiesSuessville: Read, Play games, and hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friendsABC YA: Practice math and reading skills all while playing fun games!Fun Brain: Play games while practicing math and reading skillsPBS KIDS: Hangout with all your favorite characters all while learningStar Fall: Practice your phonics skills with these read-along storiesStoryline Online: Have some of your favorite stories read to you by movie starsHighlights Kids: Read, Play fames and conduct cool science experimentsVooks: All your favorite kids books animated Earth Rangers Podcast: A super fun animal focused podcast! Hudson's all-time fave!

We couldn't NOT talk about the elephant in the room today, with so many in lockdown and dystopia in the air, Coronavirus has all but taken over the lives of the human race. Different decisions are being made in each country and things can change drastically day by day... people showing their worst and best qualities in this unconventional time. We are just sharing our experiences thus far, we are not specialists and we are not scientists (imagine?) but were are voicing what we know and what we are doing to protect our families as best we can. Please get in touch and share your experiences with us via DM on Instagram:http://wwwinstagram.com/crashtestmummies_podcastStay safe,All our love,Karen and Alexie xxx

Guys, we have a seriously good episode for you today with one HUGE announcement!

We always read about "women supporting women" and "lift each other up" but are we practicing what we preach?? Why does the drop-off line feel like a high school cafeteria, and even as an adult, you don't have anywhere to sit? Why do we thrive on drama and gossip instead of support and encouragement? Why are we all so insecure that we have to hurt other moms who are fighting their own battles? We all know a mean mom or have been a mean mom and as usual, we are talking about it! We are sharing our experiences and breaking down WHY this has to stop. I'm sick of crying in the school drop-off line and I know i'm not the only one! How can we raise our daughters to love themselves and love other women no matter what their differences are? We are the Crashtest Mummies, and we are jumping in!