Making Learning & School Feel Easier (for Kids & Parents) with Sophie David aka LitttleHappyLearners
Back to School with Sophie David (Happy Little Learners)
Back-to-school season can stir up a mix of emotions - excitement, nerves, and even a bit of Sunday-night dread, for both kids and parents.
In this episode, Emily and Matt sit down with Sophie David, founder of Happy Little Learners, to explore the unspoken pressures families face as September rolls around.
From big transitions like starting school for the first time or moving up to secondary, to supporting kids through worry and building motivation for learning, Sophie shares practical, play-based strategies to make the school journey smoother.
We talk about:
- Signs a child might be struggling with school changes
- How to support anxious children without overreacting
- Practical ways to beat the Sunday-night worry
- Making learning playful (and avoiding power struggles!)
- The surprising things parents overthink when it comes to school prep
Whether your child is eager to get back into the classroom or dragging their heels, this conversation is packed with tips to help you—and them—navigate the new term with confidence.
Follow Sophie https://www.instagram.com/littlehappylearners/
Visit her website https://www.littlehappylearners.co.uk/
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The Truth About Ultra-Processed Food & Family Eating Habits
This week on What They Don’t Tell You, Emily and Matt sit down with dietitian and author Nichola Ludlam-Raine to unpack the hot topic of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). From sneaky “healthy” products that are more processed than you’d think, to the everyday guilt parents feel about feeding their kids, Nichola breaks down the science in a relatable, real-world way.
They chat about how to make peace with UPFs without cutting everything out, the swaps that actually work for busy families, and why balance matters more than perfection. Plus, Nichola shares how writing her book changed the way she feeds her own family, and gives her top one small change tip for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
It’s a refreshing, guilt-free conversation about food, family, and the reality of modern life.
Follow Nichola https://www.instagram.com/nicsnutrition
Visit her website https://nicsnutrition.com/
Grab her book https://amzn.eu/d/3VZ9Uvw
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Breaking Cycles and Raising Daughters Differently I Louise Pentland on Parenting, Weddings + More
This week on What They Don’t Tell You, we’re joined by the wonderful Louise Pentland - YouTuber, author, Disney superfan, and proud mum of two girls.
Emily and Matt sit down with Louise to chat about:
✨ Her lifelong love of Disney (and the magic that never fades)
✨ How her childhood shaped the way she parents today
✨ The unexpected joys and challenges of raising girls in 2025
✨ What it was really like being one of the original YouTubers
✨ Writing her brand-new children’s book, and whether her daughters approved!
✨ The highs, lows, and funny behind-the-scenes moments of her wedding day
Plus, Louise opens up about the pressures of sharing so much of her life online, how she protects time for herself and her family, and of course, she takes on our quick-fire round (spoiler: we get her ultimate Disney princess pick 👑).
It’s honest, heartfelt, and full of laughs, the kind of chat you’ll wish you were having over a glass of wine (or a Diet Coke!).
Get a copy of her amazing new children's novel 'Adventures in Lylaland' here https://amzn.eu/d/5FbAp9t
Follow Louise on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/louisepentland
and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/Louisepentland
You will not be disappointed! xx
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Fussy Eaters Explained: What Parents Need to Know - with a Paediatric Dietitian
Fussy eating is one of those parenting challenges that can leave you stressed, second-guessing yourself, and wondering if your child will ever eat more than pasta and plain bread. In this episode of What They Don’t Tell You, we sit down with children’s eating expert Emma Shafqat to unpack everything parents need to know about picky eating.
We dive into:
What actually defines a “fussy eater” (and why it’s not just about refusing veggies)
The myths and misunderstandings that make parents feel like they’re failing
The biological and psychological reasons behind why kids might reject foods
The biggest mistakes parents make (without even realising it!)
Practical, realistic strategies to ease mealtime battles and help kids expand their food choices
When fussy eating is normal—and when it might signal a deeper issue
Whether you’ve got a toddler throwing peas on the floor or a school-aged child who won’t touch anything green, this conversation is full of reassurance, expert insight, and down-to-earth advice.
Reach Emma via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.withadifference/
or her website https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/emma-shafqat/
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Postnatal Truths, Sibling Squabbles, Boy Mum Life & Family Travel Fails with Daisy Woods
In this episode of What They Don’t Tell You, we’re joined by the brilliant Daisy Woods, better known online as Muddle Through Mummy. Daisy is hilarious, refreshingly honest, and a total pro when it comes to navigating life as a boy mum.
We chat all things raising boys, from sibling dynamics and never-ending mess to fussy eaters and the reality of screen time. Daisy also opens up about her journey into motherhood, including the challenges of postnatal depression, and shares her best mum hacks for making daily life that little bit easier.
And of course, we couldn’t resist talking family travel, from genius survival tips to hilarious holiday fails (we’ve had plenty of those too!).
We wrap things up with a quick-fire round where Daisy reveals her go-to dinner on busy nights, the one thing she wishes she could outsource forever, and the truth about what she wishes she’d known before becoming a parent.
If you’re a parent looking for a mix of laughter, honesty, and practical hacks, this one’s for you.
Follow Daisy on instagram https://www.instagram.com/muddlethroughmummy
and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@muddlethroughmummy
Join Emily and Matt Norris as they pull back the curtain on real-life parenting, the highs and lows of marriage, and everything in between.
With 20 years together, three kids, a dog, and a home renovation under their belts, Emily brings her signature positivity and practical tips, while Matt keeps things grounded with his honest, often humorous, dad’s-eye view. Expect raw and relatable chats, lessons learned (and mistakes made), and the advice they wish they had heard sooner.
Whether you’re in the thick of parenting or just love a good family chat, What They Don’t Tell You (but we will!) is here to tell you what no one else does – with warmth, wit, and a touch of British moaning. Parenting, marriage, and family life – no one hands you a manual, but we’re here to share what we’ve learned along the way.
New episodes every Monday
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