Beanstalk Single Mums

GIVIT Brings Hope to Families in Need Amid Housing Crisis

Shining a Light on Australia’s Housing Crisis and Givit’s Impact on Families in Need

As the festive season approaches, many are preparing to celebrate, but for countless families in Australia, the Housing Crisis casts a heavy shadow. In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Danielle Draper, manager of Givit’s Domestic and Family Violence program, to explore the profound challenges facing single mums and their children.

Danielle shares how Givit, a not-for-profit organisation, transforms lives by connecting families in need with essential items—fostering dignity and respect. From helping a mum transition out of refuge with a bed and fridge voucher to delivering nearly 1 million items over four years, Givit’s impact is extraordinary.

We delve into the long-term reliance on transitional housing and the emotional toll it takes, especially during the holidays. Danielle also highlights how donors can provide thoughtful contributions, like bicycles that bring joy and connection or Christmas gifts for overlooked tweens and teens.

Discover how Givit bridges the gap between generosity and need, ensuring families receive exactly what they require, and learn how you can be part of this inspiring mission.

This episode reminds us of the resilience of single mums and the power of community to bring hope when it’s needed most.

Links for this episode:

🌸 https://1800respect.org.au — 1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

✨ https://www.givit.org.au — Now that's the smart way to give! Donations making real and positive differences to the lives of Australians in need. Discover how a single donation, given the smart way, can change a life forever.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. Please don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Embracing Solo Motherhood: Carly’s Powerful Journey of Resilience and Hope

In this episode, we hear from Carly, a determined solo mum, who opens up about her path to motherhood after discovering her low egg reserve at age 35.

Carly shares her experience with six rounds of egg freezing over four years, eventually turning to a donor to fulfil her dream of becoming a mum. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of letting go of the “fairy tale” family she had envisioned, overcoming postpartum depression, and finding strength through connection with other single mums.

Carly's story is one of resilience, joy, and humour, with valuable advice for women considering solo motherhood and navigating its challenges. From fertility setbacks to the triumph of watching her daughter grow into a compassionate and independent child, Carly shows us that solo motherhood can be both rewarding and empowering.

Links for this episode:

🌸 https://monashivf.com/?state=qld&gbraid=0AAAAADuVMacfBUC9BQ02XXDUhV4OSTggV -  Carly began her solo mum journey and received treatment at Monash IVF, Wesley.

✨ https://forum.smcaustralia.org.au/ - The Solo Mums by Choice Australia forum is the FB group Carly found really helpful to get support from other solo mums by choice.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Empowering Neurodivergent Children: Insights and Support for Mums with Bec McKay

In this episode, we sit down with Bec McKay, an experienced educator and advocate for neurodivergent children. With over 20 years in the education and disability sectors and as a homeschooling mum of three neurodivergent children, Beck brings professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation.

Together, we explore how understanding neurodivergent behaviour, including recognising meltdowns as physiological responses and non-verbal communication, can shift how we support our children. Bec also emphasises the importance of having high expectations to empower our children and the critical role of self-care for parents to maintain resilience.

Tune in for practical advice on providing sensory support, building routines, celebrating small wins, and staying connected with your children during challenging moments. Bec shares essential self-care tips, asking for help, and how to make space for rest so you can continue to show up for your family.

For additional support, connect with Bec for a complimentary 1st consult, chat with her through the Beanstalk Single Mum Vine Facebook group or find her on the NeuroFlexible Parent Partnership dedicated FB page.

Links for this episode:

🌸 https://bit.ly/44NEbsn — Connect with Bec for a complimentary 1st consult.

✨ https://www.facebook.com/Bec.NeuroFlexible — Bec's dedicated FB page to all things Neurodiverse, a treasure trove of great resources, including her own FB group.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Safeguarding Your Future: How Single Mums Can Protect Their Assets with Binding Financial Agreements

Hey there! 🌟 Ready for another uplifting episode of Beanstalk Mums? This time, we're joined by Ian McLeod, a financial expert with nearly 20 years of experience, who’s here to talk about Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) and why they’re so crucial for single mums.

In this episode, Ian shares how BFAs can protect your assets, safeguard your financial future, and help you avoid conflict when dividing property after a separation. Whether you’re stepping out of a relationship or entering a new one, Ian’s practical advice will give you the confidence and clarity you need to take control of your finances. 💪💰

Pop in those earbuds hit play, and get ready to boost your financial savvy with real-world advice that’s easy to understand and put into action. 🙌 We’ll also cover how to take the next steps if you're considering setting up a BFA.

Links for this episode:

📧 https://www.financialagreements.com.au — Want more info? Reach out to Ian for personalised help.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions, and you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. 🌈 And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey! 🎧

Thriving as a Single Mum: Maggie's Journey from Overwhelm to Empowerment

Hey there! 🌟 Ready to dive into another inspiring episode of Beanstalk Mums? This time, we have the amazing Maggie, also known as the Inked Mama, sharing her journey from the early days of single motherhood to becoming a successful business owner and content creator. 🎉

Join us as Maggie opens up about her biggest challenges, the importance of finding your tribe, and how she managed to carve out time for self-care amidst the chaos. Plus, she spills the tea on navigating the dating world as a single mum and finding love again. 💖

Whether you're in the thick of single motherhood or just looking for a dose of inspiration, Maggie's story is sure to resonate and uplift. So grab your earbuds, hit play, and let's celebrate the resilience and strength of single mums together. 🌈

 

Links in this episode; 

 

🖋️ https://www.theinkedmama.net 

The Inked Mama is a public diary with pieces from parenting to Maggie's personal experiences as a survivor of DV and everything in between.

 

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast 

Check out our new widget! Would you like to feature on our podcast? Have something to share? Or a challenge you would like guidance on? Leave us a voice mail, and we'll include it in the podcast.

 

📖 https://beanstalkmums.com.au/single-mums-ecourse

The ultimate guide to live your best single mum life.
“You’ve Got This” eCourse. Get ready to embrace your independence, redefine your path and be the best you can be, all whilst being a brilliant single mum.

 

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine

Don't forget to check out the Single Mums' Vine on social media – it's the best place to connect with other fabulous single mums like you! ✨

Mums Eat First: Prioritize Yourself and Create the Change You Crave

Hey there, single mums! 🌟 Welcome back to the Beanstalk Mums podcast! In this episode, we chat with the incredible Kathy Sullivan, author of "Moms Eat First: Five Principles to Prioritize Yourself and Create the Change You Crave". Kathy shares her personal journey as a single mum and offers us some golden nuggets from her book tailored just for you.

Ready to dive into the five principles that will help you put yourself first, tackle mum guilt, and balance career, family, and self-care? Kathy's got you covered! Plus, we explore how to navigate life's ups and downs while reclaiming your power and embracing peace.

So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join us for a heartwarming and empowering 20 minutes. You deserve this time for yourself. 💖

And hey, don't forget to check out the Single Mums' Vine on social media – it's the best place to connect with other fabulous single mums like you! ✨ Join the Single Mum Vine here.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. See you soon! 👋

 

Grab your copy of "Moms Eat First: 5 PRINCIPLES TO PRIORITIZE YOURSELF AND CREATE THE CHANGE YOU CRAVE" here.

OR

Here :)

 

 

How giving to charity at Christmas can really help your kids

We can hardly be blamed for getting caught up in consumerism at Christmas. It is everywhere! We are constantly encouraged to buy more, to eat more, and to keep up with everyone around us.

Quite frankly, it's exhausting.

Are you ready to pull in the reigns this Christmas and to offer a little of what you have to those in desperate need?

Christmas is a time to accept our place on the globe, to practice gratitude for all we have and to help our children understand how and why to give to charity.

If I've not convinced you, then Noddy Sharma from World Vision certainly will. He explains how donating is so much more than a simple act of giving. It will educate your kids, help them to see the bigger picture of the world around them and instil wonderful values that they will hold in their hearts forever, and maybe even pass down to their own children.

How giving to charity at Christmas can really help your kids

Listen to Noddy and I discuss:

• Why it's so flippin' hard not to get caught up in consumerism at Christmas and ultimately overspend

• How to ignite an enthusiasm in our kids to be charitable

• Some of the really cool ways for you and your kids to donate through World Vision

• How much of what you donate reaches the right place (I know this is something you'll be wondering!)

• The message it give our kids if they see us donating at Christmas

• How to make our kids aware of disasters/crisis situations around the world ... without terrifying them

For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

How to get help with this parenting gig

I honestly don't believe there is a parent alive who doesn't struggle at times. How can we not?

There are no hard and fast rules for parenting. No guide to follow, or exams to pass.

Yes, parenting is a mission of trying your best and sometimes winning but sometimes not. All the while learning but constantly evolving because no two days and no two kids are the same. Fun heh?

In this podcast I chat to the Managing Director of Parentline, Kimberley Harper, about getting the support you need and deserve in your parenthood journey. And, even better, getting it for free.

So have a listen and learn ways to make parenting easier, calmer and happier for everyone in the family.

Kimberley and I talk about:

• Understanding that parenting is bloody hard and it's ok to reach for support

• The biggest parenting struggles for mothers (hint: overwhelm is one of them)

• How getting support and talking through your parenting problems can seriously help

• Advice specifically for single mothers who are dealing with financial pressures and the stress of co-parenting

• Daily and ongoing parenting practices which will help you to not only survive but to thrive in your role as mum

For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

Receive and give support as a single mum this Christmas

Christmas can be a particularly hard time for many single mothers.

We feel pressured to create a picture-perfect Christmas for our kids, complete with stereotypical family and presents galore. 

Is it any wonder that we experience more Christmas-fear than Christmas-cheer?

To help lighten the load for struggling single mums, I chat to Major Beth Twivey from The Salvation Army about how we can reach for support during the festive season (and the rest of the year).

Or, if you're in a position to donate, we go full-circle and also discuss the many clever, thoughtful and fun ways give to those in need at Christmas.

In this chat, Major Beth Twivey and I cover:

• Why many problems for single mums can feel exacerbated at Christmas

• The kind of support The Salvation Army offers at Christmas (and throughout the year) - there is heaps!

• Wonderful ways we can give to those in need

• How to reach for support through The Salvation Army (which is often the hardest step)

• How to block out the madness and enjoy Christmas for the peaceful family time it should be

For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

What to do if the other parent breaches court orders

You've been through hell and high water, but finally you and your ex have got your courts orders approved by the family court in relation to the care of your children after separation. All you need to do now, is follow them. Simple.

Not always.

It is way too common for co-parents to breach carefully planned court orders, which can cause havoc for everyone, including the children involved.

So what should you do if this happens to you?

Enter: Eustacia Yates from Australia’s first non-profit law firm, New Way Lawyers.

Eustacia brings her depth of practical experience and technical knowledge to this chat, where she explains exactly what to do if your ex has breached your family court orders.

In this episode Eustacia and I discuss:

• Common scenarios around the breaching of court orders and why they may happen

• The importance of getting orders as perfect as possible from the get-go

• The right steps to take if the other parent breaches court orders

• A bit about contravention applications and proceedings

• The consequences of breaching a court order

• What to do if you are considering breaching a court order for any reason

• Tips to co-parent with a parent who is continually breaching a court orders

For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.