

Be a Happier Parent
Alex Trippier
Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting is going to be like and what it actually is? Why when we have children do we think it’s going to bring us closer together but often it really pushes us apart? What are the jobs of mums and dads now? What’s a dad when we’re no longer just providers? What’s a mum when they often are? What am I supposed to teach or model for my children when I’ve no idea what the world is going to look like in five years time?
Why did my parents seem to have loads of conviction about these things and I have absolutely none? In this podcast I interview top authors, therapists, coaches and try and find out how the trials of parenting can help us become better humans.
Why did my parents seem to have loads of conviction about these things and I have absolutely none? In this podcast I interview top authors, therapists, coaches and try and find out how the trials of parenting can help us become better humans.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 55min
Ep 19: Can We Build Resilience? With Tim Curtis
You can find additional resources from Tim here: https://resilienceshield.com/
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Full videos of the episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
resilience, parenting, adversity, children, self-leadership, technology, community, struggle, mental health, emotional intelligence
Summary
In this conversation, Tim Curtis shares his insights on resilience, particularly in children, drawing from his experiences in the SAS and his work in teaching resilience. He emphasizes the importance of adversity in building resilience, the role of struggle in achieving happiness, and the need for children to engage in free play and face risks to develop agency and problem-solving skills. Curtis also discusses the impact of technology on children's mental health and the importance of trust and communication in parenting.
Takeaways
Resilience is built through adversity and stress.
Children need to experience some stress to develop resilience.
Allowing children to sit in their emotions is crucial for self-awareness.
Struggle is essential for true happiness and growth.
Boredom can lead to creativity and self-leadership in children.
Community and free play are vital for children's development.
Technology can impair resilience if not monitored properly.
Trusting children to navigate risks fosters independence.
Parents should model vulnerability and risk-taking for their children.
Building a supportive community can enhance parenting and child development.
Titles
Building Resilient Kids: Insights from an SAS Veteran
The Importance of Adversity in Child Development
Sound bites
"Resilience needs stress to be built."
"With risk comes opportunity."
"You can't just strip out the risk."
Chapters
00:00 From Soldier to Advocate for Children
06:29 The Link Between Resilience and Morality
06:42 Understanding Resilience: Definitions and Components
11:28 Resilience: A Dynamic and Modifiable Concept
16:07 The Necessity of Adversity in Building Resilience
20:24 Happiness Through Struggle vs. Comfort
24:27 Harnessing Synthetic Happiness for Better Outcomes
25:03 Navigating Happiness: Synthetic vs. Enduring Joy
26:05 The Importance of Boredom and Self-Leadership
28:40 Challenging Negativity Bias in Parenting
29:53 The Role of Free Play in Child Development
34:23 Understanding Screen Time and Its Impact
42:50 Lessons from Parenting: Embracing Individuality
46:20 Finding Alternatives to Team Sports
47:56 The Power of Communal Parenting
51:42 Risk, Opportunity, and Resilience in Parenting

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Ep 18: Trauma, Healing and Change with Ben May
You can find the New Normal Charity @tnncharity on Instagram. Website: https://www.thenewnormalcharity.org/
Ben also coaches men on developing empathy and changing the way they think, behave and react both in work and life. You can find him on Instagram @ldn_brbr or email ben@thenewnormalcharity.org
Please follow me on Instagram or TikTok @beahappierparent. Full videos of the episodes are available on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
grief, trauma, identity, loss, support, relationships, parenthood, mental health, healing, self-discovery
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Trippier and Ben discuss the complexities of grief, trauma, and identity. They explore how personal experiences shape our understanding of loss and the importance of shared experiences in healing. Ben shares his journey through grief after losing his father and how it impacted his relationships and behavior. They also touch on the gendered responses to grief and the societal expectations placed on men. The discussion emphasizes the need for open communication and support in navigating grief and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and change.
Takeaways
Grief is a unique experience for everyone.
Time does not erase the pain of loss.
Shared experiences can foster connection and understanding.
Men often struggle to express their emotions.
Parenthood can change one's perspective on grief.
Trauma can shape our identities and behaviors.
It's important to seek support during difficult times.
Understanding different types of loss is crucial.
Communication is key in relationships affected by grief.
Self-discovery is an ongoing journey influenced by our past.
Titles
Navigating the Complexities of Grief
The Impact of Trauma on Identity
Sound bites
"I just want to feel normal again."
"Grief is a confusing thing."
"Men don't speak about things."
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Grief and the New Normal
37:30 The Scotch Egg Theory of Grief
46:12 The Complexity of Loss and Relationships
49:11 Gender Differences in Grief Responses
51:01 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Fatherhood
56:35 Understanding Addiction and Masculinity
01:01:19 Parenting and Personal Growth

Sep 18, 2025 • 55min
Ep 17: What Happens When Dads are Put in Charge? With Dr Marte Bergan
Check out Marte’s full thesis here:
https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:800e3289-08ad-449f-a00d-f5da87f1100d
You help make some similar changes to our parental leave system by getting involved with The Dad Shift www.dadshift.org.uk
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Keywords
gender equality, Norway, parental leave, daddy quota, family dynamics, cultural values, work-life balance, childcare, feminism, societal norms
Summary
In this conversation, Marte discusses the cultural and governmental factors that have shaped gender equality in Norway, particularly in relation to parental leave policies and the daddy quota. The discussion explores the evolving roles of fathers in childcare, the dynamics of resentment in relationships, and the long-term impacts of these policies on family life. Marte emphasizes the importance of shared responsibilities and the need for societal change to foster a more egalitarian approach to parenting and work-life balance.
Takeaways
Gender equality is deeply embedded in Norwegian culture.
Government policies have played a crucial role in promoting gender equality.
The daddy quota encourages fathers to take an active role in childcare.
Cultural values in Norway prioritize family time and work-life balance.
Mothers often retain the managerial role in family dynamics.
Resentment can arise from unequal distribution of parenting responsibilities.
Parental leave policies impact long-term family relationships.
Fathers in Norway are seen as experts in childcare due to their involvement.
The corporate culture in Norway supports flexible working hours for both parents.
Societal norms need to evolve to support shared parenting responsibilities.
Titles
Exploring Gender Equality in Norway
The Impact of the Daddy Quota
Sound bites
"It's in our national DNA."
"We value family time."
"It's use it or lose it."
Chapters
00:00 Cultural Foundations of Parenthood
04:03 The Daddy Quota: A Game Changer
06:55 Work-Life Balance in Norway vs. the UK
08:37 The Impact of Gender Roles on Parenting
11:06 Men's Perspectives on Parenting and Work
13:35 Long-Term Effects of Parental Leave Policies
16:09 The Importance of Shared Responsibilities
19:03 Conclusions and Future Directions
31:42 Work-Life Balance in Norway vs. the UK
34:45 Resentment in Parenting Roles
36:51 Judgment and Gender Expectations
40:53 Redefining Parenting Roles
45:56 The Manager vs. Expert Dynamic
49:57 Cultural Shifts in Parenting
52:43 The System of Gendered Parenting

Sep 12, 2025 • 59min
Ep 16: How Not to Hate Your Partner with Jancee Dunn
Join author and journalist Jancee Dunn as she dives into the rollercoaster of marriage and parenthood. She shares hilarious yet poignant insights on the struggles of communication and the unexpected stressors of new parenthood. Dunn emphasizes the importance of establishing clear roles and responsibilities, as well as seeking couples therapy to navigate conflicts. Explore how societal expectations impact intimacy and the necessity of date nights to reconnect with your partner, ensuring love thrives amidst parenting chaos.

Sep 4, 2025 • 55min
Ep 15: Teenagers and the Wonder and Delight of Uncertainty with Rachel Kelly
You can find Rachel on https://rachel-kelly.net/
Follow me on Instagram @beahappierparent
Summary
In this conversation, Rachel Kelly discusses the complexities of parenting teenagers, emphasizing the importance of self-relationship, connection, and understanding. She explores how parents can navigate their own needs while fostering autonomy in their children, the illusion of control, and the impact of societal expectations on parenting. The dialogue highlights the significance of compassion, judgment, and the evolving nature of parent-child relationships as children grow into adulthood.
Takeaways
Your main relationship is with yourself.
Connecting with teenagers requires understanding and compassion.
Parents must navigate their own needs while supporting their children.
The illusion of control can hinder relationships with teenagers.
Managing expectations and anxiety is crucial in parenting.
Embracing differences and individuality fosters connection.
Judgment can be detrimental; compassion is key.
The parent-child relationship evolves as children grow.
Supporting children means assisting, not rescuing them.
Parenting becomes more rewarding as children mature.
Keywords
parenting, teenagers, self-relationship, connection, control, anxiety, compassion, individuality, judgment, growth
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections
04:20 Emotional Regulation and Connection
05:32 The Evolution of Parent-Teen Relationships
06:43 Letting Go of Control
09:30 The Shift in Parenting Dynamics
10:19 Practical Strategies for Better Communication
12:41 Expectations and Reality in Family Life
15:51 The Importance of Timing in Conversations
18:28 Nutrition and Well-being for Teenagers
24:53 Navigating Parenting Challenges
26:58 Understanding Anxiety in Parenting
29:29 The Gendered Anxiety Gap
33:43 Embracing Uncertainty in Parenting
37:54 Judgment and Compassion in Parenting
42:10 The Importance of Connection
45:06 Redefining Pride and Agency in Parenting
51:24 The Evolving Parent-Child Relationship
Titles
Navigating the Teenage Years: A Parent's Guide
The Art of Connection: Parenting Teens
Sound Bites
"We want to connect, right?"
"What else could be possible?"
"You can learn and grow."

Aug 29, 2025 • 58min
Ep 14: Get Better at Being Angry with Sam Parker
You can find Sam on Substack @goodanger and Instagram @samparkeruk
You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent and full videos of these episodes are available on Youtube @alexindadland
Summary
This conversation delves into the complexities of anger, exploring its multifaceted nature, gender dynamics, and its role in relationships and parenting. The speakers discuss how societal norms shape our understanding of anger, the importance of expressing it in healthy ways, and the need for emotional awareness in both personal and professional contexts. They emphasize the significance of recognizing anger as a valid emotion that can lead to positive change when managed effectively.
Takeaways
Anger is a multifaceted emotion that can be both constructive and destructive.
Gender plays a significant role in how anger is perceived and expressed.
Healthy relationships require the ability to express anger and resolve conflicts.
Modeling healthy conflict resolution for children is crucial in parenting.
Anger in the workplace often goes unaddressed, leading to disengagement.
Somatic awareness can help individuals identify and process their anger.
Anger can serve as a signal for unmet needs and insecurities.
Trial and error is essential in learning how to manage anger effectively.
Understanding the body’s response to anger can enhance emotional intelligence.
Embracing anger as a natural emotion can lead to personal growth and healthier relationships.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Anger: A Gendered Emotion
07:51 The Role of Anger in Parenting and Social Media
13:08 Rethinking Anger: Beyond Aggression and Violence
19:09 Anger as a Tool for Self-Discovery
24:00 Anger in Relationships: Navigating Conflict
30:11 Quiet Quitting: The Impact of Unexpressed Anger
36:11 The Complexity of Anger in Parenting
39:04 Modeling Healthy Conflict Resolution
42:02 Understanding Anger as a Primary Emotion
46:30 Anger: A Servant or a Master?
52:25 The Body's Role in Emotional Awareness
57:29 Integrating Body and Mind in Emotional Health
Titles
The Complexity of Anger: Understanding Its Role in Our Lives
Gender Dynamics of Anger: Who Gets to Express It?
Sound Bites
"Anger is a multifaceted emotion."
"Who gets to feel angry?"
"Anger at work is often avoided."

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep 13: Navigating Postnatal Depression with Sally Bunkham
You can find all the support PANDAS offer here: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
In this conversation, Alex Trippier speaks with Sally from the Pandas Foundation about the complexities of parenting, mental health, and the challenges faced by parents, particularly those dealing with autism. They explore the emotional struggles of new parents, the realities of postnatal depression, and the importance of support systems. The discussion also touches on the unique experiences of fathers and the dynamics of family relationships, emphasizing the need for open communication and understanding in navigating these challenges.
Chapters
00:00 New Chapter
02:57 The Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health Services
03:51 Personal Journey: Sally's Experience with Motherhood
09:19 Navigating Relationships During Parenting Challenges
15:24 Seeking Help: The Importance of Support Services
20:16 Understanding Mental Health: Labels and Misconceptions
25:00 The Role of Communication in Relationships
25:58 New Rock bottom
26:32 Sleeping and anonymity
30:37 Modern Support: Technology and Accessibility in Mental Health
32:31 Building Relationships Through Support Services
33:31 Dads and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
36:27 Navigating Trauma and Anxiety in Parenthood
40:31 Understanding Autism: The Journey to Diagnosis
47:54 The Intersection of Autism and Parenting Challenges
56:03 Balancing Parenting Styles: Communication and Compromise
Takeaways
Parenting often differs greatly from expectations.
Mental health struggles are common among parents.
Postnatal depression is a serious issue that needs attention.
Support systems are crucial for parents' well-being.
Dads face unique mental health challenges during parenthood.
Autism presents specific parenting dynamics and challenges.
Open communication is key in relationships during parenting.
It's important to validate feelings of struggle and anxiety.
Navigating family expectations can be complex and stressful.
Finding balance in parenting responsibilities is essential.
Keywords
parenting, mental health, postnatal depression, autism, family dynamics, support, fatherhood, motherhood, emotional well-being, parenting challenges
Sound Bites
"Sally has two children with autism."
"How do we support each other as couples?"
"Autism's such a wide spectrum."

Aug 7, 2025 • 58min
Ep 12: Breadwinners and Caregivers with Melissa Hogenboom
You can find Melissa on Instagram @melissa_hogenboom
Full episodes available with video on Youtube @alexindadland
Please follow me on Instagram or TikTok @beahappierparent
Join Melissa Hogenboom and Alex Trippier as they delve into the intricate dynamics of power, status, and gender roles in modern society. This episode explores how these elements influence our personal and professional lives, with a particular focus on parenting and relationships.
Key Topics:
The intersection of power, status, and money Gender roles and expectations in parenting The impact of societal norms on personal choices Insights from Melissa's book on power dynamics
Highlights:
Melissa discusses the concept of "faux power" in the home and its implications. Alex shares personal anecdotes about balancing work and family life. The duo examines the evolving roles of mothers and fathers in today's world.
Quotes:
"Status is not a luxury, it's a basic human need." - Melissa Hogenboom "We need to make the invisible visible in our relationships." - Alex Trippier
Call to Action: Don't miss this engaging conversation that challenges traditional views and offers fresh perspectives on achieving balance in life. Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes!
Hashtags: #PowerDynamics #Parenting #GenderRoles #Podcast

4 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 57min
Ep 11: The Big Gender Gap with Rowan Whitehead
Rowan Whitehead, founder of the Bridging the Gap community, dives into the intricacies of gender equity in parenting. She discusses the exhausting burden of unpaid labor and emotional work that often falls on mothers. The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of 'weaponized incompetence' and the necessity for men to engage more actively in household responsibilities. Rowan also emphasizes the gaps in women's health research and the need for society to challenge patriarchal norms, aiming for true equality for all parents.

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ep 10: Let Go of Great Parenting with Amiee Carlton
You can find all Amiee's work here: amieecarltoncoaching.com
Her instagram is: amieecarlton_coaching
You can find full videos of all these episodes on my youtube channel @alexindadland. Please follow me on instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Trippier and Amiee Carlton delve into the complexities of parenting, exploring themes such as the culture of blame, emotional communication, and the pressures parents face in striving for perfection. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, agency, and the need for a shift in perspective towards parenting, emphasizing that it is not about controlling children but understanding their needs and emotions. The dialogue also touches on the impact of socioeconomic factors and the evolution of parenting expectations in modern society, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and understanding approach to raising children.
Takeaways
Parents can only change their own behavior, not their children's.
The culture of blame in parenting leads to increased anxiety.
Understanding the environment is crucial in addressing children's behavior.
There is no absolute definition of good or bad parenting.
Parenting is inherently challenging and requires patience.
Agency in parenting means recognizing what we can control.
Gentle parenting is often misunderstood and requires deeper understanding.
Socioeconomic factors significantly influence parenting dynamics.
Parenting expectations have evolved, leading to increased pressure on parents.
Self-awareness is key to effective parenting and communication.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Parenting Coaching
03:41 The Parent-Child Dynamic
05:09 Understanding Behavior and Environment
07:36 The Role of Ego in Parenting
10:02 Cultural Constructs of Good and Bad
13:07 Navigating Parenting Challenges
15:26 The Selfish Nature of Parenting
18:25 Socioeconomic Influences on Parenting
20:20 The Importance of Relationships
20:48 Understanding the Nervous System in Parenting
22:21 The Debate on Gentle Parenting
23:38 Defining Successful Parenting
24:30 The Challenge of Emotional Acceptance
26:40 The Exhaustion of Parenting Dynamics
28:11 Building Relationships Takes Time
29:56 Navigating Parenting in Public Spaces
31:50 The Impact of Past Parenting Styles
33:56 Connection Over Control in Parenting
36:32 Understanding Anxiety in Children
38:32 The Evolution of Parenting and Meaning
42:03 Parental Anxiety and Its Effects
44:18 Redefining Great Parenting
47:23 The Complexity of Parenting Dynamics
51:28 Building Effective Communication and Boundaries
55:47 Embracing Growth Through Failure
59:51 The Importance of Self-Work in Parenting
Keywords
parenting, communication, emotional intelligence, gentle parenting, parental anxiety, self-awareness, relationships, child development, parenting culture, agency
Titles
Navigating the Complexities of Parenting
The Power of Self-Awareness in Parenting
Sound Bites
"We live in a culture of blame."
"Why is this happening?"
"It's hard because it's hard."


