Are modern moms feeling empowered by parenting philosophies — or overwhelmed by them? In this episode, Steph speaks with Ola, a Montessori playgroup guide, kids physiotherapist, and mom of two, about finding clarity in a world full of advice.

Ola shares her journey from traditional teaching to Montessori education, the challenges she faced when welcoming a second child, and the moments that made her question everything she thought she knew about parenting. Through her story, we explore what happens when theory meets real life — and why trusting your own instincts matters more than any method.

In this episode: • How Montessori supports children from 0–3 • Gentle parenting vs. authoritative approaches • The trap of information overload • Sibling rivalry and emotional adjustment • Why quick fixes don’t work with kids • A simple practice to reconnect with your child • Learning to trust yourself again as a parent

This conversation is a comforting reminder that you know your child best, and that parenting becomes clearer when you tune in to your own voice instead of the noise.

Connect with Ola: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/practicalmontessori/ Montessori Playgroup — https://practical-montessori.com/course/playgroup Facebook Page — https://www.facebook.com/share/17Uc7r21ha/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FOJBpT8wSVg

In Singapore, success is often tied to academic performance — but what happens when that pressure affects our children’s emotional well-being… and our own?

In this episode of In Mother Words, I sit down with Marilyn, an educator with more than 10 years of teaching experience, a mum to a strong-willed six-year-old, and the co-founder of ARTÉ Pickleball. Marilyn has spent years observing how children learn, how they cope, and how parents often shoulder silent emotional burdens.

Together, we talk about: • How Singaporean children start linking their self-worth to grades • Why mums feel the weight of academic pressure the most • The importance of validating our children’s emotions • Why resilience matters more than perfection • What emotionally safe parenting looks like day to day • Why letting our kids “fail” is essential for growth • How sports (like pickleball!) can build grit and confidence

This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to be a perfect mum. You just have to be a good enough one. And “good enough” goes further than you think.

If you’re a mum who’s ever felt overwhelmed, not good enough, or worried about whether you’re doing right by your child — this conversation is for you. ❤️

Shop ARTÉ Pickleball paddles: 🔗 https://artepickleball.com

Follow ARTÉ Pickleball: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artepickleball TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artepickleball

Connect with Marilyn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snugglyfam Watch this Episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/i2gi6CI4cNg

When Janet first heard the word “cancer,” her world went still. As a mother, wife, and business owner, she made a choice that many might question — she said no to chemotherapy.

A year later, when the cancer returned stronger than before, Janet faced a new decision — one that would redefine her courage, her motherhood, and her sense of self.

In this heartfelt conversation, Janet shares how fear turned into strength, how motherhood gave her the will to fight, and how surviving breast cancer transformed the way she sees life, joy, and perfection.

From hiding her diagnosis during Chinese New Year to walking through treatment with quiet grace, her story is one of healing, hope, and rediscovering who you are — as a woman and as a mother.

🎀 Part of a 4-part Breast Cancer Awareness Month series, where four brave mothers open up about what it truly means to face fear with love and resilience.

Listen if you’re a mother navigating fear, healing, or change — and need a reminder that courage can be quiet, gentle, and deeply powerful.

Connect with Janet: 🌐 www.theredwedding.com 📸 Instagram: @the_red_wedding

Connect with Steph: 🌐 www.inmotherwordspodcast.com 📸 Instagram: @inmotherwordsofficial ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@InmOtherWords