Maggie Dent

And she has since taken this work to more than 2 million people across 19 countries.

She's just released a book called Digital Freedom with none other than a Maggie Dent, a guide to less screen time and safer, happier, healthier families.

And it's out now, just been released.

So when those two put their heads together, you really do listen.

So talking about, you know, there's so many amazing things that you've done.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of the incredible stuff you've done for so long.

But we are wanting to focus on this incredible book that you've just released, which if anyone looks at YouTube to watch this, it's with Maggie Dent, which she's a very well-known parent and expert here in Australia.

We call her the Grandmother.

Well, a new book, thankfully, is reminding parents about the importance of saying no. It's been written by educator Jen Muir, and she says, setting boundaries with your kids does not make you the bad guy.

And she's receiving praise from one of the leading parenting experts in Australia, Maggie Dent, says this book is full of wonderful guidance, real-life experiences with a touch of humour and hope.

Jen Muir is with me in the studio right now.

The book is out today, Why Kids Need Boundaries.

And what I love about that, and you'll be interested to know that I'm the firmer one in my partnership with my hubby, and he is definitely the soft touch.

Well, sometimes Jodie and I aren't sure who's the good cop and who's the bad cop, and maybe that's a good thing.

Congratulations on the book, and it's received rave reviews from Maggie Dent and others.

It's out today, Why Kids Need Boundaries by Jen Muir.

I would describe my feeling as overstimulated.

I reckon Maggie Dent had one or two of those sorts of afternoons, because she raised not one, not two, but four boys.

And she would take herself out to the driveway on those sort of afternoons and shoot some hoops.

So what you're saying is we need to get a basketball hoop.

[upbeat music] Welcome to the Scroll Less podcast.

Today, I am delighted to be joined by someone who has supported, reassured, and inspired parents across Australia for decades, Maggie Dent.

Maggie, it's such a pleasure to have you here today.

Welcome.

Well, you have quite a bio, so bear with me, guys.

[laughs]

But, um, for anyone who doesn't know Maggie Dent, you've been under a rock your whole life, but [laughs] affectionately known as the Queen of Common Sense, Maggie is one of Australia's most trusted parenting voices.

Throughout her career, she's worked as a teacher, counselor, in palliative care and funeral services, and in suicide prevention.

And this baby might need a whole new set of mothering skills that you don't have yet.

You've listened to much of the work of Maggie Dent.

oh

my gosh i love maggie dent

roosters and lambs and yes might have had two lambs and now you have a rooster and so it's like a whole new world of mothering because they need different parts of you that absolutely and so each birth is so deeply transformative to birth you into this new version of the mother that this baby needs you to be

That's right.

okay.

Exactly.

We've got to talk village here.

We want our girls thriving in community and in a village and surrounded by lighthouse figures that are still Maggie Dent's term there.

and other women in their world who are helping them on this journey.

And it's gonna look messy, but that's okay, that's the point.

most of the time, not even all the time.

I heard Maggie Dent say 30% of the time.

And when I heard her say that, I was like, wow.

But it was in a whole context of a whole lot of things.

It's a good question.

Maggie Dent says that one of the best ways to bond with your children, especially if you have boy children, is to fart in front of them.

Because A, it's funny, and B, it shows like a soupçon of vulnerability.

Oh.

And a few things you said there that really stood out that I'd love to double click on.

How lucky were you that you met Lisa and you had Lisa? Maggie Dent often talks about we need wise women, you know, those wise women who provide us guidance, that give us the shake up, you know, the shake by the shoulders that we need to hear at just the right time.

I think we need wise women mentors, we need friends championing us, challenging us, and also cheering us on.

And it sounds like she was that certainly for you.

I mean, imagine the world where everyone just practiced everyday kindness.

Yeah.

Maggie Dent says, sprinkle kindness everywhere.

Like, sprinkle it like it's

So Life Matters is asking people to share their favourite Australian children's book.

What tops the list for Parenting Educator? Maggie Dent.

I'm Maggie Dent, Australian author, educator and podcaster,

and my favourite Australian children's book is Possum Magic by Mem Fox.

It's a beautiful story where we weave some magic into childhood, where, you know, Grandma Poss has weaved some magic and made this beautiful, cute little possum disappear.

captures the essence of not only the characters but that those moments of challenge you know when it's really a bit sad when only the possum's tail has come back and i feel it's the combination of the words the characters the illustrations and all together it creates something unique and beautiful that will last forever There's this beautiful bond between the grandma and the little one and I'm, this was before I was a grandparent, that bond is something I think we underestimate how incredibly special and beautiful that is and having a wise grandmother, that's a beautiful thing and also the trust between them and also grandma giving that beautiful little possum a fabulous experience that was really magical, a little bit ridiculous but It went with the choice of the possum as well, so allowing autonomy.

So, I mean, I'm going deep, I know, but there is just so many layers to it that I believe makes it the standout.

I'm Maggie Dent, and that's my favourite Australian children's picture book.