The Parenting Police

What happened to vegetables on kids’ menus? In this episode of The Parenting Police: Investigates , Sean Szeps takes a deep dive into a familiar frustration for parents: taking your kids out to eat and being presented with a children’s menu dominated by nuggets, burgers and chips. Sean investigates how kids’ menus evolved, from early children’s menus that included vegetables, fruit and more varied meals to the rise of the fast-food-style kids’ meal, complete with toys, simple choices and food designed to keep children happy. He then looks at 125 kids’ menus across Sydney, examining what restaurants are actually offering Australian children today — and the results raise some big questions. The episode also explores why kids’ menus at cultural restaurants so often abandon the cuisine being served to adults in favour of the familiar nuggets-and-chips formula, and what Australia might learn from countries where children simply eat smaller portions of the same food as everyone else. Ultimately, Sean asks whether restaurants could be doing more to offer families healthier choices — rather than making the fried favourites the default. So next time you sit down at a restaurant with your kids, take a closer look at the menu and see if you can spot the vegetables. Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post. MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS: Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram Like Sean on Facebook CREDITS: Host: Sean Szeps Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes Audio Producer: Adrian Walton Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it actually mean to be a good parent in 2026? In this episode of The Parenting Police , Sean Szeps is joined by TV and radio journalist Sarah Harris to unpack some of the biggest parenting trends shaping family life right now — from smartphones and social media to AI tutors, raw milk and the growing push to simply let kids be kids. Sarah shares the reality of parenting her two boys, including how many of her strongest opinions about parenting changed once she actually became a mum. Sean and Sarah explore whether banning smartphones and social media really protects children, how parents can help kids navigate an increasingly digital world, and whether AI could become a valuable educational tool or another source of dependence. They also tackle the pressures facing modern parents: overscheduling, mum guilt, the pressure to buy more, and the challenge of giving kids freedom while keeping them safe. From the rise of “Sephora kids” and Labubu blind boxes to the dangers of 'sharenting', it's an honest and often surprising conversation about what our kids really need — and what parents might need to let go of. Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post. LINKS : Catch Sarah Harris with Ricki-Lee & Tim on Nova 96.9 weekdays 6-9am You can also hear Sarah with Ricki-Lee & Tim weeknights from 6pm on Nova across Australia Follow Sarah (@whatsarahsnapped) on Instagram MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS: Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram Like Sean on Facebook CREDITS: Host: Sean Szeps Guest: Sarah Harris Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes Audio Producer: Adrian Walton Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this premiere episode of The Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by John Pearce — otherwise known as the Purple Wiggle, and dad to Henry — to discuss the toys, technology and parenting battles that are shaping childhood in 2026. John opens up about the parenting rules he and his wife Jess thought they would never break, including their dream of a screen-free, Montessori-style childhood, and how quickly those plans can disappear when you're trying to keep a toddler entertained. The conversation also dives into Toy Story 5 and its surprisingly powerful message about children, technology and the importance of play. Sean shares how watching the movie actually prompted his own children to rethink their screen habits and start playing with their toys again. And then Sean and John investigate the viral squishy and fidget toys taking over Australian schools — from mystery dumplings and butter sticks to giant squishy cheese and tiny jelly cubes. Which ones are worth buying, and which ones belong firmly in the bin? Plus, John talks about how becoming a dad has changed him as a performer, touring internationally with his young family, what it's like watching his son recognise him as Big Strong John from The Wiggles, and being recognised in public. Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post. LINKS : Check out The Wiggles’ latest music here Don't miss The Wiggles' Sparkle! BIG SHOW National Arena Tour Follow John (@johnpearce) on Instagram Follow Purple Wiggle John (@john_wiggle) on Instagram Follow The Wiggles (@thewiggles) on Instagram MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS: Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram Like Sean on Facebook CREDITS: Host: Sean Szeps Guest: John Pearce (Purple Wiggle) Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes Audio Producer: Adrian Walton Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Parenting Police is a new podcast where Sean Szeps investigates the constant flood of toys, shows, trends and advice thrown at modern families and decides what's worth your time and money. Each week, a celebrity parent helps Sean review the latest toys and fads to see if they stack up. Genuinely useful advice, always a little silly, and never any bullsh**. "We're here to protect and serve… your sanity." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.