Episode 6 - Is this normal?

In Episode 6, the team dive into the very real mental load of parenting, preparation, and control — the habits we form “just in case” something goes wrong. From washing school uniforms early to emergency car kits and travel rituals, the conversation quickly turns into a relatable exploration of modern anxiety and organisation.

They also tackle the hot topic of mobile phones in schools, why banning smartphones could actually support children’s wellbeing, and how screen culture is shaping behaviour at home and in classrooms.

Plus, there’s a practical deep dive into using AI and free digital tools to streamline systems for Treatment Coordinators and practice teams — without expensive subscriptions.

And finally… a genuinely unsettling Confessions of a Practice Manager that no one sees coming.

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📌 Show Notes

In this episode, we cover:

• The “just in case” habits parents develop (and why we do them)
• Parenting anxiety, organisation, and mental load
• Travel rituals, car safety kits, and comfort routines
• Why Sundays feel stressful when uniforms aren’t done
• Ironing… yes, even the pants
• Should mobile phones be banned in schools?
• The emotional impact of smartphones, WhatsApp groups, and doom-scrolling on children
• How childhood friendships have changed in the digital age
• Managing screen time with YouTube, gaming, and educational alternatives
• Reframing dental language: why “therapy” works better than “treatment”
• Digital tools for TCOs and practice teams, including:
• Why starting with free tools is often the smartest move
• Confessions of a Practice Manager: an aggressive stranger, a glass-fronted practice, and a moment that still has no explanation

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 6
01:00 – “Just in case” parenting habits & travel routines
04:40 – Comfort rituals, Costa stops & car safety kits
08:40 – Uniforms, ironing & mental load
11:45 – Banning mobile phones in schools
14:20 – Screen time, doom-scrolling & childhood changes
19:15 – Banned words: “Root Canal Therapy”
23:15 – AI & digital tools for TCOs and practices
29:50 – Confessions of a Practice Manager
32:55 – Wrap-up & thanks