What if being a good parent isn’t about doing more, but simply being present? In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White sits down with award-winning filmmaker Hailey Bartholomew to explore what it really means to show up for our kids and ourselves.

Hailey’s latest documentary, Seen, is a heartfelt reflection on parenting, presence and the stories we carry from our own childhoods. With powerful insights from voices like Maggie Dent, Lael Stone, Nathan Wallis, Vanessa Lapointe, Selena Bartlett and Billy Garvey, the film invites us to rethink how we connect with our children and what they actually need from us.

Together, Renee and Hailey dive into the creative process behind the film, the guilt and grace of parenting, and why sometimes the most transformative thing we can offer is our full attention.

You’ll hear about:

• Why emotional presence matters more than performance
• The imprints that shape us and how they show up in motherhood
• What inspired Hailey to create Seen and the ripple effect of its message
• How creativity can help us process, reflect and reconnect
• Where to find local screenings or host one in your community

This episode is a tender, honest invitation to pause, reflect and remember that being present, even imperfectly, is more than enough.

Resources and Links:

Want to chat more about this?

Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

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🎬 Watch or host a screening of Seen – seenthefilm.com or follow the film on Instagram – @seendocumentary

📲 Connect with Hailey – @haileybe

🌐 Explore more of Hailey’s work – youcantbeserious.com.au

🎥 Watch Hailey’s TEDx talk: 365 Grateful Project – Watch on YouTube

Watch or host a screening of Seen – seenthefilm.com or follow the film on Instagram – @seendocumentary

Connect with Hailey – @haileybe

Explore more of Hailey’s work – youcantbeserious.com.au

Watch Hailey’s TEDx talk: 365 Grateful Project – Watch on YouTube

🔔This episode is proudly supported by Our Village, a Victorian charity that rehomes pre-loved nursery and kids' items to families who need them most. Our Village believes every child deserves to thrive and every parent should have support around them. You can help by donating time, goods or funds to make sure no family misses out.

Learn more: ourvillage.org.au

Instagram: @ourvillageaustralia

Facebook: Our Village

Loved this episode? Send it to a friend or tag @fillyourcup_ with your favourite moment. If you haven’t already, subscribe and leave a review. It helps more mums find their way to this space.

Because presence is powerful. And being seen can change everything. 💛

​Disclaimer:

The information in this podcast is presented by the Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice.

Nothing contained on this podcast is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice