047 Why Knowing Your “Normal” Could Save Your Life

What if prioritising your own health could be the most important thing you ever do for your children? 

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation on Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe talks with Tamara Milne, a radiographer and mum who was just 33 and weeks away from welcoming her second baby when she received a life-changing diagnosis: breast cancer.

Tamara shares how knowing her normal and performing regular self-checks quite literally saved her life, and how every parent can do the same. This episode might be a little off-topic from play, but it’s a vital one for every mum, dad, and caregiver to hear.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why no one is immune from breast cancer, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle.
• The signs and symptoms of breast cancer you need to know (it’s not just lumps).
• How to model healthy body awareness and wellbeing for your children.
• Why looking after yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential.
• How regular breast self-checks can become part of your everyday routine.

Key takeaway:
“If I’m not looking after myself and my wellbeing suffers, I quite literally might not be here for my children.” – Tamara Milne

Tamara’s story is a powerful reminder that as parents, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Looking after your health is looking after your family.

Read the full show notes and transcript: https://playschemas.com/blog
 

Learn more about Tamara’s movement: https://checkyourbits.co.nz
 

Follow Check Your Bits on Instagram: https://instagram.com/checkyourbits
 

Follow The Play Schemas Collective on Instagram: https://instagram.com/play_schemas

If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.