Podcast Summary: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons Episode: Ruth Crilly and Caroline Hirons Answer Your Questions
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host: Caroline Hirons
Co-Host: Ruth Crilly
Produced by: Wall to Wall Media

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Glad We Had This Chat, skincare guru Caroline Hirons teams up with Ruth Crilly to address listener-submitted questions. The dynamic duo delves into parenting dilemmas, life transitions, and even shares some insider beauty secrets from Caroline's modeling days, all while maintaining their signature humor and honesty.

Listener Questions

1. Navigating Teen Relationships and Boundaries

Question from Claire:
“My usually extremely well-behaved daughter, she's 15, recently made a new friend who I'm not so keen on. She's been sleeping over at her house most weekends, which I was okay with until I found a fake ID in her bag last week. She admitted that she and her friend had been going to a local pub using these IDs. I have grounded her for the time being, but should I stop her from seeing this new friend altogether? She is definitely a bad influence. Please help.”

Discussion:
Ruth and Caroline empathize with Claire's concerns, emphasizing the importance of not jumping to conclusions about the friend's influence without understanding the full context. They discuss the challenges of parenting teenagers, highlighting the balance between setting boundaries and allowing independence.

Notable Quotes:

• Ruth Crilly [03:59]: “How do we know that she's the... bad influence by my mum from the past?”
• Caroline Hirons [05:07]: “I would just say she's 15. You've got worse to come.”

Advice Given:

• Avoid being overly restrictive, which might push the teenager further away.
• Maintain open communication to understand her perspective.
• Monitor activities without being intrusive to foster trust.

2. Managing Family Relocation and Children's Well-being

Question from Erica:
“Hi, Caroline. I live in London and my husband has recently accepted a job in Manchester, meaning we are having to relocate with our two boys aged 7 and 13. I'm really worried about how the kids will cope with the change. Do you have any tips on making this transition as smooth as possible for them? They are both devastated to be leaving their schools and scared at the thought of making new friends.”

Discussion:
The conversation shifts to the emotional impact of moving on children. Ruth and Caroline share insights on easing the transition, such as involving kids in the moving process, maintaining routines, and encouraging them to explore their new environment.

Notable Quotes:

• Ruth Crilly [06:15]: “They are both devastated to be leaving their schools and scared at the thought of making new friends.”
• Caroline Hirons [08:32]: “The way that you approach it as the adult is then gonna determine how the kids deal with it.”

Advice Given:

• Involve children in planning to give them a sense of control.
• Maintain consistent routines to provide stability.
• Encourage participation in local activities to help them make new friends.

3. Skincare Secrets from Caroline’s Modeling Days

Question:
“What are your top skincare products or hacks from when you were modeling back in the day? Anything you still do or anything you did then that you still incorporate today?”

Discussion:
Caroline reminisces about the limited yet effective skincare and makeup practices during her modeling career. She highlights the evolution of beauty products, from backstage essentials like Bioderma Micellar Water to the innovative formulations now available in stores.

Notable Quotes:

• Caroline Hirons [10:05]: “They would tap Eight Hour Cream along the cheekbones. Now, it's so funny when I think back now...”
• Ruth Crilly [11:57]: “MAC strobe cream was the precursor to things like Viv Skin Nova and Skin You.”

Insights Shared:

• Backstage Makeup Practices: The reliance on versatile products that could serve multiple purposes, such as Eight Hour Cream for sheen and skin hydration.
• Product Evolution: Transition from DIY makeup hacks to specialized products now mainstream in the beauty industry.
• Skincare Routines: Emphasis on cleansing and barrier support, principles that remain central to Caroline's skincare philosophy today.

4. Handling Grandparent Influence on Children's Habits

Question from Sophia:
“My son has started having sleepovers at his grandparents once a week. They make a caveat that it's the in-laws, so not their parents. Last time he stayed, he told me he had McDonald's for dinner and got to stay up to 11. They know that I am very strict with him eating junk food and staying up past his bedtime. So I'm pretty upset that they have gone against my rules behind my back. How do I politely address this with my in-laws? I'm being set up here big time.”

Discussion:
Ruth and Caroline tackle the delicate issue of grandparents setting rules that conflict with parental boundaries. They discuss strategies for communicating effectively with in-laws to ensure consistency in parenting across different households.

Notable Quotes:

• Ruth Crilly [19:22]: “You're very strict with them eating junk food and staying past his bedtime. That's why they're doing it.”
• Caroline Hirons [19:33]: “It is my job. It is my job. It is in the Bible.”

Advice Given:

• Open Communication: Address the issue directly but respectfully with the in-laws, expressing appreciation for their role while outlining specific concerns.
• Consistency in Rules: Reinforce household rules consistently to avoid confusion for the child.
• Positive Reinforcement: Highlight and encourage positive behaviors when the child adheres to set boundaries.

Quick Fire Round

Ruth and Caroline conclude the episode with a fun and rapid-fire session of personal preference questions, revealing amusing tidbits about their likes and dislikes.

Sample Questions and Answers:

• Selfridges or John Lewis?
  John Lewis.

• City break or country escape?
  Country escape.

• Dogs or cats?
  Cats always.

• Sweet or savory?
  Sweet.

• Heels or flats?
  Flats.

• Coffee or tea?
  Neither.

• Coke in a glass bottle or a plastic bottle?
  Glass.

• Bold eye or bold lip?
  Bold eye.

• Dewy or matte skin?
  Dewy.

• Brow gel or brow pencil?
  Gel.

• Cream cleanser or gel cleanser?
  Balm.

• AM or PM routine?
  PM.

• Space and K or Sephora?
  Space and K.

• Makeup brush or makeup sponge brush?
  Brush.

• What's your favorite sandwich?
  Quarter pound with cheese, medium fries, sweet and sour sauce, and a bottle of water.

Notable Quote:

• Caroline Hirons [24:43]: “As long as you get to do the tap.”

Conclusion

Ruth and Caroline wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter, reflecting on the lively and sometimes chaotic nature of their conversation. They tease upcoming episodes and encourage listeners to tune in for more insightful and entertaining discussions every Monday and Wednesday.

Final Quote:

• Caroline Hirons [29:30]: “I’m glad we had this chat.”

This episode of Glad We Had This Chat masterfully balances serious advice with playful interaction, offering listeners both practical solutions to real-life problems and a glimpse into the personal lives of Caroline and Ruth. Whether you're grappling with parenting challenges or simply curious about Caroline's skincare secrets, this episode delivers valuable insights wrapped in engaging conversation.