Emily Writes

Parents Editor

Emily Writes is editor of The Spinoff Parents. She is a mother of two, the best-selling author of Rants in the Dark - From one tired mama to another, writer and speaker. He second book Is it bedtime yet? is out now in all good bookstores. Email her on emily@thespinoff.co.nz

Food

May 21, 2019

Emily Writes: Say no to KFC's PR bullshit and stand with the striking workers

While KFC staff are desperately trying to draw attention to their terrible working conditions, people are losing their shit over a chicken burger.

Society

Jan 29, 2019

An exclusive interview with the Mt Vic Tunnel

Councillor Chris Calvi-Freeman has called for an end to tooting in Wellington's Mt Vic Tunnel. What does the Tunnel think about it? Emily Writes sat down with them to find out.

Parents

Jan 29, 2019

Should summer school holidays be only four weeks?

Should we have shorter school holidays?

Society

Jan 16, 2019

Beyond Dryuary: All the puns you need to celebrate the year ahead

As we slide into 2019 it's time to start thinking about the pun-based activities and festivities you'll be giving up, giving into, marking and celebrating this year. Emily Writes is here to help.

Society

Jan 10, 2019

What to do with all your shit that you Marie Kondo’ed

Your house might be tidy but now you're surrounded by garbage bags full of all of your KonMarie'd shit. What do you do? Emily Writes looks for answers. My house was â€¦

Media

Jan 7, 2019

Let’s make 2019 the year we put garbage comments in the bin

New Year, new you? We hear that a lot in January. The focus tends to be on the body, but what if you have a shit personality online? What can you do to fix that? Emily Writes can help.

Parents

Dec 24, 2018

Love, and the magic of Christmas, inside the neonatal intensive care unit

Hundreds of families this Christmas across New Zealand will spend their baby or babies first Christmas in a neonatal unit. Here's how they're spreading Christmas cheer.

Parents

Dec 24, 2018

The world’s shittiest game, Trumpty-Dumpty, is now on sale in NZ toy shops

The Presidential Wall Game is an ugly celebration of Trumpian nationalism and has no place on NZ shelves, argues Emily Writes.

Parents

Dec 22, 2018

How to get your child to sleep on Christmas Eve in 10 easy steps

Worried about getting your kids to sleep on time amid all the excitement of Christmas Eve. Don't worry, says Emily Writes – it's easy when you know how.

Interislander

Dec 20, 2018

A night away that feels like a holiday: Emily Writes goes to Picton

Emily Writes decides to take a trip on the Interislander to Picton for a night away with her good friend and three kids under six. What could go wrong?

Society

Dec 18, 2018

Wake up Sheeple: Elf on the Shelf is a tool of a fascist government

Emily Writes goes to war with Elf on the Shelf and its disturbing surveillance agenda.

Society

Dec 17, 2018

Gift ideas for your terrible relative that aren’t another box of sampler biscuits

What do you get your drunk uncle for Christmas? What about your aunty who believes in conspiracy theories? Or your cousin's wife who is super racist? Emily Writes has your back.

Television

Dec 12, 2018

Thank you to The Strip, the TV show that inspired my teenage sexual awakening

The strip club-set New Zealand TV series The Strip ran for two seasons in the early-2000s and is now largely forgotten. But Emily Writes remembers it...

Parents

Dec 11, 2018

You don’t have to travel at Christmas

Christmas can be stressful – so Emily Writes decided to do something about it by giving up on festive travel. She explains why you should join her in refusing to budge this Christmas.

Society

Dec 10, 2018

Rules won’t save women

Karla, Kirsa, Kirsty, Teresa, Christie, Sophie, Grace. Every woman has the name of another who taught them it's not safe to be a woman. But what are men being taught?

Society

Dec 6, 2018

Why are doctors and their medical association fighting against reproductive rights?

A group of doctors are fighting as 'conscientious objectors' on abortion, and the NZ Medical Association is in their corner. Emily Writes is not impressed.

Music

Dec 6, 2018

The Spinoff Hot Take Advent Calendar: December 6

Today: Emily Writes on why Christmas music is great.

Parents

Dec 3, 2018

Elliot has a brain tumour – one year on

Elliot's family invite us into their homes again to see how she's doing one year on from chemotherapy. Photos by Danny Rood. Words by Emily Writes.

Food

Dec 3, 2018

The Spinoff Hot Take Advent Calendar: December 3

Today: Emily Writes dismantles the Freakshake.

Society

Nov 30, 2018

An exclusive investigation into the undercover world of vegan dogs

There's a new movement in the dog community – veganism. But are dogs being forced to forego meat against their will? Emily Writes investigates.

Parents

Nov 27, 2018

Santa is real, and she’s pissed off

Yes a woman can be Santa – just ask all the mothers out there, says Emily Writes.

Society

Nov 21, 2018

Great mates: The prison inmates caring for retired greyhounds

Retired greyhounds being supported to become the wonderful pets they are inside by men who are inside New Zealand prisons.

Society

Nov 20, 2018

Why does a Wellington councillor want to charge homeless people to live in their cars?

A tale of a Wellington City Councillor, a plaque celebrating a famously compassionate Wellingtonian, and 32 people living in cars in the councillor's ward. "Apparently there are now 32 people living â€¦

Parents

Nov 19, 2018

Stop letting your kids watch horror films

Trying to navigate what films and games your child consume can be difficult. But R18 means R18, says Emily Writes.

Society

Nov 15, 2018

Look at this sheep that is like a poodle!

LOOK AT ITS FACE AND EARS WHAT ABOUT ITS NOSE.

Society

Nov 15, 2018

When will men start believing women?

A new survey of New Zealand women found that 82% had experienced either sexual violence or harassment. Compelling evidence – but will men ever believe it?

Parents

Nov 12, 2018

Inside the secret world of co-sleepers

It's time to reveal the truth about co-sleepers. Emily Writes exposes the secret lives of families who bed share.

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