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 at the end of July 2018. Email her on emily@thespinoff.co.nz

Society

Jul 23, 2018

All the reasons to be happy about the Wellington bus system shitshow

What's that sound? It's the rumbling of every bus user in Wellington moaning. But Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes is trying to look on the bright side.

Parents

Mar 5, 2018

Emily Writes: Defending being defensive about co-sleeping

Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes writes about co-sleeping and her long journey to self-acceptance about her style of parenting.

Parents

Feb 21, 2018

Parents these days: a celebrity cook and a journalist discuss why they're so terrible

Emily Writes went to a cafe and transcribed an interview between a journalist and a celebrity cook while her children took turns taking dumps in the fryer and coffee machine.

Parents

Jan 19, 2018

The PM’s baby: all the worst takes so far

Two words from Emily Writes in response to today's many terrible reckons: shut it.

Parents

Jan 19, 2018

Congratulations Jacinda! Love, Emily Writes

A message for prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who announced her pregnancy this morning.

Parents

Jan 18, 2018

What I wish my antenatal class really talked about

Antenatal classes are wonderful but sometimes what's covered is less useful than the chance to meet other new parents. Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes asked parents to tell her what they wish they'd heard in these classes.

Parents

Jan 11, 2018

Emily Writes: What I know about parenting now that I didn’t know then

On her second son's birthday, Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes has some advice for the expectant mother she once was: Hold fast, hold tight, hold on.

Parents

Dec 25, 2017

Summer reissue: We are family: The characters you’ll encounter at Christmas lunch

Is Christmas Day the best or worst day of the year? Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes has crowd-sourced a list of the characters you'll break bread with today. Tis the night before Christmas, â€¦

Parents

Dec 23, 2017

Summer reissue: Mothers are allowed to say no

Because you are more than a mother. Because you're doing enough. Because you just don't feel like it – you're allowed to say no to your kids, says Spinoff Parents â€¦

Parents

Dec 22, 2017

To the exhausted mothers at Christmas, from Emily Writes

At this time of year the inbox of our editor Emily Writes fills up with messages from despairing mothers who are struggling through the holiday period. They feel alone and overwhelmed and exhausted. This is her Christmas message for them.

Society

Dec 21, 2017

Green to be seen? How we self-justify our consumer hypocrisy

New research from AUT looks at how we balance our good and evil sides when we consume. Emily Writes talks to AUT's Sommer Kapitan about shoppers' conflicting motivations.

Parents

Dec 19, 2017

Things to do in Wellington (and around) with kids

We have a beautiful summer upon us. The school and kindy holidays are very long. Here's your crowd-sourced by real parents guide to Wellington with little ones.

Media

Dec 7, 2017

What fresh hell is this?

Last night the Herald published a story about a six-year-old Russian child described as the 'most beautiful girl in the world'. Who on earth thought this was a good idea?

Parents

Dec 6, 2017

Emily Writes: Revamp your wardrobe with advice from a kid

As we come into summer have you been thinking about a style overhaul? Never fear! Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes has a fashion-obsessed five-year-old and he has many tips.

Parents

Dec 1, 2017

Emily Writes: It’s beginning to feel a lot like Shitmas

You might think the festive season is a time for togetherness, positivity and joy, but you could not be more wrong. Here's a rundown of the usual suspects getting ready to leave a turd in your Christmas trifle.

New Caledonia

Nov 28, 2017

‘It’s an island that just grooves’: A New Caledonia expat keeps the music of her homeland alive

After moving to New Zealand to study, Julia Soares returned to her New Caledonia home eight years later with her band in tow, ready to show them 'an island that vibrates with music'.

Parents

Nov 24, 2017

Energy poverty is real in New Zealand. I’ve been there.

One in five New Zealanders live in energy poverty, forced to choose between adequately heating their homes and other life essentials. Emily Writes looks back at her own experience raising a family in a drafty, cold, damp Kiwi home.

Parents

Nov 15, 2017

Emily Writes: The first day of school

Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes on her son's first day of school.

Parents

Nov 3, 2017

Emily Writes: A parenting hack for the ages

When you're exhausted and everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, you need a parenting hack to get you through. Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes has a tip to change your mindset and help turn your little devils into little angels.

Parents

Oct 20, 2017

Emily Writes: Are mum groups on Facebook a vortex to hell?

Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes wonders if Facebook groups for parents do more harm than good.

Parents

Oct 13, 2017

Emily Writes: The rules of birthday parties for children

It might seem like there is a breathtakingly obscene amount of incomprehensible unspoken, unwritten rules around children's birthday parties but really it's all quite simple. Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes has crafted the definitive set of guidelines.

Parents

Oct 11, 2017

What is it like to have perinatal anxiety or depression?

At the Spinoff Parents we talk a lot about mental illness among parents. Today editor Emily Writes shares a group post that outlines the many ways perinatal anxiety, depression, and psychosis have affected New Zealand parents. We hope that anyone who sees themselves or their loved ones in these stories will seek help.

Parents

Sep 29, 2017

Emily Writes: my son is turning five tomorrow

Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes reflects on the last five years on the eve of her oldest child's birthday.

Parents

Sep 22, 2017

Emily Writes: How to make friends when you’re a new mum

How do you make friends when you're a new mum? It can be tough to find your people. Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes has some tips.

Parents

Sep 15, 2017

Warm house, cool landlord: Why doing right by tenants pays off

From June 2019, every rental in the country will need to be insulated. Emily Writes talks to Kelson Primary School principal, landlord and mum Judy Pemberton about the changes, and why she chose to do the right thing early on.

Parents

Sep 6, 2017

Emily Writes: So, I joined a gym…

In the spring, a young mother's fancy turns to thoughts of getting her old body back. Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes explains why she's joined a gym – and it's not just about getting in shape.

Television

Sep 1, 2017

Surviving the trauma of that M&M sex ad during the leaders’ debate last night

As Bill English and Jacinda Ardern battled it out during TVNZ1's debate last night, Emily Writes was left extremely confused by a sexy candy ad.

The Spinoff is made possible by the generous support of the following organisations.
Please help us by supporting them.