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

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.

Business

Nov 1, 2018

What really happened to NZ Secret Santa?

Yesterday, NZ Post broke hearts by ending the Twitter Secret Santa game. Emily Writes asked Libby Greatnews – social media specialist for NZ Post / social elf for NZ Secret Santa – what happened.

Parents

Oct 31, 2018

Emily Writes: In defence of Halloween

Halloween in New Zealand is still not really a thing. But Emily Writes thinks it maybe should be.

Parents

Oct 30, 2018

Emily Writes: Would you want to be a kid again?

Emily Writes has been considering how great it is to be a kid while staying up until midnight making a Halloween costume for her child who wants to be a "bubble".

Society

Oct 26, 2018

Breaking news: Wellington mum gives birth to seven adorable rat pig babies

LOOK AT IT!

Media

Oct 25, 2018

Pregnant Princess Meghan Harry Windsor Cambridge pregnantly tours New Zealand

Emily Writes travels to the future to file the first news report on Meghan and Harry's forthcoming tour of New Zealand.

Society

Oct 18, 2018

Maureen Pugh’s mum and the power of unconditional love

The mother of Maureen Pugh, the National MP whom Simon Bridges called 'fucking useless', has rounded on the party leader, calling him a 'dumb arse' in return. Good on her, says Emily Writes.

Society

Oct 17, 2018

Celebrate National Boss’s Day with some stories about really bad bosses

Do you have a terrible boss story? We asked friends and whānau to share their worst for National Boss's Day.

Society

Oct 11, 2018

Does Mental Health Awareness Week actually change anything for people with mental illnesses?

It's Mental Health Awareness Week so your Facebook feed is awash with encouragement to "reach out". It's important people know they can reach out if they need help – but what happens next?

Society

Oct 5, 2018

How to use your hatred of children to boost your business in just three easy steps

Looking for a bit of publicity for your small business? Just stir up anti-kid outrage and watch those dollars roll in, says The Spinoff's marketing expert* Emily Writes.

Beverage

Oct 2, 2018

The Spinoff reviews New Zealand #70: The new Nippy’s iced coffee

Emily Writes tries a new super-sized version of a classic flavoured milk.

Parents

Sep 30, 2018

Thank you, and see you soon, from The Spinoff Parents

Emily Writes bids an emotional goodbye to The Spinoff Parents, a world unto itself she dreamed up and shaped.

Television

Sep 20, 2018

Bert and Ernie are gay and I will fight you if you say otherwise

Emily Writes watches a lot of Sesame Street and says people denying that Bert and Ernie are gay are making her lose her mind.

Parents

Sep 18, 2018

I Survived: the zoo with my kids

In suburban Wellington, a mother of two boys is slowly losing her mind. In the first episode of 'I Survived...', Emily Writes tells us about the time she survived going â€¦

Media

Sep 14, 2018

I’m desperately in love with John Campbell and my husband understands

John Campbell will tonight present his final show as Checkpoint host. Emily Writes explains why he is a basket of kittens and how she loves everything about him.

Parents

Sep 14, 2018

Why are we rejoicing in the punishment of children?

Child shaming and rejoicing in the punishment of children is horrible, and it's part of a wider trend of the hatred of children becoming acceptable.

Parents

Sep 10, 2018

The Five Stages of Toilet Training grief

Toilet training – there are all kinds of ways to make it work, and it's fairly easy. Unless it isn't.

Parents

Sep 4, 2018

Disgusting: Jacinda Ardern is doing her job and is a parent. How dare she?

The prime minister has come under fire over a decision to fly to the Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru for 36 hours. Emily Writes listens and learns

Food

Sep 3, 2018

A bogan and a vegetarian eat some meat at Logan Brown

Logan Brown and Harrington's Small Goods invited Emily Writes to eat at their fancy as place.

Parents

Aug 30, 2018

Crowdsourced tips to get through Father’s Day when the day sucks

Father's Day can sometimes feel like the worst day of the year. So we've crowdsourced advice from people who struggle through the day and want to share ways to make it better.

Parents

Aug 30, 2018

Emily Writes: When Father’s Day is hard

Father's Day is this Sunday and we will be sharing stories from dads in the days to come. In this piece first published on her blog, Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes writes about how hard the day can be for some.

Parents

Aug 28, 2018

Emily Writes: The power of brilliant and amazing women

Mothering is wonderful and exhausting. It's hard, but incredible work. And it becomes so much easier when you surround yourself with brilliant and amazing women.

Parents

Aug 21, 2018

Emily Writes: Why I trust my child over most adults

Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes on how we seek advice and who we should be following and learning from. On a fairly regular basis I am asked for advice. I don’t â€¦

Society

Aug 8, 2018

Why are teachers striking? It’s about a lot more than money

We look at the teacher strike next week: why are they striking and what are they likely to get?

Parents

Aug 3, 2018

What you need to know about contraception when you’re breastfeeding

What contraception is the best to use while breastfeeding and after you've given birth?

Society

Aug 2, 2018

Why is everyone talking about syphilis?

It seems like everyone is talking about syphilis and that can't be a good thing – or can it?

Parents

Jul 25, 2018

Emily Writes: Your anti-abortion protest was silent for a reason

Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes popped over to Parliament with her fellow short-haired feminist contingent to see what a silent bootie protest looks like.

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