The Bitesize Parenting Teens Podcast is about navigating life as the parent of a teenager. Actor and comedian Kerry Godliman hosts a different celebrity guest each episode - they listen to real questions and worries from parents, share their own experiences and get tips and advice from trained experts.
Guests this episode are actor and comedian Bridget Christie and clinical psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado.
They hear from a mum who's concerned her teenage son is struggling to make friends. Dr Martha, Bridget and Kerry discuss this scenario and offer advice, alongside talking about menopause and dealing with kids leaving home.
How do I talk to my child about big subjects?
Kerry and Bridget discuss talking to children and teens about the big things in life, like death - Dr Martha says, "I would talk about it, avoidance doesn't protect your kids…" she goes on to suggest that it is OK not to know all the answers - but have a conversation, get a sense about their thoughts and ask 'How can I help you?' and if you don't know - say so.
How do I ensure my child isn't lonely?
The mum we hear from in this episode is worried that her son - who has just started college - is finding it difficult to make friends. The guests and Kerry discuss different ways you can meet people and also talk about the difference between loneliness and solitude. How for some young people it is OK to spend time alone where others may struggle with feelings of isolation.
How do I build trust with my teenager?
Dr Martha explains how listening is key to building trust. It helps you understand where your teenager is coming from and means they will continue to tell you what's going on in their lives. For more on the importance of listening, this article How to chat with your child about their mental health offers further advice. Kerry and the guests talk about how how best to communicate with young adults, especially when they are away from home. Kerry admits to tracking her teenage daughter - but with her agreement.
What's the best way to react to my teenager's moods?
Kerry and Dr Martha are impressed by how Bridget deals with clashes with the teenagers in her life. Her advice amounts to one word, "wait" - meaning take some time rather than reacting to teenage moods and outbursts immediately. Kerry says this can be harder when everyone involved is feeling hormonal but Dr Martha explains why it is important not to allow arguments to escalate.
For more advice and help on the topics covered here, see these articles from Bitesize Parenting:
How can I help if my child feels lonely?
Teenage hopes and worries and how parents can help
EastEnders Investigates: Helping you understand the 'manosphere'
Watch more episodes of Parenting Teens here:
How to help teenagers revise - and deal with exam stress. video
Comedian Charlie Baker talks to Kerry Godliman about his difficulties getting his son to revise, helping teenagers find their path in life and how parents can help.
Should I tidy my teenager's bedroom? And talking to teens about relationships. video
Jamelia talks with Kerry Godliman about parenting teenage girls, the influence of social media and body image.
How to talk to angry teenagers - including about phone use and sleep habits video
Comedian Rob Rouse joins Kerry Godliman and Dr Martha Deiros Collado to discuss how to talk to angry teens, teen sleep habits and phone use boundaries.
Dealing with school avoidance - and how to co-parent teenagers successfully. video
Kerry Godliman, actor Charlie Condou & expert Dr Charlotte Armitage discuss letting go as a parent, school 'refusal'/school avoidance and co-parenting across households.
Coping with teenage hormones and helping teens handle their friendships. video
Actor and comedian Bridget Christie talks to Kerry Godliman about empty nests, when menopause meets teen hormones, and whether loneliness is normal for teens.
Helping teenagers make good choices and step-parenting challenges. video
Kerry Godliman, clinical psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado and guest Radio 1 DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams talk about the difficulties of step-parenting a teen and helping them make good choices.
