CBeebies Parenting

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why Christmas can feel overwhelming for children and share practical ways to keep the magic alive without the meltdowns. They’re joined by comedian and dad of three George Lewis, who reveals how his family adapted festive traditions to reduce stress, and parenting and child behaviour specialist San Mehra, who explains why children experience Christmas overwhelm...

Early years expert Sophie David packs this festive Parenting Helpline special with loads of practical takeaways! Sophie shows Charlie that the magic of Christmas truly happens in the home. She demonstrates her top budget-friendly Christmas crafts, homemade gift ideas and creative ways to make magical family memories without overspending.

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B unpack paternal mental health and the often-overlooked challenges dads can face during pregnancy and the early years after their child’s birth. They’re joined by rapper and mental health advocate Professor Green and podcaster and former Made in Chelsea star Ryan Libbey, who share honest experiences of fatherhood and reveal the barriers men can face when they need help,...

Psychotherapist Philippa Perry joins Charlie and her dad Terry, aka "Gaga," to explore the roles of grandparents, family boundaries, and generational bonds. Philippa has honest advice on everything from choosing nicknames to “toxic” therapy culture and navigating festive season tensions. If you are affected by issues raised in this programme, BBC Action Line has details of organisations that may b...

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B unpack Sharenting — where parents post children’s photos and milestones on social media. They’re joined by comedy creator and influencer Jane Dowden, who explains why she never shows her twins’ faces online and shares creative ways to make relatable content without compromising privacy. Child psychotherapist and cyber-trauma expert Catherine Knibbs reveals the hidden r...

How do you talk to a child about death? In this episode of CBeebies Parenting Download, Radio 1 presenter Katie Thistleton and rapper Guvna B are joined by McFly star and children’s author Tom Fletcher, and child, adult and family therapist Amanda Orange, to unpack one of the toughest conversations a parent can face. Tom shares the inspiration behind his new book Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, whi...

Katie Thistleton & Guvna B introduce CBeebies Parenting Download — a brand-new podcast unpacking the week’s parenting headlines with warmth, insight and expert-led conversations.

Toddler tantrum advice as psychologist Dr Emma Hepburn, aka The Psychology Mum joins the studio from Scotland. Emma answers a call from a listener struggling with their child’s behaviour when feeling big emotions.

Dads’ mental health practitioner Raoul Lindsay chats to Holly and Charlie about how dads can look after themselves. Raoul answers questions about dads’ roles and advises a dad who is currently away from his child.

Dr Emma Svanberg joins Charlie and Holly to talk attachment styles. Emma offers advice to a listener whose daughter often refuses to let her partner carry out care duties at home.

Sex and relationship therapist Rachel stops by to chat about sex and physical touch in parenthood. A listener asks how to navigate a lack of intimacy since becoming a mum.

Relationship counsellor Tamara speaks with Holly and Charlie about co-parenting relationships. Holly recounts her own experiences as a child, while a caller asks how best to manage her family’s co-parenting routine.

Children’s speech development queries are answered by speech and language therapist Emma Pomroy. A caller asks about how to get her child saying more words.

Potty training expert Brenda from ERIC, the children’s bowel and bladder charity, chats to Holly and Charlie about getting children using the loo. Brenda answers a call about how a listener might go about potty training their 4 year old daughter.

Children’s nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reid chats with Charlie and Holly and takes calls from parents about their mealtime struggles. What can you do to avoid fussy eating and how can parents model a healthy attitude to food for their little ones?

Lynn Beattie, aka Mrs Mummypenny, joins Charlie and Holly and shares her money saving tips from affording birthday parties to cooking economically. A caller asks for advice on managing nursery fees when working part-time.

Clinical psychologist Dr Alison McClymont joins Charlie and Holly to talk about the often-unspoken subject of birth trauma. A caller shares her story and asks how she can help others who may have had a similar experience.

Morning Live’s Dr Oscar Duke joins Charlie and Holly in the studio to discuss parental overwhelm and dad guilt, and a dad of four calls to ask for advice on keeping a sense of perspective and calm.

Midwife Pip has caller questions on the dos and don’ts of pregnancy exercise, and birth option decisions. She shares pelvic floor tips with Charlie and Holly and encourages expectant parents to speak up for themselves.

Sleep specialist Dr Lyndsey Hookway joins Charlie and Holly in the studio to discuss sleep and bedtime routines. And a caller has a dilemma – they’re getting little sleep and they’re about to start back at work.

Psychologist Dr Suzy Reading joins Charlie and Holly to discuss parent wellbeing. A caller asks about informed decisions on work-life balance, and Suzy shares some easy self-soothing techniques for when times are tough.

Emotional development chat as Charlie and Holly are joined by clinical psychologist Dr Martha. We hear about positive emotional development, and a caller asks about helping their child with their feelings.

Are you going potty over potty training, suffering from a shortage of sleep, or battling baby bills? Charlie and Holly get you expert help with your parenting problems, to make parenting that little bit easier.

TV doctor Dr Ranj joins Charlie and Holly to discuss physical development. A caller gets the lowdown on first steps and other milestones, and Dr Ranj reveals common questions parents as him as a paediatrician.