CBeebies Parenting

How can we help children become brave without putting them in danger or passing on our own worries? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how parents can support children to climb, jump, explore and take safe risks, while learning when to step in and when to give them space to work things out for themselves. Saturday Night Live UK star and toddler mum Emma Sidi shares how she gives her young son sp...

How can we feel more confident in our parenting choices and quiet our inner critic? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore what it takes to trust ourselves as parents, overcome self-doubt and understand the positive impact confidence can have on our children. Atomic Kitten singer and mum of five Natasha Hamilton opens up about losing confidence in her parenting during the height of her fame and the...

Winning can feel brilliant and losing can feel overwhelming, especially when children are still learning how to manage disappointment, excitement and frustration. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at how parents can help children cope with wins and losses, from the football World Cup and sports day to board games at home. Women’s Super League winner, Euro 2022 champion and England’s all-time leadi...

Patrescence is the term used to describe the physical, psychological and emotional changes men can go through as they become fathers. In this episode, Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore the science behind fatherhood and look at what can shift for dads in the early stages of parenting, from identity and confidence to bonding, care and support. Dr Anna Machin, evolutionary anthropologist, pioneer...

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B take on loneliness in parenthood. Inspired by a listener’s message, they explore why parenting can sometimes feel isolating, even when your days are full and your child is at the centre of everything. Former Love Island contestant and mental health advocate Malin Andersson shares her experience of loneliness in parenthood while navigating grief, co-parenting and a majo...

Why do babies laugh, and what can those early giggles tell us about how they are growing? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore the surprising power of laughter in the very earliest stages of life, from a baby’s first smile or chuckle to the bigger laughs that come with play, connection and shared joy. Professor Sophie Scott, Director of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, and Head of the Spe...

Katie Thistleton & Guvna B return on Saturday 6 June with a brand new series of CBeebies Parenting Download. Each week, they’ll unpack the parenting headlines everyone’s talking about, with warmth, insight and expert-led conversations — helping you make sense of the stories and what they mean for your family.

Comedians Louise Boyce and Hannah East bring the laughs! The pair chat about the chaos, joy, and hilarity of imaginative play with kids, navigating the first year of parenting, and tips for finding fun in everyday moments with what you already have. Plus, a make-believe master calls into the show to try some of his characters and Louise introduces us to her secret weapon - Philippa the hand puppet...

Holly Ramejkis, aka The Body Positive Mum is shattering taboos about body confidence on this empowering episode. She shares her journey to post-partum confidence and gives practical tips to callers for building body gratitude and acceptance. Holly and Charlie share their experiences with social media pressures and raising body-positive kids. This episode contains some frank discussion about how wo...

Presenter, author and parenting campaigner Anna Whitehouse joins our hosts for a frank conversation about miscarriage & baby loss. The trio talk about processing traumatic experiences, seeking partner & workplace support and practical ways friends/family can help you to heal. Callers share their vulnerable stories of loss. If you or someone you know is grieving, support can be found via or...

Midwife and “Milkfluencer” Shaheeda Yasmeen-Khan joins the helpline to bust breastfeeding myths and unpack the slogan, “fed is best.” Charlie and Holly ask questions about pumping, formula and mum guilt. Shaheda demystifies baby feeding and supports whatever choice is right for your family.

1 in 7 babies need neonatal intensive care - but so many parents are blindsided by NICU stays. Dr Frankie Harrison shares her experience of an unexpected NICU birth and helps callers process impulsive control, separation anxiety and guilt. She offers honest reassurance and practical advice on coping.

Autism advocate James Hunt shares the realities of raising his two autistic sons. This episode covers everything from diagnosis and “grieving what you expected” to celebrating small “inchstones” like a first text saying “Hello Dad.” An honest conversation about parenting burnout, resilience and finding light on hard days.

TikTok couple, Caitlin and Leah join Charlie and Holly to talk about the realities of LBTQ parenting: answering awkward “who’s the real mum?” questions, raising kids in a same-sex relationship and the real story behind how they got together. Special guests Stuart and Francis also send in their question.

Parenting through unimaginable loss: Kelsey Parker, widow of Tom Parker (The Wanted) shares how she navigates grief, resilience and raising children after losing a partner and experiencing child loss.  Callers share their experiences of navigating child and sibling loss while continuing to parent. If you or someone you know is grieving, support can be found via organisations listed at BBC Action L...

Parenting styles and advice shift across decades as guidance on sleep, discipline and children’s autonomy changes. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B ask what truly evolves from one generation to the next and how parents and grandparents can compare approaches without friction. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singer and mum of five, focuses on keeping core values consistent while tailoring responses to each child....

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B raced to the studio to record a bonus episode to find out what the new government guidance on screen time for under-fives in England means for parents. BBC Education and Family Editor Branwen Jeffreys and Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado join them to examine this new advice and share their screen time tips. You can find more advice around screen time for...

Matrescence is the physical, psychological and emotional changes you go through after the birth of your child, but despite being coined over 50 years ago, it is a word many still don’t understand. In this episode, Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how pregnancy and early parenthood can reshape the brain, alter priorities and change identity. They discuss why moving beyond the phrase ‘baby brain...

How do you fit movement and exercise into family life when you are tired, busy and juggling everything at once? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore realistic, low‑pressure ways to get active with your little ones. From five‑minute bursts at home to quick trips outside, the focus is on doing what you can, when you can, so everyone feels better. Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey (Gladiators star Nitro) talks...

Parents often worry that their children just aren't ready to take the step up to school. Early years educator Christina Lydon takes questions on how to help kids start school with confidence.

For BBC AI Unpacked Week Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore Artificial Intelligence chatbots, where they can genuinely help parents and when to be cautious, offering practical ideas to save time and stress while keeping human judgment at the centre. Singer, songwriter and Grammy, BRIT and Ivor Novello award-winner Kamille shares how she uses AI to help organise her parenting life from navigating...

Recorded in front of a live audience at London’s Natural History Museum, this bonus episode brings Katie Thistleton and Guvna B together with CBeebies legend, Andy Day, research psychologist and founder of the Good Play Guide, Dr Amanda Gummer, and celebrity parents, Olivia and Alex Bowen. The group share playful childhood memories: from Olivia’s forest dens to Alex’s love of drawing, Andy’s dinos...

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how to build a balanced play diet that helps children learn, imagine and unwind, even when time is tight. They focus on turning everyday routines into quick games, choosing ideas that work indoors and outside, and using short bursts of activity to keep things fun without adding pressure. Research psychologist and founder of the Good Play Guide Dr Amanda Gummer...

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how to get ready for another baby when there is already a child or children at home, focusing on what to say, how to keep routines steady and the small moments that help everyone feel settled and involved. Professional child development and parenting support specialist Lorraine Lee explains how to handle big feelings around scans, baby showers and changing rout...

Romance after kids can look and feel very different, but CBeebies Parenting Download is here to help reignite that spark. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B are joined by TV personality and presenter Scarlett Moffatt, psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani and dating coach Hayley Quinn to decode love languages, shifting routines, and share Valentine’s ideas for tired couples and single parents. Former Gogglebo...