CBeebies Parenting

Friendships often shift when children arrive, from missed invites and new routines to the relief of finding people who are in the same boat as you. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at why these changes happen and how to handle them with confidence, offering relatable stories and practical ideas to keep connections strong. TV personality and presenter Dani Dyer shares what helped her after becomin...

Finding time to read with your child is not always straightforward. Recent research suggests fewer families are reading aloud and some parents have said it doesn't feel enjoyable. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why this happens and how a small, workable routine can make story time feel easy and fun again. Camilla Reid, author of the Pip and Posy and the Peekaboo book series, explains how sho...

67% of couples say their relationship satisfaction dropped in the years after having kids. Can it be repaired? Psychosexual therapist Kate Moyle talks to Charlie about re-prioritising our relationships, navigating the invisible load and building intimacy back from the ground up. Callers share their vulnerable stories of disconnection and hope for the future.

Parental anxiety can appear in countless forms, from restless nights and racing thoughts to the constant feeling that you need to be one step ahead. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at why these feelings surface for so many parents and how they might shift over time. Former Traitors winner Leanne Quigley shares her experiences as a mum of twins, reflecting on the uncertainty of IVF, the shock of...

Tom Piccirilli gives straight-talking support for new dads. How can you support your partner, bond with your baby and become a new and confident you? Callers share honest stories and get practical tips to help them show up and thrive as dads. Plus, Tom opens up about his experience of baby loss and grief. If you're affected by issues raised in this programme, BBC Action Line have details for organ...

Pelvic physiotherapist Clare Bourne talks to Charlie about why prevention beats panic. Is there a how-to guide to healing after birth? And when is it time to seek help? Callers share their pain journeys and Clare guides them to reclaim movement, intimacy and everyday wins!

Charlie is joined by pediatric sleep consultant Rosey Davidson to talk about surviving sleep deprivation, controversial sleep myths and the science behind controlled crying. From co-sleeping to nighttime wake-ups, Rosey shares practical and reassuring advice for tired families.

What does it mean to be a man and a father? Do genetics affect our ability to bond? Male fertility advocate Shaun Greenaway talks to Charlie about his powerful journey through male infertility and identity and the realisation that changed his whole life. If you are affected by the issues raised in this episode, BBC Action Line has links to organisations that may be able to help - https://www.bbc.c...

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why the art of negotiation is such a vital parenting skill and share practical ways to handle everyday standoffs without the stress. They’re joined by former international hostage and crisis negotiator Nicky Perfect, who reveals how techniques from her high-pressure career can help parents stay calm and in control. Comedian and mum-of-three Hannah East brings s...

How do we set healthy screen limits, build family boundaries and become our child's best digital role models? Clinical psychologist Dr. Marta Collado helps Charlie answer all your tricky questions about kids’ screen time and online safety.

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?