Dr Kathy Weston's Get a Grip! Parenting Podcast

From research, we know a lot about the impact of parental mental health on children. But we know less about the impact of children's mental health on parents. In this interview, Dr Faith Martin, currently senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Cardiff, discusses her research into the effects that children's mental health difficulties can have on parents and carers, and makes suggestion...

In this interview, Dr Wesley O'Brien, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Coaching Science at University College Cork, chats to us about his work on fundamental movement skills. Discover how actively developing these foundational movements when children are young can have long lasting positive impact on both their physical health and academic achievements. Dr O'Brien provides numerous practi...

Author Kandace Chimbiri discusses her most recent book, The Story of Britain's Black Nurses, which uncovers the contributions of numerous Black nurses, mainly women, in Britain. Written predominantly for children, it's a fascinating read for everyone which reveals a rich history and highlights the importance of Black nurses to the UK health service. We talk to Kandace about these inspiring stories...

Our new researcher of the month, Dr Margarita Panayiotou chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her recent paper which examines the impact of social media use within the complex systems of adolescent mental health and development. In findings which might surprise listeners, her study showed that for the group of teens studied, social media was one of the least influential factors on mental health with ot...

In this conversation, Dr Sophie Zadeh , a researcher who specialises in families formed through donor-assisted conception, and Nina Barnsley, director of the Donor Conception Network , chat about how best to support donor conceived children, both at home and school. In the past, parents were often advised that it was not necessary to tell children about using a donor. Today, we know that open conv...

Lucy Bray, Professor of Child Health Literacy at Edge Hill University chats to us about the things that children need to help them feel better prepared for medical procedures, whether routine appointments or something more serious. Find out more about the things that can improve both children’s and parent’s knowledge and satisfaction regarding planned procedures and what reduces worries and wobble...

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Dr Caoimhe Dempsey, chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her new paper, which focuses on how the different relationships that young children have with important adults in their lives interact with each other, and how these relationships contribute to children’s school adjustment. The interview is packed with useful tips for parents and educators alike and outlines in...

Christine Cunniffe, Principal of LVS Ascot in Berkshire, talks to Tooled Up about her approach to lesson observations and building school culture: what makes an emotionally healthy school where there is an optimal relationship between staff and students? Christine is the author of 'Transforming School Culture Through Lesson Observations' (Routledge, 2021).

Jessica Bondy and Dr Pienaar talk to us about new charity Words Matter, which aims to end the verbal abuse of children by the adults around them. Find out more about the prevalence of verbal abuse and get some top tips for how we can build children up, rather than knock them down.

Dr Sue Roffey chats to us about her new books, ASPIRE to Wellbeing and Learning for All in Early Years and Primary  and  ASPIRE to Wellbeing and Learning for All in Secondary Settings . A must listen for all educators and parents, Dr Roffey describes a framework for creating learning environments where all pupils can thrive and make progress in learning, and where wellbeing for everyone is at the...

Understanding, responding to and supporting young people who self-harm is vital. Friends are typically the first and sometimes the only source of support sought by teens who self-harm. For young people, this can be a challenging and pressured role, which many may feel unequipped to deal with. We spoke to Dr Delfina Bilello about her work which explores the perspectives and experiences of these fri...

Board-Certified paediatrician, Dr Joel “Gator” Warsh’s new book, 'Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Paediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years' is due for publication in August 2024. Tune in to find out about the seeds of wellbeing and get Dr Warsh's perspective on harmoniously bridging the gap between the “right way” of doing things, and the way that is right for you...

We are joined by five members of OPTIMA, a research programme which tests whether a new mobile phone app called STEPS can help families of children awaiting clinical assessment for conditions such as ADHD or autism. STEPS (which is still being trialled) does not replace clinical support, but gives parents access to additional help while they are on the waitlist. Any families in this situation will...

Our Researcher of the Month, Dr Kasia Kostyrka-Allchorne, chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her new paper which reviews the evidence on how young people with clinically significant mental health difficulties engage with the digital world. She discusses some emergent themes and explores how teachers and parents can best support children and teens to maintain a healthy and beneficial digital diet.

In this interview, Professor Claire Hughes, a developmental psychologist at Cambridge University, talks to Dr Weston about her forthcoming book, The Psychology of Starting School. Learn more about school readiness, early friendships and what parents and teachers can do to impact positively on this period of transition.

Does it matter if your toddler plays games on the iPad? Should very young children be using digital devices at all? What impact does parents' screen use have on our young children? How much screen time is too much for babies and young children? Dr Andy Ribner joins us to bust some myths and focus on what the available research evidence really shows.

Discover the science behind the sticks as Dr Marie-Stephanie Cahart talks about her fascinating work which explores the amazing impact that learning to drum has on brain structures and behaviours, particularly for autistic young people.

In this must listen interview for any early years educators, Dr Gillian West chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about a fantastic new oral language enrichment and intervention programme for children delivered the year before they enter formal education. NELI Preschool is designed around the principles of shared book reading and guided play, and aims to improve vocabulary, develop narrative skills, encourag...

This inspiring conversation between Dr Weston and five time karate world champion, Professor Geoff Thompson, takes us from Geoff's childhood and sporting career, to his work at major sporting games. He explains his desire for every community and organisation to sign up to the Youth Charter, an organisation, founded by Geoff, which aims to provide sport, art, cultural and digital activity to al...

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Dr Julie Moote, chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her newly published paper, 'More is More: Exploring the Relationship Between Young People’s Experiences of School-Based Career Education, Information, Advice and Guidance at Age 14–16 and Wider Adult Outcomes at Age 21–22 in England'. Dr Moote's findings will be of great interest to any school wanting t...

In this episode, Dr Meinou Simmons provides some tips for both parents and educators and answers some parent questions on children's mental health, focusing on the importance of sleep, connection and support networks.

Dr Kumar chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her recent recent research, which examined whether there are differences in the messages that preschool teachers send girls and boys about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Listen for lots of tips on fostering scientific curiosity and interest for ALL young children.

Researcher of the Month, Dr Mariya Stoilova, joins Dr Cassie Rhodes to talk about the efficacy of parental control tools, why families use them and whether they achieve what they claim to. This interview is packed with practical tips and food for thought for parents with children of all ages.

Charles Fadel, founder and chairman of the Center for Curriculum Redesign, and global education thought leader, chats with Dr Weston about his new book: 'Education for the Age of AI: Why, What and How should students learn for the age of Artificial Intelligence?'. Charles talks us through the positive role that AI can play in education and the holistic changes that are needed in the system...

Researcher of the month, Dr Francesca Solmi, discusses her new paper, which looks at the links between high BMI, body dissatisfaction and depression in children. Whilst she talks through some concerning findings, the interview is ultimately one of hope, providing numerous things that we can do to help children and young people have better body image and, hopefully, better mental health.