Help! I Have A Teenager

Our teens get anxious about a lot of things; their body image, to school stress and fitting in socially. But how can you tell if it’s regular worry or something more serious like an anxiety disorder? We discuss. Plus, creating family traditions is so important for connection. So, Ginni and Jo share what they do in their families, and other ideas you might want to try out. THE END BITS  Subscribe t...

As parents, we often fret over how much time our kids spend on social media or with friends, but they have bigger worries. Ginni and Jo discuss the differences in worries between teenagers and parents, and how we can bridge that gap in understanding. And, is your teen mumbling? We give advice on how to help teens communicate better when they want to be heard. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia Lis...

The sleepless nights, the expensive feeding, the mess... Just when you thought you were done with those years, your child becomes a teenager. This episode we discuss all the things that surprised us about becoming parents of teens and why we found those to be the hardest years. Plus, what happens when your teen starts to distance themselves? Ginni and Jo share their insights and tips on fostering...

A heads up: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and may be better to listen to with headphones if little ears are around. As parents, we know that conversations with our kids, regardless of age, can sometimes go in one ear and out the other. But sometimes, there is a conversation so important that we must make sure it sticks. In this special episode, Tegan Natoli, host of 'This Glorious Mess...

As our teens start looking more like adults, should we expect them to start acting like adults too? Ginni and Jo dive into teenage brain development and share tips for handling moments when emotions take over. And, when it comes time for a family vacations should you make your teens join even if they're not keen? Our host's opinions are a little bit controversial this time around. THE END BITS  Su...

Are you noticing your teen becoming more hesitant about going to school lately? The growing number of school refusals is becoming alarming. Luckily, we've got some tips to help encourage them to attend. Plus, a dilemma involving a teenage girl who doesn't enjoy staying at her dad's house. But does she legally have to go? We discuss. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: ‘Hits Different, Pop O...

Have you ever stepped into your teen's room and caught a whiff of cheese, wax, or even a hint of goat? You're not alone! Ginni delves into the science behind why teens, especially boys, have a unique scent. Plus, we share our top tips for introducing your kids to a new partner in a way that takes the pressure off and makes it a smooth experience. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: ‘Hits Di...

We hear all the time how parents are being struck by 'mum guilt' but what's the psychology behind it? Clinical Psychologist Jo Lamble breaks it down and gives her tips on how we can manage it.  Plus, when your teenager starts neglecting their friends after getting into a relationship, should you intervene? Or is that overstepping? We discuss.  THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia Want something else...

Feeling lost in your teenager's slang-filled conversations? You're not the only one. So, we've enlisted our very own Gen Z to explain them, so you can finally understand what your teenager is saying. And, if your teen still isn't keen on fruits and vegetables, Ginni and Jo discuss ways to help them get over their anxieties so they can start getting the nutrients they need.  THE END BITS  Subscribe...

When do mental health days start to feel too frequent? Ginni and Jo are all for giving teens a break from school now and then, but how can we tell if they genuinely need it? We discuss. Also, have you heard about the free events for teenagers during Youth Week? Our hosts share tips on how parents can encourage teens to join in on positive activities without feeling embarrassed. THE END BITS  Subsc...

As parents, we often lose touch with ourselves while focusing on our kids. Then, as they grow up and move out, finding our purpose and identity again can be a challenge. Ginni and Jo share tips on rediscovering yourself as your teens gain independence. Also, we have advice on navigating interactions with the parents of your child’s friends that you may not see eye to eye with. THE END BITS  Subscr...

Finding used tissues and bottles of lube in your teen’s room? Masturbation is a normal part of adolescence, so naturally, your teenager is probably exploring it. But we parents shouldn't be left with the mess, so we advise on how to address it.  And, if your teen is pushing boundaries constantly, just ignoring them won't help. We help you find you the guide rails to put in place and what your next...

Teenagers today often have different political views to us, it’s a generational thing. But when these differences strain our relationship with our kids, it’s important to have some skills up your sleeve to find a mutual understanding and respect. In this episode, Ginni and Jo advise a teenager facing this dilemma at home. And, if you’re stuck for dinner table conversation starters with your kids,...

If your teenager is a fan of Taylor Swift, (a Swiftie) we think it might be time to embrace the craze! This episode Ginni and Jo dive into how to make the most of the Eras Tour hype. Whether you’re going, have already been or couldn’t snag tickets - turns out it can become a huge bonding experience between you and your teen. And, before your child heads off to their first festival or concert witho...

We’re celebrating our 100th episode of Help! I Have A Teenager! As we mark this occasion, it’s a good opportunity to remember that we parents need some TLC too, just like our teens. So what can you do to self-care? Plus, Dr Ginni chimes in with some helpful advice on managing bedwetting in teens. There are actually a bunch of practical tricks to help them break that habit. THE END BITS  Subscribe...

Do you remember going to school as a teenager and feeling the pressure of Valentine’s Day, stressing that no one would want to be your Valentine? Kids today feel that same pressure, so in this episode we share our tips on how to help them. Plus, how do you best support your teen if they’re questioning their sexuality? Our hosts have advice on how you can handle that conversation with care and crea...

What’s your parenting style—authoritarian, permissive, a mix of both or none of the above? Finding that sweet spot is a challenge, especially when you’re co-parenting teens with different approaches. Our experts have some advice on striking the right balance for your kids. And, we’re all noticing a heightened anxiety in today’s teens, which in some cases is leading to panic attacks. So what brings...

Our teenagers will make choices they might later regret, like… getting a tattoo. And for some parents, seeing their child come home with ink is their worst nightmare. Our resident parenting expert and Clinical Psychologist Jo Lamble has been there and shares how she wishes she would’ve reacted to help you. Plus, tracking technology has levelled up again—now you can even keep tabs on your teen’s dr...

Most teenagers are into gaming, it’s a way to escape, be creative and talk online with their friends. And while being cooped up in a dark room isn’t good for them, we explain why gaming actually can have benefits. And, should we be coaching our teenage girls to dress more conservatively in the era of crop tops and mini skirts? Jo says there’s a way to voice your concerns without sounding like an o...

Are you slowly feeling your teenager slip away? Maybe they’re barely ever home or would rather spend time with friends over family. It’s normal… but there are ways to keep your bond going and in this episode Ginni and Jo share their tops and tricks. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? We're listening! Send us a voice memo at podcast@mamamia.com.au or call the podcast ph...

Holly Wainwright joins our very own clinical psychologist, Jo Lamble, for a special crossover episode of Help! I Have A Tweenager.  In this episode, they tackle a common dilemma: what to do when your tween asks for a phone? And how young is too young?  Jo shares insights on keeping a positive attitude about phones and recognising when your child might be ready for one. Plus, they explore the world...

Job interviews can rattle our nerves, whether we’re teens or all grown up – that’s just how it goes. This week, Ginni and Jo, who both support a firm handshake, delve into ways you can get your child all set for their first-ever job interview. Plus, Ginni and Jo lay down some cold hard facts for a parent who doesn’t believe that their child has ADHD and is against medicating them. They suggest str...

Does your teen trust you? And if not, how can you regain that trust? That’s the dilemma Ginni and Jo are discussing this week after getting a question from a listener who says her son won’t tell her things as he thinks they’ll be used against him. Plus, we hear from a parent who has a list of rules around phone use for their teen, but wants to know if they’re appropriate for a 16 year old. THE END...

It's the Summer holidays and a lot of parents are travelling right now, so we've put together an episode full of tips and tricks for travelling with your family. Hosts Leigh Campbell and Tegan Natoli from This Glorious Mess, our sister parenting podcast that discusses all the disasters and delights of parenting, also share their favourite travel stories to get you inspired for your next trip. Plus...

When your teenager’s heart is hurting, it’s tough to know the right words or actions so this episode Ginni and Jo reveal what your teen needs from you during this lousy time. And, when you need to show your kids that certain actions won’t cut it, how do you do it without making one of them the poster child for bad behaviour? We give our advice. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got...