Help! I Have A Teenager

Were you shocked by your teenager’s extravagant Christmas wishlist this year? Our kids expect a lot and sometimes we simply can’t afford it. This episode we share our tips on how to talk to teens about the value of money especially around the holiday. And, how should you react when you get a late-night SOS text from your teen who’s at a sleepover? Ginni and Jo unpack sleepover anxiety and why some...

Wondering if your teen might have a secret Instagram account? Maybe they've got a PG-rated decoy for family members (it’s actually a thing). Jo explains why your child feels the need to hide their social media activity and how to speak to them about it. And, how do you know if your teen's really depressed or just manipulating you to skip chores and responsibilities? We’ve got tips on how to spot t...

As parents, we sometimes feel deflated by our teenagers—it’s normal, but how do we teach them empathy? We dive into a question from a mum who’s feeling like the punchline of her teenager’s jokes, with dad not offering much help. And, reintegrating a child into school after an ADHD diagnosis is tough. What steps can parents take? Ginni and Jo share some helpful ideas. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mam...

Remember those days when you had to help your toddler calm down during a tantrum? Turns out, that doesn’t magically disappear as they become teenagers. This episode Ginni and Jo share advice for a parent looking to help their teen manage their rage. And as kids grow up, hugging mum can become kind of embarrassing. But if there’s a total lack of affection, how do you turn things around? We have tip...

On today’s show, Ginni and Jo talk through the signs of self-harming and how to figure out if your teen might be intentionally hurting themselves. And, we all remember how tough being a teenager is, but dealing with the fact that your child might be getting bullied at school? That’s a whole different challenge. Our hosts share some advice for a parent who’s feeling lost about where to start to hel...

Acne; it’s persistent, sore and not to mention a confidence killer for so many of our teenagers. Ginni answers all your questions including possible treatments. Plus, our experts answer a question from an exhausted parent who is up all night with their teenager who “can’t” (or doesn’t want to) go to sleep. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? Call the podcast phone on 0...

Does your teenager get overly anxious when they’re put under pressure? Jo reveals why telling your child just to “do their best” might actually be adding to their fear of failure. And let's be real, no parent enjoys having to beg for affection from their teenager. If you're feeling under-appreciated or suspect that your kids favour their other parent over you, we give advice on how you can turn th...

How can we shield our kids from distressing war images flooding our social media? Jo discusses some psychological strategies to help our teens process disturbing content. Plus, Ginni's got some advice for a dad whose 15-year-old daughter wants to visit the GP on her own. And, yes there are ways to support your teen without actually being in the room. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH...

What do you do when your teenager starts to hate school, heavily influenced by their older siblings? Ginni and Jo share some advice on dealing with your tween's preconceived ideas of high school. And, how do you know if your teen has an unhealthy relationship with food? We share some signs to keep an eye on. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous f...

Gen Z are the loneliest generation, research has found. But how can we help our teenagers when they’re finding it hard to connect with people their age? Ginni and Jo offer their advice. Plus, the controversial rapper Kanye “Ye” West has said some outrageous things, and yet, teenagers are still obsessed with him. Is this such a big deal? We unpack. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: S...

Are you using an app to keep tabs on your teenager’s whereabouts? This episode we unpack why Ginni and Jo don’t think tracking your child’s location is the best approach for their safety. And, as our kids grow older, their bodies naturally go through changes. But what should you do if you notice signs of your teen developing an unhealthy relationship with food? We offer advice to a parent who’s wo...

Is your teenager acting a bit down? Staying in bed all day and not really hanging out with friends? Well, it could be signs of depression, or maybe it's just a phase. We'll help you figure out what's what. Plus, Ginni and Jo chat about a parent's dilemma when it comes to charging their teens rent. Is there a right time to drop that on them? THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a...

Is your teenager in the midst of studying for their final exams? We know how stressful that time can be, but we have some tips for how to ease your child’s anxieties. Plus, is using Chat GPT for an assignment smart or dishonest? Ginni and Jo offer advice to a parent who has caught their son in a web of lies. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous f...

Are you worried about your teen using TikTok? Yes, there's some not-so-great stuff on there, but it’s no different to Instagram or Snapchat. Ginni and Jo have some thoughts that might put your mind at ease about TikTok and some tips to make sure your teen is using the app safely. Plus, when your teen breaks a promise, do you let them off? Ginni and Jo have some advice for a mum whose kid didn't qu...

What's more dangerous: a teenager who's anxious about driving or one who's overly confident behind the wheel? This week, Ginni and Jo are sharing their wisdom for parents of learners as they unpack the road rage, the risky behaviour and advise how to deflate the ego. And, if your kid's going through some serious growing pains, be sure to consult a trusted doctor. Ginni and Jo debunk some sketchy h...

Ever feel like your teenagers’ constant complaints of boredom shatter your plans for a peaceful day at home? Well, groundbreaking research has just spilled the beans – being bored isn’t all that bad. This week, Ginni and Jo explain why boredom is a gateway to unlocking creativity and discovering fulfilment. And, if your older kid's still giving you the helmet cold shoulder when hopping on their bi...

When the school lunches aren’t made, it’s tempting to hand your teen some cash for the canteen or ‘tuck shop.’ But be warned… they might just be buying unhealthy energy drinks. In this episode, Ginni and Jo discuss why this energy drink craze is more dangerous than you think. Plus, what would you do if you caught your 12 year old smoking? We give advice on how to best approach this with your teen....

Turning 18 is a huge milestone for our teens, and with it comes the classic 18th birthday party. But parties can be tricky when some friends aren't of the legal drinking age. Ginni and Jo offer advice to a parent wanting to keep things in check at their daughter's event, with tips to ensure rules are respected and underage drinking is avoided. Plus, we dive into some advice for a parent who has a...

Subscribe to Mamamia Job interviews can really 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 medic...

As parents, sometimes we stumble upon things in our teens' rooms that we really wish we hadn't seen. Well, this week, Ginni and Jo hear from a mum who found a box of condoms in her daughter's room and wants to initiate…THE SEX TALK! Plus, Jo opens up about her experiences as a "low talker" and offers valuable advice to a worried parent who believes their daughter’s quietness is a toxic trait. THE...

Do you get along with your teen’s significant other? This week, Ginni and Jo hear from a mum who feels she is overstepping with her (for lack of a better word) daughter-in-law. Plus, we give advice to a parent regarding the best time to start talking to their teen about saving their hard-earned minimum wages. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous...

As parents we need to protect our kids, but when do our actions enter overprotective territory? This week, Ginni and Jo hear from a 16-year-old who is getting FOMO because her mum's favourite answer is "no". Plus, we hear from a very sweet dad who wants to reconnect with his son, who is going through an “anywhere but home” phase. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question v...

Having trouble scheduling time for your kids to stay at both parents' houses? Navigating the ins and outs of split families can be tough. Ginni and Jo share their tips on how to make it work. Plus, we answer a question from a parent who is eager to blend their new family. Ginni draws from her own experience of blending two families and offers some relatable advice. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamam...

High school can be a total nightmare for our teens. But if they're practically begging to leave school, how can we be their voice of reason? Ginni and Jo have been in the same boat with their own kids, and they've got advice to share. Oh, and thanks to the Covid lockdowns, kids think they can be on their devices whenever they like. We hear from a parent who is looking to give their kids a reality...

There’s some questions you hope your teen will never ask. But when they do, how should you answer? Is honesty the best policy? This week Ginni and Jo explain exactly what to do when they ask you about drugs. Plus, we hear from a parent who is worried that their child is a “doormat” who is letting their peers walk all over them. THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via...