Just One Thing for Parents with Dr Bettina Hohnen

In this episode, we explore how parents can support teenagers in building resilience through healthy stress. Matilda, an expert in evidence-based parenting, explains that healthy stress involves manageable challenges that help teens develop coping skills for future difficulties, without exposing them to toxic stress or leaving them unsupported. We discuss the science behind this approach, includin...

In this episode of the podcast Just One Thing For Parents, we tackle the question of how parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with screens.   Our guest, Dr Naomi Fisher challenges the traditional focus on screen time, which can become somewhat of an obsession for well intentioned parents. Doing this distracts from more important considerations when it comes to screens, su...

In this episode of JOT for Parents, Bettina is joined by the renowned Peg Dawson to explore effective interventions for executive skill difficulties in older kids. Executive functions, like planning, organizing, paying attention, and managing time, are crucial for managing everyday life and reside in the brain's frontal lobes. Many children struggle with these skills, leading parents to mistakenly...

Professor Roz Shafran is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist who really knows about what works for parents. She talks about the power of problem solving as a parent and problem with our kids. It is not only incredibly helpful for us to approach something we feel stuck on but when we do it with kids we built their future ability to manage their lives/ Most importantly, it works. Roz talks us...

This is an episode for any parent whose children are 'demand avoidant' (i.e. resist being told what to do). Actually all kids have a drive for autonomy particularly as they get older, but some kids (often those on the autism spectrum) are highly avoidant of any request or demand by an adult and this can cause huge family problems. Responding to a listener's request, Bettina interviewed Linda Murph...

In this episode, Jo Steer joins us to discuss actionable steps parents can take while awaiting an ADHD assessment for their child. We highlight the importance of adopting a needs-based approach, focusing on each child's unique strengths and challenges. Parents can access valuable resources from organizations like the ADHD Foundation ( https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/ ) and ADDISS ( http://www.ad...

This week I was joined by Courtney Adamo who is the mother of five children ranging in age from 7 to 19 years of age. Courtney has created courses and provides resources for parents including a great programme for parents of tweens and teens that I contributed to when I wrote The incredible teenage brain. I asked her the question 'What's just one think you've learned about parenting so many childr...

In today's episode of Just One Thing for Parents, Bettina had the pleasure of talking to Callum Brown, founder of Be More Me . Callum assists young people post education to find a career pathway. With A level results just released in the UK this week, young adults and their parents are likely to have this topic on their mind. And it's often a stressful journey for everyone. How do parents guide th...

In this episode - the third in this mini-series about technology - we delve deeper into the relationship between technology and young people, emphasizing the importance of children's ages when managing their use of social media and phones. Beth Kerr, a teacher by profession and consultant on wellbeing learning and digital habits, joins us. We discuss how understanding the science of the teenage br...

In this episode, we dive into strategies for parents to support their children's use of AI in learning. Our guest, Daniel Emmerson, who recently published a comprehensive guide on integrating AI into school life, shares his expertise. We discuss the benefits and potential downsides of AI in education and emphasize the importance of exploring AI together with your kids rather than restricting it ou...

In this episode, we explore the best strategies for managing teenagers' social media use with insights from expert Dr Marc Tibber. He advises parents to stay curious and foster open conversations, avoiding punitive measures that can drive teens to hide their usage. Instead, focus on understanding how they use social media and its effects on their lives. Try to focus on the quality and purpose of s...

In this episode, we delve into the implications of the phrase parents often use: "I just want you to be happy." While well-intentioned, this can inadvertently pressure children and young people to constantly seek happiness, which is elusive, especially for teenagers with raw emotions. Instead, Christine Dunkley suggests encouraging kids to find activities that feel worthwhile and rewarding, helpin...

In this episode, Dr Laurie Faith begins by breaking down the concept of executive functions, using relatable analogies to demystify these essential but often misunderstood brain-based skills. She delves into actionable strategies for parents to help strengthen their young children's executive function skills, emphasizing that early childhood is a critical period for this development. Laurie's key...

I was joined by Sue Knowles who is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and author of many books including "My Anxiety Handbook," a highly recommended resource for parents of anxious children. In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of parental emotional regulation and its impact on children's well-being. We'll explore the concept of 'emotional contagion' and how important it is for parents...

Today I was joined by Dr Tara Porter, Clinical psychologist and author of You Don't Understand Me: The Young Woman's Guide To Life. Tara has a journal book to accompany You Don't Understand Me coming out in August this year and a new book coming out next year called Good Enough: A Manifesto of Modern Parenting.   We talk about eating and how to help our children and teenagers nurture a wholesome r...

In today's episode, we're diving into the midst of revision season, a crucial time for many students in the UK and around the world. Join us as we explore essential strategies for parents aiming to effectively support their children through the pressures of exam preparation. Our guest, Lucinda, is a seasoned teacher who brings a treasure trove of tips and tricks, including a comprehensive plan she...

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Dr. Rebecca Chilvers, a leading clinical psychologist who works with children, parents, and staff in neonatal care. Dr. Chilvers talks about just one thing she wishes every parent navigating the daunting world of neonatal care could know. She paints a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster parents embark on, feeling as though they've tumbled through a tr...

In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Professor Will Mandy to discuss a profoundly important topic: identifying and supporting girls with autism. Professor Mandy highlights a critical first step for parents who suspect their daughter might be on the autism spectrum: the significance of a thorough assessment for providing essential understanding and support. He brings attention to the diagn...

In this compelling episode, Bettina sits down with Dr. Anna Hutchinson, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in adolescence, to delve into the complex world of teenage identity formation. Dr. Hutchinson shares her insights into the challenges teens face as they explore who they are, what they're passionate about, and who they aspire to be as adults. With identity often being in flux for many teena...

Join host Dr. Bettina Hohnen as she talks to Clinical Psychologist Dr Tara Murphy and asks What's Just One Thing Parents can do when their child presents with tics. She explains what tics are including Tourette's Syndrome and how they typically present. The top piece of advice may surprise you—it's not about seeking an immediate cure or fix, but about education and communication. Tara explains mor...

Episode 4: When Your Child is Struggling, This Will Really Help with Anita Cleare Join host v in this insightful episode of Just One Thing for Parents with special guest Anita Cleare, a psychotherapist, parenting expert, coach, speaker, writer, and co-founder of the Positive Parenting project. Dr. Hohnen poses the question to Anita: "If you could pick just one thing that you think is important for...

Episode 3: Helping Our Children Manage Trauma with David Trickey Join host Dr. Bettina Hohnen in this new episode of Just One Thing for Parents with special guest David Trickey, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in working with traumatized children and their families. David is co-director of the UK Trauma Council and lectures at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families. He is kn...

Episode 2: The Number One Dilemma Parents Bring to their Child's Psychotherapist with Cynthia Rousso Join host Dr. Bettina Hohnen in this insightful episode of Just One Thing for Parents with special guest Cynthia Rousso. As a psychotherapist, parenting expert, coach, and speaker, Cynthia shares her expertise on the number one dilemma parents often bring to their child's psychotherapist. Tune in f...

Episode 1: How to Support an Anxious Child with Dawn Huebner In this episode of Just One Thing for Parents, join host Dr Bettina Hohnen and special guest Dawn Huebner, author, parent coach, and anxiety management expert, as they explore the crucial topic of supporting anxious children. In just 5-7 minutes, discover practical insights backed by science and real-life experience. Tune in for new epis...