Just One Thing for Parents with Dr Bettina Hohnen – Details, episodes & analysis

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, such as what children are actually doing on the screen, how they connect with their activities and helping them to develop those all-important self-regulations skills.

She encourages parents to engage with their kids' screen-based interests rather than just limiting time,  showing an interest and perhaps joining them. When we look closely, there is usually a developmental value of children's chosen screen activities. As we share interests with them we build trust in our relationship which will serve them and our relationship (and therefore influence on them) well in the long term.

Ultimately, the message is to join children in their digital experiences, validating their interests and building a foundation for communication as they grow.

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 think their kids are being difficult or lazy when they actually haven't developed the necessary brain circuits or habits.

Peg Dawson, the author of "Smart but Scattered," shares her expertise and introduces a simple yet powerful five-minute intervention designed to help parents enhance their child's executive skills. This episode is a must-listen for every parent, as it addresses a universal challenge in supporting children's development.

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, helping them act their way out of negative emotions.

This approach fosters self-awareness and shifts the focus from merely feeling to doing something meaningful. We discuss how teenage years are a time for emotional exploration and how parents should maintain a balance by acknowledging emotions without amplifying them.

Parents, take heart—it's okay to model changing your mind and showing adaptability. Join us for this insightful discussion on nurturing a healthy emotional landscape for your children.

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 advice is for parents to be fully present and engaged with their children. This means putting away phones and immersing in a variety of experiences together to nurture their child's growing mind.

Tune in for invaluable insights and practical tips to support your child's cognitive development from an early age.

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 to be aware of how their own emotional reactions impact their child.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for self-regulation and learn why addressing their own emotional needs is essential in effectively supporting their children through the ups and downs of family life. Tune in for an informative discussion filled with valuable insights and advice 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 relationship with food. Her insights are especially valuable in today's world where abundance can often lead to complexity in our dietary choices.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or anyone navigating the food landscape of modern life, today's discussion promises to equip you with practical advice to foster a healthy approach to eating. Join us as we explore these fundamental themes with profound implications for our daily lives.

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's implemented for her own son. We discuss the challenges faced by students at both ends of the spectrum—from those who are disengaged to the perfectionists consumed by revision. How can parents help their children strike a healthy balance during this stressful period? Tune in for insightful advice and practical ideas that can make a difference.

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 trapdoor into a realm where their role seems unclear in the maze of medical procedures. Amidst the overwhelm of emotions like guilt, sadness, fear, and uncertainty, Dr. Chilvers offers a beacon of hope in her guidance for parents to remember "You are the most important person for your baby."

She encourages parents to focus on what they can do, seek and accept support from their surrounding healthcare team, and cling to their core values as parents – those things that define what truly matters to them. Navigating this challenging journey may feel isolating, but Dr. Chilvers assures parents they are not alone and that support is within reach.

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 diagnostic challenges and biases girls face, where their symptoms are often misinterpreted or overlooked, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and a lack of needed support. Exploring how autism presents differently in girls compared to boys, we delve into why many girls go undiagnosed and the mental health vulnerabilities they face, particularly during their transition from primary to secondary school.

A significant part of our discussion centers on "masking," a strategy where autistic individuals hide their true selves to blend in, a practice especially common among girls that can lead to increased anxiety and depression. Professor Mandy advocates for the importance of a timely diagnosis, allowing girls to embrace their true identities.

Tune in to uncover the nuances of autism in girls and how we can better support and understand their journeys.

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 teenagers, parents can find themselves wondering how best to respond and support their teen. Dr. Hutchinson offers invaluable advice, answering the crucial question: What is just one thing parents can do in discussion with teens about their identity? Her approach is universally applicable, providing a crucial starting point for any parent navigating these transformative years with their teenager.