Explore every episode of the podcast Parenting Teens Podcasts

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your teenager is nothing!

When Should You Step In With Your Teen and When Should You Step Back?

Your teenager is upset. They're angry. They're shutting you out. They're struggling with something and your first instinct is to FIX IT.

But what if they don't actually need you to fix it?

In this episode, we're talking about one of the hardest bits of parenting teenagers: knowing when to step in, when to step back, and when to accept that there isn't actually anything you need to fix.

Because sometimes your teenager genuinely is overwhelmed and exhausted.

And sometimes they're also being a bit of an arse.

Both can be true.

We'll talk about why there's no magic question that will make your teenager suddenly open up, why giving them space doesn't mean abandoning them, why empathy doesn't mean becoming a doormat, and why letting the odd thing go doesn't mean you've created a lifelong precedent.

Most importantly, we'll look at the difference between understanding your teenager's behaviour and excusing it.

If you've ever stood outside your teenager's bedroom wondering, "What the hell am I supposed to do here?", this one's for you.

And if you enjoy it, follow the podcast and tell me what you're struggling with at home. Your questions and ideas help me decide what to talk about next.

Next episode: What To Do When You Get Parenting Your Teen Wrong.

Because spoiler alert...

you will.

And that's not the disaster you think it is.

3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know When Your Teen Struggles to Go to School

It’s 7.45am.

The school bus is coming.

Your teenager is still in bed, the uniform is untouched and suddenly they’re telling you:

“I’m not going.”

Your heart starts racing.

What do you do?

Do you push harder?

Let them stay home?

Threaten consequences?

Call the school?

And what happens if this happens again tomorrow?

This is the moment when parenting a teenager can feel really, really hard.

In this final episode of my Back-to-School Survival Guide, we’re talking about school and what you can actually do when your teenager is too overwhelmed to get through the school gates.

We’ll look at:

How to stop the morning becoming a battle

How to work out what “I can’t go” actually means

How to work with school instead of trying to manage everything yourself

And we’ll also talk about what NOT to do when you're panicking, because I know how easy it is to say something in the heat of the moment that you wish you hadn't.

This isn't about letting your teenager avoid school.

It isn't about blaming parents.

And it isn't about pretending school doesn't matter.

It's about understanding what is happening underneath “I'm not going”, so you can respond in a way that actually helps.

If you've listened to Episodes 1 and 2, this brings the whole Back-to-School Survival Guide together.

And if this is something you're dealing with right now, I really hope it helps

Sometimes the week before school starts is more stressful for parents than it is for teenagers.

I know that because I did it myself.

My son was given a new tutor group, with none of his close friends in it. I immediately started worrying about how he'd cope.

I offered to contact school.

He said no.

I asked again.

"It's fine."

That word again!

I spent the week trying to work out how to make it better for him, only to discover that he'd already thought it through and had decided he could cope.

I'd completely missed something important.

Sometimes our teenager's anxiety isn't the only anxiety in the room.

In this episode, we're looking at what you can actually DO when your teenager is worried about going back to school, particularly when the worry is social.

We'll talk about how to work out what they're really worried about, why jumping in to fix things can sometimes make anxiety worse, and how showing your teenager that you trust them can actually help build their confidence.

Because teenagers don't need everything to be perfect.

They need to know that we believe they can handle things that aren't.

And sometimes the most helpful question we can ask ourselves is:

"Is this my teenager's problem, or is it mine?"

This is Part 2 of my Back-to-School Survival Guide.

If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, go back and listen to 3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know BEFORE Their Teen Goes Back to School first.

And next time, we're tackling the moment every parent dreads...

"I'm not going to school."

If you've got a question, a parenting situation you'd like me to talk about, or simply want to tell me what happened in your house, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening.

Back-to-school Survival Guide 1 of 3

School doesn't start on the first day in September.

For many teenagers, it starts weeks earlier.

While parents are thinking about shoes, uniforms and lunchboxes, teenagers are often quietly counting down. Wondering who will be in their classes, whether friendships have changed, or how they're going to cope with another school year.

In this first episode of my three-part Back-to-School Survival Guide, I'm sharing three things I think every parent needs to understand before their teenager walks back through those school gates.

I also share a very honest story about a school morning in our house that nearly unravelled over a pair of eyelashes... and what it taught me about what teenagers really need from us.

In this episode we'll cover:

• Why school often starts emotionally weeks before September.

• How to support your teenager without turning the holidays into one long school countdown.

• The one thing I'd encourage every parent to protect before term starts.

Whether your teenager loves school, dreads it or falls somewhere in between, this episode will help you understand what might be happening beneath the surface and give you practical ideas you can start using today.

If you enjoy the episode, I'd love to hear from you. Your feedback, questions and future episode ideas help shape the podcast.

You can feel it… something’s changed.

They’re quieter. More reactive. Not quite themselves.

And now you’re stuck in that space so many parents know:

👉 Do I say something?

👉 Do I leave it?

👉 What if I get it wrong?

This episode is for that moment.

We’re breaking down how to support a teenager who’s struggling with their mental health — without overthinking every word or sounding like a therapist.

Inside this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple, memorable way to show up that actually helps:

👀 Notice it

“I feel like something’s changed…”

How to open the door without pressure or assumptions.

🛋️ Make it safe

“I’m here if you want to talk about it…”

Why less pressure = more chance they’ll open up.

🤝 Hand over control

“Do you want me to just listen, or help?”

How giving them choice builds trust (not distance).

⏳ Respect their timing

“We can come back to this later if it feels like too much.”

Because the right conversation at the wrong time… doesn’t land.

This isn’t about getting it perfect.

It’s about helping your teen feel seen, safe, and accepted — even when things feel uncertain.

💬 I’d love to hear from you:

What’s a moment recently where you didn’t know what to say?

Send it to me (DM or voice note), and I’ll be answering real parent situations in upcoming episodes.

Because if you’re thinking it… other parents are too.

Book Link - https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCs

When your teenager is anxious, the instinct to fix, reassure, or advise can feel impossible to resist.

In this episode, I share three quiet but powerful ways parents can support anxious teens — through real, everyday moments that show how staying present, allowing feelings, and asking before helping can protect confidence and build resilience without fixing. It all sounds simple but it is going to take practice, but when these things become your new instinct watch your relationship blossom and your teen begin to control their anxiety!

Book link -

Please do comment if you have any suggestions or things you would like to share!

Don't forget to share to another parent who could benefit!! :)

In this powerful episode, we dive into the world of parenting teenage boys with Jason Dean — a mentor with deep, hands-on experience supporting young men through some of their most challenging years.

Through his work with A Band of Brothers & with Men Share Listening Group in schools where he has collaboratively created a course specifically for teen boys, Jason has spent years listening to, guiding, and understanding what really goes on beneath the surface for young men today.

You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of how to support your teenage son — without power struggles, shutdowns, or constant conflict.

If you’re parenting a teenage boy and sometimes feel unsure how to reach him, this conversation offers grounded insight, compassion, and tools you can use straight away.

Jasons details

Website for ABOB - abandofbrothers.org.uk

Email - crawley@abandofbrothers.org.uk

mensharelisteninggroup.co.uk

Ever felt blindsided by your teen’s anger and wondered, “Why are they taking this out on me?”

What if that anger isn’t disrespect… defiance… or attitude — but anxiety looking for somewhere safe to land?

In this episode, we walk through a powerful Dear Diary-style story from a parent navigating one of those emotionally charged days, and unpack what teenagers are really communicating when big emotions explode at home.

You’ll learn three practical anchors to help you respond with confidence instead of reacting in the heat of the moment:

✔️ Why your teen’s anger is rarely personal

✔️ How managing your emotions teaches lifelong regulation

✔️ The simple question that can stop an emotional spiral instantly

Plus — tangible ways to lower defences, soften your presence, and become the safe harbour your child needs when their nervous system is overwhelmed.

If you’ve ever walked away from a parenting moment feeling hurt, confused, or triggered — this episode will help you understand what’s really happening and show you exactly what to do next.

Come listen, feel reassured, and leave with tools you can use today.

Link to Dont Panic, It's Just a Teenager : https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCs

Understand the underbelly of friendship issues with your teen and why it hits their self esteem.

Hear an example of how support can look with a story example of what they need to hear

When friendships fall apart, anxious teens often believe it means something is wrong with them.

In this episode, I explore how friendship anxiety quietly erodes self-esteem — and how parents can protect their teen’s sense of self during friendship conflict, rumours, and social fallout, without fixing, rushing, or unintentionally making things worse.

link to my book

https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCs

please feel free to add a comment, idea or question! :)

When your teenager says “I’m fine” — but clearly isn’t — it can leave you feeling helpless and unsure how to respond.

This episode explores why friendship anxiety in teens isn’t really about friends, but about belonging, identity, and self-worth. If your child feels left out at school or like they don’t fit in, you’ll learn why fixing can make things worse — and what actually helps anxious teens feel steadier, seen, and supported.

Because your teen doesn’t need to belong everywhere.

They need to believe they’re worthy anywhere.

Dont Panic It's Just a Teenager link - https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCs

In response to a Parent question - Why Your Teen’s Eating Habits Aren’t Really About Food 🍕🥦

When your teen starts skipping meals, eating less, or living off beige snacks — it’s easy to panic. But what if it’s not about the food at all? In this episode, we unpack the real reasons behind these changes — control, comfort, belonging — and how your response can either build connection or push them away. Learn how curiosity beats correction, empathy trumps education, and why your job isn’t to fix the food… it’s to protect the relationship.

Have you ever wondered how to support your teenager if they are self-harming?

In this episode, Cassie shares practical ideas to help your teenager. She gives insight into the important things parents should understand about self-harm and why elastic bands aren't the best answer if this is something your teenager struggles with.

Cassie Swift, a Family Empowerment Guide, the founder of True You, the young people's life coaching business and the author of many books (including an international bestseller) and the creator of the Children Mental Health Matters Summit that happens each year.

Cassie shares her insight into one of her many specialisms Self-Harm and gives ways parents can support their teenagers if they are in this place.

Cassie can be contacted via the link below

https://linktr.ee/CassieS

So often there is disruption in a home because we ask for something to be done, and it doesn't happen!

So we nag about it and get even deeper into disruption with our teenagers. So when nagging, tearing your hair out and shouting has failed... try this!!

From working with teens as long as I have there is actually 1 tiny little change that can be made to make it far more likely that what we ask to be done... actually will get done

One tiny simple thing that I know I have been missing that makes all the difference.

Give me 7 minutes and I will let you in on it!

Sophie Witherden shares her story of raising her son Charlie who has ADHD.

- She shares tips that have helped her and Charlie

- Find out the one thing she found critical to help her through the tough times

* PLUS by messaging via her Instagram page - get access to the download she made for Charlie's school to help Charlie's teachers support & understand him.

It is a lovely episode showing the pain and pleasure of raising a child with ADHD - a rare insight into another family's world.

Charlies Instagram - adhd_lifewithcharlie

SPONSORS LINKS - Refuse to conform - Weighted hoodies

https://refusetoconformclothing.co.uk/?ref=pknppsuh

Does you teen get stressed out over school work or exams? The fear of failure crippling them and making them struggle? Here are 5 easy to use ideas (2 slightly different ones) that you can try now to help your teen deal with stress. In less than 20 minutes hear a little story of ideas and a quick hit summary of top 5 ways to help your teen to recognise stress and deal with it.

Strategies to help you support your teenager if they are in a state of overwhelm. Methods to help them help themselves and ways for you to communicate with them through this.

5 coping mechanisms for an anxious teen. Different ways to help your teen return to calm if they are stuck in an anxious moment.

Signs to look out for that show your teens struggling with anxiety. Anxiety is like a puzzle and when your looking for the right pieces you can get a detailed picture of your teens wellbeing. In this episode- Signs your teen is struggling Physical symptoms to look out for How talk about it with your teen Ways to help them cope How to help the thoughts Final top tip.

In this episode we cover 5 of the most common excuses, 5 ideas for starting self care & 5 reasons for why it's so important.

I talk with Simon Morykin from HMRC about when your teen should declare their earnings if they are making money for themselves and also covers the latest scams that HMRC are seeing that your teen should be aware of when they start earning!

We're all guilty of it, the thoughts that actually make life harder in the long run, but in the moment feel so normal. You can help yourself by catching yourself sabotaging this part of Parenting. Sadly the media and society are riddled with messages like this (and I get a rant can be helpful sometimes!) But these thoughts can become beliefs and then this all becomes a whole lot harder! Hope it helps!

If your teen was born 1st Sept 2002 & 2nd Jan 2011 and you live in the UK the government gave money to your teen via a child trust fund. If this is all news to you this podcast could be worth £2k!!

A bad self-image & low self-esteem go hand in hand, and both can be painful to see in your teen. Here are some tips to help you support your teen without trying to fix it! We all know that never works!

Ever wondered whats going through your teens head? Why it's so hard to be a teenager? Well this is my "short as I could make it" brief look into a day in the life of a teen. 24 hours until 20 minutes... that's not so bad! Haha!

With Guest speaker Simon Morykin from HMRC we discuss Child Benefit, National Insurance numbers and Minimum Wage for your teen. Trust me, if your a parent in the UK, I found this interview really interesting! ---- Further information--- - Child Benefit To find out more about Child Benefit, including how it works and how to claim if you haven’t already, go to GOV.UK and search ‘Claim Child Benefit’. - National Insurance Number Download the free HMRC app from: • the App Store for iOS • the Google Play Store for Android Follow the instructions on screen to complete your app settings – you’ll then be asked to sign into your account You need to know your Government Gateway user ID and password to sign into your account on the app for the first time. If you don't already have an ID and password, this can be created on the same sign-in page. - National Minimum Wage Go to GOV.UK and search “National Minimum wage” If you think you may have been underpaid, they can report this online to HMRC at: https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint or contact the ASAC Helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice.

In this episode I look at the difference between Overwhelm & Burnout and ways you can help your teen if they are stuck in this place. This is in response to a teen parent question... if you would like your question answered please drop me a message! :)

Episode recording with NICKI SAUNDERS, parent, therapist for over 20 yrs & creator of the Empowered Parenting Programme. We discuss across 2 episodes. HOW TO SAY NO, without the stress. THIS EPISODE - WHEN YOUR ALWAYS WRONG AND SELF-CARE, WHY YOU SHOULD CARE.

Episode recorded with NICOLA SAUNDERS, parent, therapist for over 20 yrs & creator of the Empowered Parenting Programme. We discuss across 2 episodes. HOW TO SAY NO, without the stress. EPISODE 2 - WHEN YOUR ALWAYS WRONG AND SELF-CARE, WHY YOU SHOULD CARE. To find more information on the Empowered Parenting Program or just to follow her advice she's on FB and Insta just search Nicola Saunders Therapy! Or drop me a message and I can send details! :)

In response to a parent who reached out I wanted to record this to share what I have found through counselling teenagers as well as being a parent to one myself that helps. Practical ways to support your teen with all of the above & a way to get round your worst case scenario thoughts and all in 15 minutes!

Veronika Skye from Yourmathstutor.com shares her insights with supporting the learning of Maths with teenagers. Tips, focuses and resources to help in just over 20 minutes!

Exam results are coming! If this is effecting your home this episode is for you! Practical things you can easily do to make your teen less anxious and look at you as the awesome parent they needed at this stressful time!

As exam time is fast approaching one common parent query is around the amount you should push your teen to revise. How do you do it without overwhelm, lash outs or just simply in a way that helps!! Today brings specific ideas to help make your home a little happier during times of helping your teen do something they don't really want to! Casing example here.... revision!

Sarah Davies is an English Tutor who helps teens when struggling to pass their GCSE English. A tough job when asking a teen to focus, commit and engage in something they clearly struggle with or dislike. This is why she was such a good interview candidate. Find out HOW she does this, WHY teens engage and how you can use this info to help you with your Teenager!

Easy to avoid but super important. This episode Andrea Brand Author of Stop Sweating & Start Talking gives advice on how and why its really important we as parents have these conversations. Including tips from her books to make it as easy as talking sports! What's not to love!

Why its so hard for us as parents to do this? It's a tough but really important one. In this episode I explore why it's so hard, what you can do to overcome this. Why it matters to your teen and why it will help you too! With examples and actions you can reflect on this will help you see your path to giving your teen the freedom to fail and strength to bounce back! All because of their awesome parents!!!

Risky behaviour has been a part of Teen life for EVER. But as a parent it's the pits. In this episode I give some insight into why they do it, what they get and how you can help them!

Things to help you help your teen with friendships. What's important you do and don't do. Ways to help them learn the important life skill of filtering friends.

Communicating with a teenager can be tough. Understand why getting it right can mean the difference between being included or iced out. Learn what you need to know and why it's important in this short 10 minute podcast.

Practical, usable ideas on how to help your teen with nutrition. A quick insight into the different NEEDS nutritionally for teen boys and girls, the common pitfalls and ways you can help. All provided from Uta Boellinger from Cannelle Nutrition who has years of experience with nutrition and a teen son who inspired her research in this area. www.cannelle.co.uk

The scary resemblance to building and running a business and being a parent! The challenges, wins and overall goals are more aligned than you could ever imagine! Seriously...it's true!

Interview with a mum to a teen during lockdown 2020. What helped her through, what she noticed about herself while their relationship was changing. Also including her top tips and key things to notice to make it easier. The question was who was acting like a typical teen when things got tough.

A quick refresher on learning styles and how they can be a secret key to engaging your teenager! Starting with the focus on Exams and Revision, I give revision tips for each learning dtyles, ways that will be more effective for them to learn! Plus I discuss how Learning Styles can also help with communication, reminders and engagement.

Looking at how to change when life throws you lemons and you (or quite possibly your teen) end up wallowing about the way things are. Things to consider, actions to take and remembering perspective, that's yours and your teens! There is a way out... just launch 1 lemon!

A bit of info about what to expect from my podcasts. If you have any suggestions or feedback please drop me a message through my website myinnerstrength.co.uk or any of my social media platforms. I would LOVE to hear what you think! 😊

In this episode I share 3 ideas to help you make small changes to your perspective of parenting a teen. Breaking away from your old pareting brain and moving into a focus more aligned to teen progress. I relive a classic morning routine with a teenager. The groundhog day moments that just don't change and do nothing to help you feel like a good parent. But with 3 simple insights you can being to feel and be different!