The Bitesize Parenting Teens Podcast is about navigating life as the parent of a teenager. Actor and comedian Kerry Godliman hosts a different celebrity guest each episode - they listen to real questions and worries from parents, share their own experiences and get tips and advice from trained experts.
Kerry's guest this episode is Charlie Condou (a stage and TV actor known for shows including Coronation Street, Holby City and Doctor Who). Kerry and Charlie are joined by clinical psychologist Dr Charlotte Armitage, who specialises in device misuse in children.
What if I'm not in a regular family set-up?
Charlie discusses co-parenting his children and how that works in practice. He and his husband share parenting with their children's mum - and he explains how they agreed boundaries and share responsibilities.
What if my child doesn't feel they can go to school?
Charlie also talks openly about his son's difficulties with what used to be called school refusal - now referred to as emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). They discuss what parents can do to help teens going through those issues and suggest strategies for parents trying to help.
How can parents make the most of the teenage years?
This episode covers the idea of 'letting go' as a parent and what to do when teenagers start pulling away. Kerry and Charlie discuss how hard it can be for parents to do this and as Charlie says "you don't realise you've had the last moment of a lot of things until it's happened". Charlotte explains the importance of this stage of life for teenagers and how to help and support them as they begin to define themselves.
The Bitesize Parenting site has more advice on juggling family commitments and EBSA/School avoidance here:
School anxiety and refusal: How parents can help their child get through tough times
Watch more episodes of Parenting Teens here:
How to talk to angry teenagers - including about phone use and sleep habits video
Comedian Rob Rouse joins Kerry Godliman and Dr Martha Deiros Collado to discuss how to talk to angry teens, teen sleep habits and phone use boundaries.
Helping teenagers make good choices and step-parenting challenges. video
Kerry Godliman, clinical psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado and guest Radio 1 DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams talk about the difficulties of step-parenting a teen and helping them make good choices.
How to help teenagers revise - and deal with exam stress. video
Comedian Charlie Baker talks to Kerry Godliman about his difficulties getting his son to revise, helping teenagers find their path in life and how parents can help.
Coping with teenage hormones and helping teens handle their friendships. video
Actor and comedian Bridget Christie talks to Kerry Godliman about empty nests, when menopause meets teen hormones, and whether loneliness is normal for teens.
Should I tidy my teenager's bedroom? And talking to teens about relationships. video
Jamelia talks with Kerry Godliman about parenting teenage girls, the influence of social media and body image.
Dealing with school avoidance - and how to co-parent teenagers successfully. video
Kerry Godliman, actor Charlie Condou & expert Dr Charlotte Armitage discuss letting go as a parent, school 'refusal'/school avoidance and co-parenting across households.
