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.
Radio 1 DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams joins Kerry and clinical psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado in the studio. Rickie talks about his experience as a step-parent and the tricky times he had parenting his biological daughter when he split up with her mum. They also discuss how much parents should help and guide teenagers making big decisions, and what to do when things don't work out.
How do I manage co-parenting a teen?
In this episode we hear from a dad whose teen is playing parents off against each other. Going to one parent with a question and if not happy with the answer - going to the other - then watching fireworks unfold. Kerry, Dr Martha and Rickie recognise this - Rickie owns up to trying the same with his mum.
Testing boundaries is part of teen development. Dr Martha says while this is happening communication is key - whether with a co-parent or other parents in your teen's life. Deciding how to negotiate the issue, laying down boundaries and ensuring all parties are on the same page.
What's the best way to overcome issues in a blended family?
Rickie shares his experience of navigating a new family dynamic and his relationship with his daughter - and how car journeys became a great chance to have a heart-to-heart conversation. Dr Martha shares a technique she uses with blended families to show that there is love to spread around as a way of avoiding those nagging doubts children might have about their own situation.
How do I help support my teen's choices?
The guests also discuss helping your teens to make good choices when it comes to education and how to make a safe space for them to open up to you. They reflect on the balance between encouraging them to make their own decisions and their need for support - and when it is OK for them to change their mind and decide one path, despite fearing they may let somebody down.
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.
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.
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.
Supporting each other with baby loss. video
Additional episode: Charlie Baker discusses miscarriage and grief with Kerry Godliman and psychologist Dr Charlotte Armitage.
