Pods for all parents of preschoolers. Parenting Download looks at the topics gripping your group chats, while we take your calls and put them to the experts on Parenting Helpline.
1 in 7 babies need neonatal intensive care - but so many parents are blindsided by NICU stays. Dr Frankie Harrison shares her experience of an unexpected NICU birth and helps callers process impulsive control, separation anxiety and guilt. She offers honest reassurance and practical advice on coping.
Autism advocate James Hunt shares the realities of raising his two autistic sons. This episode covers everything from diagnosis and “grieving what you expected” to celebrating small “inchstones” like a first text saying “Hello Dad.” An honest conversation about parenting burnout, resilience and finding light on hard days.
TikTok couple, Caitlin and Leah join Charlie and Holly to talk about the realities of LBTQ parenting: answering awkward “who’s the real mum?” questions, raising kids in a same-sex relationship and the real story behind how they got together. Special guests Stuart and Francis also send in their question.
Parenting through unimaginable loss: Kelsey Parker, widow of Tom Parker (The Wanted) shares how she navigates grief, resilience and raising children after losing a partner and experiencing child loss. Callers share their experiences of navigating child and sibling loss while continuing to parent. If you or someone you know is grieving, support can be found via organisations listed at BBC Action Line.
Parenting styles and advice shift across decades as guidance on sleep, discipline and children’s autonomy changes. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B ask what truly evolves from one generation to the next and how parents and grandparents can compare approaches without friction. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singer and mum of five, focuses on keeping core values consistent while tailoring responses to each child. She highlights the importance of communication, aiming for two way respect and staying flexible whe...
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B raced to the studio to record a bonus episode to find out what the new government guidance on screen time for under-fives in England means for parents. BBC Education and Family Editor Branwen Jeffreys and Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado join them to examine this new advice and share their screen time tips. You can find more advice around screen time for under-fives on the CBeebies Parenting website. You can also check out the government’s Best Start in...
Matrescence is the physical, psychological and emotional changes you go through after the birth of your child, but despite being coined over 50 years ago, it is a word many still don’t understand. In this episode, Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how pregnancy and early parenthood can reshape the brain, alter priorities and change identity. They discuss why moving beyond the phrase ‘baby brain’ helps parents feel understood, and how recognising a real transition can change expectations at ho...
How do you fit movement and exercise into family life when you are tired, busy and juggling everything at once? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore realistic, low‑pressure ways to get active with your little ones. From five‑minute bursts at home to quick trips outside, the focus is on doing what you can, when you can, so everyone feels better. Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey (Gladiators star Nitro) talks about keeping activity playful and letting children lead the way. He explains how becoming a parent ...
Parents often worry that their children just aren't ready to take the step up to school. Early years educator Christina Lydon takes questions on how to help kids start school with confidence.
For BBC AI Unpacked Week Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore Artificial Intelligence chatbots, where they can genuinely help parents and when to be cautious, offering practical ideas to save time and stress while keeping human judgment at the centre. Singer, songwriter and Grammy, BRIT and Ivor Novello award-winner Kamille shares how she uses AI to help organise her parenting life from navigating missed naps to managing her busy schedule. BBC technology editor Zoe Kleinman explains what AI chat...
Recorded in front of a live audience at London’s Natural History Museum, this bonus episode brings Katie Thistleton and Guvna B together with CBeebies legend, Andy Day, research psychologist and founder of the Good Play Guide, Dr Amanda Gummer, and celebrity parents, Olivia and Alex Bowen. The group share playful childhood memories: from Olivia’s forest dens to Alex’s love of drawing, Andy’s dinosaur games with his brothers and Dr Amanda’s board game evenings with her grandparents, setting the s...
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how to build a balanced play diet that helps children learn, imagine and unwind, even when time is tight. They focus on turning everyday routines into quick games, choosing ideas that work indoors and outside, and using short bursts of activity to keep things fun without adding pressure. Research psychologist and founder of the Good Play Guide Dr Amanda Gummer explains how to blend active, social, solo and calm moments across the day, and why letting children...
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how to get ready for another baby when there is already a child or children at home, focusing on what to say, how to keep routines steady and the small moments that help everyone feel settled and involved. Professional child development and parenting support specialist Lorraine Lee explains how to handle big feelings around scans, baby showers and changing routines. From using a simple 'feelings' chart to keeping language calm and age appropriate, and why aim...
Romance after kids can look and feel very different, but CBeebies Parenting Download is here to help reignite that spark. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B are joined by TV personality and presenter Scarlett Moffatt, psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani and dating coach Hayley Quinn to decode love languages, shifting routines, and share Valentine’s ideas for tired couples and single parents. Former Gogglebox star, Scarlett offers a playful way to defuse petty rows, suggests keeping some individual interes...
Friendships often shift when children arrive, from missed invites and new routines to the relief of finding people who are in the same boat as you. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at why these changes happen and how to handle them with confidence, offering relatable stories and practical ideas to keep connections strong. TV personality and presenter Dani Dyer shares what helped her after becoming a mum at 24, from leaning on childhood friends to using baby groups as a pressure free place to ta...
Finding time to read with your child is not always straightforward. Recent research suggests fewer families are reading aloud and some parents have said it doesn't feel enjoyable. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why this happens and how a small, workable routine can make story time feel easy and fun again. Camilla Reid, author of the Pip and Posy and the Peekaboo book series, explains how short, simple plots and interactive pages help young children stay engaged, and why a few minutes most ...
67% of couples say their relationship satisfaction dropped in the years after having kids. Can it be repaired? Psychosexual therapist Kate Moyle talks to Charlie about re-prioritising our relationships, navigating the invisible load and building intimacy back from the ground up. Callers share their vulnerable stories of disconnection and hope for the future.
Parental anxiety can appear in countless forms, from restless nights and racing thoughts to the constant feeling that you need to be one step ahead. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at why these feelings surface for so many parents and how they might shift over time. Former Traitors winner Leanne Quigley shares her experiences as a mum of twins, reflecting on the uncertainty of IVF, the shock of premature labour at 26 weeks and the intensity of raising two lively children after such a difficult...
Tom Piccirilli gives straight-talking support for new dads. How can you support your partner, bond with your baby and become a new and confident you? Callers share honest stories and get practical tips to help them show up and thrive as dads. Plus, Tom opens up about his experience of baby loss and grief. If you're affected by issues raised in this programme, BBC Action Line have details for organisations that may be able to help - https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
Pelvic physiotherapist Clare Bourne talks to Charlie about why prevention beats panic. Is there a how-to guide to healing after birth? And when is it time to seek help? Callers share their pain journeys and Clare guides them to reclaim movement, intimacy and everyday wins!
Charlie is joined by pediatric sleep consultant Rosey Davidson to talk about surviving sleep deprivation, controversial sleep myths and the science behind controlled crying. From co-sleeping to nighttime wake-ups, Rosey shares practical and reassuring advice for tired families.
What does it mean to be a man and a father? Do genetics affect our ability to bond? Male fertility advocate Shaun Greenaway talks to Charlie about his powerful journey through male infertility and identity and the realisation that changed his whole life. If you are affected by the issues raised in this episode, BBC Action Line has links to organisations that may be able to help - https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why the art of negotiation is such a vital parenting skill and share practical ways to handle everyday standoffs without the stress. They’re joined by former international hostage and crisis negotiator Nicky Perfect, who reveals how techniques from her high-pressure career can help parents stay calm and in control. Comedian and mum-of-three Hannah East brings stories from her own parenting life, including the time she booked a family trip to Lapland in the mi...
How do we set healthy screen limits, build family boundaries and become our child's best digital role models? Clinical psychologist Dr. Marta Collado helps Charlie answer all your tricky questions about kids’ screen time and online safety.
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why Christmas can feel overwhelming for children and share practical ways to keep the magic alive without the meltdowns. They’re joined by comedian and dad of three George Lewis, who reveals how his family adapted festive traditions to reduce stress, and parenting and child behaviour specialist San Mehra, who explains why children experience Christmas overwhelm and how empathy and planning can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning your first Christ...
Early years expert Sophie David packs this festive Parenting Helpline special with loads of practical takeaways! Sophie shows Charlie that the magic of Christmas truly happens in the home. She demonstrates her top budget-friendly Christmas crafts, homemade gift ideas and creative ways to make magical family memories without overspending.
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B unpack paternal mental health and the often-overlooked challenges dads can face during pregnancy and the early years after their child’s birth. They’re joined by rapper and mental health advocate Professor Green and podcaster and former Made in Chelsea star Ryan Libbey, who share honest experiences of fatherhood and reveal the barriers men can face when they need help, and why breaking the silence matters. Clinical psychologist and researcher specialising in perinata...
Psychotherapist Philippa Perry joins Charlie and her dad Terry, aka "Gaga," to explore the roles of grandparents, family boundaries, and generational bonds. Philippa has honest advice on everything from choosing nicknames to “toxic” therapy culture and navigating festive season tensions. If you are affected by issues raised in this programme, BBC Action Line has details of organisations that may be able to offer support - https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B unpack Sharenting — where parents post children’s photos and milestones on social media. They’re joined by comedy creator and influencer Jane Dowden, who explains why she never shows her twins’ faces online and shares creative ways to make relatable content without compromising privacy. Child psychotherapist and cyber-trauma expert Catherine Knibbs reveals the hidden risks of oversharing. She explains how innocent images can be misused, and why even private accounts ...
How do you talk to a child about death? In this episode of CBeebies Parenting Download, Radio 1 presenter Katie Thistleton and rapper Guvna B are joined by McFly star and children’s author Tom Fletcher, and child, adult and family therapist Amanda Orange, to unpack one of the toughest conversations a parent can face. Tom shares the inspiration behind his new book Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, which he's written for BBC Children in Need, and Amanda offers practical advice on explaining death to ...
