Help! I Have A Teenager

Being a teenager has changed. A lot. There’s TikTok, vaping, d*ck pics, there are Snap maps, selfies and filters...and it's all a potential battlefield for parents where the stakes feel impossibly high. So welcome to some real parenting talk. As both clinicians and parents, Dr. Ginni Mansberg and clinical psychologist Jo Lamble know first-hand how challenging it can be to raise adolescents. This is why they're bringing their common-sense expertise to Mamamia’s Help! I Have A Teenager. Every week Dr. Ginni and Jo will be answering your questions, and you can submit them at podcast@mamamia.com.au

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Episodes

‘I Think My Child Is Stealing Money From Me - But I Can’t Prove It’

Has your teen ever stolen from you? It's actually more common than you might think, but it's still a problem that needs to be addressed. This week, Ginni and Jo hear from a parent who realised money is going missing from her partner's wallet, and doesn't know what to do. Plus, we hear from an exasperated aunt who wants to be there to support her niece, but is becoming increasingly frustrated by her bad behaviour. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anony...

Mar 09, 2023•15 min

Wrapping Your Head Around Your Teen’s New Pronouns

When a teen transitions or is non-binary, one thing to keep in mind is their pronouns changing. So how do you wrap your head around a big change like that, so your teen feels affirmed and supported? Ginni and Jo have some sage advice for a listener struggling to understand. Plus, we hear from a LGBTQIA+ teen listener who doesn't always feel comfortable at home so spends a lot of time at friend's places, and wants to let other parents know their house is a safe space. THE END BITS Subscribe to Ma...

Mar 02, 2023•16 min

Are Table Manners Really That Important?

Talking with your mouth full, putting your elbows on the table, not using a knife and fork, and eating with your mouth closed. These are all considered 'bad manners' when eating, but are they really that important to drill into your teen these days? Plus we hear from a heartbroken parents who's teen has run away from home to stay with a friend's family. Ginni and Jo have some practical advice to get through this tough period. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via ...

Feb 23, 2023•17 min

"I'm Bisexual - This Is How I Hope My Parents React To The News"

If your teen told you they were bisexual, how would you react? This week we were contacted by a teenager who listens to the show, and want to know how to come out to her parents without it being a 'big deal'. Plus, Ginni and Jo give some advice to a parent who's concerned about the types of photos their tween is posting online, but doesn't want to body shame her. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Cal...

Feb 16, 2023•14 min

Do I Put My Kid On ADHD Medication?

The decision to put your child on medication for ADHD is a very personal one. But what do you do if you and your partner don't agree on it? Ginni and Jo have some advice on how to work through this discussion together, so you can make the right choice for your teen. Plus, we hear from a mum who has itchy feet and wants to move overseas, but is unsure if it's the right move for her teenagers. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about the Living With Teens Summit GET IN TOUCH: Submit a...

Feb 09, 2023•16 min

Anger Issues In A Teen Is No Joke

It's normal for kids to get frustrated, but today Ginni and Jo hear from a parent who's worried her son's anger issues is losing him friendships, and doesn't know how to handle it. Plus, a loving parent wants to support their trans teen but now they want to move schools, isn't sure it's the right move. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about the Living With Teens Summit GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod pho...

Feb 02, 2023•19 min

‘My Kid Lies To My Face And I Don’t Know What To Do’

All kids tend to tell fibs, but what happens when they turn into constant lies? That's what a concerned parent is dealing with this week, and Ginni and Jo have some advice. Plus, we tackle a tough dilemma from a Mum of teens who is worried about her kid's safety after leaving an abusive relationship involving their father. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about the Living With Teens Summit GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listen...

Jan 26, 2023•18 min

Is My Teen Watching Porn Actually A Big Deal?

The average teenage boy sees porn for the first time at age 11. So if you find out your teen son is looking at graphic images, do you need to freak out? Ginni and Jo have some sage advice for worried parents. Plus, we hear from a listener who is in a happy blended family, but often doesn't agree with how her partner parents his kids. So how does she navigate this tricky situation? THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about the Living With Teens Summit GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question v...

Jan 19, 2023•15 min

‘How Can I Make Sure My Teen’s Partying Safely?’

On New Year's Eve, it's pretty safe to say your teen will probably want to stay out past midnight. But with an extended curfew, how can you make sure they are partying safely and making good choices? Plus, Ginni and Jo give advice to a worried parent about self-harm, and how to interact with your teen's psychologist without breaking their trust. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on...

Dec 29, 2022•21 min

Navigating The Holidays In A Blended Family

The holidays can be a stressful time of year for many reasons, and are often compounded if you have a blended family. This week, we hear from a listener who is worried that Christmas Day is ruined for her kids by trying to rush around to other peoples houses and see everyone, and Ginni and Jo have some advice. Plus, they break down 'present envy', and why your teens almost definitely experience it. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here ...

Dec 22, 2022•15 min

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