Are you noticing your teen becoming more hesitant about going to school lately? The growing number of school refusals is becoming alarming. Luckily, we've got some tips to help encourage them to attend. Plus, a dilemma involving a teenage girl who doesn't enjoy staying at her dad's house. But does she legally have to go? We discuss. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: ‘Hits Different, Pop Off, Rizz’: Why Is My Teen Speaking Another Language? GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered ...
Apr 18, 2024•21 min
Have you ever stepped into your teen's room and caught a whiff of cheese, wax, or even a hint of goat? You're not alone! Ginni delves into the science behind why teens, especially boys, have a unique scent. Plus, we share our top tips for introducing your kids to a new partner in a way that takes the pressure off and makes it a smooth experience. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: ‘Hits Different, Pop Off, Rizz’: Why Is My Teen Speaking Another Language? Ginni's recommendation this week i...
Apr 11, 2024•20 min
We hear all the time how parents are being struck by 'mum guilt' but what's the psychology behind it? Clinical Psychologist Jo Lamble breaks it down and gives her tips on how we can manage it. Plus, when your teenager starts neglecting their friends after getting into a relationship, should you intervene? Or is that overstepping? We discuss. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Want something else to listen to? Please enjoy our latest episode: ‘Hits Different, Pop Off, Rizz’: Why Is My Teen Speakin...
Apr 04, 2024•17 min
Feeling lost in your teenager's slang-filled conversations? You're not the only one. So, we've enlisted our very own Gen Z to explain them, so you can finally understand what your teenager is saying. And, if your teen still isn't keen on fruits and vegetables, Ginni and Jo discuss ways to help them get over their anxieties so they can start getting the nutrients they need. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Read: ‘It doesn’t mean what you think it means.’ Gen Z words that Millennials just... don’...
Mar 28, 2024•17 min
When do mental health days start to feel too frequent? Ginni and Jo are all for giving teens a break from school now and then, but how can we tell if they genuinely need it? We discuss. Also, have you heard about the free events for teenagers during Youth Week? Our hosts share tips on how parents can encourage teens to join in on positive activities without feeling embarrassed. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Learn more about Youth Week events near you here. Watch Ginni's recommendation for Te...
Mar 21, 2024•14 min
As parents, we often lose touch with ourselves while focusing on our kids. Then, as they grow up and move out, finding our purpose and identity again can be a challenge. Ginni and Jo share tips on rediscovering yourself as your teens gain independence. Also, we have advice on navigating interactions with the parents of your child’s friends that you may not see eye to eye with. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to Jo's episode with Holly Wainwright: Texting, Trolling & Tweens: A Guide ...
Mar 14, 2024•15 min
Finding used tissues and bottles of lube in your teen’s room? Masturbation is a normal part of adolescence, so naturally, your teenager is probably exploring it. But we parents shouldn't be left with the mess, so we advise on how to address it. And, if your teen is pushing boundaries constantly, just ignoring them won't help. We help you find you the guide rails to put in place and what your next steps should be. Plus, Jo also shares a personal story about her worst-ever panic attack, brought on...
Mar 07, 2024•17 min
Teenagers today often have different political views to us, it’s a generational thing. But when these differences strain our relationship with our kids, it’s important to have some skills up your sleeve to find a mutual understanding and respect. In this episode, Ginni and Jo advise a teenager facing this dilemma at home. And, if you’re stuck for dinner table conversation starters with your kids, our hosts share some fun tips to keep things light and enjoyable at the end of the day. THE END BITS...
Feb 29, 2024•17 min
If your teenager is a fan of Taylor Swift, (a Swiftie) we think it might be time to embrace the craze! This episode Ginni and Jo dive into how to make the most of the Eras Tour hype. Whether you’re going, have already been or couldn’t snag tickets - turns out it can become a huge bonding experience between you and your teen. And, before your child heads off to their first festival or concert without you, it’s important to have a chat... But what do you even say without spooking the horse? Jo sug...
Feb 22, 2024•16 min
We’re celebrating our 100th episode of Help! I Have A Teenager! As we mark this occasion, it’s a good opportunity to remember that we parents need some TLC too, just like our teens. So what can you do to self-care? Plus, Dr Ginni chimes in with some helpful advice on managing bedwetting in teens. There are actually a bunch of practical tricks to help them break that habit. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at podcast@mamamia.c...
Feb 15, 2024•17 min
Do you remember going to school as a teenager and feeling the pressure of Valentine’s Day, stressing that no one would want to be your Valentine? Kids today feel that same pressure, so in this episode we share our tips on how to help them. Plus, how do you best support your teen if they’re questioning their sexuality? Our hosts have advice on how you can handle that conversation with care and create a safe environment. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answ...
Feb 08, 2024•13 min
What’s your parenting style—authoritarian, permissive, a mix of both or none of the above? Finding that sweet spot is a challenge, especially when you’re co-parenting teens with different approaches. Our experts have some advice on striking the right balance for your kids. And, we’re all noticing a heightened anxiety in today’s teens, which in some cases is leading to panic attacks. So what brings them on and how can we help? Jo explains the psychology and some different coping techniques that a...
Feb 01, 2024•14 min
Our teenagers will make choices they might later regret, like… getting a tattoo. And for some parents, seeing their child come home with ink is their worst nightmare. Our resident parenting expert and Clinical Psychologist Jo Lamble has been there and shares how she wishes she would’ve reacted to help you. Plus, tracking technology has levelled up again—now you can even keep tabs on your teen’s driving speed. But, Dr Ginni Mansberg’s got some questions about the potential benefits and risks. THE...
Jan 25, 2024•16 min
Most teenagers are into gaming, it’s a way to escape, be creative and talk online with their friends. And while being cooped up in a dark room isn’t good for them, we explain why gaming actually can have benefits. And, should we be coaching our teenage girls to dress more conservatively in the era of crop tops and mini skirts? Jo says there’s a way to voice your concerns without sounding like an overly critical parent. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? We're listeni...
Jan 18, 2024•16 min
Are you slowly feeling your teenager slip away? Maybe they’re barely ever home or would rather spend time with friends over family. It’s normal… but there are ways to keep your bond going and in this episode Ginni and Jo share their tops and tricks. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? We're listening! Send us a voice memo at podcast@mamamia.com.au or call the podcast phone on 02 8999 9386. Submit a question via our new anonymous form here CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mans...
Jan 11, 2024•14 min
Holly Wainwright joins our very own clinical psychologist, Jo Lamble, for a special crossover episode of Help! I Have A Tweenager. In this episode, they tackle a common dilemma: what to do when your tween asks for a phone? And how young is too young? Jo shares insights on keeping a positive attitude about phones and recognising when your child might be ready for one. Plus, they explore the world of phone contracts between child and parent, with Holly asking—how effective are they really? This ep...
Jan 09, 2024•27 min
Job interviews can rattle our nerves, whether we’re teens or all grown up – that’s just how it goes. This week, Ginni and Jo, who both support a firm handshake, delve into ways you can get your child all set for their first-ever job interview. Plus, Ginni and Jo lay down some cold hard facts for a parent who doesn’t believe that their child has ADHD and is against medicating them. They suggest strategies to cope with hyperactivity and impulsiveness. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to Th...
Jan 04, 2024•15 min
Does your teen trust you? And if not, how can you regain that trust? That’s the dilemma Ginni and Jo are discussing this week after getting a question from a listener who says her son won’t tell her things as he thinks they’ll be used against him. Plus, we hear from a parent who has a list of rules around phone use for their teen, but wants to know if they’re appropriate for a 16 year old. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Read: 'I'm addicted to the thing which is killing me.' I am a teenager an...
Dec 28, 2023•15 min
It's the Summer holidays and a lot of parents are travelling right now, so we've put together an episode full of tips and tricks for travelling with your family. Hosts Leigh Campbell and Tegan Natoli from This Glorious Mess, our sister parenting podcast that discusses all the disasters and delights of parenting, also share their favourite travel stories to get you inspired for your next trip. Plus, they confess their Nails and Fails in trying to keep their kids calm during flights. This episode ...
Dec 26, 2023•24 min
When your teenager’s heart is hurting, it’s tough to know the right words or actions so this episode Ginni and Jo reveal what your teen needs from you during this lousy time. And, when you need to show your kids that certain actions won’t cut it, how do you do it without making one of them the poster child for bad behaviour? We give our advice. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? We're listening! Send us a voice memo at podcast@mamamia.com.au or call the podcast phone...
Dec 21, 2023•12 min
Were you shocked by your teenager’s extravagant Christmas wishlist this year? Our kids expect a lot and sometimes we simply can’t afford it. This episode we share our tips on how to talk to teens about the value of money especially around the holiday. And, how should you react when you get a late-night SOS text from your teen who’s at a sleepover? Ginni and Jo unpack sleepover anxiety and why some kids experience it more than others. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to You Beauty: Beauty...
Dec 14, 2023•16 min
Wondering if your teen might have a secret Instagram account? Maybe they've got a PG-rated decoy for family members (it’s actually a thing). Jo explains why your child feels the need to hide their social media activity and how to speak to them about it. And, how do you know if your teen's really depressed or just manipulating you to skip chores and responsibilities? We’ve got tips on how to spot the difference and best support your teen. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a ques...
Dec 07, 2023•14 min
As parents, we sometimes feel deflated by our teenagers—it’s normal, but how do we teach them empathy? We dive into a question from a mum who’s feeling like the punchline of her teenager’s jokes, with dad not offering much help. And, reintegrating a child into school after an ADHD diagnosis is tough. What steps can parents take? Ginni and Jo share some helpful ideas. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? We're listening! Send us a voice memo at podcast@mamamia.com.au or...
Nov 30, 2023•16 min
Remember those days when you had to help your toddler calm down during a tantrum? Turns out, that doesn’t magically disappear as they become teenagers. This episode Ginni and Jo share advice for a parent looking to help their teen manage their rage. And as kids grow up, hugging mum can become kind of embarrassing. But if there’s a total lack of affection, how do you turn things around? We have tips. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? We're listening! Send us a voice ...
Nov 23, 2023•15 min
On today’s show, Ginni and Jo talk through the signs of self-harming and how to figure out if your teen might be intentionally hurting themselves. And, we all remember how tough being a teenager is, but dealing with the fact that your child might be getting bullied at school? That’s a whole different challenge. Our hosts share some advice for a parent who’s feeling lost about where to start to help. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? Call the podcast phone on 02 8999...
Nov 16, 2023•18 min
Acne; it’s persistent, sore and not to mention a confidence killer for so many of our teenagers. Ginni answers all your questions including possible treatments. Plus, our experts answer a question from an exhausted parent who is up all night with their teenager who “can’t” (or doesn’t want to) go to sleep. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Got a question? Call the podcast phone on 02 8999 9386 and leave a voicemail or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Submit a question via our new...
Nov 09, 2023•15 min
Does your teenager get overly anxious when they’re put under pressure? Jo reveals why telling your child just to “do their best” might actually be adding to their fear of failure. And let's be real, no parent enjoys having to beg for affection from their teenager. If you're feeling under-appreciated or suspect that your kids favour their other parent over you, we give advice on how you can turn things around. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous...
Nov 02, 2023•15 min
How can we shield our kids from distressing war images flooding our social media? Jo discusses some psychological strategies to help our teens process disturbing content. Plus, Ginni's got some advice for a dad whose 15-year-old daughter wants to visit the GP on her own. And, yes there are ways to support your teen without actually being in the room. 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 pho...
Oct 27, 2023•16 min
What do you do when your teenager starts to hate school, heavily influenced by their older siblings? Ginni and Jo share some advice on dealing with your tween's preconceived ideas of high school. And, how do you know if your teen has an unhealthy relationship with food? We share some signs to keep an eye on. 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 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@m...
Oct 19, 2023•17 min
Gen Z are the loneliest generation, research has found. But how can we help our teenagers when they’re finding it hard to connect with people their age? Ginni and Jo offer their advice. Plus, the controversial rapper Kanye “Ye” West has said some outrageous things, and yet, teenagers are still obsessed with him. Is this such a big deal? We unpack. 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 ...
Oct 12, 2023•14 min
