My teen is struggling… And I’m Scared I’ll Get It Wrong

You can feel it… something’s changed.They’re quieter. More reactive. Not quite themselves.And now you’re stuck in that space so many parents know:👉 Do I say something?👉 Do I leave it?👉 What if I get it wrong?This episode is for that moment.We’re breaking down how to support a teenager who’s struggling with their mental health — without overthinking every word or sounding like a therapist.Inside this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple, memorable way to show up that actually helps:👀 Notice it“I feel like something’s changed…”How to open the door without pressure or assumptions.🛋️ Make it safe“I’m here if you want to talk about it…”Why less pressure = more chance they’ll open up.🤝 Hand over control“Do you want me to just listen, or help?”How giving them choice builds trust (not distance).⏳ Respect their timing“We can come back to this later if it feels like too much.”Because the right conversation at the wrong time… doesn’t land.This isn’t about getting it perfect.It’s about helping your teen feel seen, safe, and accepted — even when things feel uncertain.💬 I’d love to hear from you:What’s a moment recently where you didn’t know what to say?Send it to me (DM or voice note), and I’ll be answering real parent situations in upcoming episodes.Because if you’re thinking it… other parents are too.Book Link - https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCs

When your teenager is anxious, the instinct to fix, reassure, or advise can feel impossible to resist.In this episode, I share three quiet but powerful ways parents can support anxious teens — through real, everyday moments that show how staying present, allowing feelings, and asking before helping can protect confidence and build resilience without fixing. It all sounds simple but it is going to take practice, but when these things become your new instinct watch your relationship blossom and your teen begin to control their anxiety! Book link - Please do comment if you have any suggestions or things you would like to share! Don't forget to share to another parent who could benefit!! :)

In this powerful episode, we dive into the world of parenting teenage boys with Jason Dean — a mentor with deep, hands-on experience supporting young men through some of their most challenging years.Through his work with A Band of Brothers & with Men Share Listening Group in schools where he has collaboratively created a course specifically for teen boys, Jason has spent years listening to, guiding, and understanding what really goes on beneath the surface for young men today.You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of how to support your teenage son — without power struggles, shutdowns, or constant conflict.If you’re parenting a teenage boy and sometimes feel unsure how to reach him, this conversation offers grounded insight, compassion, and tools you can use straight away.Jasons detailsWebsite for ABOB - abandofbrothers.org.ukEmail - [email protected]

Ever felt blindsided by your teen’s anger and wondered, “Why are they taking this out on me?”What if that anger isn’t disrespect… defiance… or attitude — but anxiety looking for somewhere safe to land?In this episode, we walk through a powerful Dear Diary-style story from a parent navigating one of those emotionally charged days, and unpack what teenagers are really communicating when big emotions explode at home.You’ll learn three practical anchors to help you respond with confidence instead of reacting in the heat of the moment:✔️ Why your teen’s anger is rarely personal✔️ How managing your emotions teaches lifelong regulation✔️ The simple question that can stop an emotional spiral instantlyPlus — tangible ways to lower defences, soften your presence, and become the safe harbour your child needs when their nervous system is overwhelmed.If you’ve ever walked away from a parenting moment feeling hurt, confused, or triggered — this episode will help you understand what’s really happening and show you exactly what to do next.Come listen, feel reassured, and leave with tools you can use today.Link to Dont Panic, It's Just a Teenager : https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCs

Understand the underbelly of friendship issues with your teen and why it hits their self esteem.Hear an example of how support can look with a story example of what they need to hearWhen friendships fall apart, anxious teens often believe it means something is wrong with them.In this episode, I explore how friendship anxiety quietly erodes self-esteem — and how parents can protect their teen’s sense of self during friendship conflict, rumours, and social fallout, without fixing, rushing, or unintentionally making things worse.link to my book https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCsplease feel free to add a comment, idea or question! :)

When your teenager says “I’m fine” — but clearly isn’t — it can leave you feeling helpless and unsure how to respond.This episode explores why friendship anxiety in teens isn’t really about friends, but about belonging, identity, and self-worth. If your child feels left out at school or like they don’t fit in, you’ll learn why fixing can make things worse — and what actually helps anxious teens feel steadier, seen, and supported.Because your teen doesn’t need to belong everywhere.They need to believe they’re worthy anywhere.Dont Panic It's Just a Teenager link - https://amzn.eu/d/cqyAYCs

In response to a Parent question - Why Your Teen’s Eating Habits Aren’t Really About Food 🍕🥦When your teen starts skipping meals, eating less, or living off beige snacks — it’s easy to panic. But what if it’s not about the food at all? In this episode, we unpack the real reasons behind these changes — control, comfort, belonging — and how your response can either build connection or push them away. Learn how curiosity beats correction, empathy trumps education, and why your job isn’t to fix the food… it’s to protect the relationship.

Have you ever wondered how to support your teenager if they are self-harming? In this episode, Cassie shares practical ideas to help your teenager. She gives insight into the important things parents should understand about self-harm and why elastic bands aren't the best answer if this is something your teenager struggles with. Cassie Swift, a Family Empowerment Guide, the founder of True You, the young people's life coaching business and the author of many books (including an international bestseller) and the creator of the Children Mental Health Matters Summit that happens each year. Cassie shares her insight into one of her many specialisms Self-Harm and gives ways parents can support their teenagers if they are in this place. Cassie can be contacted via the link below https://linktr.ee/CassieS

So often there is disruption in a home because we ask for something to be done, and it doesn't happen! So we nag about it and get even deeper into disruption with our teenagers. So when nagging, tearing your hair out and shouting has failed... try this!! From working with teens as long as I have there is actually 1 tiny little change that can be made to make it far more likely that what we ask to be done... actually will get done One tiny simple thing that I know I have been missing that makes all the difference. Give me 7 minutes and I will let you in on it!

Sophie Witherden shares her story of raising her son Charlie who has ADHD. - She shares tips that have helped her and Charlie - Find out the one thing she found critical to help her through the tough times * PLUS by messaging via her Instagram page - get access to the download she made for Charlie's school to help Charlie's teachers support & understand him. It is a lovely episode showing the pain and pleasure of raising a child with ADHD - a rare insight into another family's world. Charlies Instagram - adhd_lifewithcharlie SPONSORS LINKS - Refuse to conform - Weighted hoodies https://refusetoconformclothing.co.uk/?ref=pknppsuh