'My Teen Has No Friends And I Don't Know How To Help'

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 in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account. Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Scott Stronach Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 is Articulate which you can check out here. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account. Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Scott Stronach Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Speaking Another Language? Jo's recommendation this week was the game Bullsh*t. Find instructions on how to play here.  GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account. Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Scott Stronach Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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’t get. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ with your teens this weekend.  GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 To You Child's First Phone GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Tegan Sadler  Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 by a confusing text message from her teenage daughter.  THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to Jo's episode with Holly Wainwright: Texting, Trolling & Tweens: A Guide To You Child's First Phone GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or send a DM to the Mamamia Instagram account. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to our 100th episode: No, It’s Not Selfish To Make Yourself A Priority Listen: Texting, Trolling & Tweens: A Guide To You Child's First Phone GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or call the podcast phone on 02 8999 9386. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 suggests some ways to talk to them about safety in a way they’ll understand and remember.  THE END BITS  Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to our 100th episode: No, It’s Not Selfish To Make Yourself A Priority GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question to be answered in the show! Email us at [email protected] or call the podcast phone on 02 8999 9386. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] or call the podcast phone on 02 8999 9386. If you want to remain anonymous, submit a question via our anonymous form here. CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html  Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.