In Tune With Teens

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Veronique is joined by consultant clinical psychologist and author Dr Beth Mosley for an honest conversation about raising, understanding, and supporting teen boys in today’s rapidly changing world.

Together, they dig deep into topics such as:

1. The panic, fear, and guilt that can come with parenting teenagers, especially as relationships shift and new boundaries are explored.
2. Why prevention and early education are key in child and teen mental health—and how parents can proactively support their children through development and tough emotions.
3. The subtle and not-so-subtle ways society typescasts boys and men, and how those narratives impact boys’ opportunities for connection, emotional expression, and self-worth.
4. Why role models and community matter—plus, how activities from sports to online gaming shape identity and belonging.
5. Ways parents can navigate hot topics like social media influence, online role models (including discussions about Andrew Tate and alternatives), and even pornography, with openness and curiosity rather than shame or avoidance.
6. The gender differences in brain development, emotional communication, and social expectations—and the importance of celebrating, rather than erasing, those differences.
7. How generational shifts in parenting styles and community life present both fresh challenges and the potential for positive change.

Throughout the conversation, Veronique and Beth exchange personal stories, expert insights, and practical strategies, always centering compassion, curiosity, and the critical importance of staying connected with teens, especially boys who may be struggling to find their place.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about the world teens grow up in today, this episode is filled with wisdom, actionable tips, and plenty of hopeful encouragement for raising a generation of emotionally healthy, confident boys.

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Beth Mosley's upcoming book on children’s mental health
2. Thoughtful perspectives on social media, online influences, and changing community dynamics
3. The importance of multi-generational support and finding positive male role models

Useful Links

Beths website: https://www.drbethmosley.com/

Instagram: @drbethmosley

Book: Happy Families - How to protect and support your child’s mental health - available on Amazon and most book stores: https://amzn.eu/d/aiy90od

Stay connected:

Subscribe to In Tune With Teens for more real talk about parenting, mental health, and the ever-changing world of adolescents.

In this powerful and insightful episode, Veronique welcomes Derek and surprise guest Simon to the “In Tune With Teens” podcast. Together, they dive deep into the challenges facing teenage boys today, addressing everything from mental health struggles and societal expectations to the impacts of social media and changing parenting roles.

Key Topics:

Derek and Simon share personal stories around growing up, mental health, and the pressures of masculinity.

The evolving stigma around “mental health” and why it’s crucial to normalise these conversations for both teens and adults.

The importance of positive male role models and the consequences of their absence in communities.

How social enterprise and community projects (like Pizza Pirates and Dobros) are making it easier for young men to open up and connect authentically, sometimes over something as simple as pizza.

The effects of the “man box” theory and cultural factors on how boys are taught to express (or suppress) emotions.

Why the internet, gaming, and dating apps are warping expectations and self-worth for young men and what parents can do to help.

Candid advice for mums, including the importance of giving boys responsibility, supporting healthy boundaries, and fostering open dialogue about uncomfortable topics like sex, drugs, and addiction.

A discussion on why both mums and dads need support and resources to parent teens in today’s rapidly changing world.

The urgent need to rebuild the “village” of community support for young people, so every teen is heard, understood, and inspired.

Resources Mentioned:

• Pizza Pirates (Instagram: @pizza_pirates_uk)
• Resilient Lives (Website: resilientlives.org.uk)
• Dobros men’s group
• Wild Embers holiday camps & special needs programs
• Sound Art Radio for DJing and creative opportunities

This episode is packed with practical wisdom, honest reflections, and hope for a future where every teen—especially boys can thrive through connection, compassion, and community.

Connect with Us:

Subscribe for future episodes as we explore teen life, parenting, and mental health. Have a guest suggestion or want your teen to share their story? Get in touch through the show’s socials.

Perfect for: Parents of teens, educators, youth workers, and anyone curious about supporting boys’ mental health and personal growth.

In this episode of In Tune With Teens, host Veronique sits down with Lesley Thomas, founder of the Money Confidence Academy, host of the “Let’s Talk Money and More” podcast, and #1 bestselling author of “Parents Let’s Talk Money and More.” Together, they dive deep into the essential but often overlooked conversation of talking to teens and children about money.

Lesley shares her expertise on how building money confidence isn’t just about spreadsheets and budgets, it's about understanding and changing the stories and beliefs we inherit about money, many of which are formed before the age of seven. She offers practical advice for families of all backgrounds, whether you’re navigating wealth, living paycheck to paycheck, or somewhere in between. The episode explores why open conversations about money can help forge trust, boost self-worth, and create powerful learning opportunities for young people.

Key topics include:

• How parents’ own money mindsets shape those of their children
• The importance of honesty, even when money is tight or there’s debt
• Concrete strategies for discussing family budgets with teens (it’s never too late to start!)
• Navigating the “shame” and judgment that can come with financial challenges
• Tackling tough questions around pocket money, chores, and setting boundaries
• Why instant gratification is everywhere and how to teach kids delayed gratification.
• Handling the social media pressure to “keep up” with others
• Talking about credit scores, debt, and real-world money management as a family
• Addressing the impact of privilege, comparison, and self-worth in today's digital world

Veronique and Lesley also reflect on their own upbringings and the generational shifts around money, offering listeners a blend of practical tips and relatable stories. The conversation wraps up with encouragement to become the “loudest voice in your child’s head” especially when it comes to financial literacy and confidence.

Resources & Links:

• Lesley Thomas’ website: themoneyconfidenceacademy.com
• “Parents Let's Talk Money and More” book
• “Let’s Talk Money and More” podcast

Connect with Lesley:

• Instagram: @iam_lesleythomas
• LinkedIn: Lesley Thomas

Whether you’re ready to heal your own money story or want to give your teen the tools to thrive, this episode is packed with supportive advice, honest laughter, and plenty of inspiration to get your whole family talking about money—judgement free.

Listen now and help your teen become money confident for life!

Welcome to the very first episode of In Tune With Teens! 

Join your host, Veronique, a clinical hypnotherapist and experienced expert in children’s development, as she shares her personal journey transitioning from confident parent of young children to navigating the often turbulent waters of parenting teenagers.

Veronique opens up about the challenges she faced as her own children moved into adolescence, reflecting on feelings of loss, confusion, and the struggle to maintain a strong connection. Drawing from her background in neuroscience and hypnotherapy, she explores how understanding the teenage brain can transform the parent-teen relationship, bringing in recent discoveries about adolescent development and mental health.

This episode touches on:

• The emotional shift parents experience as kids become teens
• Why puberty can feel like “the art of cutting a cactus” for families
• Common issues teens face today, from identity struggles to academic and social pressures
• The impact of social media and screen time on teenagers’ mental health
• How anxiety works as a survival mechanism—and why it’s so common in both teens and adults
• The importance of community, open conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives, including those of teens and young adults themselves

Veronique introduces her vision for the podcast as a supportive, holistic, and inclusive space for parents, young people, and professionals. She invites listeners to contribute, ask questions, and join the conversation, because together, we can empower each other and help our teens (and ourselves!) thrive.

Want to be a guest or suggest a topic? Reach out and get involved.

Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for more real, honest discussions about parenting, adolescence, and everything in between.

Contact:

Have questions, ideas, or want to share your story? Get in touch and become part of our community!