With bad news available 24/7, if it's hard for adults to stay optimistic, how are kids meant to do it? Is there ever a good time to watch the news with your children? And if you've got teenagers, how do you stop them getting down and stressed about the world? Maggie Dent talks to psychologist and stress reduction practitioner (yes, that's a thing!) Sean Panambalana about the dangers of 'doom scrolling' and how to help your child engage meaningfully in the news cycle.

To hear Maggie's top tips on how to talk to kids about news, scroll to 14:30.

The news sucks. Here’s how to help kids deal with it

Hormones. Anxiety. Angst. Raising teens is tough.

Parental As Anything: Teens gives you practical tips on how to navigate your teen-sized problems, from porn to partying, body issues to bullying.

Rebecca Sparrow, teen educator and author talks to parents and experts to unpack the biggest challenges of parenting teens.

Learn how to support your teenager while staying (mostly) sane.

Kids & Family

Parenting

Teenage sex. Anxiety. Underage drinking. Porn. Phone addiction.

INTRODUCING — Parental As Anything: Teens

Is your teenager stressed at school?  

Have they got a worrying porn habit?  

Are you having dramas with another parent who has different rules to you?  

In the new season of Parental As Anything: Teens, teen educator Bec Sparrow finds practical solutions for your teenage-sized problems and we want your questions!  

Parents of teen boys, we’re looking at you especially.  

Send an email to teens@abc.net.au  

Brand new episodes coming soon, make sure you follow us on ABC Listen or your favourite podcast app.

Parents of teens, we want to hear from you!

Nothing truly prepares you for becoming a parent, but some of the best advice comes from other mums or dads – even famous ones like Hamish Blake.

In this special episode, Maggie Dent hands the reins over to the Parental As Anything community for you to share your best parenting hacks. Even comedian Hamish Blake shares his top tip for keeping kids entertained.

The advice provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. If you require further advice specific to your needs, please consult a professional.

The best hacks from Parental As Anything listeners

Starting high school is a massive change for both you and your tween. How do you get them ready and help them through the ups and downs of Year 7?

Youth coach Claire Eaton and Maggie Dent share their practical tips for the weeks before they start, routines to keep them on track and handling the rough patches.

The advice provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. If you require further advice specific to your needs, please consult a professional.

How to prepare your kid for high school

Like it or not, children will learn to swear from school, videos, even their parents. So what can you do to stop your child being a pottymouth? 

In this Help Me, Maggie episode Maggie Dent explains why children might swear, how to discourage them from using offensive words and what to say if you slip up and swear in front of them. 

The advice provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. If you require further advice specific to your needs, please consult a professional. 
Host: Maggie Dent 
Producer: Josie Sargent 
Consulting Producer: Carmen Myler 
Executive Producer: Kim Lester 
Sound design: Isabella Tropiano

The news sucks. Here’s how to help kids deal with it

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