NAVIGATING PARENTHOOD PODCASTTALKING TO TEENS

Ever wondered what your teen is thinking and feeling? In Season Two of HCF’s Navigating Parenthood podcast, six switched-on teens tell us what it means to grow up and get by in our complex world: mates, dates, self-esteem, study stress, true grief and the grief we give them.

Host Rebecca Sparrow and a line-up of experts take us inside the heads of today’s teenagers, uncovering insights every parent needs to hear. 

Read our host’s top tips for starting a conversation with your teen.

Study and exam stress can affect any student, and teenagers are experts at hiding their worries. So how do parents know when to offer help, and what should that help even look like?

In the middle of the HSC exam for her best subject, high-achiever and vice-captain Gen stopped, stood up, and walked out. She had her first panic attack.

Need help? Read more on stress and study from Reach Out. If you feel depressed or anxious, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

What causes panic attacks? Read more here.

How can we help our teens navigate this major topic and time in their lives? Barney, 16, and Ella, 17, are teenagers with insightful views on sex, consent and relationships – from what dating looks like today to the biggest gaps in their sex education.

Relationships and sex aren’t topics that most parents tackle head on with their kids. These conversations are awkward for teens, and awkward for parents. But is dancing around these issues doing more harm than not addressing them?

Not clear about consent? Learn more here.

How do we spot the signs of depression in our teens? Matt was a seemingly regular suburban kid, but on the inside, he questioned whether he mattered at all.

Matt’s depression led to a suicide attempt that means he’ll be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Now, as a 19-year-old, he gives motivational talks to help teens and parents discuss mental health. In this episode, Rebecca Sparrow meets Matt and his social worker Helen.

Need help? To know more about how to help a teen with depression go to Beyond Blue or call 1300 22 4636.

What are the top mental health worries for teens? Find out here.

Do you know how to start a conversation about eating issues? Could you spot the signs of bullying in your child? Emilia was only seven when her eating disorder began. Now 16, she tells how she silently suffered through years of bullying and cripplingly low self-esteem.

Rebecca Sparrow talks with Emilia, her dad Tim, and Mitch Doyle from the Butterfly Foundation about the important issues of body image and bullying in young people.

Need help? Read more on eating disorders at the Butterfly Foundation or call 1800 33 4673.

How can we better support anxious kids? Read on.

What happens when your child has to face the worst of life’s challenges?

Grace was 10 when her father died. Since then, she’s had to process her own grief, as well as manage the feelings of people around her. Because as Grace says, people don’t know how to talk about death.

Rebecca Sparrow talks with Grace and her mum Julie about the teenage experience of grief and resilience.

Need help? GriefLine and the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement offer online support, information and telephone counselling services.

How can we talk to teens about mental health? Find out here.