PODCAST · kids
Parental As Anything
by ABC Australia
Being a parent is tough. Social media is bombarding us with opinions — on our kids screen time, on their education, on their friendships, on their behaviour — and somehow, we are always doing it wrong!Don’t you just wish you could turn it all off and listen to some good old-fashion, sensible advice?Parental As Anything is the podcast that gives you practical, supportive, advice from two real-world parenting experts. Beloved Australian parenting author and educator Maggie Dent and teen-parenting whisperer Bec Sparrow share wisdom and experience that comes from years of working with parents, kids and teens. With seven seasons of practical advice and helpful tips, Parental As Anything is here to help find solutions to the challenges that parents face everyday. No trends. No judgement.
Episodes
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SPECIAL – Combating the manosphere in schools
Adolescence, the gripping Netflix drama, has stopped parents, teachers and parenting experts in their tracks. Suddenly everyone’s talking about toxic masculinity, the gender divide and whether there’s a crisis of modern boyhood. Female teachers and students report being sworn at, sexually…
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Back to School - Tips for Starting School
Do you have a little one in an oversized backpack about to head through the school gates for the first time? It's an exciting and sometimes scary time for kids and parents alike, and Parental as Anything is here to help you get through this enormous milestone! Maggie Dent and child psychologist…
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Back to School - Preparing tweens for high school
Starting high school is one of the most exciting and scariest transitions of childhood, for our tweens and for parents too! So how do we help our kids prepare for this milestone, and manage all the ups and downs of Year 7? Maggie Dent and youth coach Claire Eaton share their practical tips for…
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Back to School - Navigating school refusal
School resistance and school refusal are a growing concern for our kids and teens. While many kids will complain about school at some point along the way, for some kids the issues is much bigger. Some kids just can’t. Maggie Dent talks to education consultant and former principal Adam Voight…
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Back to School - Helping your child make friends
Making friends is tough at any age, but for kids and teens, who are still mastering social skills, it can be an emotional rollercoaster. It can be so hard to watch your kids bump through the ups and downs of friendships, and even harder to know what to do to help them through the dramas of it…
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Back to School - Preventing homework stress
Homework! Is there anything that causes more battles at the kitchen table? Whether you are for or against it, it can be a pain for kids and for parents, amidst the juggle of after school activities, struggles with learning, even just good old after-school burnout. Maggie Dent chats to Maria Cook,...
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Back to School - Helping your teen nail senior school
There is so much emphasis on the last two years of high school, and not all of it is good! Some teenagers become highly anxious and are weighed down by pressure to get top marks for university – while others create stress for us parents when they can’t seem to get motivated, stay organised or...
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INTRODUCING - Back to School Special Series
Hey parents! We see you there in your big sunglasses, hiding behind your summer read, trying to pretend January will last forever! But like it or not - the new school year is fast approaching. And here at Parental As Anything, we want to help you out. We've delved into our archives and pulled out...
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Your hacks: How to bond with your teen
It’s normal for teenagers to push away parents and think we’re totally embarrassing, so how can we keep connected to them? Parents from the Parental As Anything: Teens community have shared their best hacks on how they bond with their teenagers.
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I'm worried about my teen's porn habit
By the age of 15 more than 50 per cent of teenagers have looked at porn. For teenage boys, this can quickly become a habit. Research points to a link between porn use and sexual violence, with young men the most likely offenders. So how can we help our teens understand that curiosity around sex…
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How to help your teen nail high school
The last years of high school can be full of pressure and stress – but what do you do if your teenager just can’t seem to get organised or manage their time? Some teenagers become highly anxious and are weighed down by pressure to get top marks for university – while others just can’t seem to get...
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Dear Bec—How do I talk to my teen about masturbation?
Masturbation and self-pleasure are a normal part of exploring sexuality, but that doesn't mean it's not awkward to talk about with our teens. Bec Sparrow shares her advice on talking to teens and tweens about exploring their own bodies and what to do if there is social pressure to overshare.
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How to protect your teen from cyberbullying
There has been a huge rise in online bullying – and it can be subtle and sophisticated – with devastating impacts on victim’s mental health. These days bullies are on our teenager’s screens 24/7 via Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp and there’s no escaping the torture. How do we protect…
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Dear Bec—How do I stop my teen vaping?
Vapes come in fun, fruity flavours and are easy to hide, part of the reason they’re so appealing to teenagers. But what should you do if you catch your teen vaping? And are they worse than the cigarettes of our hey-day? Bec Sparrow shares the steps to take if your teenager is secretly vaping, how...
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My teen is in love — and wants a sleepover
First loves can be all consuming – so what should you do if your teen wants to have their new boyfriend or girlfriend sleep over? From unwanted pregnancies and contraception to STDs and consent, there’s a lot to navigate– for parents and teenagers.
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My teen has an eating disorder
Adolescents and young people are most at risk of getting an eating disorder, with the average age of onset between 12 and 25. And eating disorders are on the rise, with a 21% increase in disordered eating in the past decade. What makes teens vulnerable to eating disorders? What can we do to…
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Dear Bec—My teen is glued to her phone
Teenagers are spending more time than ever on their phones – they are on devices up to 8 hours a day. And that’s when they’re not at school! Of course, your teen won't see their excessive screentime as an issue. Phones are a way for teens to connect but they also distract and get in the way of...
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My teen is self-harming
You find fresh cuts on your teenager’s body – what do you do next? Self-harm can be a way for teens to cope with big emotions, anxiety and distress and it's more common than parents might think.
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Dear Bec—My teen son hates his body
Teen boys are being pumped fitness content on social media, pushing many to build bulk and get "jacked". Researchers are worried this 'gymfluencer' content is leading to a spike in body dysmorphia among young men. What can you do if your teenage son is worrying about how they look? And how can…
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How can I help my anxious teen?
Today's teens are the "anxious generation" and anxiety is on the rise. It impacts their mental health and their ability to cope with school, friendships and everyday tasks.
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Dear Bec—My teen's a couch potato
Does your teen love nothing more than slothing about on the sofa? And the mere idea of a walk, bike ride or jumping on the trampoline seems like too much effort? We know that movement and exercise is good for our mental and physical health, but knowing that, and getting our teen to muster the...
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SPECIAL—Teen misogynists in our schools
Female teachers are being sworn at, sexually harassed and physically threatened in high schools by male students. These young men are under the thrall of Andrew Tate and other online influencers and are taking his misogynist ideas into the classroom.
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Dear Bec—My teenager wants a vibrator
Your daughter asks you to buy her a vibrator. What should you do? Bec Sparrow on why sex positivity for our teens is important, why there’s still a taboo around female masturbation and the awkward, but important, conversations to have around pleasure.
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My teen hates me
When they’re little, our kids idolise us. Then, they become teenagers and start to push us away, refusing to chat and rolling their eyes. What can parents do to stay connected, when suddenly you're no longer the Taylor Swift or Drake of your teen's life? And why do they pull away from us in the...
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Dear Bec — I have a beauty obsessed tween
Has your tween bugged you to buy them fancy face cream or a Drunk Elephant serum? Younger and younger teenagers are lusting after super expensive — and age-inappropriate — beauty products that they’ve seen on social media. Bec Sparrow is here to help you know what to do if your tween or teen is...
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My teen's friends are bad news
What do you do when you don't like your teen's mates? Friends are so important for our teens, so how can you guide them to make good choices when it comes to buddies? Should you try and intervene, or will that only backfire?
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Dear Bec—my teen can't stop gaming
How do you know when your teen’s gaming habit levels-up from hobby to obsession? Once teens are on their gaming consoles, it can be really tough to get them to press pause. Even to go to the toilet, eat dinner or go to sleep. Bec Sparrow uncovers the red flags to look for if your teenager’s…
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Is it ok to let my teen drink alcohol?
You pick up your teenager from a party, see wasted kids stumbling around, vomiting in bushes and you realise they’re no longer playing pin the tail on the donkey. How do we teach our kids to have a healthy relationship with alcohol? And is it ever okay to give your teen booze? In this Parental As...
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Dear Bec—my teen's entitled!
From fancy drink bottles to the latest tech, teenagers want lots of stuff they (and you) can’t afford and don’t need. So how can you push back from the constant barrage of demands? In this bite-sized Dear Bec episode, Bec Sparrow explains why giving teens what they want isn’t always good for them...
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My teen is hassling for nudes
OMG. You catch your teen hassling for nude pics. What the hell do you do? How to have those awkward conversations with your teenagers about sexting, consent and protecting yourself online.
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INTRODUCING — Parental As Anything: Teens
Teenage sex. Anxiety. Underage drinking. Porn. Phone addiction.
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The best hacks from Parental As Anything listeners
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…
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How to prepare your kid for high school
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...
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Help — my kid won't stop swearing
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...
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Why your teen simply must sleep
Sleep deprivation is a silent epidemic among our teenagers, according to paediatric and adolescent sleep specialist, Dr Chris Seton. With screen time, social media and gaming competing for our teenager's attention, sleep disruption is at an all-time high. Dr Seton tells Maggie Dent about the...
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How to help children with dyslexia
If your child is struggling to read or write, they may be among the 10 per cent of people who have dyslexia. What is it? How can it impact a child’s education, self-esteem and mental health? Maggie Dent speaks to Sarah Asome, a school principal and mum of dyslexic children, from advocacy group...
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Help — moody teens are damaging my marriage
Life with children means more stress, less sleep and less time for you. And when all of your energy goes to raising kids, what’s left for your spouse? In this Help Me, Maggie episode Maggie Dent gives tips on what adults can do to stay connected in the chaos, why effective communication is key…
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Discipline without punishment? Yes, it can be done
Shouting? Time outs? Shaming? You don’t have to do any of this to effectively discipline your child. So how do you teach your kids right from wrong? We’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes. Vanessa Lapointe, the author of Discipline Without Damage, joins Maggie Dent to share the best…
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Help — should I let my child walk to school alone?
What if your kid feels ready to walk to school alone before you feel ready to let them? Will they be safe, and how will it make them more independent? Maggie Dent has tips for parents who want to know when a child is ready, how to take the first steps to independence and how to head off potential...
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What to do if your child is self-harming
Tweens and teens feel big emotions – and those turning to self-harm to cope is more common than you think. Professor Jo Robinson, who leads the youth suicide prevention group at Orygen, and teen expert Michelle Mitchell join Maggie Dent, host of Parental As Anything, to help parents understand…
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Help - how do I teach my kid not to be racist?
Curious kids will ask questions about people who look or sound different to them. How do you talk to them about racism and inclusion? What if your child uses a racist slur? And how can you encourage them to be an ally? Ali Kadri, CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane and host of The Swap, joins...
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Grandparents — are we expecting too much?
Grandparents do so much for our kids. But not every family has a Nanny or Pop in their life. And even when they do, keeping the peace can be tricky. How do you celebrate the joy grandparents bring to your family, while still forging your own path as a parent? How do you ask them not to spoil your...
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Help – Should I give my tween a mobile phone?
Tweens want a phone so they aren’t left out and many parents like being able to contact their kids. But, when should kids have their own mobile?
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How to build your kids' (and your own) resilience
You want your kids to be resilient enough to handle life’s unexpected challenges – but as parents, it is hard to step back. Lyn Worsley, director of the Resilience Centre, joins Maggie Dent on this Parental As Anything to give tips on why it’s important to let kids fend for themselves, how to…
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Help — My kids are begging for a dog
Kids love the idea of a pet. But, for parents they mean more mess, expense and time. So, should you cave? A busy mum asks Maggie Dent, do the benefits of owning a dog outweigh the training, cleaning and poo collecting? Maggie, the host of Parental As Anything, shares what she thinks families…
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How to tell your kids you just can’t afford it
How do you teach children the realities of what you can afford without stressing them out. And if money isn’t tight, how do we curb their entitlement? Maggie Dent asks finance author and mum Effie Zahos how and when to talk to kids honestly about your cashflow, the costs of running a family and...
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Help — My daughter has a toxic friend
Has your child ever made a friend who dominates, bullies, or leads them astray? As a parent, what can you do if your kid’s BFF just isn’t good for them? Parenting author and host of Parental As Anything, Maggie Dent has some tips for mums and dads about being your child’s ‘friendship coach’. What...
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How to throw a birthday party your kid will actually enjoy
You decorate, bake and plan the perfect birthday party – only for your child to have a complete meltdown on the day. So, how do you throw a celebration your kid will actually enjoy? Genevieve Muir, of Connected Parenting, joins Parental As Anything host Maggie Dent to share tips for parents on…
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Help — My kid never stops talking and I'm over it
Some kids are shy. Others love nothing more than talking non-stop to anyone who’ll listen. What can you do if your child is a chatterbox? Maggie Dent, parenting author and host of Parental As Anything, gives tips on how you can help teach your talkative child to listen and even give mums and dads...
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Burnout — why you secretly hate parenting
Exhausted? Stressed? Angry? Sick of being a parent? Maybe it’s not typical fatigue from taking care of children – you could have parental burnout. Psychologist Hélène Gatland joins parenting author Maggie Dent to explain why parental burnout is on the rise, how it impacts mums and dads…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Being a parent is tough. Social media is bombarding us with opinions — on our kids screen time, on their education, on their friendships, on their behaviour — and somehow, we are always doing it wrong!Don’t you just wish you could turn it all off and listen to some good old-fashion, sensible advice?Parental As Anything is the podcast that gives you practical, supportive, advice from two real-world parenting experts. Beloved Australian parenting author and educator Maggie Dent and teen-parenting whisperer Bec Sparrow share wisdom and experience that comes from years of working with parents, kids and teens. With seven seasons of practical advice and helpful tips, Parental As Anything is here to help find solutions to the challenges that parents face everyday. No trends. No judgement.
HOSTED BY
ABC Australia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Parental As Anything have?
Parental As Anything currently has 124 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Parental As Anything about?
Being a parent is tough. Social media is bombarding us with opinions — on our kids screen time, on their education, on their friendships, on their behaviour — and somehow, we are always doing it wrong!Don’t you just wish you could turn it all off and listen to some good old-fashion, sensible...
How often does Parental As Anything release new episodes?
Parental As Anything publishes regularly with 124 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Parental As Anything?
You can listen to Parental As Anything on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Parental As Anything?
Parental As Anything is created and hosted by ABC Australia.
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