Just One Thing for Parents with Dr Bettina Hohnen Dr Bettina Hohnen

In today's episode, we're diving into the midst of revision season, a crucial time for many students in the UK and around the world. Join us as we explore essential strategies for parents aiming to effectively support their children through the pressures of exam preparation.
Our guest, Lucinda, is a seasoned teacher who brings a treasure trove of tips and tricks, including a comprehensive plan she's implemented for her own son. We discuss the challenges faced by students at both ends of the spectrum—from those who are disengaged to the perfectionists consumed by revision. How can parents help their children strike a healthy balance during this stressful period? Tune in for insightful advice and practical ideas that can make a difference.

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Dr. Rebecca Chilvers, a leading clinical psychologist who works with children, parents, and staff in neonatal care. Dr. Chilvers talks about just one thing she wishes every parent navigating the daunting world of neonatal care could know.
She paints a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster parents embark on, feeling as though they've tumbled through a trapdoor into a realm where their role seems unclear in the maze of medical procedures. Amidst the overwhelm of emotions like guilt, sadness, fear, and uncertainty, Dr. Chilvers offers a beacon of hope in her guidance for parents to remember "You are the most important person for your baby."
She encourages parents to focus on what they can do, seek and accept support from their surrounding healthcare team, and cling to their core values as parents – those things that define what truly matters to them. Navigating this challenging journey may feel isolating, but Dr. Chilvers assures parents they are not alone and that support is within reach.

In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Professor Will Mandy to discuss a profoundly important topic: identifying and supporting girls with autism.
Professor Mandy highlights a critical first step for parents who suspect their daughter might be on the autism spectrum: the significance of a thorough assessment for providing essential understanding and support. He brings attention to the diagnostic challenges and biases girls face, where their symptoms are often misinterpreted or overlooked, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and a lack of needed support. Exploring how autism presents differently in girls compared to boys, we delve into why many girls go undiagnosed and the mental health vulnerabilities they face, particularly during their transition from primary to secondary school.
A significant part of our discussion centers on "masking," a strategy where autistic individuals hide their true selves to blend in, a practice especially common among girls that can lead to increased anxiety and depression. Professor Mandy advocates for the importance of a timely diagnosis, allowing girls to embrace their true identities.
Tune in to uncover the nuances of autism in girls and how we can better support and understand their journeys.

In this compelling episode, Bettina sits down with Dr. Anna Hutchinson, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in adolescence, to delve into the complex world of teenage identity formation. Dr. Hutchinson shares her insights into the challenges teens face as they explore who they are, what they're passionate about, and who they aspire to be as adults.
With identity often being in flux for many teenagers, parents can find themselves wondering how best to respond and support their teen. Dr. Hutchinson offers invaluable advice, answering the crucial question: What is just one thing parents can do in discussion with teens about their identity? Her approach is universally applicable, providing a crucial starting point for any parent navigating these transformative years with their teenager.

Join host Dr. Bettina Hohnen as she talks to Clinical Psychologist Dr Tara Murphy and asks What’s Just One Thing Parents can do when their child presents with tics. She explains what tics are including Tourette’s Syndrome and how they typically present. The top piece of advice may surprise you—it's not about seeking an immediate cure or fix, but about education and communication. Tara explains more in this bitesize episode, so tune in and if you like what we are doing here, leave a review and share this episode with parents who you think might benefit. 
 
Books on tics by Tara:
 
Tic Disorders: A guide for parents and professionals by Uttom Chowdhhury and Tara Murphy, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing
The Tourettes Survival Kit: tools for young adults with tics by Tara Murphy and Damon Millar, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing

Episode 4: When Your Child is Struggling, This Will Really Help with Anita Cleare
Join host v in this insightful episode of Just One Thing for Parents with special guest Anita Cleare, a psychotherapist, parenting expert, coach, speaker, writer, and co-founder of the Positive Parenting project. Dr. Hohnen poses the question to Anita: "If you could pick just one thing that you think is important for parents to remember to do when their child is struggling, what would it be?" Discover Anita's expert advice and the one crucial action parents can take. Tune in for new episodes for a quick, helpful tip on Just One Thing for Parents. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow parents.