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 breaking the bank with creams, make-up and serums.   The advice in this podcast is general and does not consider your personal situation. If you require further advice specific to your needs, please consult a professional.  Producers: Hannah Reich, Josie Sargent  Supervising Pr ..read more

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 ..read more

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 gaming is becoming obsessive, and gives you practical tips on how to turbo boost your tech and gaming boundaries.  ..read more

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 Anything: Teens, Paul Dillon, the director of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, joins host Bec Sparrow to talk you through how to set boundaries, how to keep your child safe and what to do if your teen is asking for booze.  ..read more

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 and that what they really crave, money can’t buy.   ..read more

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.   ..read more

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.   ..read more

Raising teens can be tough. Don’t panic! Teen whisperer, Rebecca Sparrow is here to help you through the drama and worry in a brand-new podcast from Parental As Anything ..read more

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 ..read more

Are you ready 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 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 ..read more