Episode 37: Strengthening Families from the Ground Up: How Couples Therapy Transforms Parenting with Manuela Sapochnik
In this enlightening podcast episode, Clinical Psychologist and family therapist Manuela Sapochnik shares her insights on enhancing parenting through couples therapy, drawing from two decades of experience. She explores how attachment patterns shape relationships and how misaligned behaviors can create tension between partners. Manuela explains that this tension often spills over into parenting, but can be addressed through increased awareness and intentional change in interaction patterns. As couples work together to improve their relationship, they naturally begin to interact differently with others, including their children. This shift can lead to profound changes in family dynamics. By developing more adaptive ways of managing relationship challenges, parents can model and instill secure attachment patterns in their children. Remarkably, Manuela notes that as couples engage in this work, they often see improvements in their children's behavior before even addressing specific parenting issues. Please tune in for a deeper understanding of this transformative approach.
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Episode 36: A Parent's Guide to Responding to Mental Health Concerns with Dr. Rachel Acheson
When your child tells you they think they have a mental health problem parents can feel frozen. How should they respond and what action should they take? I was joined by Rachel Acheson, a psychotherapist with years of experience in adolescent mental health services and schools to discuss this issue. Rachel offers clear, balanced advice on this potentially daunting situation, breaking down what parents can do, what to say, when it might be time to seek professional help, and what kinds of support are available. From the importance of staying calm and validating your child's feelings, to knowing the signs that professional support might be needed, Rachel covers it all. Whether you're currently facing this situation or want to be prepared for the future, please have a listen to my interview with Rachel.
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Episode 35 - Setting Healthy Boundaries for Children and Teens with Dr Jon Goldin
In this episode of Just One Thing For Parents, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Jon Goldin discusses the crucial role of boundaries in children's development. He emphasizes that consistent, predictable boundaries provide psychological safety and promote secure attachment. John likens teenage boundaries to flexible rubber tires, allowing some give while maintaining stability. The conversation covers challenges parents face in setting boundaries, including generational changes and social media influences. John and Bettina stress the importance of parental unity in boundary-setting, even in separated families. They explore the balance between kindness and strictness, the significance of emotional boundaries, and practical advice on issues like social media use and sleep routines. Please have a listen. This is a really important and often tricky topic for parents.
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Episode 34: Parenting at the Crossroads: Discovering Choice in Moments of Stuckness with Jenny Peters
I was joined by Jenny Peters, family therapist, who addresses the parental panic that often arises when tried-and-true strategies suddenly falter. In those moments when parents feel stuck she advises us to turn to the "Three C's" approach: Curiosity, Compassion, and Courage. We talk about why these three core skills are so important for a parent to embrace and give examples and offer practical advice - from calming breathing techniques to navigating public tantrums. The key to our stuckness often lies in our own experience of being parented and having this insight can help compassionately unlock difficulties. Whether you're grappling with a toddler's tantrums or a teenager's resistance, Jenny's wisdom provides a roadmap for reconnecting and resolving conflicts. This episode is a must-listen for any parent seeking to foster stronger, more understanding relationships with their children, regardless of age or stage.
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Episode 33: Guiding Children Through Parental Separation with Compassion and Clarity with Dr Marielle Quint
Navigating the choppy waters of family separation is a journey that touches countless lives, with a staggering 1 in 3 children under 16 experiencing this significant shift in their family dynamics. As parents, we often grapple with the burning question: "How will this affect my little ones?" It's a valid concern because yes, separation is undoubtedly a seismic event in a child's world. However, parents have the power to shape this experience, as I found out in my discussion with Dr Marielle Quint, Clinical Psychologist. Marielle has a vast amount of experience in this area and her advice will help any parent finding themselves in this situation. She emphasises the importance of conflict management, maintaining a delicate neutrality when discussing ex-partners and the importance of ongoing conversation with kids for nuance and understanding. Ultimately, Marielle leaves us with a hopeful vision: children thriving in separate, loving, stable homes where conflict gives way to understanding. It's a challenging ideal, yes, but one that's deeply worth striving for. Below are useful organisations, websites and books for parents to access: Organisations for parents CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) Publishes the “Parenting Plan” to help separating parents keep child-focused planning at the center. https://www.cafcass.gov.uk Gingerbread: A charity for single parents with emotional and legal guidance. https://www.gingerbread.org.uk Family Lives: Offers a helpline and guidance for parenting through separation. https://www.familylives.org.uk The Parent Practice: Delivers training for parents on communication skills and managing family transitions. https://www.theparentpractice.com Relate: Counselling services for families and children going through separation. https://www.relate.org.uk The Spark (Scotland) / Tavistock Relationships (England): Offers therapy and parenting support from a psychodynamic and systemic perspective. https://tavistockrelationships.org Book recommendations: Understanding Children's Needs when Parents Separate by Emilia Dowling and Di Elliott Mum and Dad Glue Paperback – by Kes Gray (Author), Lee Wildish (Illustrator) Living with Mum and Living with Dad: My Two Homes Paperback – by Melanie Walsh (Author) It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce (Lansky, Vicki) Paperback – by Vicki Lansky (Author), Jane Prince (Author, Illustrator) I Don't Want to Talk About It: A Story of Divorce for Young Children by Jeanie Franz Ransom (Author), Kathryn Kunz Finney (Illustrator) The Divorce Journal for Kids by Sue Atkins (Author) and Amy Bradley (Illustrator) The Split Survival Kit - 10 Steps for Coping with your Parents' separation by Ruth Fitzgerald (Author) When Mom and Dad Separate: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief (Drawing Out Feelings) Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety: A Photocopiable Activities Book
About Just One Thing for Parents with Dr Bettina Hohnen
Welcome to Just One Thing for Parents, the podcast designed for busy parents supporting young minds. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these quick, 5-7 minute episodes offer a powerful daily reminder of what truly matters when it comes to your kids.
Hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Bettina Hohnen, each episode brings you expert insights from renowned guests such as Dawn Heuber, David Trickey, and Anita Cleare. These professionals, including authors, parent coaches, psychotherapists, and parenting experts, share science-backed advice and real-life experiences to help you navigate the challenges of raising children.
What to Expect:
Short and Digestible: Episodes are crafted to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. Take just a few minutes every day—whether it's after dropping the kids at school, during your commute, or before diving into family life after a hectic day.
Actionable Insights: Distilled complex concepts into easy-to-understand nuggets, providing you with practical tips and tools grounded in both scientific research and real-world parenting expertise.
Daily Focus: Each episode presents Just One Thing for you to focus on, simplifying the overwhelming demands of parenting and allowing you to approach each day with clarity and purpose.
Connect with Us:
Subscribe, leave a review, and share the wisdom with fellow parents. Join the conversation using #JustOneThingforParetings and visit @DrBettinaHohnen for additional resources.
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