Download: The Secret to Raising Brave Children with Saturday Night Live UK star Emma Sidi

Download: The Secret to Raising Brave Children with Saturday Night Live UK star Emma Sidi

How can we help children become brave without putting them in danger or passing on our own worries? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore how parents can support children to climb, jump, explore and take safe risks, while learning when to step in and when to give them space to work things out for themselves. Saturday Night Live UK star and toddler mum Emma Sidi shares how she gives her young son space to crawl, climb and test things out in a safe environment. She also reflects on her own childhood, becoming a parent, and the bravery it can take to keep doing the things that make you feel like yourself. Professor of Child Psychology Helen Dodd explains why adventurous play can help children build confidence, resilience and independence. She shares practical advice on managing parental anxiety, including why repeating ‘be careful’ may not always help and how pausing before stepping in can give children the chance to problem-solve for themselves. For more ideas and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk [parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk] or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808

Download: Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton on how to be a confident parent

How can we feel more confident in our parenting choices and quiet our inner critic? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore what it takes to trust ourselves as parents, overcome self-doubt and understand the positive impact confidence can have on our children. Atomic Kitten singer and mum of five Natasha Hamilton opens up about losing confidence in her parenting during the height of her fame and the journey to rebuilding it. She also shares how her children have been her biggest supporters, cheering her on throughout her musical career, including the release of her debut EP, Extraction. Clinical Psychologist and perinatal expert Florence Bristow also joins the conversation, offering practical ways to challenge self-criticism and explains why we should pay attention to our inner “shark music.” For more ideas and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk [parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk] or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808

Download: Lionesses record goal scorer Ellen White on teaching kids how to win and lose

Winning can feel brilliant and losing can feel overwhelming, especially when children are still learning how to manage disappointment, excitement and frustration. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at how parents can help children cope with wins and losses, from the football World Cup and sports day to board games at home. Women’s Super League winner, Euro 2022 champion and England’s all-time leading women’s goalscorer Ellen White shares what football has taught her about competition, teamwork and bouncing back after defeat. She also talks about life as a mum, and how she’s helping her daughter enjoy taking part without always needing to win. Kate Silverton, is a former BBC News reader, now qualified child counsellor and author of There’s No Such Thing As Naughty, she explains why losing can trigger such big emotions in young children and offers practical ways to support them in the moment. For more ideas and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk [parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk] or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808

Download: Patrescence and the hidden science of fatherhood

Patrescence is the term used to describe the physical, psychological and emotional changes men can go through as they become fathers. In this episode, Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore the science behind fatherhood and look at what can shift for dads in the early stages of parenting, from identity and confidence to bonding, care and support. Dr Anna Machin, evolutionary anthropologist, pioneer of fatherhood science and author of The Life of Dad: The Making of a Modern Father, explains what research tells us about patrescence. She shares how becoming a father can involve hormonal changes, brain changes and a growing sense of emotional connection. Anna also discusses paternal mental health, the confidence gap that can open up if dads have less time at home in the early months, and why fathers should be recognised as equal parents rather than seen as secondary helpers. CBeebies presenter Nigel Clarke brings his own experience as a father of three and founder of Dadvengers. He reflects on fully immersing himself in fatherhood, the value of community and encouragement, and why it is never too late for dads to build a stronger bond with their children and feel more secure in their role. For more ideas and resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode, you can find support links on the BBC Action Line website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk [parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk]

Download: Tackling parental loneliness

Katie Thistleton and Guvna B take on loneliness in parenthood. Inspired by a listener’s message, they explore why parenting can sometimes feel isolating, even when your days are full and your child is at the centre of everything. Former Love Island contestant and mental health advocate Malin Andersson shares her experience of loneliness in parenthood while navigating grief, co-parenting and a major shift in identity. She reflects on how reconnecting with herself helped her move forward, and how parenthood changed her friendships, priorities and sense of what really matters. Clinical psychologist Dr Chanelle Dennis explains why loneliness is different from simply being alone, and why so many parents struggle to talk about it. She offers practical advice on opening up to others, making space for connection, valuing small everyday interactions and knowing when it may be time to seek extra support. For more ideas and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. This episode includes discussion of child loss and bereavement. You can find support links on the BBC Action Line website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk [parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk]