Homeschooling is on the rise in Australia- a deep dive with Alecia Hancock

What drugs are teens of today using and how to talk to them about it

Are Australian teenagers really taking more risks than previous generations, or is the story more complicated? With constant headlines about youth crime, vaping and drug use, many parents assume today's teenagers are engaging in more risky behaviour than ever before. But the latest Australian research tells a different story. In this episode of Let's Reconnect, registered psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores the latest Australian statistics on teenage alcohol, vaping, smoking and illicit drug use. You'll learn why today's teens are actually drinking less alcohol, delaying substance use for longer, and smoking fewer cigarettes than previous generations, while also unpacking why vaping has emerged as a significant concern. Most importantly, this episode focuses on what parents can do. Rather than relying on lectures or fear, Breanna shares practical strategies to help parents become the trusted adult their child feels safe talking to about drugs, alcohol and peer pressure. Because when it comes to protecting young people, maintaining a strong relationship is one of the most powerful protective factors we have. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: • Why Australian teenagers are drinking less than previous generations • The latest research on alcohol, vaping, smoking and cannabis use among young people • Why vaping has become the biggest emerging concern for parents • How adolescent brain development affects risk-taking and substance use • Why curiosity works better than punishment when discussing drugs and alcohol • How to create an environment where your tween or teen feels safe telling you the truth • Conversation starters that encourage openness instead of shutting communication down • Why "a worried parent often looks like an angry parent" and how to avoid this trap Whether your child is 10 or 17, the conversations you have today can shape whether they come to you when the stakes are much higher tomorrow. If you found this episode helpful, please follow Let's Reconnect, leave a review, and share this episode with another parent navigating the tween and teenage years. 1. NATIONAL DRUG STRATEGY HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 2022–2023 (MAIN REPORT) This is the overarching report covering alcohol, tobacco, vaping and illicit drugs. Link: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023 [https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/summary?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 2. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN AUSTRALIA This page contains the statistics about: * increasing numbers of abstainers * risky drinking * underage drinking * long-term trends Link: AIHW – Alcohol Consumption [https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/alcohol-consumption?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 3. YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, VAPING AND DRUG USE * teens drinking less than previous generations * smoking trends * vaping * illicit drug use * historical graphs Link: AIHW – Young People's Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, E-cigarettes and Illicit Drugs [https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/young-people-alcohol-smoking-drugs?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 4. YOUNG PEOPLE'S USE OF VAPES AND E-CIGARETTES Link: AIHW – Young People's Use of Vapes and E-cigarettes [https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking/young-peoples-vapes-e-cigarettes?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 5. TOBACCO & VAPING DATA Link: AIHW – Tobacco and E-cigarettes (Vapes) [https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/tobacco-and-e-cigarettes-vapes?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 6. AIHW SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS A nice one-page summary Includes: * smoking rates at record lows * vaping tripled * cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit drug * alcohol trends Link: AIHW – Key Findings Summary [https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com] teen drinking Australia, teenage vaping, parenting teenagers, talking to teens about alcohol, vaping in Australian schools, cannabis and teenagers, adolescent brain development, parenting tweens, drugs and alcohol conversations, raising teenagers, Australian parenting podcast, child psychologist podcast, teen mental health, positive parenting, Let's Reconnect podcast. Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation. If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency. Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

What music are your kids listening to? With Mitch Tambo: I AM ME out now!

What happens when your child outgrows nursery rhymes but isn't quite ready for mainstream pop music? In this episode of Let's Reconnect, psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada sits down with award-winning Indigenous Australian musician, author and father of four, Mitch Tambo, to explore the powerful role music plays in childhood, identity and family connection. Mitch also shares the inspiration behind his new children's album I Am Me, created to bridge the gap between preschool songs and adult music while promoting confidence, culture and positive messages. From explicit lyrics and age-appropriate music to raising daughters, navigating blended families and encouraging children to embrace who they are, this conversation is packed with parenting insights and heartfelt stories. In this episode, we discuss: • Why the lyrics children hear matter more than many parents realise • How music influences identity, confidence and values • Finding age-appropriate music beyond nursery rhymes • Raising four daughters and navigating the changing stages of childhood • Parenting in a blended family and building strong relationships • Helping children embrace their culture and individuality • Why difficult conversations create stronger family connections • The importance of modelling emotional openness as parents • Mitch's journey through online criticism and staying connected to purpose • Simple ways families can reconnect through music and shared experiences Whether you're raising toddlers, tweens or teenagers, this episode offers practical advice and a refreshing reminder that connection often starts with the everyday moments we share. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with a friend who would enjoy it too. • Listen to Mitch Tambo's children's album I Am Me [https://open.spotify.com/album/1zY1c3ksMxMZexRCfYsC9e?si=7f08f6450e7249ce] • Follow Mitch for upcoming music and tours [https://www.mitchtambo.com/] keywords: parenting podcast, children's music, age appropriate music, parenting daughters, blended families, Indigenous culture, Mitch Tambo, raising confident kids, family connection, modern parenting, explicit music for children, parenting tips. Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation. If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency. Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Fighting about Food? Talking all things Child Nutrition w/Dr Kyla

Is sugar really responsible for hyperactive behaviour? Should parents be worried about processed foods? And what can you do when mealtimes become a daily battleground? In this episode of Let's Reconnect, psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada sits down with paediatric dietitian and feeding specialist Dr Kyla to unpack some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about children's nutrition. Together they explore the relationship between food, mood, behaviour, anxiety, concentration and family connection. They also discuss the growing pressure many parents feel around feeding their children and why social media, conflicting advice and fear-based messaging may be making things harder than they need to be. If you've ever worried that your child isn't eating enough, struggles with fussy eating, skips breakfast, refuses vegetables, or turns mealtimes into a power struggle, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-informed advice. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: * The link between food, mood, behaviour and overall wellbeing * Why so many parents feel anxious about their child's eating habits * The impact of social media and nutrition misinformation on families * Whether sugar really causes hyperactivity in children * What the research says about food additives and behaviour * The role of hunger in emotional regulation and concentration * Why some children naturally skip breakfast * Understanding intuitive eating and trusting children's hunger cues * How schools and parents can support healthy relationships with food * Why mealtime power struggles can damage family connection * Practical strategies for managing fussy eating * Food rewards, bribery and their unintended consequences * Supporting children to develop healthy lifelong eating habits * Childhood weight concerns and how to approach them sensitively * Supporting neurodivergent children with eating challenges * Why reducing mealtime stress can benefit the entire family KEY TAKEAWAYS One of the strongest messages from this conversation is that parents do not need to be perfect. Children do not need a flawless diet to thrive, and mealtimes should be about more than simply getting food into a child. Dr Kyla explains that parents are responsible for what food is offered, while children are responsible for deciding whether and how much they eat. Taking pressure off children, reducing food-related conflict and focusing on connection can help create healthier long-term relationships with food. The episode also challenges several common parenting myths, including the belief that sugar is the primary cause of challenging behaviour and that children need to clean their plate before dessert. RESOURCES MENTIONED * Mealtimes Australia [https://mealtimes.com.au?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Dr Kyla Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dr_kyla/?hl=en] ABOUT LET'S RECONNECT Let's Reconnect is the podcast for parents wanting to reconnect with their children and teens. Hosted by psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada, each episode explores practical, evidence-based ways to strengthen family relationships, improve communication and support children's mental health and wellbeing. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another parent who might find it helpful. Keywords: child nutrition, food and behaviour, food and mood, fussy eating, picky eating, kids nutrition, parenting podcast Australia, childhood anxiety, intuitive eating, mealtime battles, healthy eating for kids, neurodivergent children, ADHD and food, sugar and hyperactivity, family mealtimes, parenting advice. Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation. If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency. Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Should You Medicate Your Child? Navigating ADHD, Anxiety and Parenting Guilt

Should you medicate your child for ADHD, anxiety, depression or another mental health condition? It is one of the most common and emotionally loaded questions parents ask. In this episode, registered psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores the fears, guilt and uncertainty many families experience when medication is suggested as part of their child's treatment plan. Drawing on listener questions and years of experience working with children, teenagers and families, Breanna discusses how parents can make informed decisions while keeping their child's wellbeing at the centre of the conversation. This episode explores the stigma surrounding mental health medication, the impact of untreated ADHD and anxiety, and why treatment decisions should focus on a child's functioning and quality of life rather than fear alone. Breanna also discusses the importance of therapy, parenting strategies, school supports, sleep, exercise and other interventions that form part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Whether you're currently weighing up medication for your child or simply want to better understand the conversation, this episode offers a balanced, compassionate and evidence-informed perspective for parents. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS * The guilt, fear and stigma surrounding children's mental health treatment * ADHD medication: common concerns and misconceptions * Anxiety medication in children and teenagers * The difference between treating symptoms and changing personality * Why untreated mental health conditions also have consequences * How ADHD can impact school performance, friendships and self-esteem * The hidden costs of untreated anxiety and school refusal * What parents should consider before starting medication * The importance of therapy, behavioural strategies and family support * Why medication should be part of a broader toolbox, not the only solution * Questions every parent should ask their doctor or paediatrician * A real parent story about navigating ADHD medication * How to keep your child's voice at the centre of treatment decisions KEY TAKEAWAYS ✔ Medication is not about changing who your child is. It is about reducing barriers that may be preventing them from learning, connecting and thriving. ✔ Mental health conditions should be viewed through the same lens as physical health conditions. Seeking treatment is not a parenting failure. ✔ The decision to medicate should consider both the potential side effects of medication and the impact of leaving symptoms untreated. ✔ Effective treatment often includes a combination of therapy, school supports, parenting strategies, emotional regulation skills, sleep, exercise and sometimes medication. ✔ Parents deserve to ask questions and feel informed before making treatment decisions. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD'S DOCTOR * Why are you recommending this particular medication? * What evidence supports its use for my child's age and diagnosis? * What benefits should we expect to see? * What side effects should we monitor? * How long before we know if it's working? * How often should medication be reviewed? * What signs would suggest this is not the right medication? If you are concerned about your child's mental health, consider speaking with: * Your GP * A paediatrician * A psychiatrist * A registered psychologist * Your child's school wellbeing team SEO KEYWORDS ADHD medication children, should I medicate my child, child anxiety treatment, ADHD parenting advice, anxiety medication teenagers, mental health medication children, parenting child with ADHD, school refusal anxiety, child psychologist parenting podcast, ADHD symptoms children, anxiety disorder in teens, child mental health support, parenting podcast Australia, teenage anxiety help, ADHD treatment options, psychologist advice for parents. Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation. If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency. Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

What do you want to be when you grow up? With Dr Jo Winchester

In this episode of Let's Reconnect, psychologist and host Breanna Jayne Sada sits down with educator, researcher and career mentor Dr Jo Winchester to explore how parents can support their children to discover their strengths, interests and future pathways without adding pressure or anxiety. Together they unpack common myths about ATARs, university pathways, subject selection and the future of work in a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence. If you've ever worried that your child doesn't know what they want to do with their life, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS * Why career conversations can become a source of anxiety for families * The pressure teenagers feel when choosing subjects and future pathways * Why ATAR scores are not the predictor of success many people think they are * Alternative pathways into university and higher education * Common myths about subject selection and career planning * How parents can unintentionally project their own fears and expectations onto their children * Why joy, interests and strengths matter more than choosing the "perfect" career * The future of work and what artificial intelligence means for young people entering the workforce * Why part-time work may be one of the best investments in a teenager's future * The importance of communication, collaboration and real-world social skills * Helping children build resilience when they experience setbacks and rejection * How parents can support exploration without taking over decision-making * The value of community, connection and "third spaces" for young people * What employers are really looking for in the next generation of workers KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS ✔ Your child's ATAR does not define their future. ✔ Most career paths today are flexible, with multiple entry points and alternative routes. ✔ The best career conversations start with curiosity, not pressure. ✔ Part-time work teaches valuable life and employability skills. ✔ Following interests and strengths often leads to greater success than chasing prestige. ✔ Young people need opportunities to fail, learn and build resilience. ✔ Parents don't need all the answers. They simply need to be a safe place for their child to explore possibilities. RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr Jo Winchester Website: https://www.drjowinchester.com.au/ [https://www.drjowinchester.com.au/] Podcast: What's Next? with Dr Jo Winchester WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE NEWS? Breanna also discusses concerns around increasing exposure to gambling advertising during major sporting events and why parents should be having conversations with young people about sports betting, gambling risks and help-seeking. Youth gambling rates continue to rise, making early conversations and healthy role modelling more important than ever. ABOUT LET'S RECONNECT Let's Reconnect is the podcast for parents wanting to reconnect with their children and teens. Hosted by psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada, each episode combines practical parenting strategies, psychological insights and expert guests to help strengthen family relationships and support children's wellbeing. KEYWORDS: parenting teenagers, helping teens choose a career, subject selection advice, ATAR stress, university pathways Australia, future of work, AI and careers, career advice for parents, supporting teenagers after school, helping children find their passion, part-time work for teenagers, career planning for high school students, parenting teens Australia, Dr Jo Winchester, future jobs Australia, youth wellbeing, school subject selection, university alternatives, apprenticeships and careers, raising resilient teenagers. Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation. If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency. Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.