Published by CBeebies
Pods for all parents of preschoolers. Parenting Download looks at the topics gripping your group chats, while we take your calls and put them to the experts on Parenting Helpline.
Listen on Apple PodcastsYou might not believe it, but both Charlie and comedian Sara have struggled with shyness their entire lives. Shyness affects half of UK adults and can often begin in childhood. How should we approach shyness in our kids? Author and confidence coach Nadia helps to provide some answers.
Going on holiday with babies, toddlers or young children can feel like a very different kind of break. There are snacks to pack, sleep routines to think about, spare clothes, travel toys, nappies, long journeys, new surroundings and the challenge of being away from familiar home comforts. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B put together a guide to family holidays, exploring how parents can travel with little ones with a bit less stress and a lot more confidence. Anna Whitehouse, also known as Mother Pukka, shares her honest take on travelling with children, from agreeing who does what and who the ‘designated flight parent’ is, to letting go of the idea that every holiday has to look perfect. Travel expert and author of travel blog Bridges and Balloons, Victoria Watts Kennedy, offers practical advice on planning a holiday that suits your family, not someone else’s. She shares tips on packing light, preparing for flights, managing sleep and remembering that babies and children can be more adaptable than we imagine. For more ideas and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808
How can parents help children feel calmer when they need to see a doctor, visit the dentist or go to hospital? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why health appointments can feel worrying for children, from sterile waiting rooms and strange smells, to bright lights and unusual equipment, and look at simple ways to make those moments less stressful for the whole family. JLS star and voice of The Dentist’s Apprentice, Aston Merrygold, shares how his children have each responded differently to dentists, jabs and hospital visits and the tricks that have helped in his own family. NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Sara Kayat, explains why children can feel anxious about healthcare appointments and how parents can help them prepare, from using play to make doctors and dentists feel more familiar, to reading books and being honest about what might happen. For more ideas, resources and advice, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808
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 or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808
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 or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808
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 or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808
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
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
Why do babies laugh, and what can those early giggles tell us about how they are growing? Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore the surprising power of laughter in the very earliest stages of life, from a baby’s first smile or chuckle to the bigger laughs that come with play, connection and shared joy. Professor Sophie Scott, Director of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, and Head of the Speech Communications Group at University College London explains how laughter begins far earlier than many parents might think, and that it's not really about jokes at first but grows out of social interaction. She shares how laughter helps babies bond with their parents, and how it can reduce stress and create a sense of safety. Comedy writer and actor Brona C. Titley brings the lived experience of laughter at home, reflecting on the delight of a baby’s first giggles to the funny little routines children create before they can even speak. She talks about how humour can turn everyday parenting moments into opportunities for connection, whether that is bedtime, brushing teeth or your child demanding another snack. For more ideas and parenting 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
Katie Thistleton & Guvna B return on Saturday 6 June with a brand new series of CBeebies Parenting Download. Each week, they’ll unpack the parenting headlines everyone’s talking about, with warmth, insight and expert-led conversations — helping you make sense of the stories and what they mean for your family.
Comedians Louise Boyce and Hannah East bring the laughs! The pair chat about the chaos, joy, and hilarity of imaginative play with kids, navigating the first year of parenting, and tips for finding fun in everyday moments with what you already have. Plus, a make-believe master calls into the show to try some of his characters and Louise introduces us to her secret weapon - Philippa the hand puppet.
Holly Ramejkis, aka The Body Positive Mum is shattering taboos about body confidence on this empowering episode. She shares her journey to post-partum confidence and gives practical tips to callers for building body gratitude and acceptance. Holly and Charlie share their experiences with social media pressures and raising body-positive kids. This episode contains some frank discussion about how women’s bodies change during and after pregnancy as well as feelings about sex after giving birth, so you might want to make sure you listen without any little ears around!
Presenter, author and parenting campaigner Anna Whitehouse joins our hosts for a frank conversation about miscarriage & baby loss. The trio talk about processing traumatic experiences, seeking partner & workplace support and practical ways friends/family can help you to heal. Callers share their vulnerable stories of loss. If you or someone you know is grieving, support can be found via organisations listed at BBC Action Line.
Midwife and “Milkfluencer” Shaheeda Yasmeen-Khan joins the helpline to bust breastfeeding myths and unpack the slogan, “fed is best.” Charlie and Holly ask questions about pumping, formula and mum guilt. Shaheda demystifies baby feeding and supports whatever choice is right for your family.
1 in 7 babies need neonatal intensive care - but so many parents are blindsided by NICU stays. Dr Frankie Harrison shares her experience of an unexpected NICU birth and helps callers process impulsive control, separation anxiety and guilt. She offers honest reassurance and practical advice on coping.
Autism advocate James Hunt shares the realities of raising his two autistic sons. This episode covers everything from diagnosis and “grieving what you expected” to celebrating small “inchstones” like a first text saying “Hello Dad.” An honest conversation about parenting burnout, resilience and finding light on hard days.
TikTok couple, Caitlin and Leah join Charlie and Holly to talk about the realities of LBTQ parenting: answering awkward “who’s the real mum?” questions, raising kids in a same-sex relationship and the real story behind how they got together. Special guests Stuart and Francis also send in their question.
Parenting through unimaginable loss: Kelsey Parker, widow of Tom Parker (The Wanted) shares how she navigates grief, resilience and raising children after losing a partner and experiencing child loss. Callers share their experiences of navigating child and sibling loss while continuing to parent. If you or someone you know is grieving, support can be found via organisations listed at BBC Action Line.
Parenting styles and advice shift across decades as guidance on sleep, discipline and children’s autonomy changes. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B ask what truly evolves from one generation to the next and how parents and grandparents can compare approaches without friction. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singer and mum of five, focuses on keeping core values consistent while tailoring responses to each child. She highlights the importance of communication, aiming for two way respect and staying flexible when one child needs a different approach from a sibling. Janet Ellis MBE, former Blue Peter presenter, mum of three and grandmother of six, shares her simple grandparent rule of thumb. Wait to be asked, stay supportive without taking over and respect the parents’ non negotiables so everyone remains on the same team. Clinical psychologist Dr Tara Porter explains why good enough, relationship first parenting, balanced with firm but kind boundaries, tends to serve children better than more extreme parenting approaches. For more ideas and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website. Get in touch: parentingdownload@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808.
Katie Thistleton and Guvna B raced to the studio to record a bonus episode to find out what the new government guidance on screen time for under-fives in England means for parents. BBC Education and Family Editor Branwen Jeffreys and Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado join them to examine this new advice and share their screen time tips. You can find more advice around screen time for under-fives on the CBeebies Parenting website. You can also check out the government’s Best Start in Life site for more information around the guidance mentioned in the podcast.