
Help! I Have A Teenager
Being a teenager has changed. A lot. There’s TikTok, vaping, d*ck pics, there are Snap maps, selfies and filters...and it's all a potential battlefield for parents where the stakes feel impossibly high. So welcome to some real parenting talk. As both clinicians and parents, Dr. Ginni Mansberg and clinical psychologist Jo Lamble know first-hand how challenging it can be to raise adolescents. This is why they're bringing their common-sense expertise to Mamamia’s Help! I Have A Teenager. Every week Dr. Ginni and Jo will be answering your questions, and you can submit them at podcast@mamamia.com.au
Latest episodes

May 18, 2023 • 12min
‘My Partner Hates The Idea Of My Daughter Having A Boyfriend’
Dealing with your teens first relationships are an almost inevitable part of parenting, but what if even the idea of it makes you uncomfortable? This week Ginni and Jo hear from a listener who's husband refuses to talk to their daughter about dating, and she's not sure what to do. Plus, is a lock on a teen's bedroom door a good idea? THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Tegan Sadler Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 2023 • 18min
The Reality Of Co-Parenting With A ‘Disney Dad’
Co-parenting is not easy at the best of times, so how do you move forward if your ex-partner was abusive? Ginni and Jo address this heartbreaking and sensitive topic on today episode. Plus, has a fellow parent ever offered your teen alcohol? That's what a listener is dealing with and they are not happy. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 4, 2023 • 10min
Is Your Kid Cheating On A Test Actually A Big Deal?
Has your teen ever cheated on a test? This week we hear from a parent who is concerned after her teen was caught cheating, but Ginni and Jo aren't sure it's something to be too worried about. Plus, we hear from a parent who is concerned with how many nights her daughter is out socialising a week. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 27, 2023 • 13min
Is It Normal For My 20-Year-Old To Be Acting Like A Teenager?
We hate to break it to you, but the teen-age can last a lot longer than up to age eighteen. That's what a listener has found with their 20-year-old, and wants to know how to manage their mess, backchat and lack of direction, without them necessarily moving out. Plus, Ginni and Jo have some advice for a parent who is concerned that her son doesn't have any close friends, and explains the benefits of being a 'floater'. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 20, 2023 • 14min
‘My Teen Doesn’t Trust Me. Where Do I Go From Here?’
Does your teen trust you? And if not, how can you regain that trust? That's the dilemma Ginni and Jo are discussing this week after getting a question from a listener who says her son said he won’t tell her things as he thinks they'll be used against him. Plus, we hear from a parent who has a list of rules around phone use for their teen, but wants to know if they're appropriate for a 16 year old. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 13, 2023 • 14min
What To Do If Your Teen Is A Bully
Bullying is such a huge issue among teens, and Ginni and Jo have spoken at length on this podcast about how to handle your teen being bullied. But what if your child is on the other side, and might be bullying someone else? Today, they answer a question from a listener who needs some advice on cyber-bullying. Plus, if you suspect your child might have ADHD, what are the next steps? And how can you make sure your teen is getting the support they need? THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 6, 2023 • 15min
‘I Think My Teen Has Panic Attacks - What Do I Do?’
Panic attacks can be scary - especially if you're not sure what they are. But the good news is that they're totally manageable, and Ginni and Jo have some practical advice for helping your teen through them. Plus, we hear from a listener who's teen daughter's motto is 'life's for living and having fun to the fullest', so how can they encourage her daughter to be herself, while also making sure she's safe? THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 30, 2023 • 12min
'My Teen Has No Friends And I Don't Know How To Help'
If your teen has ever struggled to make (or keep) friends, you'll know how distressing this can be. Ginni and Jo have some sage advice for a parent who is concerned their son's behaviour has ostracised him amongst his peers. Plus, they discuss a dilemma from a listener who wants to know if a local club is an appropriate first job for their daughter. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 23, 2023 • 19min
What Are ‘Nangs’ And How Are Teens Using Them To Get High?
Have you ever seen small silver canisters discarded on the street, and wondered why someone was consuming so much whipped cream at night? Well, they're actually nitrous oxide, and teens are using them as a cheap and easy way to feel high. So how worried should parents be? Plus, Ginni and Jo have some advice for a parent who is sick of their daughter's backchat. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 16, 2023 • 16min
‘I Hate My Son’s Girlfriend. What Do I Do?’
So the time has come that your teen has brought home a special someone, but there's only one problem - you don't like them. But of course, your teen really really does. This is the relatable problem a parent is dealing with on today's episode, and Ginni and Jo have some advice to help get through this period, without damaging their relationship with their son. Plus, has your child ever faked being sick to get our of school? Here's some tips on how deal with your teen chucking a sickie. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Submit a question via our new anonymous form here Got a question? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Jo Lamble Find a copy of The New Teen Age here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html Producer: Emmeline Peterson Audio Production: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more on mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.