The Parent Hood

What does good parenting look like? It's often easier, cheaper and more simple than we think. Marina talks to psychologist Dr Kalanit Ben-Ari about small changes we can make in the interactions we have with our children that will make us all happier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the most important thing loving parents can give their children? It's simpler than many think - increasingly studies and an understanding of our brains reveal that the simple act of touch has significant imapct on both the emotional and physical health of humans. Marina talks to neuroscientist Dr Katerina Fotopoulou to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schools tell us that the most important thing we can do at home with our children is support them in learning to read. But why is it so important, what does reading give children and does it make them happier? Marina is joined by Heather Wright, founder of Reading Rocks to talk about why a child who reads for pleasure will be rewarded in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A good immune system is something all of us crave. Marina talks to paediatrician Dr Yiannis about how our immune system works, whether reduced exposure to bugs has compromised it and if there's anything we can do boost our immunity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding the real risks to our children: One thing all of us parents share is worry; that constant fear that something dreadful might happen to our children. But are we worrying about the right things, are our worries needless or are we ignoring the real risks to our children's health? Marina talks to Dr Chiara Hunt about what these real risks are and how we can mitigate them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being single in your mid-thirties no longer means crossing your fingers and hoping to meet someone if you want children. Today, women have the option of freezing their eggs, thus future proofing their fertility in case it does take longer to meet Mr Right. But what does freezing your eggs involve and how does it make you feel - both physically and emotionally. Marina talks to journalist and author Sophia Money Coutts about her experience and the making of her hit podcast Freezing Time.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Of all the battles parents face, homework is often the most fierce battleground. Tired, hungry and hormonally charged, children return home insisting that homework is a waste of time. Buy why is this task so fraught, what is its purpose and is there anything we can do to make it happier. Marina talks to 'The Homework Guru', Omari Ecclestone-Brown about his tips to make homework a harmonious experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is estimated that 14% of girls have never had a conversation about periods until they start menstruating. Many of us find this a difficult conversation and so in this episode, Marina is joined by Saskia Boujo a sex educator to talk about why this conversation is so important and what information is crucial our children, both boys and girls, understand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some might feel uncomfortable talking about money, but it's one of the most important conversations we have with our children. Starting early on to make your child aware of what money is, how it's used and the power it gives us is one of life's crucial lessons. Marina is joined by clinical psychologist Angharad Rudkin and Parenting author Tanith Carey who explain the invaluable lessons that money can teach our children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s difficult being a parent to a baby who can’t communicate and as soon as they can, the job is so much easier. But is it just a waiting game until they gain these skills or is there anything we can do to help them speak sooner? Speech and language therapist, Jennifer Warwick believes there is - in this episode she chats to Marina about the simple things parents can do to teach their children to speak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.