The Parent Hood

How valuable is music to our child's well-being, and does its significance stretch beyond that of learning an instrument? Marina Fogle talks to musician and teacher, Ruth Travers.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Leaving your child in someone else's care is not always easy to do, but for many of us essential. Marina talks to Sarah Read, a childcare expert about what options parents have, their pros, cons and costs.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Often derided as a luxury, contemplating the meaning of life is something many of us parents don't have time for. But Alain de Botton disagrees, believing that an understanding of why we behave in certain ways will ultimately help us make sense of difficult times in our lives. In this episode, the philosopher and author talks to Marina about different philosophical concepts and how an understanding and appreciation of these will make us better parents to happier children.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Covid pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we work, and while WFH has had its challenges, it has forced many employers to realise that giving employees greater flexibility does not mean their output is affected. Marina talks to career coach Sarah Gerth about how to juggle being a parent while working from home.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's a lot of pressure to give our children 'the best start in life ' - but what is that exactly? Is it a great education, opportunities, exciting experiences, or is it more nuanced than that? Marina is joined by Dr Jane Gilmour and Dr Bettina Hohnen, both clinical psychologists who believe that the simple act of 'being with' your child, helping them organise and identify emotions has the most profound effect on their ability to lead a happy and fulfilling life.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.