Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

Rachel Richards and Susie Asli

1 Creator

Welcome to your weekly audio hug for parents going through the teen and tween years. I'm Rachel Richards, journalist, parenting coach, mother of two teenagers and two bonus daughters.
I designed this audio hug to empower you by helping calm your fears, giving you a chance to learn from the mistakes of other parents, and grow in confidence in your role.
When I was coaching parents for Parent Gym I realised how powerful it is to be in a room with other parents who're honest about the challenges they're facing. It takes away the judgement and makes it more possible to open up to ways in which we can change for the better.
Whilst we can't all be in the same room together, I've tried to make this the next best thing. I take questions from listeners, or my own problems, and do lots of research into what the experts say. Then Susie brings her wealth of expertise in mindfulness to discuss the realities of parenting.
It may look like other parents are perfect but even experts make mistakes, because good parenting is a constantly evolving challenge. In all the research I've done the most important thing we can do is focus on building our connection by being more curious and less critical of both our kids and ourselves. Admitting our mistakes isn't failure, it's growth.
What the Independent Podcasting Award judges said:
'The advice within the podcast on how to deal with what life throws at you is universally helpful, not just for those with teenagers.'
'A good mix of personal stories alongside professional insight; it's addressing something different, and helps its audience with the references and extra information provided in episode notes.'
'The rapport between the hosts, Rachel and Susie, is great with a good mix of them chatting, but also providing context for the listener and remembering them within the conversation.'
For more discussion and tips, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Find courses with Susie at https://www.amindful-life.co.uk/

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Top 10 Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

55: Cancer and death: Supporting our kids through the worst

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

09/13/23 • 41 min

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Parenting tweens and teens is challenging enough, but when someone in the family becomes seriously ill or dies, it can feel overwhelmingly difficult. In all honesty, we Westerners are terrible at talking about death, often avoiding it, so when it comes to talking with teenagers about the subject most of us don't feel equipped.
Many who have suffered a loss, or are suffering a serious illness will tell you that friends often fall away just at the time when they are most valued, because they're embarrassed or uncomfortable about the situation.
In this episode we draw on research, personal experience - and some incredible listener feedback - to discuss how to deal with a serious illness or death when you're raising a teen. We pass on some amazing tips that have made all the difference, and also some awful 'what not to do's'.
The episode is dedicated to the wonderful mum, Sophie Baker and her loving husband and boys, who are doing an amazing job in very difficult circumstances.
BOOKS:
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs
You Can Stop Humming Now by Daniela Lamas
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Smoke gets in your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty
The Choice by Edith Eger
PODCAST:
https://audioboom.com/posts/6858679-talking-to-young-people-about-death-and-dying

https://hospiceofnorthidaho.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Supporting-a-Teen-When-Someone-is-Seriously-Ill.pdf
https://www.hospiscare.co.uk/how-we-help/advice-support/children-and-young-people/how-to-talk-about-death-with-children-and-teenagers/
https://yourteenmag.com/health/teenager-mental-health/how-to-talk-about-death
https://whatsyourgrief.com/helping-a-teenager-deal-with-grief-2/
https://elunanetwork.org/resources/talking-to-teens-and-children-about-illness-and-death
https://www.strong4life.com/en/emotional-wellness/emotional-expression/talking-to-kids-and-teens-about-death
https://www.todaysparent.com/family/talking-about-death-with-kids/
https://www.winstonswish.org/support-a-grieving-teenage

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Thank you so much for your support. Please hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message.
I don't have medical training so please seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping.
My email is [email protected] The website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact us:
www.teenagersuntangled.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/
Susie is available for a free 15 minute consultation, and has a great blog:
www.amindful-life.co.uk

33: Masculine role models: Andrew Tate, misogyny, red pills, and the manosphere.

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

02/03/23 • 38 min

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We've been asked by a listener to discuss how we talk to our boys about influential online figures like Andrew Tate, who act both as an inspiration to achieve great things, and a lightning rod for disgruntled men who blame feminism for their ills and cheer on his particular form of aggressive misogyny.
If you have a son who spends time online he's highly likely to have come across the concepts being bandied around - simply as a result of the algorithms used in social media. Whether the words red pill, matrix, and manosphere have any particular meaning for you, they are having an increasing impact on the environment our boys are growing up in. It's up to us as parents to help our boys unpack what they're hearing and sift the diamonds from the dirt.
My research into the topic has highlighted an urgent need to be talking with our sons about their dreams, and how we can support them in discovering role models who show what it is to be a successful man, without needing to humiliate and destroy other people.
Top tips:

Avoid silencing your teen, even if you disagree with what they say. It's vital that they are given the chance to talk about what they're thinking so that you can have proper discussions about it. Telling them they are wrong won't help them think about the issues.
Focus the discussion on what is really attractive to them about the messages they are hearing, and help them to differentiate between the positive and the dangerously negative.
Unpick the words the boys use and be clear about anything that is sexist, racist, etc and why that's an issue. Remember, they are building their identity and they're allowed to make mistakes along the way. Don't shame them.
Arm yourself with real facts. If they tell you something that they've heard online help them to go to real sources, rather than simply listening to someone who has an agenda and wants to get lots of clicks.
Don't just focus on Tate, he's only one of the people espousing this thinking.

Great role models:
Mark Lewis: https://www.marklewis.co.uk/

Novak Djokovic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=867mtHTsaDo
Stephen Bartlett - Diary of a CEO (Business) His podcast has lots of successful men being interviewed.
KSI, Beta Squad, Sidemen, Mr Beast, Chris MD.
Bear Grylls - Chief Scout and outdoor adventurer.
Lebron James - Basketball
Dwayne Johnson - former wrestler now actor - a top earning Insta celeb.
Christiano Ronaldo - footballer, family man, top earning Insta celeb.
Justin Baldoni - Actor
Chris Evans - Captain America actor
Terry Crews - Former NFL and actor
Jay Shetty - Author and Podcaster

RESOURCES:
https://www.t

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36: Stress: Techniques for dealing with the pressures of parenting

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

03/03/23 • 31 min

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The stress of parenting doesn’t go away when they’re teenagers, it just changes. We may have more physical space, but finding mental space can often feel impossible.

In this episode we talk about the tools we can use to manage parenting stress, and why paying attention to our own health should be at the top of our list, not the bottom.

Links to resources used:
Window of tolerance:
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/hypoarousal-hyperarousal
https://www.ted.com/talks/helen_pearson_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_human_development?language=en
A free app to help with breathing to relax: breathe2relax
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Feeling-Overwhelmed-with-Parenting-Demands.aspx
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/scientists-followed-thousands-of-kids-for-70-years-this-is-biggest-takeaway-for-parents.html

https://visionsteen.com/nature-vs-nurture-affect-teenage-brain-development/

https://parentingscience.com/parenting-stress-evidence-based-tips/

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30: Christmas and other family gatherings with teens. Magic or misery?

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

12/15/22 • 23 min

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We all have traditional times when our extended families come together to celebrate, give thanks, and share the warmth of mutual love. In the UK, December is a non-stop reel of songs about 'Simply having a wonderful Christmas time', and Instagram is awash with pictures of happy celebrations.
Being with our family can give us a welcome chance to relax and be accepted for who we are but - let's be honest - it can also bring out the worst in us. The break in routine - where everyone is forced together - can be a difficult adjustment. The expense can be crippling. Travelling to see family can be stressful, and then the raised expectations can set up the entire event for failure.

We've all been there, so here are our tips on how to make the most of those gatherings when you have teenagers in the house.

https://www.family-action.org.uk/our-voices/2021/11/12/connecting-with-teenagers-at-christmas/
https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2021/16-december-coping-with-family-pressures-and-expectations-in-the-run-up-to-christmas/
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2021/december/avoiding-stressful-christmas.html
https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/a29321/how-to-deal-with-family-fallout-at-christmas/
https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/best-advice-family-christmas/605760

Support the show

Thank you so much for your support. Please hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message.
I don't have medical training so please seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping.
Rachel’s email is [email protected] The website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact us:
www.teenagersuntangled.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/
Susie is available for a free 15 minute consultation, and has a great blog:
www.amindful-life.co.uk

82: Concentration, and the troubling effect of too many choices

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

03/20/24 • 32 min

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Does a goldfish have a longer attention span than us humans - as a Microsoft study found - or do we believe the latest study on concentration which says adults have actually increased in their ability to pay attention since the 1990's?
The latest study made us wonder about what's really going on, because we all know that gamers have phenomenal powers of concentration, but the rest of us feel we're struggling with attention.
Perhaps our real problem is a lack of focus caused by too many choices for what we could be doing.
In this episode, we talk about the two studies, other studies relating to the problems associated with too much choice, the impact of sleep-deprivation, and positive ways in which we can help ourselves to get things done in our daily lives.
TED talk:
The gratification monkey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU
BOOKS:
The Collapse of Parenting by Leonard Sachs
THE MAIN STUDY:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377035152_Is_there_a_Flynn_effect_for_attention_Cross-temporal_meta-analytical_evidence_for_better_test_performance_1990-2021https://pure.hw.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/106082041/1-s2.0-S0191886923003409-main.pdf
https://www.csoonline.com/article/551475/microsoft-goldfish-have-higher-attention-spans-than-we-do-thanks-to-digital-lifestyles.html
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/jul/24/secret-to-improving-concentration#:~:text=Fuel%20your%20mind.,water%20as%20dehydration%20impoverishes%20concentration.
https://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish/
(https://standard.asl.org/27705/uncategorized/social-media-causes-attention-spans-to-drop/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20survey%20conducted,use%2C%20was%20distracting%20to%20them.)

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7: Isolation. Did Covid really have that much of an impact on our teens, and the teenage sleep conundrum.

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

02/13/22 • 31 min

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Covid has given everyone a real bashing. For teenagers, one upside is that we now talk more about mental health, but at the same time our teens have been stuck in their rooms on digital devices. The number using social media for four hours or more has increased dramatically. Seeing people who aren't in lockdown having fun or looking glamorous just at the time when they want to be branching out is very difficult for teens.
A recent analysis for the BBC says there’s been a 77% rise in severe mental health cases in under 18’s and that head teachers are also reporting a huge rise in less severe mental health issues.

In a recent survey of over 200 of Place2Be’s frontline mental health professionals the common themes that young people have been raising are

· Loneliness & isolation (55%)

· Academic worries (48%)

· Juggling schoolwork (45%)

· Loss of rituals like end of year activities or exams (43%)

· Family relationship difficulties (42%)
A very touching, emotional BBC documentary that helps to see the world through the eyes of school kids and teachers:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0g8c10s/helping-our-teens-series-1-episode-1

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Tips – www.place2be

· Remind your child about everything they want to achieve and encourage them to look ahead.

· Remind them of how valued they are.

· Acknowledge how hard it has been not seeing their loved ones and friends. Help them find ways to do that.

· Respond calmly and in a resilient way and your child will take their cue from you.

· Encourage them to try new things in something they enjoy.

· Check in with your teen. It's really important to find time to connect with them AND to encourage them to talk about their feelings.

SLEEP AND TEENAGERS:

Tips – The Sleep Foundation: get them to review their sleep patterns:

· Budgeting eight hours of sleep into your daily schedule and keeping that same schedule on both weekdays and weekends.

· Creating a consistent pre-bed routine to help with relaxation and falling asleep fast.

· Avoiding caffeine and energy drinks, especially in the afternoon and evening.

· Putting away electronic devices for at least a half-hour before bed and keeping them on silent mode to avoid checking them during the night.

· Check the mattress and pillow are good for the teenager.

· Keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

SOURCES:
Julie Hubbard, professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Delaware
World Economic Forum

Students now risk losing $17 trillion in lifetime earnings in present va

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56: Gap years: What is a gap year and should our teens take one?

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

09/20/23 • 31 min

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I'd never heard of a Gap Year until I took one, but it was life-changing; in a good way.
Whether your teen is starting out at senior school, or about to hit a transition year, it's worth talking with them about whether taking a gap in their education or work life is a good thing, because the earlier and more they think about what they might like to achieve the more they might get out of it.
In this episode we discuss:

When is the best time to take a gap year?
The benefits and the drawbacks.
How to structure and plan a gap year.
Transitioning back to home and school after you've been away.

RESOURCES:
Www.gapyearassociation.com
https://www.abroadinjapan.com
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/work-experience-and-internships/internships#how-do-i-find-internships-in-the-uk
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/gap-year/7-steps-to-the-ultimate-gap-year
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/what-to-do-in-gap-year/
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10236-productive-gap-year.html
https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/language/ultimate-gap-year-guide/
https://www.nonstopsnow.com/journal/employers-universities-think-about-gap-years
https://www.christs.cam.ac.uk/how-apply-1/gap-year
https://gapforce.org/gb/why-take-gap-year
https://medium.com/illumination/thinking-of-taking-a-gap-year-think-again-85714e18e8b
https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/taking-a-gap-year/

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72: Back to school, third places, manners and our favourite podcasts, shows, books and apps.

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

01/10/24 • 41 min

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We're back with the first fresh episode of 2024. What a good time to talk about some of the things we've been reading, listening to, and watching, along with some news stories.
Let us know what you think. We're always interested in any feedback; positive or negative, and we'd love to hear from you if you have any great recommendations. [email protected]
Podcasts recommended:

Mel Robbins
Unpublished
Good Bad Billionaire
Everything Is Fine
Search Engine: Why can't we just turn the empty offices into apartments?

TV:

Hunger Games
Netflix - Watch World War II: From the Frontlines

Book:

Do Hard Things: A teenage rebellion against low expectations by Alex and Brett Harris.

Calendar app:

TimeTree

School:

PISA scores: https://www.oecd.org/publication/pisa-2022-results/country-notes
Emotionally based school avoidance: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-anxiety-guide

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15: Self-harm: What can I do if my teen is self-harming? Also, what's your talking style and how does it affect your teen?

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

06/06/22 • 48 min

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The rate of self-harm among young children in the UK has doubled over the last six years according to recent research compiled by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Keith Hawton, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford, told File on 4 the data on self-harm was “in keeping with what we’re finding from our research databases. It’s almost as though the problem is spreading down the age range.
One analysis of self-injury behaviour across more than 40 countries found that the average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13 and adolescents have the highest rate of self-injury behaviour.

Given the increasing risk that your teen, or one of their friends, will be impacted by self-harm we decided to delve into what it is and how we can better help our adolescents.
One mum says that her 12 year old teen began self-harming due to bullying. She takes her to the swings whenever she needs to soothe herself, and says it makes all the difference. Such a great idea!
Resources:

https://www.priorygroup.com/media-centre/ten-ways-a-parent-can-help-a-child-avoid-self-harming
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/two-takes-depression/201803/6-tips-reduce-self-harm-in-children
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-harm/for-friends-and-family/
https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/10-ways-people-self-harm-self-injure
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/health/mental-health-crisis-teens.html
https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/why-pro-self-injury-pro-self-harm-websites-are-dangerous
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/self-harm/self-harm-statistics/

HELPLINES:

In the UK Samaritans, 116 123
In the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
In Australia the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14
www.befrienders.org
Selfharm.co.uk Called Alumina is a free online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm Each course has up to 8 people, all at home. You don’t need an adult to sign you up. UK.
free online self-harm support for 14-19 year olds.
LifeSIGNS.org.uk information to support people who are ready to find new ways to cope.
Selfinjurysupport.co.uk offers information and support to women and girls affected.
Youngminds.org.uk
Zest, counselling and support in Northern Ireland.
Resourc

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1: What's in your parenting toolbox, and how do you get your teenager to tidy their room?

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

12/16/21 • 24 min

Just when you thought that you’d got the hang of parenting, your child changes again, and this time it’s a teenager.
In this episode, we have a rummage in your parenting toolbox to work out what’s in there, and how useful it actually is.
And in Tangling with your Teenager, we gather all of your suggestions to answer Natalie’s question. ‘How do I get my son to do what I say, and tidy his room?’
Answers range from taking the door off to pretending there are mice in the room.
In the next epsisode we’ll wade into the deep end and discuss the issue of teenagers and alcohol.
And discuss Alex’s question ‘How I stay connected to my teen when they pull away, and argue with me?’
Do you have any tips or answers? Or any great stories that will teach us what not to do?
We'd love to hear from you, including any questions you'd like answered?
Email us now: [email protected]
Or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Experts mentioned in the podcast:
👉🏻Www.aricsigman.com
👉🏻Jesper Juul: Your Competent Child

Thanks for listening. Creating this podcast has been transformative for our family lives; we hope it does the same for yours.
Please subscribe if you like our podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit.
You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message.
Our website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact us:
www.teenagersuntangled.com
Susie is available for a free 15 minute consultation, and has a great blog:
www.amindful-life.co.uk

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FAQ

How many episodes does Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. have?

Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. currently has 113 episodes available.

What topics does Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. cover?

The podcast is about Stress, Parenting, Parent, Sex, Kids & Family, Anxiety, How To, Father, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Mother, Support, Advice, Tips and Drugs.

What is the most popular episode on Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.?

The episode title '29: Step-children. Coping, and thriving, with a blended family.' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.?

The average episode length on Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. is 36 minutes.

How often are episodes of Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. released?

Episodes of Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.?

The first episode of Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. was released on Dec 16, 2021.

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Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.

Rachel Richards and Susie Asli

Top 10 Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. have?

What topics does Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. cover?

What is the most popular episode on Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.?

What is the average episode length on Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.?

How often are episodes of Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens. released?

When was the first episode of Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Award-winning podcast for parents of teens and tweens.?

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