logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
21m 40s

My teen hates me

ABC listen
About this episode

When they’re little, our kids idolise us. Then, they become teenagers and start to push us away, refusing to chat and rolling their eyes.

What can parents do to stay connected, when suddenly you're no longer the Taylor Swift or Drake of your teen's life? And why do they pull away from us in the first place?

Dr Justin Coulson joins Bec Sparrow to explain what is going on, and gives tips on how to stay close to your teenager.

(PS If you have a trick on how you have managed to stay connected, we’d love to hear them for a special episode we’re working on. Send us a voice note or email us at teens@abc.net.au)

The advice in this podcast is general and does not consider your personal situation. If you require further advice specific to your needs, please consult a professional. 

  • Guest: Dr Justin Coulson
  • Producers: Hannah Reich, Josie Sargent 
  • Supervising Producer: Tamar Cranswick
  • Executive Producer: Alex Lollback
  • Sound design: Ann-Marie de Bettencor
Up next
Jun 2024
Dear Bec-My teenager wants a vibrator
Your daughter asks you to buy her a vibrator. What should you do? Bec Sparrow on why sex positivity for our teens is important, why there’s still a taboo around female masturbation and the awkward, but important, conversations to have around pleasure.  
5m 12s
May 2024
Dear Bec - I have a beauty obsessed tween
Has your tween bugged you to buy them fancy face cream or a Drunk Elephant serum? Younger and younger teenagers are lusting after super expensive — and age-inappropriate — beauty products that they’ve seen on social media.Bec Sparrow is here to help you know what to do if your tw ... Show More
7m 36s
May 2024
My teen's friends are bad news
What do you do when you don't like your teen's mates?Friends are so important for our teens, so how can you guide them to make good choices when it comes to buddies? Should you try and intervene, or will that only backfire? 
22m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
When a Teenager is Acting Up
It's difficult to process when your teen misbehaves. John and Danny open up about times their kids didn't behave well, and what they learned as dads. Plus, Jim Daly and Jodie Berndt address why trying to control your teenager's behavior is a poor parenting strategy.   Find us onl ... Show More
10m 38s
Apr 2025
Guarding Your Teen with Boundaries
Teens are under so much pressure these days. Whether it's learning to drive or them resisting sexual temptation, how can you help as a parent? Jodie Berndt talks with Jim Daly on ways she learned to pray for her kids in the teen years. Then, John and Danny bring up how to help yo ... Show More
12m 39s
Jul 2024
Sarah Beeny on raising teens and empty nest syndrome
The property aficionado lands on DMP to talk raising teenage boys, the good, the bad and the ugly of your kids growing into adults - and how to navigate tech in a parental world that doesn’t really have blueprint other than hollering ‘get off your phone’. An informative chat with ... Show More
52m 57s
Oct 2024
We Are Not The Only People Here
If your child has ever screamed in a library, had a melt down in the freezer aisle, or if you've ever felt like apologizing for having kids (you don't!), then this episode is for you. In this episode of Childproof, Tori and Gwenna discuss the unpredictable nature of parenting, pa ... Show More
49m 58s
Jun 2024
Why Is Her Butt So Big?
Kids say the darnedest things. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna discuss how to handle kids saying mean sh*t. They emphasize teaching children about social norms, empathy, and the impact of their words. They also stress the importance of teaching intent versus impact and navigatin ... Show More
45m 46s
Mar 2024
How To Stop Your Teen From Sneaking Out
Finding used tissues and bottles of lube in your teen’s room? Masturbation is a normal part of adolescence, so naturally, your teenager is probably exploring it. But we parents shouldn't be left with the mess, so we advise on how to address it.  And, if your teen is pushing bound ... Show More
17m 17s
Apr 2019
Chores, Fortnite, Authority, Respect. Kids Who Give Up When It’s Difficult
Do you agree or disagree with Kirk’s shocking advice for handling a child who yells at his Mom and defies her authority? Learn why some kids shut down and aren’t motivated. What do you do when one child takes all of your energy and attention? How do you help kids who give up when ... Show More
23m 39s