Parenting Teenagers Untangled: The award-winning podcast for parents of tweens and teens, offering realistic, science-backed advice for calmer, more connected family life. cover art

Parenting Teenagers Untangled: The award-winning podcast for parents of tweens and teens, offering realistic, science-backed advice for calmer, more connected family life.

Parenting Teenagers Untangled: The award-winning podcast for parents of tweens and teens, offering realistic, science-backed advice for calmer, more connected family life.

By: Rachel Richards
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About this listen

I'm Rachel Richards, Teen Parenting Specialist, former BBC Correspondent, CNBC Europe World News Anchor and mum, on a mission to make parenting teens much less stressful, and even enjoyable.


Do you ever feel like you don’t know what you’re doing? I've experienced that too, so have a big hug from me.


Here's the truth. You’re doing better than you think you are. No, really, you are. There’s too much talk about what a parent should be, and how we can optimise and perfect ourselves, and not enough about how well you’re coping in this complicated world as you hold your shizzle together.


I mean it, the most important message is that you CANNOT be perfect. You’re going to lose your rag, you’re going to get upset and say stupid things and make mistakes and hate your kids and your partner and your life from time to time.


Take it from me, if you’re going to worry about anything make it: ‘Am I being curious enough?’

Asking questions will get you everywhere as a parent of teenagers, and the place to do most of your practice is… yourself and your own thoughts and beliefs.

So, welcome, pull up a chair, drop your baggage, and make yourself comfortable. Let’s learn together.


The Podcast:

A fellow mum begged me to start my podcast because she wanted someone she trusted to help her through the teen years, and I’ll be forever grateful to her because the journey has transformed my own parenting and benefited my family beyond imagination.


Here’s the good news, this podcast is free and you can learn everything I learned just by starting at the beginning and going through every episode.


If you want to go a bit faster then scroll through and pick subjects that cover what you need right now. If you can’t find what you want then message me and I’ll tell you which one will help you most. If it’s not something I’ve covered then I’m like a dog chasing a stick, so you’ll soon get your answers.


My main aim is to help you stop trying to be perfect, or comparing yourself and your kids with others. Your only real job is to focus on getting to know the amazing people you have in your life, loving them unconditionally, and showing them you believe they can do hard things.


JOIN ME ON SUBSTACK:
For those of you who want more, or who just want to help me feel like the pebbles I have dropped in the ocean of life are making a difference, why not join my paid community? You’ll get one-to-one support and printable PDF’s that give you the top tips from each podcast episode so you have your own little, bespoke manual.


ASK ME ANYTHING: I’m very busy behind the scenes reading everything so you don’t have to, and when you subscribe you have the chance to ask me anything. If I don’t know the answer I’ll head out like an eager truffle pig, ready to snuffle out the best for you.


COMMUNITY: I’ll be offering regular extras, including tips and thoughts, that help you tune into what matters.

All of the community notes, and tips, will remain available to paid subscribers. I want to make this more about fun and less about fear.


PDF NOTES: So many listeners say they have rewound the episodes to write down notes, well now there’s no need. Paid subscribers will have a weekly, downloadable, summary of the top tips from each episode, so you don’t have to take notes.

Please let me know if there are any old episodes for which you’d like the notes. I’m very happy to supply them.


POINTERS: Ask me if there’s something you’re struggling with, I can tell you which episode is most suitable for you, because there are a lot to trawl through.

© 2026 Parenting Teenagers Untangled: The award-winning podcast for parents of tweens and teens, offering realistic, science-backed advice for calmer, more connected family life. Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Relationships
Episodes
  • Parenting in High-Conflict Homes: Protecting Your Kids When Your Partner Won’t Change

    Parenting in High-Conflict Homes: Protecting Your Kids When Your Partner Won’t Change
    Apr 29 2026

    Ask Rachel anything

    “My husband is highly critical of the teenagers, gets angry over little things and yells, so I’m having to make up for his behavior, and I often avoid involving him in parenting decisions."

    This message came into my Substack. It was a plaintiff request for support and a plea to know how others deal with the problem.

    When I posted it (with her permission), a flood of parents said, “This is my life too.”

    If you're dealing with high conflict in your home, whether with your teens or your partner, then this is the episode for you.

    Conflict navigation specialist, mediator, and divorce coach Masha Rusanov helps us to unpack what really sits behind high‑conflict dynamics at home—especially when one parent is emotionally dysregulated, highly critical, or reactive.

    She says:

    'We don’t choose our conflicts.
    We repeat them.
    Until we change the pattern."

    Link to my write-up on the topic

    In our conversation we explore:

    • Why we repeat the same painful conflict patterns (and how to start changing them)
    • Masha’s simple but powerful Exhale–Explore–Engage framework you can use in the heat of the moment
    • Practical scripts and tools (EAR and BIFF) for navigating a high‑conflict partner
    • How to protect your children emotionally, set boundaries, and avoid parentifying them
    • Ways to talk to your kids honestly about what’s happening—without overburdening them

    If you’ve ever found yourself “making up” for a partner’s behaviour, or trying to keep things calm so your teens feel safe, this conversation is for you.

    Masha Rusanov

    Repatterned Book

    REMINDER: Please don't stay in a situation that is potentially dangerous. This is the national domestic abuse helpline for the UK, but you will likely have one in your country if you're listening somewhere else.

    Spotting the signs

    • Is your partner jealous and possessive?
    • Is he charming one minute and abusive the next?
    • Does he tell you what to wear, where to go, who to see?
    • Does he constantly put you down?
    • Does he play mind games and make you doubt your judgment?
    • Does he control your money, or make sure you are dependent on him for everyday things?
    • Does he pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to?
    • Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making him angry?
    • Does he control your access to medicine, devic

    Support the show

    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.

    Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.

    My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com
    My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:
    www.teenagersuntangled.com

    Find me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/
    Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/

    You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • The Manosphere for Parents of Teens: Signs Your Son Is Being Influenced (and How to Respond)

    The Manosphere for Parents of Teens: Signs Your Son Is Being Influenced (and How to Respond)
    Apr 22 2026

    Ask Rachel anything

    “Is my son secretly being taught to hate women?”
    If you’ve ever heard your boy casually repeat a line from Andrew Tate… seen him disappear into his room with his phone… or wondered what on earth he’s absorbing on TikTok and YouTube, this episode is for you.

    The manosphere is grooming boys to believe women are the enemy—and most parents don’t even realise it’s happening.

    In this conversation, I’m joined by teacher and author of Unmasking the Manosphere, Matt Pinkett to unpack how these ideas hook our sons, how they show up at home and in school, and—most importantly—how you can respond without shutting your boy down or pushing him further into that world.

    Toolkit: Checklist of How to Talk to Your Boys

    Matt Pinkett

    Conflict resolution skills

    Looksmaxxing

    Original Manosphere episode

    Talking to your teen about pornography

    The expert on talking about pornography

    Support the show

    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.

    Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.

    My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com
    My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:
    www.teenagersuntangled.com

    Find me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/
    Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/

    You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • ‘Lazy’ to Motivated: Parenting Revision, Homework & Exams. Hear a Teen On What Really Helps

    ‘Lazy’ to Motivated: Parenting Revision, Homework & Exams. Hear a Teen On What Really Helps
    Apr 15 2026

    Ask Rachel anything

    It's exam season and so important to keep a steady ship with all of the stress in the house.

    I thought it would be a great time to interrupt my youngest, Amelia, for an honest chat about what she sees as both good and bad strategies for supporting teenagers through exams, and homework; particularly those with dyslexia and ADHD.

    We wanted to give parents hope, an honest insight into how bumpy the road can become, and how long it can take to figure out what the best way of supporting your teen will be.

    Over the past six months at her new college, Amelia has really found her feet and feels motivated to work very hard. This is helped enormously by feeling she matters to friends, loving the college she is at, and receiving proper ADHD support and intervention.

    She shares her previous struggles with homework and motivation, attributing it to a lack of emphasis on academics and being placed in less academically focused classes, but also made clear how important it is to take time to understand underlying issues rather than assuming laziness.

    Amelia advises against nagging, focusing on long-term goals, and providing structure without micromanaging.

    Listen to the end to hear Amelia's important, very spontaneous, message for all parents listening to this podcast.

    As usual, my girls prefer not to be on camera, so this is an audio-only episode.

    Read my thoughts about our discussion here

    OTHER EPISODES:

    Helping kids with exam nerves

    Tips for parenting through the pressure of exams

    Trust your kids

    Boys who’re apathetic about study and exams

    Why school exam systems need to change

    How anxiety works and what we can do

    Support the show

    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.

    Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.

    My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com
    My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:
    www.teenagersuntangled.com

    Find me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/
    Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/

    You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Absolutely loved this. I'm a MH social worker, have worked alongside psychiatrists and psychologists for 20 years and think I'm pretty skilled... Then, daughter goes to high school and WHAM, this is a whole new world of chaos and I've been reading, researching and scrolling and today, found this and oh my, this has hit the nail on the head! I feel like I have so much more clarity now and therefore am able to help my daughter through this turbulent time. Brilliant, just brilliant, will be listening to all the episodes and waiting for more. Thank you 🙏

This is just what I needed today!

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An invaluable resource for anyone struggling with the challenges of parenting teenagers in these rapidly changing times

Research-led Practical Advice for Parents

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Such a great source of advice - I often find myself nodding along and thinking - yes, you get it! I’d recommend it to anyone parenting teens.

Invaluable for parents of teens

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Thank you to you both. At last I’ve found someone/something to listen to, relate to and be reassured by. Parenting my 12 and 14 year olds is wonderful but also has its difficulties and I’m left feeling drained and confused as to whether I’m actually doing it all ok for them? I thought the episodes regarding screen time and grooming were spot on and informative. I’m actually going to get them both to listen to them with me when we do a longer car journey so they can hear first hand why I put in place restrictions myself. They often make me feel like I’m over the top and too over protective. You have reassured me I’m doing ok. Thank you girls from a very grateful mummy who is also learning on the job and winging it every day! 😊 xx

Thank you 🙏

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