Body image worries are starting younger. Diet culture may have changed its clothes, but it certainly hasn't gone away — it's simply rebranded as wellness, self-improvement and "health optimisation," all while our children scroll through TikTok, influencers and impossible appearance standards in real time.

In this episode of Parental Control, Ellie Thompson is joined by Elle Mace, eating disorder expert, coach, author of the upcoming book Food Freedom, and someone whose own struggles with body image and disordered eating began at just 10 years old.

Together, they explore the early warning signs parents may miss, how to tell the difference between normal food fussiness and something more concerning, the everyday language around food and bodies that can accidentally cause harm, and what today's obsession with wellness, weight-loss drugs, and appearance culture is doing to young minds.

A thoughtful, honest and hugely important conversation for any parent raising children in a world obsessed with bodies.

Email us at info@mybaba.com

Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

Instagram: @iamellemace

Food Freedom is available from 27th August at £14.99 via major retailers including Penguin, Amazon and Waterstones.

What is My Baba?

My Baba provides the daily scoop on family, food and lifestyle - we're not just experts at all things parenting.

Visit mybaba.com

The Content on this podcast is provided by My Baba and represents our sole opinions and views. For more information on our terms and conditions please refer to the website: https://www.mybaba.com/terms-conditions/

Starting secondary school is one of the biggest milestones in childhood, and, if we're honest, often one of the most emotionally charged for parents, too.

From agonising over school choices and friendship groups to worrying about long commutes, organisation, bullying, overwhelm and whether your child is actually ready for such a huge leap, the move to Year 7 can feel daunting for the whole family.

In this episode of Parental Control, Ellie Thompson is joined once again by education expert Katharine Radice to discuss how parents can support children through the transition to secondary school with confidence.

Together, they explore how to choose the right school without becoming consumed by league tables and pressure, why the "best" school isn't always the best fit, how to build independence before September, what to expect emotionally in those early weeks and how transitions can feel different for children with ADHD, autism, anxiety or additional needs.

A practical, reassuring listen for any parent preparing to wave goodbye at the Year 7 gates.

Email us at info@mybaba.com

Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

The Parent's Guide to Exam Stress is a new release and available via all usual booksellers.
Website: katharineradice.co.uk

To join Katharine's mailing list for a fortnightly conversation piece about supporting children through school, it's https://katharineradice.co.uk/join-in.

What is My Baba?

My Baba provides the daily scoop on family, food and lifestyle - we're not just experts at all things parenting.

Visit mybaba.com

The Content on this podcast is provided by My Baba and represents our sole opinions and views. For more information on our terms and conditions please refer to the website: https://www.mybaba.com/terms-conditions/

Exam season can bring stress to the entire household. From slammed bedroom doors and sleepless nights to younger children already feeling the pressure of assessment before secondary school is even on the horizon.

In this episode of Parental Control, Ellie Thompson is joined by education expert Katharine Radice, author of The Parent's Guide to Exam Stress, to unpack what exam pressure is really doing to our children, and to us as parents.

Are SATs putting too much pressure on children far too young? How do anxiety, ADHD, autism and perfectionism change the way exam stress shows up? And how can parents support revision without becoming the household drill sergeant?

With more than 20 years in education, Katharine shares practical, reassuring advice on spotting the signs a child is struggling, managing expectations, navigating post-exam meltdowns, and helping children build resilience without tying their self-worth to academic performance.

Email us at info@mybaba.com

Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

The Parent's Guide to Exam Stress is a new release and available via all usual booksellers.
Website: katharineradice.co.uk

To join Katharine's mailing list for a fortnightly conversation piece about supporting children through school, it's https://katharineradice.co.uk/join-in.

What is My Baba?

My Baba provides the daily scoop on family, food and lifestyle - we're not just experts at all things parenting.

Visit mybaba.com

The Content on this podcast is provided by My Baba and represents our sole opinions and views. For more information on our terms and conditions please refer to the website: https://www.mybaba.com/terms-conditions/