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.

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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.

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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/

Andy Day is one of the UK's most recognisable faces in children's television, best known for sparking curiosity through his hugely popular Andy's Adventures series. But beyond the dinosaurs, safari trips and underwater explorations, Andy is also a musician, author, performer and all-round creative force.

On this episode of the My Baba Podcast, Ellie chats to Andy about life beyond the screen — from favourite films and bands to his real-life pop band Andy and the Odd Socks, writing bestselling children's books, and the brand new adventures currently in the works. If your family loves Andy, or you're simply curious about the man behind the khakis, this is a joyful listen.

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Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

Dino Racers: The Jungle Cup and The Lava Cup, by Andy Day. Illustrated by Alex Patrick. Availble from 18th June.

Instagram: @andyday81

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/

From homework meltdowns and bedtime battles to the growing conversation around medication, parenting a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming, confusing, and often isolating. And for many families—especially those with girls—getting a diagnosis (and the right support) can take years.

In this episode of Parental Control, we sit down with Dr Olivia Kessel, medical doctor, neurodiversity advocate, and author of Beyond the Label, to unpack what ADHD really looks like behind the scenes.

We cover the realities parents don't always hear about: why homework becomes a nightly battle, how ADHD shows up differently in girls, the truth about medication stigma, and what's actually going on in the brain when sleep becomes a struggle.

Whether you're navigating a diagnosis, stuck on a waiting list, or simply wondering if your child might have ADHD, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical insight you can actually use.

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Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

BEYOND THE LABEL: EMPOWERING PARENTS OF ADHD GIRLS, by Dr Olivia Kessel, £16.99

https://sendparenting.com/

Dr Olivia on Insta: @drolivia.sendparenting

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/

Today we're joined by Katie Harrison from Picture News, an organisation that's been working closely with schools for years to help children engage with the world around them in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.

In this episode, we're diving into something so many parents are thinking about right now — children's mental health, and the role movement can play in supporting it. We'll be talking about what's really going on for children today, what schools are seeing on the ground, and why initiatives like The Big School Workout, taking place this Mental Health Awareness Week on 14th May, in partnership with Joe Wicks, are more important than ever.

Email us at info@mybaba.com

Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

• Join the live broadcast online.
• Insta @picturenewsprimary

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/

Travelling with children can feel overwhelming. From packing and planning to keeping little ones entertained on long journeys. But according to family travel expert Jen Carr, it doesn't have to be stressful or expensive.

Jen is the founder of The Travel Mum, a hugely popular online platform where she shares some of the best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week, alongside practical advice for travelling with children. Through her website and community, she has helped thousands of parents feel more confident about taking trips with their kids, from newborns to school age.

Now, with the launch of her new book Yes, You Can Travel With Kids, Jen is on a mission to show parents that family travel really can be enjoyable — even with babies, toddlers and unpredictable schedules.

In this interview, Jen shares her own experiences of travelling with children, the biggest fears parents have about family holidays, the money mistakes many families make when booking trips, and the simple mindset shifts that can make travelling with kids feel far more relaxed.

Email us at info@mybaba.com

Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

Yes, You Can Travel with Kids - Out Now at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bluqXb

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/

There's no shortage of advice telling women how they should look, eat or exercise — and it's no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, confused or stuck when it comes to our bodies. In this episode, we're joined by Emma Simarro, Women's Health Coach and founder of Building Body Confidence, to cut through the noise and talk about what actually helps women feel strong, confident and well, especially through midlife.

Emma's work focuses on moving women away from restrictive diets and over-exercise, and towards strength, sustainable habits and long-term health. Drawing on her experience supporting women at every stage of life, she shares honest, practical advice on body confidence, strength training, nutrition, hormones and the mindset shifts that make lasting change possible.

This is a reassuring, down-to-earth conversation for anyone who's tired of fitness fads, frustrated by conflicting advice, or unsure where to begin — and a reminder that feeling good in your body doesn't have to be complicated or punishing.

Email us at info@mybaba.com

Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram

Show notes

• emmasimarro.com
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Website

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/