How Not to Screw Up Your Kids

The first day at a new school can be a scary experience for many children, as well as us parents! But what do you do if your kid is super nervous?We often feel like the bad guy making them go in when they clearly don’t want to, even when we know it’s the best thing for them, so in this week’s bucket emptying episode, I give you my ten top tips for managing those first day jitters.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:01:21 - It’s normal to feel nervous05:33 - Active listening09:28 - Pulling back bedtime13:28 - Role play problem solving14:55 - Prep ourselves18:03 - Protect their energy21:35 - A happy child is more likely to learn24:51 - Pulling everything together💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Whether your child is starting reception, moving into secondary school, returning to a familiar classroom, or stepping into a brand‑new environment like college or university, there is one important conversation you should be having, but most parents miss it.In today’s episode, I walk you through exactly how I approach this conversation in my own family and with the families I support: how to choose the right moment, how to open the discussion without triggering anxiety, how to validate their feelings, how to widen the emotional picture, and how to end with the kind of certainty that genuinely steadies a child’s nervous system.I’m going to give you the practical steps to help your children feel safe, prepared and connected, without the overwhelm.So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:49 - Ch-ch-ch-changes04:00 - How to know when your child is ready08:06 - Worst case scenarios10:49 - What to ask… and what not to ask13:29 - Validate whatever they say17:03 - This is what certainty sounds like💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Results week doesn’t end on results day - in fact, the days and weeks following results day is where the real emotional work happens.In today’s bucket emptying episode, I give you three precise, ready‑to‑use conversation starters that help your child feel seen, steady and supported, regardless of whether they’re celebrating, disappointed, confused or quietly struggling.As a parent, your words shape how your child processes their results, how they rebuild their confidence, and how they move forward. These conversation starters work for GCSEs, A‑levels and any moment where your child is facing uncertainty, shame, pride or a changed plan.If you want to be the supportive presence your child needs, reduce overwhelm, and strengthen their emotional resilience, this episode gives you the exact language to do it.So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:41 - What about afterwards?02:23 - No pressure05:03 - Resist reassurance08:02 - Love is not conditional💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

GCSE results day isn’t really about grades - it’s about emotions. Everyone is feeling a lot of things, from the moment you wake up, to opening that envelope, and then processing whatever is inside.In this episode, I explain why teens react so differently to results, and how your own exam memories resurface to influence your parenting. Remember: this day belongs to our children. Let them lead and be there to help them navigate whatever they’re feeling.To help you get through results day, I am giving you five tools you can use today that help your child feel safe, supported, and seen, because a calm parent changes everything.So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:40 - Results day stays with us05:08 - Signs to look for08:33 - Why does our response matter so much12:11 - 5 things you need to do14:47 - Do not compare17:05 - You don’t need to talk about the future today💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com ☀️ NEW — The Summer Reset. My seven-week summer programme for parents of anxious children (5–16) — whatever sets the worry off: five live group coaching calls + two private 1:1 sessions with me + every tool, all summer. 18 families only, starts 23 July. Details & enrolment: https://stan.store/drmaryhan/p/the-summer-reset  DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

If your teenager’s exam results were not what you expected, your plans might be making some sudden changes. That’s ok, and this episode is for you.Whether your child didn’t get the grades they hoped for, is suddenly unsure about university, or is facing a future that looks different from what they imagined, I will walk you through the five things I want you to do this week to help them move forward.Disappointing results can trigger shock, anxiety and fear, because teenagers aren’t just losing a plan, they’re losing the version of themselves they thought they were becoming.I show you how to name the loss, how to slow the decision‑making process so your teen isn’t making life choices in a state of distress, and how to help them build a new story that feels hopeful rather than catastrophic. I also give you the exact language to separate their identity from their grades, and the questions that help them lead the next step with confidence rather than panic.If your teenager is hurting, overwhelmed or unsure what comes next, this episode will give you the guidance you need to support them in the weeks and months ahead.So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:50 - Grieving your imagined future02:21 - How to acknowledge your child05:35 - Help them write a new story09:11 - Let them lead💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com ☀️ NEW — The Summer Reset. My seven-week summer programme for parents of anxious children (5–16) — whatever sets the worry off: five live group coaching calls + two private 1:1 sessions with me + every tool, all summer. 18 families only, starts 23 July. Details & enrolment: https://stan.store/drmaryhan/p/the-summer-reset  DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Results Day is one of the most emotionally-charged moments in your teenager’s life, and what you say in the first hours after they open that envelope can shape their confidence, their resilience, and their future selves. No pressure 😂Today I am going to give you the exact sentences to use on A‑level Results Day, GCSE Results Day, or any high‑stakes academic moment. No clichés, no “at least” statements, no accidental pressure, just clear, grounded language that helps your teen feel seen, supported and safe.You’ll learn why teens process results so intensely, how to avoid the most common parental mistakes, what to say before they open their grades, how to respond if they’re devastated, and how to hold the emotional space so they can think clearly again.If you’re stressed about how to help your child through results day, this episode is exactly what you need!So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:40 - Your role on results day05:04 - 4 things to do before they open the envelope10:34 - What to do on the day14:45 - Follow their lead18:10 - It’s their news to tell20:09 - Avoid these things💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com ☀️ NEW — The Summer Reset. My seven-week summer programme for parents of anxious children (5–16) — whatever sets the worry off: five live group coaching calls + two private 1:1 sessions with me + every tool, all summer. 18 families only, starts 23 July. Details & enrolment: https://stan.store/drmaryhan/p/the-summer-reset  DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

A must‑listen for every parent navigating the screen‑time battle this summer!Today, I cut through the overwhelm with one simple, highly effective rule that stops arguments, protects your child’s sleep, stabilises their mood, and restores calm at home.If you’re seeing bedtime resistance, evening meltdowns, wired behaviour at night, or grumpy mornings, this episode explains why screens are disrupting your child’s emotional regulation - and exactly how to fix it without becoming the screen police.So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:01:06 - A different rule for Summer03:20 - Screens are not the enemy06:06 - 2 minute conversations09:21 - What are your endpoints?💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com ☀️ NEW — The Summer Reset. My seven-week summer programme for parents of anxious children (5–16) — whatever sets the worry off: five live group coaching calls + two private 1:1 sessions with me + every tool, all summer. 18 families only, starts 23 July. Details & enrolment: https://stan.store/drmaryhan/p/the-summer-reset  DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Screens aren’t just distracting your child - they’re quietly disrupting the one thing their brain and body cannot function without: sleep. And when sleep quality drops, everything else follows: mood, behaviour, emotional regulation, impulse control, learning, resilience and family harmony.In today’s episode, I explain the real screen‑time problem most parents miss, how it impacts your child’s sleep, and give you five practical things you can start doing tonight to fix it.So if you’re constantly in a battle with the screens, and it’s turning bedtime into a war, this episode is a must listen.So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:38 - The biggest danger of screen time03:10 - Does your child do this?06:52 - The science of sleep12:06 - 5 things you can do tonight18:04 - The one week experiment20:24 - We’re not fighting the robots💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com ☀️ NEW — The Summer Reset. My seven-week summer programme for parents of anxious children (5–16) — whatever sets the worry off: five live group coaching calls + two private 1:1 sessions with me + every tool, all summer. 18 families only, starts 23 July. Details & enrolment: https://stan.store/drmaryhan/p/the-summer-reset  DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Fear of failure is one of the most misunderstood challenges parents face, especially when you’re raising a bright, capable child who refuses to try anything unless success is guaranteed.Today, I break down exactly why children avoid new experiences, quit the moment things get hard, melt down over mistakes, or insist “I can’t do it” before they’ve even begun.I am going to give you 5 practical strategies you can start using today to build resilience, confidence and emotional regulation, without pushing too hard.If your child avoids homework, quits activities, panics about getting things wrong, or compares themselves constantly to others, then I promise this episode will help you.So take a seat, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:55 - A quick reminder02:52 - What’s the worst that can happen?07:46 - Model imperfection11:30 - They are never doing it alone💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com ☀️ NEW — The Summer Reset. My seven-week summer programme for parents of anxious children (5–16) — whatever sets the worry off: five live group coaching calls + two private 1:1 sessions with me + every tool, all summer. 18 families only, starts 23 July. Details & enrolment: https://stan.store/drmaryhan/p/the-summer-reset  DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.