The Parent Squad

The Parent Squad

If it takes a village to raise a child, it must take a whole country to raise a family! Newstalk ZB’s Parent Squad helps to do just that. Joined by expert guests The Weekend Collective team delves into the complexities of Kiwi family life.

Episodes

May 24, 2025 37 mins

How much is social media affecting children's mental health?

When does a child need counselling services, and how do you approach a discussion about getting over a relationship?

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A nine year old boy was told he's too fat to play rugby this week, sparking a major debate. 

But really, kids do tend to grow out before up - so when is it an issue, and how do you discuss it with them?

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The National Party have proposed a bill to ban social media for under 16 year olds - following Australia's lead. 

But do parents really need legislative support with things like this? And how much help is really needed? 

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All teenagers have their moments - but what are the signs there's something seriously wrong? And how much of the teenage angst can be blamed on parents expecting to have a horrible teen?

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It takes a village - parents, caregivers, family, and community. It takes a bit from everyone to raise successful adults. 

Parents will do their best to instil particular values into their children - but as we slowly let go as they progress through their schooling, it's unavoidable that others will begin to have a say. 

So in terms of values, what is the role of parents and schools as children grow up?

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This week on The Parent Squad, neuroscience educator Kathryn Berkett revealed how much - if at all - you should get involved with your children's friendships.

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Senior Parent Coach Jenny Hale discusses the importance of resilience in parents. 

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Combining two families under one roof can be hard at the best of times. 

Whether a couple are both bringing kids from a previous marriage together, or someone is becoming a step parent having never had kids before. 

But what happens when there are disagreements between the couple? What if a step parents thinks their stepchild should move out when he turns 18? 

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Midwife Grace Strange joins the show to discuss birth plans vs reality.

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All parents send their children to school with the hopes of high results and great values, but which are they prioritising? 

Special character schools are significantly different from the public school system - and state schools may have a few things to learn.

Rockley Montgomery is the principal of Vanguard Military School and he joins to discuss the place that character schools hold in the education system. 

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Neuroscience educator Kathryn Berkett joins to discuss how to kick your kids out - the right way. 

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Psychologist Dougal Sutherland joins Tim Beveridge to discuss how parents should handle the pressure to treat their children equally. 

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Parents nationwide are saying goodbye to their kids as they set off to university, their OE, or countless other adventures. 

It leaves the parents with an unusually quiet home - so how do they deal with it?

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The number of anxiety diagnoses is becoming increasingly more common in newer generations. 

Dr Leila Masson, paediatrician and author of Children's Health A to Z, says children are put in a difficult position with the rising popularity of social media. 

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The Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa (YDSA) recognised six key principles to support the positive development of teens and tweens. 

Understanding, connection, and relationships are just some of the focal points found to be essential for resilient and thriving young adults. 

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All children have their quirks - especially coming into the teenage years. 

But when does it cross the line from awkwardness to potentially needing some extra support? 

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Prince William himself recently admitted that when asked what they had learnt at school that day, his children respond with "nothing". 

But how much of the anxiety around change is really coming from the child, and how much is being projected onto the child by their parents? 

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Statistics from Auckland Hospital show there has been a dramatic increase in women requesting c-sections in recent year, but a drop in women actually getting elective c-sections. 

The number also show an unfortunate increase in emergency c-sections. 

Grace Strange is a midwife and founder of Antenatal Co., and she joins with more.

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NCEA exam results have been released, and many students are less than pleased with how they did. 

Every parent wants their child to be their best, but how can they push their children to improve without destroying their self confidence?

As parents deal with the fallout from exam results, many have had to return to work while school holidays drag on. 

With only 20 days of annual leave, how can parents manage to find or aff...

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Family arguments are more common than not over the holiday period - but when is it time to step in when it comes to relatives making comments to children? 

John Cowan joins to discuss. 

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