'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast cover art

'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

By: The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Listen for free

About this listen

 These podcasts are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in child and adolescent mental health. They bridge the gap between rigorous research and practical application, featuring expert discussions on mental health. Each episode highlights cutting-edge studies offering insights into findings, and implications for practice.

The series caters to clinicians, researchers, and those interested in mental health. Available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, it’s an accessible way to stay informed about advancements in the field.

Visit our website for a host of free evidence-based mental health resources.



© 2025 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. All Rights Reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S3 Ep6: Mind the Kids - Behind the Tears: The Surprising Role of Genetics in Infant Crying

    S3 Ep6: Mind the Kids - Behind the Tears: The Surprising Role of Genetics in Infant Crying
    Sep 17 2025
    Welcome to Mind The Kids, hosted by Mark Tebbs. In this episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Charlotte Viktorsson, a behavioural genetics researcher at Uppsala University, to explore the genetic and environmental influences on infant sleep and crying. Drawing on findings from a major study involving nearly 1,000 sets of Swedish twins, they discuss how much of a baby's crying is down to genetics and why sleep quality often depends on home routines and environment.

    If you're a parent in the thick of sleepless nights or frequent tears, this episode offers both reassurance and fresh insight. Dr. Viktorsson explains why some babies simply cry more than others—even in the best of circumstances—and shares practical advice for supporting your child's wellbeing in those challenging early months. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that brings clarity and comfort to anyone caring for young children.

    Based on the findings of ‘Genetic and environmental influences on sleep quality, ability to settle, and crying duration in 2- and 5-month-old infants: A longitudinal twin study’ Charlotte Viktorsson, Ashraf Yahia, Mark J. Taylor, Angelica Ronald, Kristiina Tammimies, Terje Falck-Ytter. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.70023
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • S3 Ep5: Mind the Kids - Engaging Dads: The Power of Online Parenting Interventions

    S3 Ep5: Mind the Kids - Engaging Dads: The Power of Online Parenting Interventions
    Sep 10 2025
    In this episode of Mind The Kids, host Mark Tebbs speaks with Dr. Lucy Tully and Dr. Simon Rice about the development and impact of "Family Man," an innovative, online, father-inclusive parenting program designed to reduce child conduct problems. Findings can be found in ACAMH’s Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry – JCPP - ‘An online, father-inclusive parenting intervention for reducing child conduct problems: a randomised controlled trial of family man’ https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14068

    Dr. Tully, a senior lecturer and clinical researcher, shares her passion for early intervention in child mental health and her commitment to making evidence-based parenting support accessible. She highlights a key gap in the field: most parenting programs are designed for and tested with mothers, leaving fathers underrepresented and under-engaged.

    The conversation explores the barriers fathers face in accessing traditional parenting programs—such as cost, work commitments, lack of awareness, and persistent gender stereotypes—and how Family Man was purpose-built to address these issues. Developed in partnership with the Movember Institute, Family Man is a brief, self-directed, animated program that uses humor and relatable scenarios to engage fathers (and mothers) in learning effective strategies for managing children’s challenging behaviors.

    A randomized controlled trial found that parents who completed Family Man reported significant improvements in their child’s conduct, parenting practices, and family wellbeing—benefits that were sustained over time and equally experienced by both mothers and fathers. The program’s online, accessible format and father-focused branding were key to its success.

    Dr. Rice emphasizes the importance of policy changes to support father involvement, such as better paternity leave and organizational practices that actively engage dads. Both guests call for ongoing research, longer-term follow-up, and a cultural shift to make father engagement "core business" in child mental health.

    Listeners are encouraged to try Family Man for free, regardless of whether they have concerns about their child’s behavior, and to share the resource widely. This episode is essential for parents, practitioners, and anyone interested in advancing inclusive, accessible, and effective support for families.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • S3 Ep4: Mind the Kids - Rewilding Childhood: Why Nature Matters in Mental Health

    S3 Ep4: Mind the Kids - Rewilding Childhood: Why Nature Matters in Mental Health
    Sep 3 2025
    In this episode of Mind the Kids, ‘Rewilding Childhood: Why Nature Matters in Mental Health’ host Mark Tebbs sits down with Dr. Nicole Harris, educational psychologist and lead author of a major systematic review on nature connectedness in children and young people. Together, they explore why fostering a felt relationship with nature—beyond simply spending time outdoors—can be transformative for learning, behaviour, and wellbeing.

    Dr. Harris explains that nature connectedness is about developing a meaningful, emotional bond with the natural world—a connection that supports not only cognitive skills like attention, but also social skills and self-regulation. Drawing on theories such as attention restoration, stress reduction, and the emerging polyvagal theory, the conversation unpacks how nature can help calm the nervous system, making children more ready to learn and engage.

    The discussion highlights practical, low-cost ways schools and communities can nurture nature connectedness, from art projects and gardening to simply lying in the grass and noticing the world. Importantly, Dr. Harris emphasizes that these activities need not require wild landscapes; even small, local green spaces can make a difference.

    The episode also addresses the real-world barriers schools face—curriculum pressures, time constraints, and inequitable access to green space—arguing for a systems approach and policy changes to ensure all children benefit. Dr. Harris notes that children in more deprived areas have less access to nature, making it even more vital to embed nature connectedness into the curriculum for equity and long-term planetary health.

    Listeners will learn about the links between nature connectedness and pro-environmental behaviours, the complex relationship with eco-anxiety, and the potential for nature-based activities to support children with special educational needs. The conversation ends with a call to see ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it, and to recognize that reconnecting with the natural world is essential for both personal and planetary wellbeing.

    Based on the findings of ‘How can nature connectedness and behaviours for learning be deliberately developed in children, adolescents and young adults? A systematic literature review’ Nicole M. Harris, Brettany Hartwell, Louisa Thomas, Marcus Grace https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12774.

    This paper formed part of the CAMH journal Special Issue ‘Physical Environmental Influences on the Psychosocial Outcomes of Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults’, edited by Keri Ka-Yee Wong, Efstathios Papachristou, Marta Francesconi, and Tycho J. Dekkers. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14753588/2025/30/2
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.