Parenting teenagers and navigating midlife can feel like a perfect storm. One moment you’re managing eye-rolls and slammed doors, the next you’re questioning why no one warned you about peri-menopause. In this episode, Steph is joined by journalist, Sunday Times Best Seller, and parenting teens author, Lorraine Candy for a frank and reassuring conversation about raising teens, handling hormones, and keeping a sense of humour through it all.

In this episode Steph and Lorraine cover:

  • Why teenagers behave like they do (and how to stay calm when they don’t)
  • Talking to your kids about relationships, social media, and boundaries
  • The truth about perimenopause and why so many women feel dismissed
  • Why midlife and parenting teens can feel like an emotional rollercoaster
  • Practical strategies for keeping communication open and family life less stressful

Lorraine also opens up about midlife, peri-menopause and why so many women feel unsupported when they seek medical help. From advocating for yourself at the GP to understanding why teenagers don’t seem to “see” mess, this conversation is packed with insights, humour and reassurance for parents in the thick of it.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The teenage brain: why logic often goes out the window
  • How to talk to your kids about sex, relationships, and social media
  • The struggles of perimenopause and why GPs still don’t have the right answers
  • Why midlife and parenting teens collide in unexpected ways
  • The importance of connection, dinner table conversations, and knowing when to back off

Steph’s Instagram

Lorraine’s Instagram

Thoughtful gifts at Don’t Buy Her Flowers

▶ Listen to the podcast here

This episode we are proud to have two excellent sponsors:

Anara Skincare – luxury, natural skincare without compromise. Use code DBHF20 for 20% off.

Sweet Freedom – award winning syrups and spreads, always sweet, always natural. Use code DBHF15 for 15% off.

We recorded this episode at Patch in Twickenham, which is a co-working space and they have another four locations in England. Patch are offering 50% off the first two months membership with the code Steph50. Go to patch.work

We’d love for you to subscribe to the podcast. You can also leave feedback by sending voice notes and suggestions of anything you’d like discussed on the podcast by emailing podcast@dontbuyherflowers.com

To subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing news, offers and posts click here