Ep. 16: Overcoming the Stigma of Being an Overweight Teen, with Margaret Steffie

Is your teenager struggling with their weight or body image? My guest today knows all about feeling uncomfortable in her body, and the negativity from friends and peers at school that can come with that. Margaret Steffie says she was never the fit kid – she openly admits that as a teen, she was more likely to be found curled up with a book than playing sports, but she also suffered with food intolerances that made her bloated and demotivated around her health. We talk about how Margaret had her weight medicalised at a very young age, and the impact this had on her perception of herself. We also talk about bullying due to weight issues, comfort eating, and how even well-intended comments about what she was eating, or how much she was exercising, contributed to her struggle to be healthy. Margaret has since revolutionised her approach to her weight and health. She is now a health coach, personal trainer, and group fitness instructor with her own podcast – Margaret's Healthy Hour [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/margarets-healthy-hour/id1510820667]. She says her goal is to help women skyrocket their energy and find their purpose in life. Advice for parents with teens who are struggling with their weight The big take home for me as a mum was Margaret's advice to parents to take a step back from their children's problems, and to have faith in the process they're going through. This is something that's really been on my mind recently. As parents we start our journeys with our children trying to maintain control – necessarily, and sometimes for their safety! But that makes it difficult for us to stand by and watch when our kids are struggling with something, or to allow them to make mistakes. And yet, we do eventually have to hand over full control to our children – and that's ultimately what we want too, however difficult it is to accept. Margaret's other super piece of wisdom is that no one can be led into a lifestyle change without being ready for it, and that by pushing our children into certain courses of action, we might actually be doing more harm than good. Have a listen to what she says about her conversations with her parents now, and how it's helping them to understand what she and her siblings need. Where to get help if you're being bullied about your weight As well as talking to the pastoral team at school, you might find useful advice on bullying from these websites aimed specifically at teenagers: * National Bullying Helpline [https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/] * The Mix [https://www.themix.org.uk/] - essential support for under 25's * Young Minds [https://youngminds.org.uk/] Where to find Margaret * margaretsteffie.com [https://www.margaretsteffie.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/margaretsteffie/] * Email Margaret on m.a.steffie@gmail.com More teen mental health resources There are lots more episodes of the Teenage Kicks podcast – do have a browse and see if I've covered anything else you might find useful. And if you have a suggestion of something you'd like to see talked about on the podcast please do email me on teenagekickspodcast@gmail.com I have loads more fabulous guests coming up to help families navigate some of the most complicated – but wonderful – teenage parenting years. I've also got some posts on the blog that might help parents with other teenage parenting dilemmas, so do pop over to Actually Mummy [https://www.actuallymummy.co.uk/] if you fancy a read.</

Om Podcasten

Welcome to the Teenage Kicks podcast, where we take the fear out of parenting - or becoming - a teenager. The internet is full of parenting advice, from when you feel those first baby kicks, until they reach secondary school. And then it stops. No one is talking about teen parenting problems; so we’re going to. Essential listening for teenagers and their parents, as well as those who work with young adults; Teenage Kicks has teen mental health at its core, and each episode will empower young people to tackle their own problems, and give parents the guidance to know how to help them. Each week Helen speaks to real individuals who've experienced the issues that young people are dealing with now, and they don't sugar-coat it. From exam nerves and career worries to issues around sexuality and consent, we get tips and advice from expert guests who understand what it’s like to be a teenager today. Helen will also be chatting about tough teenage problems like cyberbullying and self-harm, drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancy, all with a heavy dose of reality from someone who's been there and made it through to the other side. Teenage Kicks for Parents: As parents, we understand some of our kids’ struggles, but let’s face it, it’s been a while, and things have moved on since we last panicked over a detention! Teenage choices today can seem alien to their parents because teenage life has changed so dramatically since we were young. Teenage Kicks helps you unravel topics like social media, sexting and teen self-esteem so that you can figure out what your child needs support with, and what’s just normal teenage behaviour.   Teenage Kicks for Teens: Teenagers and parents come at things from different angles, we know. But teenage life can be challenging, and the support of your parents can make navigating tricky dilemmas easier. Teenage Kicks guests aren’t adults who’ve read a textbook; nor are they heavily invested in your day-to-day safety, like your mum and dad. They are real people who’ve been through what you’re dealing with, and they have the inspiration and advice you need to handle it yourself. Join Helen each week as she chats to a different guest about topics affecting teenagers in 2020, and helps parents and teens to open up a dialogue that will make life easier to navigate on all sides. You'll also find me chatting about teen parenting here: * Actually Mummy [https://actuallymummy.co.uk/] - my personal blog * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamhelenwills/] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/iamhelenwills] Useful websites: * The Mix [https://www.themix.org.uk/]- good information for under 25's * Shout [https://www.giveusashout.org/] - for anyone struggling with anxiety or depression This series of the Teenage Kicks Podcast is sponsored by Blue Microphones [https://www.blue-designs.co.uk/], who gave me the fabulous Yeticaster mic for all my recordings. It's really straightforward to use, and gives me great sound quality without too much editing.