About

Welcome to your weekly audio hug full of research, tips and discussions for parents of teens and tweens.

As a mum of two teens and two bonus daughters, I've designed this audio hug to help calm your fears, learn from the mistakes of others, and grow in confidence in your role.

It may look like other parents are perfect but even experts make mistakes, because good parenting is a constant challenge. In all the research I've done the most important thing we can do is focus on building our connection by being more curious and less critical of both our kids and ourselves. Admitting our mistakes isn't failure, it's growth.

Before each episode I do lots of research to understand what's going on in this rapidly-changing world to keep us as prepared as possible for whatever life throws at us.

Susie then brings her wealth of expertise and experience in mindfulness to the discussion as we talk through the options for parenting in an imperfect world, offering tips on the things we've learned along the way.

What the Independent Podcasting Award judges said:
'The advice within the podcast on how to deal with what life throws at you is universally helpful, not just for those with teenagers.'

'A good mix of personal stories alongside professional insight; it's addressing something different, and helps its audience with the references and extra information provided in episode notes.'

'The rapport between the hosts, Rachel and Susie, is great with a good mix of them chatting, but also providing context for the listener and remembering them within the conversation.'

For more discussion and tips, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Find courses with Susie at https://www.amindful-life.co.uk/

About the Hosts

Rachel Richards

Host

My main career was as a BBC Correspondent, World News Anchor for CNBC Europe, BBC World New Radio, and roving reporter/newsreader on local radio.

I’ve always been fascinated by parenting so loved being a Parenting Supercoach for Parent Gym, working in the most deprived boroughs of London.

I’m now the mother of two step-daughters and two teenagers. A failed dog-trainer (you try it in a house where everyone else gives them cheese) and terrible, but enthusiastic, gardener. I’m a long time lover of Ashtanga yoga, jogging, hiking, skiing, reading, music, and all types of adventurous travel.

I was born in Zambia and lived in six different countries by the age of ten, before settling in the UK.

Susie Asli

Co-host

https://www.amindful-life.co.uk
Susie started practising mindfulness over a decade ago, after a particularly stressful time in her life. It was so effective that she decided to train in Mindfulness with the NHS and the Mindfulness in Schools project to become a Paws b and dot b practitioner, which enables her to teach mindfulness both to primary and secondary school children.

Susie teaches adult groups, 1:1s, families, in schools (children & teachers) and students (at the Guildhall College of Music & Drama).

She's also a qualified psychotherapist (from the Psychotherapeutic Institute in Copenhagen) and a trained musician (working and playing as a freelance viola player and chamber musician, as well as teaching children and adults).

Susie is mum to three children whom she has parented alone for 12 years