ParentTalk# with Bev

Did you know you need to be a UK homeowner to act as guarantor for you child's rent outside of halls of residents? In Bristol you do! I never knew it was an issue until now.  Low income families with bright children going to university be aware. Starting a degree is not the issue but continuing to the end can be the challenge.   Links below for more research so you can be prepared or campaign for change. 
Links for further reading:
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/29/parents-who-wish-they-knew-more-about-university

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jan/20/student-housing-what-you-need-to-know-as-a-guarantor
Bristol - https://my.housinghand.co.uk/register?code=bristolun

UCAS Hub for parents

https://www.ucas.com/discover

Podcast contact: parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com

Do you know what a H.EA.R. is? Nor did I. If you have children at university or going to university you should know about this. Found out about it while helping a student. Sharing experiences help us to support our children and our communities better. Warning!!  Death by suicide mentioned.
Websites mentioned; www.open.ac.uk/study/credit-transfer and www.oiahe.org.uk. 

Reach out if you want to be a guest on the podcast. Contact email for guests is  parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com

Sharing my response to an incident a Year 7 mother is facing with her daughter's new secondary school.  Nipping things in the bud early is key. Schools keep written records, even an email is a record, so parents need to do the same.   What could/should we ask the school to do? Can we use role play at home to help our children practice how they respond to help them survive? 

Instagram: Bevparenttalk
Email. parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com

When it comes to grandparents and our children are parents always between a rock and a hard place?  A nan's comment, to her grandchild, led to a lengthy conversation between me and her mum. This podcast is some of my reflections on the struggles, questions and tensions of a complex relationships with our parents in this new grandparent role.  How do we find the courage to tell our parents they are wrong? How do we teach our children to be who they are but respectfully? Do we hear any pearls of wisdom from our parents, or does it all just sound  like criticism?

Instagram @bevparenttalk
Email: parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com

This was the last unpublished podcast for 2022 reflecting on how we might deal with the long journey of parenting. Like others, over the past twenty years, I have had to find my way over and my journey is not finished.  I sometimes have felt crushed, in this space, but share some things that might help us to cope a little more on our pathways. 

Christmas season 2022 can be the lonely for so many reasons. Parents, or anyone alone at this time can seem hopeless.  Is that  true?  What might we learn from loneliness? How might we share what's really important?  May we find joy in  the simple things and gain hope for our tomorrows. Blessed Holidays All! 

A "nitty gritty" final part of our discussion on the topic.  Do more Black teachers need to apply to teach in these places? Shouldn't different cultures be in these spaces to show the world is a wider place? Is it all about networking rather than education?  Listen as each guest leaves a word of wisdom/advice or encouragement for us all.

I am joined in this discussion by teachers, support staff, parents and a student talking about a  Black experience in Independent/Private Schools.  Why did we send our children to boarding schools? Is  it the right thing to do? Are independent/private schools better environments for our children? Listen as we talk about pros, cons, racism and much more.  

Parenting is a juggling 'act' for many of us. We often hide our struggles, but parents are speaking more about the impact of this topic, on them and their children, triggering this episode. I am sharing a few examples and five sources where help can be found in the UK.  Listen and share for the betterment of our parenting communities as together we can be stronger.
Organisations mentioned;  (CAB) www.citizensadvice.org.uk, Shelter  www.shelter.org.uk, Christians against poverty CAP www.capuk.org   Turn2US www.turn2us.org.uk, Trussel Trust  www.trusseltrust.org , Community Fridges Network www.hubbub.org.uk/the-community-fridge. 

Contacts: (E) parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com Instagram @bevparenttalk

The controversial use of the N word by a white pupil, at my friends school, triggered a conversation between 2 black mothers. Why is it when our kids are the victims we can find ourselves being called the 'bully'? This and much more in this episode. 

Akala addressing the N word you tube clip I hold no copyright to this clip and share for reference of how he addressed the question.  https://youtu.be/D_U8XLDFZnY

@Parenttalkwithbev

This podcast is part 2 of 2 and focuses on student finance, student bank accounts and eight tips I found useful when supporting my eldest through her three years of studying at Uni. Now my youngest is off to university. So here we go again. Some wisdom or interference depending on your point of view. 

Share your questions or stories by reaching out to email:  parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com

This podcast is part 1 of 2. This one focuses on degree and accommodation choices. A parents involvement hopefully sharing    some wisdom or interference depending on your point of view. 

Share your questions or stories by reaching out to parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com

What does Google 'say' about abandonment? How might this show up in our lives and in our parenting? 
Tongue in cheek maybe,  but how many of us turn to Google to search for answers? 

A dad: Elliotte, shares how domestic violence impacted his early life and how he is trying to heal for his own mental well being and his family's sake.
CALL 01823 334244 Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence
https://www.mankind.org.uk;
https://www.mensharelisteninggroup.co.uk for 18+
Childline: 0800 1111
Interview with Teddy link https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Wsln9yWJAt1ES9DU3P5GH?si=I7E5lsAOQd-Oy84OLl5J_A&utm_source=whatsapp

We sometimes think we can do it all. Can we? Should we?  Listen as I try to encourage my friends on their new journey of motherhood & parenthood. What is the new strength? 
Why don't you listen, find out and share?

Eavesdrop on a chat with a parent called 'Star' about safeguarding and bullying focused on some UK schools. You might be shocked by some of the content but different experiences may tend to do that. Have a note pad ready to take note of ideas that might help someone out there. Is there really a difference between schools? What power do we have as parents?

Instagram:@bevparenttalk
Web: www.parenttalkwithbev.com
Email: parenttalkwithbev@gmail.com

A Black mum sharing her thoughts and nine tips around keeping her children safe.  Episode recorded June 2021 but still relevant. 

A mature mother continues to share surviving her mother's abuse throughout her secondary school life.  Social services and the systems in place failed to protect her. She shares how it's never too late to get justice and to heal. 

Organisations for support are available at www.mind.org.uk including counselling and therapy.
Childline 0800 1111 for 18 year olds and under
The Samaritans 116 123 free phone to reach out for help.

Listen to my guest speaker as she shares her experience of surviving her mother's abuse: mental, physical and spiritual. This is NOT comfortable listening but an experience shared to help others. 

Organisations and support available from www.mind.org.uk 
The Samaritans 116123 (free helpline)
Childline 08001111 for 18 year olds and under

A Black British mother speaks on dealing with her sadness over recent months. It's ok to feel sad. We all do but it is a  New Year, a fresh start with hope for new things.