'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

• 7: Mind the Kids - Only the lonely

  Welcome to Mind the Kids, the podcast where research meets real-world practice in child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmore, Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Child Development Programme Director at UCL, and Professor Umar Toseeb, expert in child and adolescent mental health and special educational needs, each episode dives into the latest topics from the research literature. Join us as we engage with leading authors and sift through the data, dilemmas, and debates—leaving you with practical takeaways for both academics and practitioners. In this episode, “Only the Lonely”, Jane and Umar talk to Professor Roz Shafran, Emeritus Professor of Population, Policy & Practice. Population, Policy & Practice Dept. UCL GOS Institute of Child Health.  They discuss the complexities of loneliness, covering definitions of loneliness, its heterogeneous nature, risk factors, the importance of screening, and potential interventions. The conversation emphasises the need for a nuanced understanding of loneliness and the necessity for effective strategies to address it. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, clinician, or simply passionate about supporting young minds, Mind the Kids is your essential guide to understanding and improving the mental health of children and adolescents.

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• 6: Mind the Kids - Anxiety and Paranoia: What Lies Beneath?

  This episode of the "Mind the Kids" podcast, titled "Anxiety and Paranoia: What Lies Beneath?", features hosts Dr. Jane Gilmour and Prof. Umar Toseeb in conversation with Dr. Jessica Kingston. The discussion unpacks the complexities of paranoia and social anxiety during adolescence, examining how these experiences manifest, their definitions, and what they mean for child development and emotional well-being.  The episode explores the prevalence of paranoid thoughts among young people, the difference between typical worries and clinical concerns, and the impact of lived experiences on the development of paranoid beliefs. Listeners will gain insights into the adaptive aspects of paranoia, the importance of mental health literacy, and why adolescence is such a critical time for developing social relationships. The conversation also highlights the need for parents and educators to recognize signs of distress, normalize intense emotions, and support youth as they navigate mental health challenges.  This episode draws on the latest psychological research and offers practical coping strategies for families and professionals supporting adolescent mental health.

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• 5: Mind the Kids - Reading between the lines

  This episode is called 'Reading between the lines' and is part of the "Mind the Kids" podcast series, produced by the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH). Hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmour and Prof. Umar Toseeb, with guest Dr. Germán Grande, the discussion explores how the home literacy environment shapes children’s reading development and long-term outcomes. The conversation highlights the importance of parental involvement, the interplay between genetics and environmental factors, and how early literacy experiences can influence educational success.  Listeners will gain insights into the roles of family, culture, and schools in fostering reading skills, and discover practical ways to support children’s literacy from early childhood onwards. This episode is ideal for parents, educators, and anyone interested in child development, education, and mental health, offering evidence-based advice and expert perspectives on building strong foundations for children’s futures

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• 4: Mind the Kids - Parent plus child factors, does it add up?

   We’re excited to share the latest episode of Mind the Kids, hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmore (UCL) and Professor Umar Toseeb (University of York). This episode dives into the complex relationship between parenting styles and infant characteristics, exploring whether their influences on child development are simply additive-or something more nuanced. Joined by special guest Dr. Robert Eves (Bielefeld University), we discuss groundbreaking research using large, nationally representative datasets to unpack how parenting and child traits interact. We also break down key theoretical models-like diathesis-stress, vantage sensitivity, and differential susceptibility-in accessible language, with practical takeaways for parents, practitioners, and researchers alike.  Whether you’re a parent, academic, or professional in child development, tune in for evidence-based insights and a thoughtful discussion on what really shapes children’s outcomes.

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• 3: Mind the Kids – Mental Health: Best mates and Classmates

  What happens when friendships become the cornerstone of childhood mental health? In this episode of Mind the Kids – Mental Health: Best mates and Classmates, Dr. Jane Gilmour and Professor Umar Toseeb, joined by Dr. Tom Wu, unravel the powerful connections between peer relationships and emotional wellbeing in young people. From the playground to the classroom, the trio explores how friendships evolve, why quality matters more than quantity, and how popularity can shape – or sometimes complicate – the social landscape. They discuss the complex, two-way relationship between mental health and friendships, revealing how emotional struggles can make it harder to connect, while strong friendships can buffer against adversity. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in friendship dynamics and why interventions that put mental health first can lead to better social outcomes. With practical insights for educators and a call for emotional literacy programs in schools, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why supporting children’s social worlds is key to nurturing resilient, mentally healthy young people.

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