Sarah Ockwell-Smith
Sarah Ockwell-Smith is a mother of four young adults. She has a background in Psychology and clinical research and has also worked as an antenatal teacher and doula. Sarah has written fifteen childcare books, covering everything from newborns to teenagers, with a special emphasis on ‘gentle parenting’. Sarah regularly contributes to National TV and radio, including Good Morning Britain and BBC Radio 4 and 5, she has also written for national publications including The Guardian, The Express, The Daily Mail, The IPaper and The HuffPost. Sarah lives with her family, two rescue dogs, cats and chickens in North Essex. Sarah's newest book How to raise a teen is due to hit shelves July 4th 2024.
Latest articles by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
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10 top tips for less stressful family holidays with tweens, or teens, by an expert
Learning to 'reset' holiday expectations with teens saved the day, shares expert
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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4 ways to help your teen handle boredom over the summer holidays (#3 could be life-changing)
When cries of 'I'm bored' is like nails across a blackboard
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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Helping your teen with heartbreak - what to do (and 8 things not to say) by a teen development expert
How to support your teenager through a break-up, from what NOT to say to what teens tell us is important
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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What to do if you think your tween or teen might be LGBQT+, 6 tips from a child development expert (and it's never too late for #4)
It has more to do with becoming an ally than you might think
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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How independent should a teenager be? There's no clear answer - but here are 7 expert tips to encourage it (while still keeping them close)
Research shows that the area where children are allowed to roam freely away from their home has shrunk by 90% since the 1970s
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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“I can’t make her do anything, she just wants to laze around all day” - Teen expert shares why the belief 'teenagers are lazy' is a myth and how understanding this might help your relationship
Teen expert shares the top 5 myths about teens and tweens and why they're 'simply not true'
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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Got a teen who won't revise? Child development expert shares 8 tips to help focus the teenage brain
Plus the one thing parents need to focus on (and it's not just the diet)
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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Why won't my teen leave their room or socialise with the family? I'm a child development expert and here's why it's totally ‘normal’
The best way to encourage your teen to spend more time with you is to pull back on the pressure
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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Is your tween angry, entitled, and rude? Teenage expert reveals why this is happening earlier than you might expect (and it has nothing to do with hormones)
Plus 7 top tips to try that might help you and your family navigate this tricky time
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Last updated
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Why is it only girls' body confidence that plummets at the age of 7? And what parents need to know, by a tween expert
Plus 7 ways to break cycles of diet culture
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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Puberty: What it means and what to expect for boys and girls
Boys and girls both go through puberty, but what are the differences and what are similarities?
By Debra Waters Published
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'Disrespect and laziness' teen expert reveals the five most common teenage problems and solutions (#3 might surprise you)
GoodToKnow expert panellist Sarah Ockwell-Smith reveals the main reasons why teenagers are how they are
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published
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“This is not the answer” – why the latest government scheme to increase school attendance has enraged parents, and we totally get it
The national initiative aims to enhance school attendance through hubs and a mentor pilot programme
By Daniella Gray Published
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Gentle parenting is hugely popular at the moment, but what is it and how can you try it with your own kids
The phrase 'gentle parenting' doesn't mean you're a 'pushover' it means parenting responsively, through connection
By Stephanie Lowe Last updated
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I hate playing with my 4-year-old, am I a bad parent? Two experts answer all
Many parents struggle to play with their young kids, and it's okay... normal even. We speak to the experts to get the low down on how to navigate this time
By Stephanie Lowe Published