bbc Radio 4 podcasts

Granny has invariably been the first port of call when help is needed to look after the youngest in the family and in the past she would probably have lived nearby which made it a viable arrangement for all. But now it seems, as extended families live further apart, some grandmothers are commuting on a weekly basis across the country in order to care for their grandchildren and in doing so, effectively standing in as live in nanny. It seems for more and more parents, the ‘long distance granny nanny’, represents an ideal solution to the high cost of professional childcare. But is too much today being asked of grandma’s role? Sheila McClennon is joined by grandmother and comedy writer Jan Etherington, and working mother, Kate Dixon, to hear their views.

The author joins Jenni to talk about Baby Love - the chronicle of her pregnancy in which she reflects on her changing relationships with her partner, her mother and her growing baby.

The author joins Jenni to talk about Baby Love - the chronicle of her pregnancy in which she reflects on her changing relationships with her partner, her mother and her growing baby.

Following the death of his mother, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard cried and kissed his black arm band after scoring a penalty during Chelsea's Champion League clash with Liverpool. It was an act of affection that has won him new fans. But why are we so surprised by this public display of emotion? Jenni discusses the mother and son relationship with William Sutcliffe, the author of 'Whatever Makes You Happy', and mother and journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown.

According to recent research almost a third of girls aged between 11 and 19 have practised some form of self harm. The report found that these behaviours, which involve cutting, burning, poisoning or punching themselves, are more prevalent than previously thought. To find out why so many girls are resorting to this and to discuss what can be done to help them, Jenni is joined by the author of the report, Consultant in Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr David Kingsley, and by Sarah Brennan, acting Chief Executive of the charity YoungMinds, which is dedicated to improving the mental health of children and young people.

According to recent research almost a third of girls aged between 11 and 19 have practised some form of self harm. The report found that these behaviours, which involve cutting, burning, poisoning or punching themselves, are more prevalent than previously thought. To find out why so many girls are resorting to this and to discuss what can be done to help them, Jenni is joined by the author of the report, Consultant in Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr David Kingsley, and by Sarah Brennan, acting Chief Executive of the charity YoungMinds, which is dedicated to improving the mental health of children and young people.