Raising Teens with Collett Smart

Lisa Maltman brings sleep health education to thousands of Australian teens and parents. She reveals why 70% of teens aren't getting enough sleep, tackling technology designed to keep them scrolling, packed schedules treating sleep as leftover time, and sleep disorders mistaken for ADHD.
Collett and Lisa discuss the "Can't Sleep vs Won't Sleep" framework, social jet lag from weekend sleep-ins, and why tired teen drivers are as impaired as drunk drivers. You'll hear practical tools like family sleep diaries, Connor's story of misdiagnosed sleep apnoea, and why "revenge bedtime procrastination" steals everyone's rest. Real solutions for tired teens.
Key Takeaways:
Sleep is foundational for physical health, mental well-being, and academic and athletic performance.
Around 70% of teens fail to get adequate sleep, largely due to technology and time management issues.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can profoundly impact behavior and mental health; professional help is available and recommended.
Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, even on weekends, can help mitigate "social jet lag" in teenagers.
Parents can model good sleep habits and assist teens in understanding the importance of adequate rest by engaging in open conversations about sleep.
Notable Quotes:
"Sleep impacts so much, and ironically, the time I was working for a sleep company, I developed insomnia."
"Elite athletes will actually get someone to come in and talk to them about how improving their sleep will give them the competitive edge."
"The logical part of our brain's not really working, so we just go: 'whatever', and that cycle can continue."
"Because when you're tired, it is the same as being over the limit with alcohol."
"My biggest hope is that they all completely understand the impact that sleep has on their physical health, mental health, and performance."
Resources:
The Sleep Connection: Lisa Maltman’s initiative, offering programs focused on educating students, parents, and corporations about sleep health.
Woolcock Medical Institute: Leaders in Breathing and Sleep Research
Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
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Collett Smart wraps up the year with one of her most honest episodes yet. After taking time away from the podcast, she's back to share what really happened during her break – and it's not the polished story you might expect.
In this vulnerable ep, Collett opens up about the reality of juggling her work as a psychologist, caring for elderly family members, and keeping her marriage strong after three decades together. She's refreshingly honest about not getting everything right and the importance of hitting pause when life demands it. For parents trying to balance caring for teens whilst managing their own challenges, Collett's candid reflections will resonate.
This episode isn't just about Collett's personal journey – it's about the power of community and the impact your stories have had on families across Australia. Collett shares heartfelt feedback from listeners and how your questions and experiences have shaped the podcast into something truly meaningful.
But here's the exciting bit: Collett reveals what's coming in 2026. The new season kicks off in the first quarter with impressive guests, insightful mini-episodes, and answers to your burning questions about raising teenagers. She's calling on parents, educators, and caregivers to keep sharing their stories because this podcast thrives on the wisdom of the village raising teens together.
It's a genuine conversation about nurturing responsible, happy young adults whilst looking after yourself in the process.

Have a great end of the year Raising Teens Family!
Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
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Collett sits with the host of Troubleshooting (a podcast for the 20-35 year olds for all things technology) and discuss the social media ban which has come into effect recently.

Key Takeaways:
Legislative Impact: Australia's new laws ban under 16-year-olds from accessing many social media platforms, intending to offer kids more time for childhood development away from digital distractions.
Platform Responsibility: The legislation places responsibility on big social media companies to ensure compliance, threatening fines for continued underage access.
Balanced Approach: Colette advocates for the careful balance between digital interaction and real-world activities essential for kids’ growth, promoting delayed technology exposure.
Community Alternative: While online communities serve as a meaningful outlet for many young people, especially in rural areas, the challenge is to find or create those networks safely outside digital confines.
Parental Support: These laws support parents in setting boundaries, fostering conversations about screen time, and promoting mindful technology use among adults and children alike.
Notable Quotes:
"I really just want to also kind of end with saying, I see this as an opportunity to give children time to be children."
"The social media giants, they are the ones who will face a penalty… if they don't take steps to prevent underage accounts."
"It's now part of the law… it gives parents another tool to help their children delay social media use."
"There has been this enormous shift in my own family of the way phones are used, technology is used and social media has been used."
"It's not that we are just banning social media, we are actually encouraging a delay."
Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:
Parents should model emotional regulation and prioritize checking in on their own mental health to support their children effectively.
Engage in open yet age-appropriate dialogues with children, allowing them to process their emotions and ask questions about the crisis.
Limit media consumption to protect mental health, as repeated exposure to distressing news can exacerbate anxiety and fear.
Maintain normalcy through regular activities while providing psychological first aid to comfort and reassure children.
Seek professional help promptly if a child exhibits prolonged signs of distress, leveraging community resources like helplines.
Notable Quotes:
"It's very normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage, even as adults."
"This is an opportunity to teach our children that we are all part of one world and that we actually all need to help each other."
"Your children will learn how to deal with emotions and these events by watching how you approach it."
"We can give them that kind of psychological first aid for where they are there and then with you."
"Please consider seeking professional support. Get support from Helplines, Lifelines, Beyond Blue Childline."
Resources:
Beyond Blue: Website
Lifeline: Website
Colette Smart's Professional Profiles: Website | Instagram | Twitter

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FREE GIFT - Exclusive to Raising Teens and Hope1032 listeners - StrongHER Side podcast is offering this resource Planning Calm For Christmas
Christmas brings joy, but it can also bring pressure, grief, and exhaustion. Collett shares practical mental health strategies for parents navigating tricky family dynamics, financial stress, and the weight of loss during the holidays. Drawing on insights from Graeme Cowan (co-founder of RU OK?) and Hannah Gair (advocate for mums raising kids with disability), she explores realistic self-care practices that actually fit into real life. From setting boundaries to adopting a "just one thing" approach, this mini-episode offers permission to protect your peace and embrace imperfection this Christmas season.
Key Takeaways:
Holiday stress can amplify emotional challenges; hence, setting realistic expectations is crucial.
Establishing healthy boundaries can protect your mental well-being during the festive season.
Practicing gratitude and engaging in activities like volunteering can shift focus away from materialistic comparisons.
The importance of maintaining personal well-being routines amid holiday busyness is emphasized.
Concepts like the "just one thing" philosophy can simplify stress and encourage peace during this period.
Notable Quotes:
"Your well-being, not always being polite, is your first priority."
"Choose peace over this invisible pressure to make everything perfect."
"You just need to take one step towards protecting your peace."
"Practicing gratitude changes the brain pathways."
"Cultivate kindness for yourself, especially during stressful times."
Resources:
Graeme Cowan: Co-Founder of RU OK?
Hannah Gair: Host of "StrongHer Side" Podcast, advocate for mothers raising children with disabilities
1300Respect - If you need help with Domestic, Family or Sexual Violence
Llifeline - Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.