--- title: 'Ask Dr Bettina' url: 'https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina' markdown: 'https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina.md' date: '2026-10-14' description: "Dr Bettina Hohnen is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in working with parents and families in the context of neurodiversity. She lectures and writes about children and young people's mental health. The focus of her work is on strengthening relationships between parents and young people, supporting her belief that if we work hard to get the environment right, all children will thrive. Every month Dr Bettina addresses a new question from parents in our audience about how to support their children's mental health and well-being. If there is a question or topic you would like Dr Bettina to respond to, we invite you to email admin@nipinthebud.org. Dr Bettina is unable to offer advice relating to your personal circumstances; specific questions should be referred to a qualified healthcare professional. This information should not be used to treat or diagnose your own or another person’s medical condition. Please note that it won't be possible to respond to every question. In the meantime, we hope you will find help and support through our website." taxonomy: category: - Toolkit contributor: - 'Dr Bettina Hohnen' --- # Ask Dr Bettina Dr Bettina Hohnen is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in working with parents and families in the context of neurodiversity. She lectures and writes about children and young people's mental health. The focus of her work is on strengthening relationships between parents and young people, supporting her belief that if we work hard to get the environment right, all children will thrive. Every month Dr Bettina addresses a new question from parents in our audience about how to support their children's mental health and well-being. If there is a question or topic you would like Dr Bettina to respond to, we invite you to email . Dr Bettina is unable to offer advice relating to your personal circumstances; specific questions should be referred to a qualified healthcare professional. This information should not be used to treat or diagnose your own or another person’s medical condition. Please note that it won't be possible to respond to every question. In the meantime, we hope you will find help and support through our website. ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/building-independence-in-neurodivergent-children/diversity-celebration.jpg) ### Video: Building independence in neurodivergent children [Video: Building independence in neurodivergent children](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/building-independence-in-neurodivergent-children) Are you wondering whether you're supporting your child too much? Perhaps you've been helping them with the same things for a long time and are starting… [ Neurodivergence ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Neurodivergence) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/why-wont-my-child-talk-to-me/how-to-help-an-anxious-child.jpg) ### Video: Why won't my child talk to me? [Video: Why won't my child talk to me?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/why-wont-my-child-talk-to-me) How do I get a child who will not communicate their needs and only answers when asked a question to open up? [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) [ Calming Techniques ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Calming%20Techniques) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/4-things-every-parent-needs-to-know-about-attachment-theory/talking-to-kids-about-cancer.jpg) ### Video: 4 things every parent needs to know about attachment theory [Video: 4 things every parent needs to know about attachment theory](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/4-things-every-parent-needs-to-know-about-attachment-theory) What does attachment mean and why do relationships matter so much as children grow up? [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ Home life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-stop-my-children-picking-on-my-anxiety-over-money/grief_parents_preview-1.jpg) ### Video: How do I stop my children picking up on my anxiety over money? [Video: How do I stop my children picking up on my anxiety over money?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-stop-my-children-picking-on-my-anxiety-over-money) My money worries are through the roof. How do I stop my children from picking up on my anxiety about the bills? [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ Home life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-help-my-grandson-with-body-dysmorphia/kids-sunday-blues.jpg) ### Video: How do I help my grandson with Body Dysmorphia? [Video: How do I help my grandson with Body Dysmorphia?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-help-my-grandson-with-body-dysmorphia) I’m really concerned for my grandson who is 12 and seems to be showing signs of obsessively checking his appearance, finding something constantly wrong… [ BDD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:BDD) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/does-my-child-have-ocd/ocdmyths.webp) ### Video: Does my child have OCD? [Video: Does my child have OCD?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/does-my-child-have-ocd) My daughter is 10 and she has started getting stuck on scary thoughts that she can’t stops thinking about and she can’t go to bed unless the washing machine… [ OCD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:OCD) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-talk-to-my-child-about-death/grief-in-children.jpg) ### Video: How do I talk to my child about death? [Video: How do I talk to my child about death?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-talk-to-my-child-about-death) Grief. My son is 6 and my husband has died unexpectedly. We are all in deep shock. How do I explain death to my son, and should he attend my husband’s… [ Grief ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Grief) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/supporting-a-child-with-dyslexia/dyslexia-in-children.jpg) ### Video: Supporting a child with dyslexia [Video: Supporting a child with dyslexia](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/supporting-a-child-with-dyslexia) My 9-year-old daughter has just been diagnosed with dyslexia. She’s pretty down. How do I best support her with this? [ Dyslexia ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Dyslexia) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/what-is-odd-a-guide-for-parents/adhd-in-children.webp) ### Video: What is ODD? A guide for parents [Video: What is ODD? A guide for parents](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/what-is-odd-a-guide-for-parents) The school is telling me my 10-year-old son is being obstructive, not doing what he’s told at school. I’ve told him that he’s always been like this, and… [ ODD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ODD) [ ADHD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ADHD) [ Conduct Disorder ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Conduct%20Disorder) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/5-family-wellness-tips-that-actually-work/resilience.webp) ### Video: 5 Family Wellness tips that actually work [Video: 5 Family Wellness tips that actually work](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/5-family-wellness-tips-that-actually-work) Global Wellness Day is a great time to reflect on how we can support our own well-being and that of our kids. This video encourages families of all shapes… [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) [ Calming Techniques ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Calming%20Techniques) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/my-adopted-child-is-struggling-with-school-anxiety/barriers-to-learning-22.jpg) ### Video: My adopted child is struggling with school anxiety [Video: My adopted child is struggling with school anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-adopted-child-is-struggling-with-school-anxiety) If you're a parent or carer of a looked-after child struggling with separation anxiety, you're not alone, and support is available. [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/5-tips-to-help-you-survive-the-school-holidays/thrive-the-holidays.jpg) ### Video: 5 Tips to help you survive the school holidays [Video: 5 Tips to help you survive the school holidays](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/5-tips-to-help-you-survive-the-school-holidays) Holidays aren't always easy for kids (or adults for that matter). Family get-togethers can create all sorts of dynamics that children might not be used… [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ Mental Health ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Mental%20Health) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/5-tips-on-building-resilience-in-young-children/chickenshed.jpeg) ### Video: 5 Tips on building resilience in young children [Video: 5 Tips on building resilience in young children](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/5-tips-on-building-resilience-in-young-children) 5 parenting tips to build resilience in your children. [ Calming Techniques ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Calming%20Techniques) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/my-child-wont-go-to-therapy/anxiety-in-children.jpg) ### Video: My child won't go to therapy [Video: My child won't go to therapy](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-child-wont-go-to-therapy) Anxiety. My 11-year-old is having issues with anxiety. I’d like to get her help and support, but she won’t see a therapist due to stigma. Do you have any… [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/my-child-is-being-left-out-of-social-media-groups/social-media-exclusion.jpg) ### Video: My child is being left out of social media groups [Video: My child is being left out of social media groups](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-child-is-being-left-out-of-social-media-groups) Social Media. My 12-year-old daughter is being left out of some friendship what’s app groups. She can also see on snapmaps that her friends are meeting… [ Online Harm ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Online%20Harm) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/how-can-i-help-my-daughter-with-her-adhd-ass-she-starts-at-secondary-school/talking-about-neurodiversity.webp) ### Video: How can I help my daughter with her ADHD as she starts at Secondary school? [Video: How can I help my daughter with her ADHD as she starts at Secondary scho…](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-can-i-help-my-daughter-with-her-adhd-ass-she-starts-at-secondary-school) I have a 12-year-old daughter. Could you please let me have some idea of signs she may have ADD? [ ADHD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ADHD) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/bullying-among-siblings/bullying-verbal-abuse.webp) ### Video: Bullying among siblings [Video: Bullying among siblings](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/bullying-among-siblings) My 13-year-old son is constantly undermining and picking on his 10-year-old sister. It makes her miserable at home. People keep saying it’s an older brother… [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/how-can-i-deal-with-sibling-rivalry-sensitively/bullied-child.webp) ### Video: How can I deal with sibling rivalry sensitively? [Video: How can I deal with sibling rivalry sensitively?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-can-i-deal-with-sibling-rivalry-sensitively) 5 top tips for managing sibling rivalry and building healthy relationships. [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/helping-a-child-showing-signs-of-depression/sad-child-with-mum-in-background.jpg) ### Video: Helping a child showing signs of depression [Video: Helping a child showing signs of depression](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/helping-a-child-showing-signs-of-depression) My daughter is 14 and is struggling with depression and her mental health. We are waiting for therapy, but what can we do in the meantime? [ Depression ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Depression) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/struggling-after-my-sons-adhd-diagnosis/adhd-add-a-teachers-experience.jpg) ### Video: Struggling after my son's ADHD diagnosis [Video: Struggling after my son's ADHD diagnosis](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/struggling-after-my-sons-adhd-diagnosis) My son has just got a diagnosis of ADHD/ODD and I’m feeling judged and struggling to cope. Do you have any advice? [ ADHD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ADHD) [ ODD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ODD) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/talking-to-children-about-divorce/how-loss-impacts-children.jpg) ### Video: Talking to children about divorce [Video: Talking to children about divorce](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/talking-to-children-about-divorce) I have a 12-year-old son. We are getting divorced and my son isn’t talking and is struggling with anxiety. How do I get him to open up so I can support… [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ Grief ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Grief) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/helping-my-autistic-daughter-to-succeed/misconceptionsaboutautism.webp) ### Video: Helping my autistic daughter to succeed [Video: Helping my autistic daughter to succeed](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/helping-my-autistic-daughter-to-succeed) My 15-year-old daughter has just had an autism diagnosis and is about to go to college. How do I set her up for success? [ Autism ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Autism) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/managing-childrens-expectations-around-smartphones/chilren-and-smartphones.jpg) ### Video: Managing children's expectations around smartphones [Video: Managing children's expectations around smartphones](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/managing-childrens-expectations-around-smartphones) My son has a smartphone and has been allowed WhatsApp. He’s very responsible. Our 8-year-old daughter will expect to earn a smartphone when she’s older… [ Online Harm ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Online%20Harm) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/my-child-is-worried-about-body-size/disordered-eating-in-young-sm.jpg) ### Video: My child is worried about body size [Video: My child is worried about body size](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-child-is-worried-about-body-size) My 12-year-old son has put on a little bit of weight. It is getting him down. I don’t want to make a big thing out of it, but I’d like to help him. Any… [ Eating Disorders ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Eating%20Disorders) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/school-based-anxiety/Anxiety.00_03_42_06.Still008.jpg) ### Video: School-based anxiety [Video: School-based anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/school-based-anxiety) We have a son who is anxious about school, and he is getting close to school refusal. How can we support him? [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) --- ## Navigation - Parent: [Toolkit](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit.md) - Previous: [Lived Experience](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/lived-experience.md) - Next: [Support Hub](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/support-hub.md) - Children: - [4 things every parent needs to know about attachment theory](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/4-things-every-parent-needs-to-know-about-attachment-theory.md) - [5 Family Wellness tips that actually work](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/5-family-wellness-tips-that-actually-work.md) - [5 Tips on building resilience in young children](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/5-tips-on-building-resilience-in-young-children.md) - [5 Tips to help you survive the school holidays](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/5-tips-to-help-you-survive-the-school-holidays.md) - [Building independence in neurodivergent children](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/building-independence-in-neurodivergent-children.md) - [Bullying among siblings](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/bullying-among-siblings.md) - [Does my child have OCD?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/does-my-child-have-ocd.md) - [Helping a child showing signs of depression](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/helping-a-child-showing-signs-of-depression.md) - [Helping my autistic daughter to succeed](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/helping-my-autistic-daughter-to-succeed.md) - [How can I deal with sibling rivalry sensitively?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-can-i-deal-with-sibling-rivalry-sensitively.md) - [How can I help my daughter with her ADHD as she starts at Secondary school?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-can-i-help-my-daughter-with-her-adhd-ass-she-starts-at-secondary-school.md) - [How do I help my grandson with Body Dysmorphia?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-help-my-grandson-with-body-dysmorphia.md) - [How do I stop my children picking up on my anxiety over money?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-stop-my-children-picking-on-my-anxiety-over-money.md) - [How do I talk to my child about death?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/how-do-i-talk-to-my-child-about-death.md) - [Managing children's expectations around smartphones](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/managing-childrens-expectations-around-smartphones.md) - [My adopted child is struggling with school anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-adopted-child-is-struggling-with-school-anxiety.md) - [My child is being left out of social media groups](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-child-is-being-left-out-of-social-media-groups.md) - [My child is worried about body size](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-child-is-worried-about-body-size.md) - [My child won't go to therapy](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-child-wont-go-to-therapy.md) - [School-based anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/school-based-anxiety.md) - [Struggling after my son's ADHD diagnosis](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/struggling-after-my-sons-adhd-diagnosis.md) - [Supporting a child with dyslexia](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/supporting-a-child-with-dyslexia.md) - [Talking to children about divorce](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/talking-to-children-about-divorce.md) - [What is ODD? A guide for parents](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/what-is-odd-a-guide-for-parents.md) - [Why won't my child talk to me?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/why-wont-my-child-talk-to-me.md)