It's still early days with the site officially launching later this month, but the Instagram feed and launch event hints at something genuinely useful for teenagers, and the parents trying to keep up with them.
Here, Camilla chats about all things teenage fashion and beauty, as well as why she’s launching Teen Edit now, and her own greatest challenges as a parent.
What inspired Teen Edit?
It was twofold. As a parent, I felt that once my children hit the age of twelve, all the useful advice seemed to drop off a cliff. I had no trustworthy source to turn to for personal, relatable guidance on this crucial stage. Then in my fashion work, I kept seeing the same gap. I discovered major high street retailers seemed to forget that just because you've outgrown the cute kids’ ranges, you may not be ready for adult styles and sizing. I want Teen Edit to become the go-to platform for anything teen-related, be it style, skincare, travel, culture, wellness and more. It's time for teens.
Which phase of parenting felt easiest?
I wouldn't describe any phase as truly easy; each comes with different challenges. Looking back, when children are small, the problems were at least openly discussed. Everyone chats about potty training or sleep routines. With teens, the bigger issues arrive and that open conversation between parents seems to evaporate and we're all a bit quieter. I'm sure we could make it easier for each other if we knew how many other people were in the same boat. I hope Teen Edit will help reopen these dialogues so we can normalise and support each other through what can be turbulent years.
Which parenting stage challenged you most?
The baby and toddler years. I am terrible without sleep, so when my three children were all babies and toddlers, unbroken nights were rare and I remember feeling how much easier it would all seem if I could get sleep. It didn’t help that I don't drink coffee.
What did you expect parenting teens would be like?
I wondered how they’d change, when it would happen and how I would embrace that. Like every stage, it's hard to imagine and arrives both quickly and slowly all at once.
Biggest surprise as a parent of teens?
Teens always need you most when you least expect it. The deep and meaningful conversation rarely come when you plan them, and the problems you over-worry about often tend not to be the real rocks in the road.
How has having teens changed your parenting approach?
I’ve tried to encourage gradual independence. I'd call it small shifts rather than seismic changes. Letting teens go and make their own mistakes is hard, but important. I feel that we should treasure the teenage stage and not hurry them out of childhood. Everyone develops in their own time so it's not about accelerating away suddenly but more moving at their individual pace. We all understand better that puberty comes at different times, in different ways. Our parenting should reflect that.
Which tricky conversations require the most thought?
There’s a long list. Some topics will be obvious headliners; others may not be so apparently tricky. What matters to me is starting the conversation without criticism and keeping the conversation open. I just prefer not to have them late at night if it can be avoided.
How can parents balance letting go, while still holding teens close?
I recently heard a great analogy for this which resonated. All teens will always want to test or push boundaries. If the rope is too long, and the parent too lenient, they’ll stretch beyond it. If it’s a little shorter, they’ll still test it, but more safely. You let the rope out gradually, but you keep enough back to guide them. That allows this natural process.
Who do you recommend following for parenting advice?
I look up to Lorraine Candy, a mum-of-four who has become a brilliantly outspoken, unofficial expert on parenting teens. She shares her own experiences of raising four children aged 14-23 with honesty and humour while keeping them firmly out of the spotlight. I really rate her whole anti-panic ethos. She rejects the culture of parental anxiety and encourages calm, connection and perspective with practical advice grounded in real life. She’s bold and brave, both on Instagram and on Postcards From Midlife, the podcast she co-hosts with Trish Halpin.
She’s also launched The Candy Club, an advice hub for raising teens and young adults. Her first book, ‘Mum, What’s Wrong with You?: 101 Things Only Mothers of Teenage Girls Know’ which is a part-manual-part-memoir is one I often recommend.
Buy tickets to Teen Edit’s launch event at Barnsgrove, RG29 1GF on Sunday 14th June. There will be workshops, teen brand Q&As, pre-loved fashion, padel and lunch.
For updates on Teen Edit, follow on Instagram @theteeneditguide
Website to launch soon www.teenedit.co.uk.
FAQs: Parenting Teens
How can I keep communication open with my teenager?
Regular, low-pressure conversations are often more effective than formal sit-down talks. Try to show genuine interest in their lives, listen without immediately offering solutions, and avoid judgement where possible. Teens are more likely to open up when they feel heard and respected.
Is it normal for teenagers to pull away from their parents?
As teenagers develop their independence, it's natural for them to spend more time with friends and seek greater privacy. While this can be difficult for parents, maintaining a supportive presence and staying involved in their lives helps preserve a strong connection.
How much freedom should I give my teenager?
The right balance depends on your teenager's maturity, age and ability to make responsible decisions. Gradually increasing freedom while maintaining clear expectations and boundaries can help young people develop confidence and independence in a safe way.
What should I do if my teenager doesn't want to talk to me?
Avoid forcing conversations or taking their silence personally. Look for opportunities to connect during everyday activities, such as car journeys, walks or meals. Consistent support and availability often matter more than having lengthy discussions.
How can I help my teenager build resilience?
Allowing teenagers to face manageable challenges, solve problems and learn from mistakes can help build resilience. Offer guidance and encouragement, but resist the urge to fix every difficulty for them. Developing coping skills is an important part of growing up.
How can I support my teenager's mental wellbeing?
Create an environment where emotions can be discussed openly and without judgement. Encourage healthy habits such as regular sleep, exercise, balanced nutrition and time away from screens. If you notice significant changes in mood, behaviour or confidence, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Should I let my teenager experiment with their personal style?
Fashion is often a safe and healthy way for teenagers to explore identity, independence and self-expression. While parents may not love every trend, allowing reasonable experimentation can help build confidence and decision-making skills. Setting boundaries around appropriateness, budget and occasion is usually more effective than policing individual style choices.
