Teen Life Podcast

Valentine's Day Date and Gift Ideas for Teenagers. The pressure is on for Valentine's Day, especially when you are a teen and are newly dating. In this episode, we discuss some fun, inexpensive date ideas that focus on having a good time. Also, get some great dating and gift-giving tips! Finally, Tobin shares the best plan for starting an instrument for the first time. . . In this episode,...

What you should know about parental rights and teen responsibilities when your teen turns 18. When teens turn 18, it is cause for celebration! Parents and teens alike can pat themselves on the back for having made it to this point! This milestone brings about significant changes in the dynamics of your relationship with your child. Here’s a guide on how to deal with these changes while considering...

How do I set healthy cell phone boundaries with my teen?  In the digital age, cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for teenagers. They serve as a means of communication, entertainment, and learning.  However, as teachers and parents, guiding teens to establish healthy boundaries with their cell phones is crucial for their overall well-being and development. So wh...

Navigating Talkative Teens in Group Settings Dealing with talkative teens in a group or class setting can be challenging, but understanding the reasons behind their behavior and implementing effective strategies can create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.  Join us as we explore the reasons why teens tend to overshare or talk too much and provide practical tips for teache...

What's the deal with kids fighting at school and how can we help? Fighting at school causes problems for students, teachers, and the parents of those involved. It's easy to write some kids off as "trouble," but in our experience, the right adult intervention can make a huge difference. Also in this episode: - Was Helen Keller actually blind and deaf? Teens don’t think so. - Twitc...

Teens with a mission are teens with a purpose. Listen for tips on helping teensfind meaningful ways to spend their time, help their community, and improve their mental health.  We also talk about seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. If less daylight and colder days get you down, you are not alone! We have tips for lifting your mood. Plus catch our 2023 year in rev...

In this episode from 2016, Heather and Jade join the podcast to talk about their stories both separately and as they intertwine. As a young teen mom, Jade looked to Heather for support and encouragement. With her oldest son now in college, Heather was able to provide hope and a new perspective through the lens of her own teen pregnancy. You won’t want to miss this episode on the joys and challenge...

Join us for a jolly good time talking about Christmas traditions, gifts, and Santa for teens. Chris is back for a special Christmas episode where the gang tells about their own Christmas traditions, how they manage gifts and expectations, and more. Be sure to listen for Christmas activities teens will enjoy, too! . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your...

Navigating the winter break presents distinctive challenges, particularly when teenagers are part of the equation. Questions arise, from managing constant adolescent hunger pangs to handling complex family dynamics. In episode 137 of the Teen Life Podcast, we delve into effortless strategies for traveling with teens. Moreover, we explore what to do (and not to do) in coping with family dynamics. P...

As winter break approaches, teachers, parents, and students all struggle to finish the semester strong. Kids are crazy. Tired teachers struggle to get all the grades in and contain classrooms of tired, excitable students. It gets dark earlier. How can everyone survive this time of year? Listen for tips on how to help. Also in this episode: The Lapse app, 3rd in the App Store a couple of weeks ago,...

. . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Amazon Wish List - Teen Life Merch Store (closes 11/30 at midnight) - Homage - Teen Life Podcast: Top Teen Things | 2022 Gift Guide | 2021 Gift Guide . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠ ! Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twi...

Families eating together are a powerful antidote to insecurity, unhealthy diets, and disconnection. In this week's episode, we offer tips for making the magic happen. We’ll also share Thanksgiving traditions and foods that the whole family will love! . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Parents.com: 7 Science-Based Benefits of Eating Together as a Family . . Visit our w...

Are you ready for your child's first cell phone? What's the best way to approach your child's first phone? Get tips for deciding when your teen is ready for a smartphone. We'll also look at what to talk about before giving your teen new tech, as well as options for what to give.  Also in this episode: - New features on Snapchat - Trending teen hairstyles for boys and girls . . In t...

How do I talk about violence and political issues with teens? Talking about violence and political issues with our teenagers can be challenging. If your child (or one of their friends) has a cell phone they are inevitably exposed to a multitude of complex and often distressing topics. Also in this episode: The use, misuse, and the shortage of Adderall Digital SATs take center stage What is Spotify...

One trusted adult in a teen's life can make all the difference. But what makes a trusted adult and how can we connect teens with them? We take a look at qualities to look for and give specific examples of ways to point teens toward people who have them. Also in this episode: Olivia Rodrigo is back in the limelight with the release of her second album, GUTS Teen Term: Fax, No Printer NPC stream...

Most parents went to school when the options were to pack your lunch or buy it from the school cafeteria. It’s safe to say that times have changed. Today, many schools are managing a different kind of lunch crowd where students order through a food delivery app like Uber Eats or Door Dash and have lunch delivered. Also in this episode: - A super easy, viral recipe to make for dinner tonight - The...

Facing the resistance of the teenage spirit can be an uphill battle without the right perspective. In episode 129 of the Teen Life Podcast, we look at ways to change the way we look at teen back talk so that parents and teens are empowered more and offended less. Also in this episode: Costume ideas and Trunk-or-Treat ideas and predictions AI chatbots take on celebrity personalities And, how teens...

As parents, educators, and caregivers, it’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing trends and challenges that teenagers face. In episode 128, we explain some of the most prevalent teen trends, from “Girl Math” to the “Spicy Chip Challenge” to “RushTok”. We’ll also discuss the critical issue of teenagers’ body image and offer actionable advice on how to promote healthy self-esteem in teens. . . In...

Meet Karlie's new co-hosts and discover the new podcast format! We're excited for the big reveal, and we know you will be, too. This week, we delve into the world of sibling dynamics to explore how these relationships evolve over time and offer practical tips for nurturing strong sibling relationships in your family. Also in this episode: Do you have "W rizz" or "L rizz&quot...

This week on the podcast, we give a behind the scenes look at the incredible impact of support groups. Join us as we explore what makes these groups so effective, why they matter, and how you can make a difference in this important cause. Also in this episode, stay updated on the latest social media trend as Twitter undergoes a transformation into the "X App." We'll explore the evolv...

. . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - New York Times: Checking Email? You’re Probably Not Breathing. - Partner with Teen Life for North Texas Giving Day! - Teen Life Podcast: Breathing Techniques | Diverse Families Series | Summer Superlatives 2022 | Taylor Swift - Wikipedia: Barbenheimer - Vanity Fair: Barbie  and  Oppenheimer  Blow Up the Box Office - Common Sense Media: R...

In the fast-paced world of education, it’s essential to recognize the impact of connecting with students on their academic performance and overall well-being. Fostering strong connections with students can lead to better attendance, better motivation, and more positive outcomes in the classroom. Spicy novels, known for their edgy and romantic themes, have taken center stage in the teenage world, e...

As a parent, it can be easy to let our past relationship with school as a student or as a parent of an older child color our current relationship with school. If we’ve had great experiences before, it’s a lot easier to hope for a great experience this year. But if you’ve had a negative experience, the flip side of the coin is also true. It can be easy to start believing the worst. That’s totally n...

What’s it like blending families with teenagers? Creating a blended families with teenagers, or kids of any age, is not for the faint of heart. And yet, many parents are blending families with teens, co-parents, step-parents, and all kids of siblings. In Support Groups, we often see teens who have been through divorces and remarriages and have siblings from multiple marriages. Blended families hav...

Dive into the world of single parenting with Lori Wei. Lori found herself a single parent at 22. She raised her daughter alone for 13 years before remarrying. In that time, she discovered the power of community, self reliance and teachability. Be sure to listen for what really helps kids and parents of single parent families; the number one thing not to do; and why apologizing to your kids is so p...