Teen Life Podcast

How can we support families with special needs? Join Chris and Tobin in a special conversation on how to support families with special needs. As part of the Diverse Families series, they are joined by Donna Crose, Tobin’s mom, and mother of a daughter with down syndrome. Donna shares the challenges of discovering a diagnosis like down syndrome and the challenges of raising teenagers while caring f...

How can we support multiracial and multi-cultural families? Chris Robey interviews Tquan and Leahanna Moore about their experience as a multiracial/multi-cultural family. They discuss what it means to be multi-cultural and how they’ve approached blending cultures in their own home. You’ll also hear about their kids’ experience being mixed race. Listen for talking point on: the importance of acknow...

In the first of a short series on diversity in types of family structures, Tobin Hodges interviews foster mom Danielle Bogart. Danielle shares her experience as a foster parent and offers insight into how caring adults can support kids and families in the foster care system. Danielle also talks about the benefits of Camp Akiva, a program of  Our Father’s Children , a DFW non-profit that provides h...

When should you start to worry about shyness? Join Tobin Hodges as he outlines reasons why teens might seem shy. He offers real life examples and ways you can approach social awkwardness, shyness, and personal boundaries when talking with teenagers. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Very Well Family : Help A Shy Teen Build Self-Confidence - Evolve Treatment: Should a Par...

Teenage drama can be exhausting for parents, teachers, and teens alike. So how can caring adults acknowledge teenagers’ BIG emotions without feeding the drama cycle? Join Karlie Duke as she talks about ways to guide kids through emotional regulation, social difficulties, and more. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - VeryWellFamily: 7 Strategies for Addressing Teenage Drama...

Being a teenager is like riding an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s easy to come across as an “angry teen”. Chris dives into why this stereotype isn’t entirely wrong, but it isn’t right either. Listen for background information on why your teen may seem mad and how to help channel that emotion into a state of better self-awareness. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - . ....

When teens start sneaking around to get what they want or need, it can be tempting to freak out and “lay down the law.” Tobin offers a different perspective on what might be behind sneaky behavior and how to talk about it with your teenager. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Teen Therapy:  What Do I Do with a Sneaky Kid? - Psychology Today:  Get Out! Sneaky Kids and Pryi...

Gossip affects all age groups, but for teenagers it can be especially harmful. Between whispers in the hallways, text messages, social media, and other media, gossip is a particularly difficult terrain for teens to navigate. Karlie Duke talks about why teens might gossip, as well as strategies for helping teenagers avoid participating in the rumor mill. . . In this episode, we mentioned the follow...

Lying feels personal, but what if it’s not? In fact, 98% of teenagers worldwide lie to their parents. That’s not a typo. Ninety-eight percent. So, the bad news is that your teen is probably lying to you. But the good news is that it’s not really about you. In episode 112, Chris Robey talks about what’s really happening most of the time when teens lie and how to handle tough conversations about dis...

It’s easy to buy into the stereotype that teens are lazy. After all, sleeping late and not wanting to do homework are pretty typical teen behaviors. But is laziness the real reason behind them? Tobin Hodges takes on teen laziness and why it might not be what you think in week two of our summer podcast series. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Nurturing Wisdom:  Is My Tee...

Perfectionism can have a negative impact on a teenager’s mental health if left unchecked. In episode 110, Karlie talks about ways to identify perfectionist behavior, what to say and how to help teens channel perfectionist tendencies for the best. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Newport Academy: How Perfectionism in Children and Teens Impacts Mental Health . . Visit our...

One in four youths admits to having shoplifted before the age of 12, but why and how do we help them stop? This week, we’ll talk about the reasons behind the behavior and ways to curb it. We’ll also look at ideas for teens’ summer plans, so you can be prepared before they start saying they’re bored! . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - NASP : The Shoplifting Problem - AACAP...

Do you ever get “stuck” before you even get started on a big task? What if we could tap into our brains’ dopamine center to make our lives more productive? Task gamification could be the answer to a common problem with the executive functioning skill of task initiation. Listen for tips on how making tasks into a game can help you and your teen. We’ll also go over some common mental health terms, a...

Students are more stressed than ever and technology continues to evolve in ways that make the slide from academic stress to cheating a very slippery slope. So how can we help? In episode 107, we’ll start with what to look for to spot cheating in the classroom. We’ve also got a few ideas on how to stop it before it starts. It’s not just teenagers who are cheating lately. The same technology that ma...

Teens are known for being moody and bad humored, but 42% of today’s teenagers show symptoms of clinical depression. In episode 106, Chris and Karlie will share signs of depression versus typical teen behavior. They’ll also discuss possible steps for parents and other caring adults to take if you think a teen you love needs help. Then, if you still don’t know much about Lemon8, you’ll want to tune...

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8-12, 2023! Join us for easy ways to show teachers that we recognize how much they do for our students. You’ll also want to hear more about the latest teen terms! Be sure to check out the first four teen terms episodes in the notes below. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Pinterest:  Teacher Appreciation Ideas - Urban Dictionary - Teen Li...

With  anxiety  on the rise, many teens are suffering panic attacks. Listen for how to recognize a panic attack and actionable tips for ways to help. Chris and Karlie also talk about the online platform and app, OnlyFans. We’ve got the details on why some teenagers are using the platform, despite the 18+ rating in the app store. Plus, stay tuned for our tip on helping teens with ADHD complete tasks...

Many teenagers suffer from moderate to severe anxiety. In episode 103 of the podcast, we’ll share symptoms to look for and ways that you can support teens throughout adolescence. We’ll also talk about the growing number of teens taking gap years and whether or not a gap year may be a good solution for your family! . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - AACAP:  Your Adolescent...

Do you know your parenting style? Chris and Karlie share their takeaways from the recently released show "The Parent Test". Learn more about the 12 parenting styles in the show and which one was the winner. Then they’ll look at college decisions and what your teen should take into consideration before choosing where to go. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: -  The...

In 2020, gun violence became the leading cause of death for minors in the United States. Whether or not kids and teens have experienced it firsthand, the impact that guns have on all families is undeniable. In episode 101, we talk about important safety tips and how to talk with your teen about how it affects their mental health. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of location sharing apps and ot...

Sarah Brooks and Tobin Hodges join Chris and Karlie for a celebratory 100th episode! There's a lot to get excited about in this fun, information-packed episode. Be sure to check out the TV shows and movies that may or may not reveal important details about our team. Listen for entertaining flashbacks and insightful tips on modern teens. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resource...

Do you know a teen who loves sneakers? Listen for insights into the world of “sneakerheads” and why for some it’s more than just a hobby. We also give practical advice about how to handle problems when you’re too close to the issue- and how to help teenagers do the same. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - EthanKross.com -  Chatter - Urban Dictionary:  sneakerhead - Your T...

Teen mental health is collectively suffering, but there is hope. According to the recent CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, teenagers are depressed and suffering from violence and poor self image. But feeling connected to the adults in their lives can be a lifeline. Listen for tips on how you can help. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - CDC: Youth Behavior Risk Survey - The...

In 2022, the CDC reported drowning was the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury death in kids and adolescents ages 5-19. But most of us probably aren’t talking with our teens about water safety. Chris and Karlie take a look at how we can keep our kids safer on the water. They also offer easy ideas for making the most of spring break, without breaking the bank. Plus, what parenting style are y...

Do you know how to talk about consent with your teen? Chris and Karlie tackle this extremely important topic with practical tips for what to say. You’ll come away with useful information, guaranteed to make you more confident when you start the conversation. They also discuss sports betting and gambling addiction among teens. What to look for and what to ask about. Plus, stick around for advice on...