TWV Podcast Episode 494: Supporting Teenagers with Lifestyle Choices

On this episode of The Whole View podcast, Stacy and I dive into a complex and loaded topic, but one that is super relevant to both of our lives: How to best support your teens through life changes. We first dive into the science that explains how this age is a critical time of brain development. In addition to all of the neurological changes and development through this phase, there are also hormone considerations to take into account–though they are definitely not exclusively the reason for any conflicts or value mismatch. We discuss our own experiences with our teens and how to destigmatize having hard conversations regarding emotions, hormones, and all kinds of complex topics such as self-expression, gender identities, career paths, and fostering individual interests.

One of the most helpful (and sometimes the most difficult) things that we can do to support a trusting relationship with teenagers, is to model any and all expected behaviors ourselves. Teenagers have a strong radar for disingenuity, and especially can detect if they are being asked to do things that may seem hypocritical in their environment. Stacy also helps to lay out some self-care tips for teens including skin care/hygiene, which can often impact confidence levels through these formative years. Finally Stacy and I both share our strategies, research and resources around dealing with emotional outbursts, including finding some support groups or understanding parents to create a community and acknowledge your own self-growth through this process. Have you been looking for more ways to better connect and understand your teenagers? This is the perfect episode for you.

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Recommended Reading and Listening

• TPV Podcast Episode 344: Nutrients and Personal Care for Pre-teens and Acne-prone Skin
• TWV Podcast Episode 446: Nutrient Deficiencies Caused by Stress

Citations

The Trevor Project National Survey

The Teenage Brain: The Stress Response and the Adolescent Brain

Brainstorm by Dan Siegel

Untangled by Lisa Damour