Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 Your Weekly Hug

Ask Rachel anythingIt's our connections, whether friends or partners, that make us want to get up and face our challenges every day. So when kids start a new school, college or university it's a time when friendships become the most important thing. With Phoebe about to leave for university, and Amelia recently started at a new college we thought it would be a great time to reflect on the evolving nature of friendships. In the conversation, the girls emphasize the importance of having a range of friends who suit the different sides of our personality, and the value of not being overly dependent on any one friend. They also discuss the impact of social media on friendships, the challenges of making new friends in new environments, and the importance of being open and vulnerable in friendships. Amelia advises against overthinking friendships and suggests focusing on personal growth during periods of loneliness.teenagersuntangled.substack.comSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.com Find me on Substack https://Teenagersuntangled.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk

Ask Rachel anythingThe happiess hack article by Dana Millbank:https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/10/24/happiness-purpose-community-contribution/Checkout my Substack:teenagersuntangled.substack.comSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.com Find me on Substack https://Teenagersuntangled.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk

Ask Rachel anythingWe all have traditional times when our extended families come together to celebrate, give thanks, and share the warmth of mutual love. In the UK, December is a non-stop reel of songs about 'Simply having a wonderful Christmas time', and Instagram is awash with pictures of happy celebrations. Being with our family can give us a welcome chance to relax and be accepted for who we are but - let's be honest -  it can also bring out the worst in us. The break in routine - where everyone is forced together - can be a difficult adjustment. The expense can be crippling. Travelling to see family can be stressful, and then the raised expectations can set up the entire event for failure.We've all been there, so here are our tips on how to make the most of those gatherings when you have teenagers in the house.https://www.family-action.org.uk/our-voices/2021/11/12/connecting-with-teenagers-at-christmas/https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2021/16-december-coping-with-family-pressures-and-expectations-in-the-run-up-to-christmas/https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2021/december/avoiding-stressful-christmas.htmlhttps://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/a29321/how-to-deal-with-family-fallout-at-christmas/https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/best-advice-family-christmas/605760teenagersuntangled.substack.comSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.com Find me on Substack https://Teenagersuntangled.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk

In this enlightening discussion, Sean Geraghty, executive skills coach and author of 'I'll Do It Later,' shares insights from his experience with neurodivergent teens. He introduces the innovative 'SUPER System'—Sleep, Unplug, Plan, Eat, Roam—to help teens manage tasks effectively. Sean emphasizes the importance of understanding teenage perspectives, building rapport, and using positive reinforcement. He suggests practical strategies like short daily rituals and collaboration with schools, all while nurturing creativity and flexibility in support approaches.

Ask Rachel anythingMy substack, where you can access a readable version of this episode:teenagersuntangled.substack.comSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.com Find me on Substack https://Teenagersuntangled.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk

Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist and author specializing in anxiety and communication, tackles the rising anxiety around free speech and self-censorship. She reveals how everyday topics can become politically charged, especially for teens fearing isolation. Chloe discusses the detrimental 'no contact' trend in relationships and offers practical tips like reflective listening and fostering open dialogue. She emphasizes the mental health benefits of free expression, helping listeners navigate difficult conversations at home and in social settings.

Ask Rachel anythingAnxiety episode:https://www.teenagersuntangled.com/anxiety-in-teenagers-also-rules-and-how-to-set-ones-your-teens-will-follow/How to help complex kids:https://www.teenagersuntangled.com/108-how-to-support-struggling-complex-kids/Sleep episodes:https://www.teenagersuntangled.com/96-sleeping-in-until-late-during-the-holidays-tips-for-coping-with-teens-and-tweens-whore-waking/https://www.teenagersuntangled.com/how-to-fix-your-teens-sleep-with-jessica-bryant-163/www.hoomale.comSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.com Find me on Substack https://Teenagersuntangled.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk

Joanna Schroeder, co-author of 'Talk to Your Boys' and educator, dives into the complexities of raising emotionally aware young men. She highlights how boys often mask their emotions and offers strategies to foster genuine dialogue rather than authoritarian communication. Discussing the pressures of masculinity, Joanna emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection. She also shares tips on managing screen time, navigating sex education, and creating safe spaces for tough conversations, ensuring boys grow up as respectful, resilient individuals.

Jenny Anderson, an award-winning journalist and expert on education and AI, dives into how technology impacts adolescent learning. She explains the importance of struggle in education, arguing that Silicon Valley seeks to eliminate crucial 'friction' in learning. Jenny highlights the balance between AI's benefits and potential drawbacks, including its effect on curiosity and critical thinking. Parents are encouraged to experiment with AI tools while fostering their children's agency and interests to enhance learning and maintain healthy human connections.

In this insightful discussion, guest Matt Richtel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author focusing on adolescent development, reveals the complexities of today's teenage mental health crisis. He argues that early puberty paired with overwhelming information leads to anxiety and introspection, coining the term 'Generation Rumination.' Matt shares effective parenting strategies, emphasizing the importance of sleep, in-person interactions, and emotional coping techniques. He encourages validating teens' feelings and fostering curiosity to help them navigate a rapidly changing world.