Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

In today’s episode of Shit Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, hosts Cathy Chen and Meredith Herrera tackle the growing reality of “boomerang kids”—young adults who return home after college and struggle to relaunch into independence. Cathy and Meredith unpack the emotional tug-of-war parents face as they try to be supportive without enabling, especially in today’s challenging economic and digital job landscape. From setting clear financial expectations and timelines to redefining household responsibilities, they explore how parents can encourage growth without making home life too comfortable. This episode offers candid insight into drawing the line between support and stagnation, and how honest communication and smart boundaries can help a temporary return home stay just that: temporary. Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] Today’s topic of conversation: The Boomerang Effect. [0:01:50] A High School Cheer by Cathy Chen. [0:02:30] Why this is happening now, more than ever before. [0:04:10] The proverbial “rock and a hard place” for parents. [0:05:50] Turning the dial up on the home discomfort. [0:07:40] How the economy and job market are affecting our post-college kids. [0:09:30] The parent strategy: reset conversations, an established timeline, and boundaries. [0:13:00] The “real life” Wrinkle and how to navigate gaining professional skills in this market. [0:18:30 Parents fearing the complacency. [0:20:00] The lever for parents: financial control. [0:21:25] Meredith shares her thoughts on the difference between support and enabling. [0:22:55] What the bottom line looks like. [0:23:20] The difference between a launched kid at home and a boomerang kid. [0:25:30] Get those boomerangs out there! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Is pushing your child to maximize their potential 24/7 doing more harm than good? On Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, hosts Cathy and Meredith dig into the tension between kids who feel content and parents who keep pushing for more. They challenge the idea that success equals constant achievement, unpacking how that mindset fuels anxiety and fragility. Real growth, they argue, comes from balancing ambition with knowing when “enough” is enough. Tune in to hear why contentment isn’t a lack of drive, what life actually looks like for students who are always “maximizing their potential,” and how parents can model a healthier, more realistic version of “good enough.” Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:10] Listeners are introduced to today’s topic: contentment vs. potential. [0:02:50] Unwittingly training never-satisfied adults. [0:04:10] What is enough for our kids? [0:05:05] Conflating contentment with lack of ambition: check the facts. [0:06:50] The pressure to help kids discover what’s out there. [0:08:00] What we see with students who “Maximize their potential”. [0:08:50] When parents should pay attention. [0:10:45] Coaching versus controlling your kids. [0:12:30] The danger of narrowly defining potential. [0:15:40] Understanding what value is driving our high standards. [0:17:20] Why you can have it all, just not all at once. [0:17:55] Where parents can demonstrate “good enough” contentment. [0:18:25] Areas where Meredith and Cathy are going to practice more contentment this week. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Are you helping your teen or quietly running their life for them? In this episode, Cathy and Meredith unpack the subtle but common ways parents overcompensate for their teenagers and how that can unintentionally hinder the development of important life skills. They walk through the various real-world examples of excessive support, why encouraging independence and problem-solving skills in teens is essential, what drives parents to overcompensate, and a practical way for parents to check if they are doing too much. They also explore how providing too much support can prevent teens from learning essential life skills, how to shift from being a fixer/manager to actually being supportive of your teenager, and how to know when it is the right time to step in. Join the conversation to learn how to spot overparenting in the moment, provide healthier support, and help your teen build confidence. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:26] Outline of today’s topic and what listeners can expect from the episode. [0:02:49] Hear why emailing/texting on a teen’s behalf is a clear sign of overparenting. [0:04:25] What do to when your teenager asks you to communicate on their behalf. [0:05:47] How to know the difference between managing your teen and supporting them. [0:08:31] Explore how the need to manage often reflects the parent’s own anxiety. [0:09:45] A pattern where teens constantly seek approval and how parents reinforce it. [0:11:37] Discover why it is vital that teens overcome challenges on their own. [0:14:31] Uncover how to provide support while letting your teen learn important life skills. [0:15:14] Why repeated check-ins and reminders are clear signs of overparenting. [0:17:00] Find out how to know when it is the right time to step in and help your teen. [0:19:49] Unpack how a parent’s behavior toward staff can indirectly impact their teen. [0:21:50] Final takeaways and closing comments. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: ‘Why Nagging Your Teen Doesn’t Work (and What to Do Instead)' Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

In this episode, hosts Cathy and Meredith dive into a well-meaning phrase adults often say to high school seniors and why it can do more harm than good. Telling students they’re “definitely getting in” to selective colleges may sound encouraging, but it can actually create unnecessary pressure and lead to major disappointment if rejection letters arrive. Cathy and Meredith unpack how today’s college admissions process is far more competitive than many adults realize, making these kinds of assurances unrealistic. Instead of offering false certainty, they encourage parents, mentors, and educators to celebrate students’ effort, growth, and resilience, and to remind them that their success isn’t defined by any single admissions decision. Tune in for yet another short but power-packed episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] Welcome back: an update from Cathy and Meredith! [0:02:10] Today’s topic: adults saying things they don’t have the authority to say. [0:03:00] Why you shouldn’t say “you’ll get in [to college]” to a kid. [0:04:50] What we need to emphasize instead. [0:08:00] The well-intentioned alleviation of stress and what kids actually need. [0:11:30] Why preparing for rejection is more beneficial than false encouragement. [0:12:10] Alternative phrases you can say instead. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Sometimes the simplest habits can have the biggest impact on teenagers’ wellbeing. Today, Cathy and Meredith kick off the new year by naming three foundational habits they believe matter most for teens: sleep, screen use, and healthy play and physical movement. Drawing on years of coaching experience, they explain why sleep is essential during adolescence, how screens interfere with focus and rest, and why play and exercise are critical for mood and development. The conversation also looks at how phones, laptops, and emerging technologies shape teens’ daily lives, and why relying on self-control alone to resist them is not realistic. Along the way, Cathy and Meredith share practical ways families can support healthier routines without overhauling everything. These habits may sound basic, but they support long-term growth in powerful ways. Tune in for a grounded conversation about helping teens thrive by getting the basics right!   Key Points From This Episode:   [0:02:02] Today’s topic: Three healthy habits we’d love for teenagers to adopt. [0:03:20] Why getting good sleep is such an important foundational habit for teen wellbeing. [0:04:56] Reminder: teens need more sleep than adults during this stage of development. [0:05:56] Building better screen habits: why screens are a major barrier to focus and rest. [0:06:47] The case for changing structures, not just asking kids to resist phones. [0:08:35] Concerns about kids and teens using chatbots to meet social and relational needs. [0:09:51] Creating screen-free time before bed as a family habit. [0:11:09] Why we’d love to see more teens engage in physical movement and healthy play. [0:15:05] How overscheduling crowds out sleep, movement, and downtime. [0:16:16] Playing the long game when supporting teen growth and development. [0:18:12] Why adolescents still need boundaries, not total independence. [0:24:08] Some of the habits that we are focusing on this year for ourselves. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: ‘As more teens use AI chatbots, parents and lawmakers sound the alarm about dangers’ ‘Teens are having disturbing interactions with chatbots. Here's how to lower the risks’ Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Visiting colleges has become more about fitting in and ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ than getting the information you need to make your college choice. Today on the show, we are discussing whether college visits are actually necessary. Tuning in, you’ll hear why Cathy thinks college visits are overrated, how her opinion has shifted over the years, what technology has done to change things, and so much more! You’ll hear when college visits may be helpful and when they may be harmful before we discuss why we need to deconstruct the ‘preciousness’ surrounding how we treat certain colleges. We even talk about how resilient teenagers are and why we believe they can make the most of their circumstances. Finally, we touch on the importance of critical self-reflection as college counsellors. Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode: [0:02:48] Cathy’s unpopular opinion: college visits are overrated.  [0:03:37] What has shifted in Cathy’s opinion of college visits. [0:05:10] Why visiting colleges may be helpful and how technology has changed the game.  [0:07:53] An example of a situation where visiting colleges could backfire.  [0:12:09] When taking a visit to a college may actually be beneficial. [0:15:44] Deconstructing the way we treat certain, more ‘elite’ colleges. [0:17:36] The kinds of personalities that may need to visit colleges.  [0:20:27] How this discussion has reminded us to self-reflect more often.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Not all summer activities help teens grow, even when they look impressive on paper. In this episode, Meredith and Cathy take on the summer advice that drives them crazy and often leads teens and parents in the wrong direction. They unpack why cookie-cutter internships, pay-to-play “prestige” programs, and résumé-padding service trips often miss the point, especially when they are handed to teens rather than earned. Drawing on years of admissions and coaching experience, they explain why real growth comes from embracing discomfort, taking initiative, and doing the work yourself. The conversation explores how parental over-involvement can undermine maturity, why doing nothing all summer is not the same as rest, and how teens can get unstuck when they feel paralyzed by too many options. Listen in for a grounded, honest look at what actually makes a summer meaningful for teens! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:08] Today’s topic: What you shouldn’t do during your summer break. [0:04:52] Why most internships raise red flags for us. [0:06:15] The difference between earned opportunities and parent-arranged internships. [0:08:38] Our strong stance against pay-to-play academic programs. [0:09:40] Warning signs of expensive leadership programs that exploit parent anxiety. [0:12:39] When international service trips fall flat and when they actually matter. [0:16:57] Doing absolutely nothing all summer, and why that is also a problem. [0:17:34] Why teens shouldn’t choose summer plans based on friends or trends. [0:18:20] Navigating paralysis when teens have multiple interests. [0:20:17] Letting teens do the hard work instead of clearing the path for them. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

This time of year can be very stressful for seniors applying to college, and they all need a break from the college discussions and pressure that comes with it. In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are touching on what not to say during the holidays. You’ll hear all about what topics to avoid, why teenagers need a certain degree of privacy, how you can express care and interest without asking too many personal questions, and more! We talk about how to prepare your teenagers for these discussions before discussing what not to say to younger kids applying to private independent schools. Lastly, we share some examples of things you can talk about with teens other than college. Thanks for tuning in!  Key Points From This Episode: [0:02:20] Today’s topic: what not to say to teens during the holidays. [0:03:20] Why you shouldn’t ask teens about college and other private topics. [0:08:10] Cathy shares an example of an inappropriate holiday discussion. [0:10:20] How to express interest in college applications without prying too much. [0:11:34] What kids can say when they don’t want to answer personal questions.  [0:13:47] How this also applies to younger kids applying to private independent schools.  [0:15:46] What you can talk about with teens instead of talking about college applications. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

AI is changing how students navigate the college admissions process, and knowing how to use it well can save families time and stress. In this episode, Cathy and Meredith focus on the most effective and responsible ways teens can use AI for college search, planning campus visits, organizing supplements, preparing for interviews, and comparing schools. They explain why AI is a powerful tool for reflection and structure in essay writing, but not a replacement for a student’s real voice. They also address concerns about accuracy, misuse, and school policies around AI. Looking ahead, they share why AI will likely reshape admissions in the coming years and what families should keep in mind as the landscape evolves. Tune in for clear, practical insights on using AI wisely in the admissions journey! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:20] Today’s topic: how AI is shaping the college admissions process. [0:02:38] Cathy and Meredith’s mixed feelings about adopting new AI tools. [0:04:30] How students, parents, and counselors can use AI for college search. [0:06:06] Teaching students to research colleges using AI and multiple sources. [0:08:41] Why AI is helpful but never exhaustive in list-building. [0:09:54] Using AI as an essay-editing tool, not a writer, in the admissions process. [0:14:48] How AI can help you identify distinctive program features and compare colleges. [0:16:52] AI as a time-saver for planning tours and organizing writing requirements. [0:17:35] The right and wrong ways to use AI in admissions work. [0:17:56] Looking ahead at how AI may reshape future college applications. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Anxiety is a common experience among teenagers, and today on Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are sharing some tips for parenting teens with anxiety! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about how anxiety manifests differently in different people, what it looks like in teens on a basic level, how to know when it’s affecting how they function, and the importance of helping teens get out of their heads to combat anxiety. We delve into why feelings need to be named, acknowledged, and felt before discussing why anxiety is contagious, how to model behavior for your teens, and how to make sure co-regulation is effective. We even talk about the difference between sphere of influence and sphere of control and why you should validate your kids’ emotions first. Finally, we touch on the value of exercise for teenagers and how to keep an eye on your kids’ anxiety to avoid bigger, clinical issues. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode: [0:03:16] Today’s topic of discussion: how to parent anxious kids.   [0:04:41] How anxiety manifests differently in Meredith and Cathy. [0:06:42] What anxiety looks like in teens and how to know if it’s affecting them. [0:10:45] How to help teenagers bring themselves back to the present moment. [0:18:12] The power of modeling behavior and how to properly co-regulate.  [0:22:33] Why you should validate before you problem-solve (if at all). [0:24:21] Explaining the difference between sphere of influence and sphere of control. [0:25:49] The value of physical movement and exercise for teenagers. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Today we’re unpacking the UC application, partly because the online advice is… all over the place. With the December 1st deadline coming up, we break down why the UC application is different from the Common App and what actually matters. We walk through the Personal Insight Questions, how to choose which ones to answer, how to navigate impacted majors, and how to approach the activities section thoughtfully. We also touch on why context and extenuating circumstances should be included, plus a common UCLA mistake to avoid. If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed as you finalize your application, you’re not alone, and this episode will help you move forward with clarity. If you have questions or concerns, let us know.  Thanks for listening. Key Points From This Episode: [0:02:28] How the UC application differs from the Common App. [0:05:00] The personal insight questions included in the application process. [0:06:30] Strategizing around impacted majors.   [0:10:35] How to approach the UCPIQs.  [0:13:59] Why it is important to list extenuating circumstances or context in your application. [0:15:45] One of the common mistakes students make on their UCLA applications. [0:17:15] A common misstep around applications during this time of year. [0:18:55] How to approach the activities summary on the UC application. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: College Admissions Insider Interview with Gary Clark UC admissions REACTS to TikTok application advice Counselors and Advisers Bulletin Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

The school profile is an essential document that provides the context, rigor, and strategic insight needed to build a smart, effective college application list. Join Cathy and Meredith for another episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You as they break down everything you need to know about the school profile — what it is, how college admissions use it, and why understanding it matters. They also share tips on reading transcripts, which GPA to focus on, and why no amount of extracurriculars can distract from a funky transcript. Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] A proviso for today’s episode. [0:01:20] Today's topic: The School Profile (what the heck is that?) [0:03:00] How the school profile is used by college admissions. [0:07:10] Understanding grades within schools and the lack of ranking. [0:08:30] Why it’s important to know ranking and distribution when making a college list. [0:10:00] The materials schools send to colleges on behalf of students. [0:10:48] A note on transcripts and which GPA to look at. [0:13:00] Why students want to have information, the data set, and a strategy for finding the right matches. [0:14:20] Final notes on the school profile, where to find it, and why you want to understand it before building a school list.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

You finally hit “submit” on your college application, so what do you do now? In this episode, Cathy and Meredith walk families through what happens after the big moment, from the confetti on your screen to the first response email from your selected college. They explain how admission portals work, what to do if materials look “missing,” and why it’s normal for systems to take time to update. They also debunk common myths about submission timing, server crashes, and small errors, reminding parents and students alike that perfection isn’t the goal. With empathy and humor, they encourage parents and students to stay calm, be patient, and let the process unfold. Tune in for practical, sanity-saving advice on what really happens after you hit submit! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:58] Today’s topic: what to do after you hit submit. [0:02:39] What to expect from Common App and college confirmation emails. [0:03:52] Setting up admission portals to track your application status. [0:04:49] Why missing materials, like transcripts or test scores, aren’t cause for panic. [0:07:18] How colleges batch-process and match materials behind the scenes. [0:08:30] Why parents should avoid contacting colleges directly. [0:09:47] Making sure students pace themselves after hitting their first deadline. [0:10:41] The truth about submission timing and last-minute applications. [0:14:25] Debunking fears about Common App crashes on deadline day. [0:16:09] Why fear tactics don’t help students do their best work. [0:18:39] Reasons to consider letting your college text you. [0:19:54] Why small typos and formatting errors won’t hurt your application. [0:20:16] When and how to contact a college about a real error, like a wrong major. [0:21:22] Stay calm, patient, and let the process unfold. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Common App Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

How much do those quirky one-line college application questions really matter? In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, hosts Cathy and Meredith dive into the world of application videos to reveal what colleges are really looking for (and what not to stress about). Together, they share the inside story behind the creation of USC’s original Quick Takes section, why it spread to other schools, and how applicants should approach it today without overthinking. They also discuss the growing trend of 90-second admissions videos and provide advice on what to wear, how to prepare, and explain why being authentic wins every time. Tune in to learn how to nail your Quick Takes, ace your videos, and show colleges who you really are without the stress.  Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:00] Introduction and the motivation behind today’s topic. [0:01:52] Learn what Quick Takes are and why students find them stressful. [0:03:37] What colleges still use Quick Takes and how the admissions landscape has shifted. [0:06:28] Cathy gives an example of a bad admission for a quick take. [0:07:02] Advice on how students should answer quick take questions. [0:09:46] How to use Quick Takes strategically to complement the admission process. [0:11:11] The rising popularity of short applicant videos and how they mirror Quick Takes. [0:12:48] Hear tips and recommendations for recording effective application videos. [0:13:44] Find out why over-editing, heavy scripting, or gimmicky videos do not work. [0:16:19] Learn the difference between authentic quirkiness and trying too hard.  [0:17:43] Cathy and Meredith’s final takeaways: have fun and remember to smile! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

After Cathy attended the 2025 National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conference—where a session titled "The Plight of the Standard Strong Student" drew such an overwhelming crowd that police had to intervene for safety reasons—it became clear just how urgent this topic has become. The so-called "standard strong student" is academically exceptional: straight As, rigorous coursework, impressive test scores, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. Yet, despite being "perfectly qualified," many of these students are still turned away from institutions with single-digit acceptance rates. In today’s episode, Cathy and Meredith unpack what these students often lack, why identifying institutional priorities is nearly impossible, and how families can regain a sense of control in the admissions process. Tune in to hear all this and more, including why authenticity and alignment are the real keys to success in selective college admissions. Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:00] Meredith and Cathy welcome listeners to today’s episode. [0:02:20] Today’s topic of conversation: the plight of the standard strong student. [0:04:00] We define what a standard strong student is. [0:05:00] What they lack: institutional priorities. [0:05:30] The difference between admission and enrollment management. [0:09:00] Why institutional priorities are impossible to see. [0:09:45] How we can give control back to students and families. [0:13:45] They replicate school lists as an example of how to go about finding the right school. [0:17:30] The point: are students diving deep enough into researching colleges that align with their goals and values? [0:21:00] Widen the lens: not having the exact same college list and the exact same majors. [0:24:00] Encouraging critical self-reflection early. [0:25:40] Tips for taking back control for our standard strong students. [0:26:36] The “village” approach and the standard strong student. [0:28:04] Making space for authenticity to grow in our children. [0:29:30] An example of why we need to cultivate other interests. [0:34:40] Key takeaways from today’s episode. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: What Is An Admissions Hook? Things That Make Us Go Ew Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Chasing medals and certificates rarely tells the real story of a student’s growth. In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, Cathy and Meredith break down how to approach the activities and awards sections of college applications. They explain how some achievements, like character awards, stand out more than others, and why colleges care less about collecting trophies and more about demonstrating character, commitment, and impact. From deciding which awards to include to making sure each activity passes the “so what?” test, they share insider insights from years in admissions and coaching. Tune in for a clear, no-nonsense guide that can ease the stress of application season! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:44] Introducing today’s topic: Awards [0:03:08] Choosing which awards to highlight and where to list them. [0:05:00] Our thoughts on how to determine which awards are impressive. [0:05:56] Why kids shouldn’t try to win awards to be impressive. [0:07:21] The importance of showing meaningful impact. [0:08:36] Providing thoughtful answers during interviews. [0:11:10] Why we (and colleges) love a ‘coach’s award’ and character awards. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

It's the Conference of all Conferences in the world of admissions: the National Association of College Admission Counseling, or NACAC. As the primary governing body for all aspects of admission, NACAC sets the tone for the year. Today, Cathy and Meredith dive into Cathy’s latest experience at the NACAC Conference. They unpack the biggest takeaways from this year’s main event speaker, explore the emerging trends and patterns in admissions, and discuss how colleges are navigating and adapting to the use of AI. Plus, Cathy shares her infamous NACAC 2025 dress debacle and breaks down NACAC’s crazy session titled "The Plight of the Standard Strong Student." For all this, and a candid discussion on the organization's professionalism, start listening now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] We introduce today’s topic of conversation. [0:02:00] Cathy sums up the conference in (roughly) four words. [0:04:00] The biggest takeaways from this year’s main event speaker. [0:10:40] What we’re hearing in terms of trends and patterns in admissions. [0:13:04] How colleges have adjusted applications as a result of AI. [0:15:00] We comment on the professionalism of the organization (NACAC). [0:19:30] The NACAC 2025 dress debacle. [0:21:30] The crazy session at NACAC 2025: the plight of the standard strong student. [0:23:00] A teaser for a future episode on a standard strong student. [0:26:10] Final thoughts on NACAC. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: NACAC Brené Brown Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Nagging is a common tactic used by parents to get their teens to do what they’re told. But how effective is it really? And could it be doing more harm than good? In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are touching on the very relatable topic of nagging! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about why parents tend to nag their teens, how effective it is, the damage it could do, and more! We delve into some more positive behaviours you can engage in instead of nagging, before discussing the power of helping your kids take control of their own schedules and setting natural consequences instead of nagging. Finally, we discuss how to find a balance between nagging and having no expectations of your children. Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:38] Today’s topic of discussion: nagging.  [0:03:38] Why parents nag and why it sometimes works. [0:07:27] Nagging as a form of controlling behavior. [0:09:15] How effective nagging actually is. [0:13:42] What to do as a parent instead of nagging. [0:22:13] Empowering your kids to take control and setting consequences. [0:23:40] The danger of overcorrecting to the other extreme of nagging. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

We are thrilled about everything we have lined up—and are still lining up—for Season five! To kick things off, we're talking about parenting essentials for the new school year. After watching a MasterClass on parenting, we knew we had to start this season by sharing some key principles to get you ready for another year. Join us as we delve into some key points from the MasterClass, including the importance of parental mental health, why what we model has a more profound effect on our children than the words we use, why parents need to stop optimizing, and how to identify optimization. We also highlight the definition of what “high stakes” with your child actually include, the importance of your relationship with your children, and why it’s crucial you love the heck out of them! For all this, and more, be sure to tune in now.   Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] Welcome to episode one of season five! [0:01:30] Today’s topic of conversation: a master class in parenting. [0:03:50] Why the mental health and well-being of parents is not optional. [0:06:00] Go to therapy: it’s nothing new and has been happening for generations!  [0:08:00] You (the parent) are not solely your child; you have a separate identity. [0:09:30] We teach more with our behaviors than with our words. [0:12:30] Feeling joy and purpose without disappearing completely into your child’s life. [0:13:05] Stop optimizing: think of yourself as a shepherd and not an engineer. [0:14:45] How do you know if you’re optimizing as a parent? [0:17:15] Why the stakes aren’t nearly as high as you think they are. [0:17:50] Distinguish your kid from who they are as a human, from what they do. [0:18:45] We define what “high stakes” actually are (when it comes to your child). [0:22:33] The importance of your relationship with your child. [0:23:45] What we mean when we say a protective relationship. [0:26:45] Loving the hell out of your kids. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Personal Values Sort App Apple MasterClass Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

We are back with season five of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! Make sure you join us every week as we give you the low down on all the shit your teenagers won’t tell you, because trust us, there’s a lot of it! We are pumped and ready to line up some amazing things for you in this new season, and be sure to also let us know what you want to learn about. Whether that be parenting struggles or navigating difficult challenges with your teens, we don’t shy away from anything. Because, let’s face it, we’ve seen it all! Follow us and stay tuned for episode one!  Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:46] Welcome to season five of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! [0:01:30] Celebrating 50!  [0:03:00] Highlights of our summers. [0:05:25] What we’re excited about for season five. [0:06:20] The importance of reading. [0:07:30] Exciting things we will line up for season five. [0:08:30] Follow us, and tell your friends to follow us too, for season five! [0:09:00] Stay tuned for episode one! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Meredith Herrera Consulting Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram