Nurturing the Mind and Heart: Salesian Wisdom for Raising Teen Girls

In this conversation, Dr. Nancy Cowden-Hennessy, a neuroscientist and educator, discusses the intersection of neuroscience and teaching, particularly focusing on student stress, neuroplasticity, and the importance of a growth mindset. She emphasizes the need for balance in students' lives, the role of mindfulness and prayer, and the impact of social media on attention and dopamine levels. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating individual differences and understanding the nuances of stress in academic settings.

Listen in as AP Environmental Science Teacher Rick Thomas joins Kati & Caroline to talk about his journey into education and his commitment to engaging students in environmental issues. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the intersection of climate change and social justice, particularly how environmental problems disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The discussion also covers data-supported practical steps families can take to reduce their environmental impact, the dangers of fast fashion, and the importance of fostering a culture of repair and reuse. Rick shares insights on how to empower students and families to make meaningful changes in their daily lives to care for the planet.

Kati and Caroline are joined this week by Visitation’s Head Librarian Liz Burke to discuss the importance of information literacy in today's digital age. They explore the challenges students face in evaluating sources, the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, and the role of parents in guiding their children through the complexities of information consumption. The discussion emphasizes the need for critical thinking, the evaluation of sources, and the importance of understanding different perspectives in news reporting.

Joining Kati & Caroline this week are the mother-daughter alumnae duo of Carola Rubio Williamson ‘92 and Caroline Williamson ‘24. Carola is Visitation’s Assistant Director of Admissions. During their chat, the four discuss the dynamics of friendship among high school students, including the importance of being open-minded, navigating new school environments, the impact of social media, and the role of parents in guiding their children through friendship challenges. The dialogue emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the significance of modeling positive behavior in relationships.

This week, Kati & Caroline are joined by Mary Vieth, and alumnae and the Athletic Director at Visitation. They discuss how to nurture Salesian Spirituality in the realm of sports, helping athletes cultivate virtues like humility, patience, and resilience. Delivering deeper, they explore the significance of building holy friendships through sports, how parents can support their daughters as they navigate tryouts and cuts, and the life lessons that sports impart, preparing young athletes for future challenges.

Tune in as Kati and Caroline explore the significance of gratitude in daily life, particularly in the context of parenting teenage daughters. They discuss personal practices of gratitude, the importance of modeling these behaviors for their children, and the challenges posed by social media. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication about emotions and the value of celebrating others to foster a sense of community and joy.

This week, Kati & Caroline talk about the importance of navigating conversations in a divided culture through a Salesian lens. They explore the value of understanding different perspectives, the impact of perfectionism on communication, the role of values in dialogue, and the significance of fostering curiosity and openness in relationships, They delve into the need for respectful communication among teens and how parents can model healthy communication and embrace the journey of growth and understanding.

In this episode, Kati and Caroline discuss the importance of cultivating simplicity in a fast-paced world. They explore the challenges of managing expectations, especially for parents during the summer, and the need for intentionality in creating space for what truly matters. Together, they reflect on the internal work required to simplify life and the flexibility needed to navigate different seasons of life.

During a retreat earlier this year, Kati offered a talk about the history of the Sacred Heart in the Visitation Order, the apparitions of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary, and how we can live as beloved by Christ. In this Jubilee Year of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kati explores the profound themes of the Sacred Heart of Christ, emphasizing the significance of the heartbeat as a metaphor for divine love and mercy. She discusses the 12 promises associated with the Sacred Heart, highlighting their relevance to modern life, particularly in terms of grace and family peace. Additionally, she reflects on Pope Francis's teachings and the importance of witnessing Christ's love through our actions and missions in everyday life.

This week, Kati and Caroline chat with Visitation’s Director of Christian Service Sofia Gutierrez about teens and service. They discuss how to encourage students to engage with their communities, develop essential life skills, and foster personal growth through service. Family involvement is key to empowering students to Live Jesus in their communities, which can be a transformative experience.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of personal growth for parents, the shift in family dynamics as children grow, and the significance of intentional family time. We also talk about how to support your daughter’s growing independence while maintaining family connections and finding balance in busy lives.

Nicole, a Visitation parent, shares the story of her daughter finding healing after battling anxiety and depression. Nicole’s daughter struggled with anxiety in middle school, later tipping into depression. By junior year of high school, her daughter’s mental health challenges were beyond Nicole and her husband’s ability to help; they decided to explore residential treatment. After five months of outpatient treatment including therapy, their daughter returned home in April 2024 and she has been able to finish her senior year at Visitation. Nicole shares how they couple empathy and validation with confidence and belief. Along the way, she found comfort and companionship in our Blessed Mother Mary, understanding the anguish she felt for our Lord on the cross. Praying the rosary and committing to other spiritual habits were the support beams that gave her stability during this difficult time.

In this conversation, Kati and Caroline discuss the importance of empowering teenage girls to embrace their unique identities and gifts. They explore practical strategies for building confidence, including well-timed compliments, fostering independence, engaging in service, navigating academic challenges, and practicing gratitude. The discussion emphasizes the need for intentional parenting to help daughters recognize their strengths and grow into confident women of faith, vision, and purpose.

In this episode, Kati & Caroline invite Visitation’s Director of Academic Support Kerry Kaminsky to discuss how to empower students academically. Kerry shares her philosophy on fostering independence and resilience among students. The three explore: - the balance between academic challenges and personal fulfillment; - the need for joy in students' lives; - teaching students to be resourceful and self-advocating; - how parents can help children process emotions and feedback without immediate reactions; and - how to create space for reflection and growth, particularly in a fast-paced world. Kerri, Kati, & Caroline end with a conversation on vulnerability and open communication.

In this episode, Kati & Caroline talk about the teen brain! Beginning with an overview of adolescent brain development, the conversation explores the importance of healthy risk-taking for teens and how parents can balance freedom and boundaries. The role of social connections, effective communication, sleep patterns, and the significance of celebrating growth and milestones are also highlighted as essential components in navigating the teenage years.

In this conversation, Kati & Caroline discuss how to help your daughter discover her sense of style, feel confident in her body, and dress modestly. We talk about the influence of social media on teens’ clothing choices as well as how to encourage teens to shop and dress sustainably.

In this bonus episode, Kati explores the sacred role of women in the Gospel of John. During this recorded presentation from a retreat held earlier this year, she discusses the intercessory role of Mary at the Wedding at Cana, the sacrificial love of Mary during the crucifixion, and the transformative encounters of women like the Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene with Christ. Exploring themes of trust, redemption, and the call to mission, Kati invites listeners to reflect on how to live out these principles in daily life.

In this conversation, Visitation’s personal counselors join us as we delve deeper into the complexities of teenage friendships and the essential role of parental guidance (but not over-involvement!) in navigating these relationships. The counselors discuss common challenges teens face, the importance of resilience, and how parents can support their children through social struggles. They emphasize the need for open communication, modeling behavior, stepping back, and recognizing signs of distress in teens. The discussion highlights the significance of friendships in personal growth and the evolving dynamics as children transition into adolescence.

In this episode, we discuss how parents can help their daughters cultivate an active faith life during high school. Being her role model, helping her build strong relationships, and creating a supportive environment are all important for your daughter’s spiritual growth. We include practical steps for parents to encourage their daughters' faith journeys, the significance of normalizing faith in daily life, and the need for teen independence in developing a personal relationship with God.

In this bonus episode, Kati offers an overview of Salesian Spirituality, including the importance of daily offerings to God, the significance of living in God's presence, and the call to holiness for everyone. The discussion also highlights the Visitation as a model for being Christ bearers and the importance of Little Virtues in daily life. The conversation concludes with a reflection on personal growth and honoring one's unique identity as part of God's creation.