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Does it feel like your teen is more afraid of being "awkward," than you ever were at their age? As a therapist working with kids and teens, I've noticed today's generation seems particularly afraid of social missteps. What we used to call being "embarrassed" has evolved into something they call "awkward". In this episode, I'll explore why kids are so afraid of awkward moments nowadays and share practical ways you can help your tween or teen to take healthy risks, and survive those cringeworthy social moments when they do happen. Because they happen to all of us!

I'll also share some of my own mortifying experiences throughout the episode 🤪

📻 Key Episode Highlights

• Why today's teens fear "awkwardness" more than previous generations ever feared embarrassment
• How growing up with smart devices and social media impacts teens willingness to take healthy risks
• Why kids today have fewer opportunities for low-stakes social mistakes
• How shifts in parenting affect children's resiliency
• How you can help your teens to take healthy risks and recover when awkward moments happen
• Practical strategies for validating feelings while normalizing awkwardness
• Why sharing your own awkward moments (with humor) helps your teen

🏠 Resources for Parents

• For CT residents: Special wizard-themed courage workshops and mindfulness-based teen groups coming summer 2025 at Firefly Counseling and Wellness in Sandy Hook, CT
• Available before mid-July 2025

💌 Let's Connect!

• Website: yourzenfriend.com
• Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

💛 If you're finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it's the best way to help the podcast grow in order to offer more free support to parents of anxious tweens and teens!

Remember: Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging, so take some time today (and every day) to do something kind for yourself! 💕

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.