About the Guest:
Collett Smart is a respected psychologist, educator, public speaker, and author with over two decades of experience working in both private and public school settings, as well as in private practice. Known for her expertise in child development, Collette has garnered recognition for her contributions to the field of psychology and education. She has authored the book “They’ll Be Okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times,” which addresses parenting challenges and provides guidance for raising teenagers. With a passion for discussing mental health, relationships, and the complexities of teenage development, Collette brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to parents and educators alike.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of “She Wasn’t Born Yesterday for women who are 40 plus fabulous,” hosts Janet Evans and Dr. Amelia Haines invite psychologist Collett Smart to delve into the intricacies of parenting teens. The conversation begins with a reminder of the whimsical days when children thought their parents were the epitome of cool and ventures into the challenges that come with the shifting dynamic as children grow into teenagers.
The episode offers a candid look into the seismic shifts that occur as children transition into their teenage years, exploring the physical exhaustion of early parenthood versus the emotional toll of guiding adolescents through life’s complex scenarios. Collette Smart shares her personal experiences with her own children and reiterates the importance of conversations around body image, mental health, and the pressures teenagers face in an increasingly digital landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Recognising that teenagers communicate in different ways, and being open to non-traditional formats, such as texts or notes, can be crucial in maintaining open lines of communication.
Setting boundaries and normalising body image insecurities are essential conversations parents should have with their teens amidst the bombardment of social media influences.
Mental health in adolescents is more openly discussed now than ever before, yet parents still need strategies to identify and address potential signs of depression or anxiety.
Encouraging resilience and connection to safe adults outside of the parental unit can provide teens with additional support systems.
It’s never too late to start or repair relationships with your children, emphasising that consistent effort and an open heart can lead to positive outcomes.
Notable Quotes:
Teenagers are always communicating with you, even if it’s not with words. Look for communication in their behaviors.
Technology is the biggest difference in this generation to our generation, having the smartphone in their pockets all the time.
You can be paying all the money for tutors, schools in the world. You are flushing it down the toilet if your child is not having good enough sleep.
Children crave boundaries. They don’t need a 40-year-old BFF; they need you to be their parent.
Our young people often clam up with us because they think we’re either going to freak out or it’s going to be a lecture.
Resources:
Collette Smart’s book: “They’ll Be Okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times”
Collette Smart’s podcast Raising Teens with Collett Smart
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