Did you know that when a teen says, “I want to start eating healthier foods?” it may be an indication that something’s not quite right? They may seem to be becoming more responsible–eliminating junk food, then fats–but it can progress to the elimination of carb or proteins, or an excessive interest in working out or dieting and…we need to pay attention. My conversation with Katie is loaded with vital information for parents of tweens and teens, girls and boys.

Why it is essential to address eating disordered behavior within the first three years to avoid a lifetime of struggle

• 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight. This concern endures through life. 
• How to find the right kind of professional support if you suspect your youngster is developing an eating disorder
• How to approach a youngster who is focusing excessively on dieting, working out, eating healthy, or eliminating more and more foods
• Most adolescents go undiagnosed because they appear to be doing well in school and social activities

In our lively conversation, Michele shared this statistic: teens today are 40% less empathetic and 58% more narcissistic than fifteen years ago. Since the capacity for empathy has been shown to be an essential element to fulfilling, successful adult lives, we need to make sure we foster that quality in our kids, while helping them face those who bully. A fascinating conversation packed with tips and important information!

• Specific strategies for helping kids deal with a bully
• How to find service projects that will make a meaningful impact on your kids’ lives beyond required Community Service
• A great “out” for teens who might want your help when faced with risky situations where they can’t say “No”
• How to connect with a teen who has pulled away

This conversation is packed with gems! Jean is the Today show’s financial editor, and boy does she know her stuff. We covered everything from allowance (how much and what for?) to saving, getting a job to taking part in the family’s budgeting. An invaluable resource for parents who want raise kids who become financially confident, savvy adults.

• Why having a job in high school is important, and how it doesn’t detract from good grades
• How to handle allowance, from early years through college
• Including student loans and debt in discussions about college choices
• How to appropriately include kids in the family’s finances

My dialogue with Dr. Damour addresses some of your burning questions about how to help our tween and teen daughters deal with complicated social issues while educating us on how we can support them through the 7 transitions of adolescence. (Great info for parents of boys, too!)

• “There’s no cure for the 7th grade”
• How to handle mean girls–including your own daughter
• Potted Plant Parenting
• How to talk about sensitive, eggshell topics
• The relief that comes from understanding the 7 transitions of adolescence

Did you know that a generation ago, less than 5% of girls started puberty before the age of 8 and that figure is now double? In this fascinating discussion you’ll learn about the risks and challenges of early puberty and ways to avoid the likelihood of its early onset. We also discuss boys, adolescence, and hormones. Essential viewing even for parents of very young  girls!

• The dietary, environmental, and psychological factors that can contribute to early puberty
• How to help children manage the many changes and challenges of puberty
• The importance of talking about puberty and body changes with our kids–as early as possible
• The risks of deodorant!

In this great interview, Bobbi talks about helping teens turn problems into strengths. She also explained her 8 Keys of character development program, sharing ways that we can cultivate qualities like integrity, ownership, and flexibility in our kids.

• Three great tips for connecting with teens who have been pulling away
• How to help kids establish a relaxed, focused state for greater success in learning
• The importance of fostering authenticity in our teens
• How to help kids learn to speak with good purpose–to build others up rather than tear them down

Yvonne and Rich are doing some of the most important work on the planet. At a time when bullying and intolerance are running rampant, listen as they talk about the simple ways we can open our kids to really see one another, and be seen in ways they long for.

• Even the most hardened kids long for acceptance and connection
• How If you really knew me  can transform a parent-teen relationship
• How to read our teens cries for help
• How to bring Challenge Day into your school and address bullying at its root–permanently

I met Prince last year at a book party. His powerful videos have been shared over 500 million times on everything from self-acceptance to recognizing the genius in each one of us. Oprah calls him “a visionary filmmaker.” Listen and learn from this wise young man, and if you want to spark a real dialogue with your tween or teen, watch his videos together and see where the conversation takes you!

• What our teens most need from us
• How he changed from being a mediocre student to a passionate one
• The many ways we can learn from our kids, if we are open
• How Multiple Intelligence theory can help every kid recognize their unique genius

This dialogue is fascinating as well as deeply calming–like Deborah and Jeff! We speak about how to help kids recognize signs of stress and learn strategies for making practical adjustments in the moment to regain their center. You’ll even get to join us for a very short, beautifully meditation at the end!

• Why our words don’t really help kids manage stress
• A quick coherence technique that can change stress hormones and restore balance to the nervous system
• How to ratchet down emotional intensity when you’re frustrated with your teen
• How to reduce drama in 14 to 18 year olds

After my conversation with Andy Gonzalez I just sat quietly for a few minutes, reflecting on how the  difference he and his partners Ali and Atman Smith are making in this increasingly stressful world. If you have a teen who gets moody, angry, worried or overwhelmed, please catch this interview. There’s a short mindful practice  at the end–a little bonus for you!

• How to help teens develop an inner anchor that will steady them during rough times
• A two-step, practical way to help kids avoid getting triggered when upsetting things happen
• How to approach kids who think yoga or meditation are “stupid”
• The transformative affects of a quieting practice for even the most angry, impulsive kids

This conversation covered everything from talking with our boys about sex and porn to dealing with a teen who’s regularly using pot or alcohol. Dr. Gurian  helps make sense of a wide range of issues through the lens of understanding the male brain, including anger, depression, emotional expression, motivation, and loads more. Not to be missed!

• Why boys have a harder time with emotion, and are more prone to anger
• Empowering sensitive sons to handle bullies
• Guidelines for ensuring our boys can enjoy video games while balancing cognitive, physical, and social-emotional needs
• The difference between aggression and violence–and how to help our sons cope with anger

Dr. Hollander is an expert in self-injury–a maladaptive behavior becoming increasingly prevalent in kids as young as nine. In this dialogue you’ll learn why young people engage in self harm (cutting, picking, burning) and most importantly, how to approach a youngster who is attempting to find relief through these behaviors.

• How self-injury becomes compelling for tweens and teens as a way of finding relief from emotional pain
• What parents can do if they suspect their teen is engaging in self-injury.
• How to handle a youngster’s resistance to therapy when your instinct says it’s time to get professional help
• The importance of our own self-care when our child is going through something difficult

Did you know that a generation ago, less than 5% of girls started puberty before the age of 8 and that figure is now double? In this fascinating discussion you’ll learn about the risks and challenges of early puberty and ways to avoid the likelihood of its early onset. We also discuss boys, adolescence, and hormones. Essential viewing even for parents of very young  girls!

• The dietary, environmental, and psychological factors that can contribute to early puberty
• How to help children manage the many changes and challenges of puberty
• The importance of talking about puberty and body changes with our kids–as early as possible
• The risks of deodorant!