HopePunk Parenting

Two Teens on the College Application Process: Part 4 - The Big Decision May 21, 2023

Samantha and Kyla are back for the final episode in our series following their college application and admissions journey! The results are in (for the most part) and they each made a decision where they’ll start college this fall. We get into the rollercoaster of emotions, how they made the decision, and of course, we share instantly applicable information and tips for parents and their teens who are considering college.

Listen to Part 1 - Starting the College Application Process: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/6653c224e72230794ccf6be1e07bde78

Part 2 - Early Decision: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/16bc6a82a95672c6310e0c157ae7151c

Part 3 - Applications Are In: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/2b094dadc2f72dad5f1680ccbae305bd

And if you’re worried your kid won’t make it on their own, download our free guide, A Guide to Helping Your Teen (or Young Adult) Leave Home with Confidence.

A Student Athlete Reflects on Her First Year of College Apr 21, 2023

Parents with teens heading off to college in the fall: this episode is for you. Host Mya Dunlop chats with Joline, a student athlete who's finishing up her freshman year. She reflects on the stress and excitement of starting college, from the challenge of making friends to balancing school and training. Of course, they dive into how parents and teens can stay connected and how we can help our kid leave the the nest with confidence... But wait, we have even more more free resources!

Download our free cheat sheet, A Guide to Helping Your Teen (or Young Adult) Leave Home with Confidence here: https://teenbraintrust.com/helpyourteenleavehome/

Listen to Part 1 of our series that follows two teens as they undergo the college application process: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/6653c224e72230794ccf6be1e07bde78

Listen to Part 2, Two Teens on the College Application Process: Part 2 - Early Decision: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/16bc6a82a95672c6310e0c157ae7151c

Listen to Part 3, Two Teens on the College Application Process: Part 3 - Applications Are IN: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/2b094dadc2f72dad5f1680ccbae305bd

Part 4 is coming soon, so stay tuned.

The Baby-to-Teen Continuum with Barb Buckner Suárez Mar 17, 2023

This longer-than usual conversation with parenthood guide and mom of four Barb Buckner Suárez is a must-listen for both new parents and those of us raising teens! Host Mya and Barb get into matrescence, co-regulation and dis-regulation, and how navigating adolescence doesn't get easier with each kid. Visit Barb's site here: https://bbsuarez.com/ and follow her on Instagram here too @bbucknersuarez

Tap into Teen Brain Trust's resources that support parents of teens here: https://teenbraintrust.com/

Two Teens on the College Application Process: Part 3 - Applications Are IN! Feb 10, 2023

Samantha and Kyla have submitted their college applications! Listen to the third in our series as we talk with the two high schoolers about their college application journey, the pressure to apply to Ivy League schools, anticipation, relief, and much more.

Listen to Part 1 "Starting the College Application Process" here on your preferred platform: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/6653c224e72230794ccf6be1e07bde78

Listen to Part 2 "Early Decision": here: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/16bc6a82a95672c6310e0c157ae7151c

As always, visit www.teenbraintrust.com for more (free) resources.

How to Make Worry Work with Dr. Dana Dorfman Feb 05, 2023

Dr. Dana Dorfman returns to talk about her new book, When Worry Works: How to Harness Your Parenting Stress And Guide Your Teen to Success, and how in this age of achievement culture and rising teen anxiety, parents can take their own unique parenting anxiety patterns and use them to their advantage—and their teen’s advantage.

Listeners, as promised: get 30% off the book when you pre-order from the publisher. Go here and use code WWWSM23 a checkout before Sunday, Feb. 12th at midnight. (The book is also available wherever you buy books.)

Go here to take her free, 16-question quiz, What's Your Parent Anxiety Reaction Type? All answers are confidential.

And make sure you check out our 4-part series with Dana from last summer about the teen mental health crisis. Every parent needs to listen.

The Science of Wonder with Jeffrey Davis Dec 20, 2022

This episode's longer than usual because there's so much good stuff in it! Host and Teen Brain Trust co-founder Mya Dunlop talks with Jeffrey Davis, author, Tracking Wonder founder, and "Chief Wonder Maker" about the science of wonder. Listen as they unpack how important hope, optimism, and emotional resilience are to our teens' long-term success and fulfillment and what parents can do foster wonder.

The resources mentioned in the podcast:

Teen Brain Trust's blog on Tracking Wonder, How Optimism in Teens Leads to Success
Teen Brain Trust's short, go-at-your-own-pace, audio masterclass, The Path to Independence: Unlocking Teen Motivation and Healthy Habits
Tracking Wonder's bonus resources

Debunking the "Laziness" Myth Nov 18, 2022

"You're being so lazy." How many times have parents said that to their teenagers? Countless! But "lazy" behavior is often a symptom of underlying issues. Host Mya Dunlop gets to the heart of how parents can look beyond the "laziness" myth and make a positive difference in their kids’ behavior.

As Mya says in the episode, here's the download for Teen Brain Trust's free guide, Helping Your Teen (or Young Adult) Leave Home with Confidence. Plus, subscribe to the bi-weekly Teen Prompts newsletter to get parenting support, expert-backed insights, and funny teen culture news delivered right to your inbox. Black Friday BONUS! Now through Nov. 27, all listeners can get the first month FREE, plus get a three-month subscription to gift to a friend! Go here and use code TEENPROMPTSBF22 at check out to get and gift a Teen Prompts subscription this holiday season.

Two Teens on the College Application Process: Part 2 - Early Decision Oct 28, 2022

It's nearly Early Decision deadline time, and Samantha and Kyla are back with an update on how they're faring with their college applications, how they're coping with the pressures, and what they really think about the whole process.

Stay tuned, because we're following them on their application journey in upcoming episodes. Sign up for our new free newsletter, Teen Prompts, here: www.teenbraintrust.com It's full of practical, relevant content that you can apply directly to interactions with your teens. Get insight into teen behavior, prompts that inspire connection and conversation, and tools to help your teen take teeny steps forward on a regular basis. Happy parenting!

What To Do When Your Teen Just Isn’t Listening Oct 13, 2022

If you're struggling to get your teen to listen, this episode is for you. Host Mya Dunlop shares 5 ways to foster healthier and more open communication with them. Access a hard copy of these tips (and much more info) in Teen Brain Trust's free guide, 5 Things You Can Start Doing Right Now That Will Encourage Your Teen to Confide in You, which you can download here: https://teenbraintrust.com/trustyourteen/

Meet a Teen Who Gave Up Her Smartphone Sep 16, 2022

Yes, there are teens in America who aren't attached to a smartphone. Host Mya Dunlop interviews high school senior and Luddite Club founder Logan, who explains why she's distanced herself from technology, why she’s an advocate for other teens trying a break from smartphones, why she thinks parents are a driving force behind the increase in teen screen time, and what steps she recommends parents and other teens take if they’re interested in trying out a phone break.

Also: parents! Want your teen to confide in you about their college application anxiety, or erm, about anything? Download out free, expert-crafted guide, 5 Things You Can Start Doing Right Now That Will Encourage Your Teen to Confide in You: https://teenbraintrust.com/trustyourteen/

Two Teens on Starting the College Application Process Sep 02, 2022

Teens Samantha and Kyla are back to share everything they want parents and younger teens to know about starting the college application process, from the dreaded personal essay to Admissions anxiety. Stay tuned because we'll be following them on their college application journey in upcoming episodes! Listen to their previous episode, Two Teens on Anxiety, Pressure, and What They Want All Parents to Know, here: https://pod.link/1610561919/episode/8d9ea073b91cc1d59d6a627819272466

Also! Parents! Want your teen to confide in you about their college application anxiety, or just, like, about anything? Download our free, expert-crafted guide, 5 Things You Can Start Doing Right Now That Will Encourage Your Teen to Confide in You: https://teenbraintrust.com/trustyourteen

Teens & Media-Related Anxiety Jun 23, 2022

Host Mya Dunlop dives into the concerning research about modern media and teens' mental health, and shares five tangible things parents can do to help their kids cope with media-related anxiety. All podcast listeners get free access to Teen Brain Trust's online parenting science courses plus access to our private community of parents. Visit our site to learn more, then use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the first month free: https://bit.ly/3KnSzOi

The Teen Mental Health Crisis Part 4: Practical Advice for Parents Jun 03, 2022

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The advice shared in this episode is not a substitute for treatment.

In Teen Brain Trust's 4-part series on teen mental health, expert Dr. Dana Dorfman and CEO/Founder Mya Dunlop unpack the current teen mental health crisis. In the final episode, they discuss practical things parents can do to support their teen's mental health, like how to create a safe emotional space and nurture a supportive culture within the family. Content warning, part 2: Mya drops the F-bomb during the episode.

Resources cited in this series:

1. Dr. Dorfman's video on how parents can start the conversation with their teen about suicide

2. Dr. Dorfman, Psychology Today, Suicide Attempts in Adolescents Increased During COVID-19

3. NY Times, 'It’s Life or Death’: The Mental Health Crisis Among U.S. Teens

If you or anyone you know need help, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273-TALK (8255). For help in Spanish, call here: 1–888–628–9454. You can also text “HOME” to 741–741 to access the 24/7 Crisis Text Line.

The Teen Mental Health Crisis Part 3: Anxiety & Depression May 27, 2022

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The advice shared in this episode is not a substitute for treatment.

In Teen Brain Trust's 4-part series on teen mental health, therapist Dr. Dana Dorfman and CEO/Founder Mya Dunlop unpack the current teen mental health crisis. In episode three, they discuss the rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens, the warning signs for parents, and what parents can do to help their teen manage both. Make sure to catch our previous episode, Two Teens on Anxiety, Pressure, and What They Want All Parents to Know.

Resources cited in this series:

1. Dr. Dorfman's video on how parents can talk to their teens about suicide

2. Dr. Dorfman, Psychology Today, Suicide Attempts in Adolescents Increased During COVID-19

3. NY Times, 'It’s Life or Death’: The Mental Health Crisis Among U.S. Teens

If you or anyone you know need help, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273-TALK (8255). For help in Spanish, call here: 1–888–628–9454. You can also text “HOME” to 741–741 to access the 24/7 Crisis Text Line.

The Teen Mental Health Crisis Part 2: Self-Harm May 20, 2022

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The advice shared in this episode is not a substitute for treatment. In Teen Brain Trust's 4-part series on teen mental health, therapist Dr. Dana Dorfman and mom of three Mya Dunlop unpack the current teen mental health crisis. In episode two, they discuss the difference between self-harm and suicide, plus how parents can talk about and support a teen who's self-harming.

Resources cited in this series:

1. Dr. Dorfman's video on how parents can talk to their teens about suicide

2. Dr. Dorfman, Psychology Today, Suicide Attempts in Adolescents Increased During COVID-19

3. NY Times, 'It’s Life or Death’: The Mental Health Crisis Among U.S. Teens

If you or anyone you know need help, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273-TALK (8255). For help in Spanish, call here: 1–888–628–9454. You can also text “HOME” to 741–741 to access the 24/7 Crisis Text Line.

The Teen Mental Health Crisis Part 1: Talking About Suicide May 13, 2022

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The advice shared in this episode is not a substitute for treatment. In Teen Brain Trust's 4-part series on teen mental health, therapist Dr. Dana Dorfman and mom of three Mya Dunlop unpack the current teen mental health crisis. In this episode, they discuss why it's important to talk to teens about suicide and how parents can manage the very normal fear and anxiety that comes up around these issues. Resources cited in this series:

1. Dr. Dorfman's video on how parents can talk to their teens about suicide

2. Dr. Dorfman, Psychology Today, Suicide Attempts in Adolescents Increased During COVID-19

3. NY Times, 'It’s Life or Death’: The Mental Health Crisis Among U.S. Teens

If you or anyone you know need help, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273-TALK (8255). For help in Spanish, call here: 1–888–628–9454. You can also text “HOME” to 741–741 to access the 24/7 Crisis Text Line.

American Parenting Styles: What Our Quiz Revealed May 01, 2022

Last fall, Teen Brain Trust published our "What's Your Parenting Style?" quiz. And over 15,000 Americans have taken it so far! Co-founder Robin Friend and digital strategist Annie dive into where Americans fall among the four main parenting styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive, and Uninvolved. Plus, Annie defends her choice to use Al Bundy and The Crown's Queen Elizabeth as the faces of Uninvolved parenting—and she welcomes you to debate her on this. (Check out all the faces on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUGUKJhLDSB/)

BONUS! All podcast listeners get free access to Teen Brain Trust's convenient online parenting science courses plus access to our private community of parents. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get your first month for free: https://bit.ly/3KnSzOi

Let's Normalize Failure Apr 18, 2022

Host and mom of three adolescent boys Mya Dunlop has a message for all parents: we have to rethink failure, for our kids and ourselves.

BONUS! Right now, all podcast listeners get free access to Teen Brain Trust's convenient online parenting science courses plus access to our private community of parents. Visit our site to learn more, then use the code PODCAST at checkout to get your first month for free: https://bit.ly/3KnSzOi

Two Teens on Anxiety, Pressure, and What They Want All Parents to Know Apr 08, 2022

In this longer-than-usual episode, host Mya Dunlop has a no-holds barred conversation with two incredible teenagers, Samantha and Kyla, about the modern teen experience, anxiety, social isolation as punishment, academic pressure, and more. Don't miss the two announcements below...

Follow Kyla's Instagram @takefliight about handling anxiety (she mentions it in the convo).
All podcast listeners get a free month-long membership to Teen Brain Trust's learn-as-you-go online courses, events, and access to our private community of parents. Visit the Courses page on the website and use the code “PODCAST” at checkout to get the first month free: https://bit.ly/3KnSzOi (NBD, one mom called our course on motivating teenagers a "game changer.")

Why Punishing Teens Doesn't Work Mar 07, 2022

Studies show parenting with traditional methods of punishment just doesn't work. So what are parents to do when their teen displays unacceptable behavior, like lying? Episode host Robin Friend, Teen Brain Trust Co-Creator and Lead Course Designer, dives into what parents can do instead that really works.

Teens and College Stress: "Don’t Make My Mistake." Feb 20, 2022

Host Mya Dunlop, the CEO and Founder of Teen Brain Trust, shares the story of how a conversation with her oldest son who was struggling during his first year in college went totally off the rails. But thanks to a friend's insight into microinvalidation, she course-corrected and learned a parenting lesson in the process.

Why Are Teens Socially Awkward? Let Science Explain! Feb 19, 2022

Teens are obsessed with thriving socially—so how are they so clumsy and awkward in social situations? Episode host Robin Friend, Teen Brain Trust Co-Creator and Lead Course Designer, dives into the four main factors that neuroscience can explain. He breaks down the frequently cringey process of development that the writer Quentin Crisp—not a neuroscientist—aptly described as rebelling and conforming at the same time.

We Have to Talk About Teenage Partying Feb 17, 2022

Research incontrovertibly shows that across the globe, teens are gonna party... And probably drink alcohol, too. In this episode, host Mya Dunlop, Teen Brain Trust CEO/Founder and mom of three adolescent boys, explores why teens' developing brains seek out partying in particular. Plus, she dives into a few ways parents can actually help their kid healthy manage partying without looking like hypocrites or provoking their teen to lie about it.

HopePunk Parenting: What Is It And Why Does It Matter? Feb 17, 2022

When you tell someone you have a teen, they never say, "Oh, that's a fun age." We're here to change the pervasively cynical attitude about adolescence for parents, educators, and anyone else who spends time with a teen.

"We" is the team behind Teen Brain Trust, made up of parenting-science experts (including parents!) dedicated to the empowerment of teens and preteens. HopePunk Parenting podcast hosts include Mya Dunlop, Founder/CEO and mom of three adolescent boys, Robin Friend, Co-Creator and Lead Course Designer, and more super-interesting guests yet to come!

FYI: The podcast's episodes are mostly short-form (under 10 minutes), and packed with the maximum information because we know your time is at a minimum. We hope you join our growing a community of people passionate about empowering the next generation of change makers, and we hope you subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoy the mini-episodes.

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