The Self-Driven Child

Latest Episodes:

About Half of Teens Cyberbullied: What Parents Should Know and Do, With Devorah Heitner May 09, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Devorah Heitner, a tech expert and author, and we explore the challenges our children face in the digital world. From the importance of mentorship in understanding our kids' digital lives to recognizing and dealing with cyberbullying, we touch on the complexities of the online world for kids. We also discuss fostering empathy in children, privacy concerns, and the role of technology companies. We highlight the significance of open communication, empathy, and mentorship in guiding our children towards responsible and safe digital usage. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will help you navigate your children's online presence.
[0:00] The digital world is a positive source of community for our kids, but every kid is going to have a negative interaction.
[6:41] What are some of the big picture issues that parents should know about and when and how to intervene?
[11:24] When should parents get involved with social media bullying?
[14:52] It’s none of my business what other people think of me.
[21:58] Part of our job as parents is to help our kids learn how to use these wildly powerful technologies in ways that are appropriate.
[26:27] When should parents work with their kids to solve their own problems and when should they step in?
[31:16] Most kids are not having these kinds of horrific experiences, but every kid is going to have a negative interaction.
I hope you find value in our discussion and that it provides you with useful insights into helping your children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
RESOURCES:
Screenwise by Devorah Heitner: https://www.amazon.com/Screenwise-Helping-Thrive-Survive-Digital/dp/1629561452/
Growing Up in Public by Devorah Heitner: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Public-Coming-Digital-ebook/dp/B0BPWPSWCY
PrepMatters website: https://prepmatters.com

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Stress-aging of Teen Brains: A Pandemic Insight with Katherine Reynolds Lewis May 09, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of The Self Driven Child Podcast, I talk with Katherine Reynolds Lewis, an award-winning journalist, speaker, and author of "The Good News About Bad Behavior." We discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health, the importance of resilience and adaptability, and how parents can support their kids and themselves during challenging times.
TIMELINE SUMMARY
[2:18] Researchers at Stanford University were the first to compare MRI scans of teenagers’ brains from before and after the pandemic and found significant differences.
[6:15] Healing the long-term effects of childhood adversity.
[9:38] The slow maturation of the brain.
[12:57] Posttraumatic growth is a source of future resilience. It’s not in our heads.
[15:53] We can go anywhere from here and there’s a huge body of research on post traumatic growth and protective factors that can predict after a traumatic
[19:09] Mental health is a mental health issue.
[21:47] Knowing what you know, knowing what you want.
[24:42] How can parents and guardians find educational environments where their kids are getting positive and mental health work?
I hope you find this episode as enlightening and inspiring as I did. Thank you for joining me on this journey to better understand and support the mental health and development of our children.
RESOURCES:
Katherine Reynolds Lewis's book, "The Good News About Bad Behavior": https://www.amazon.com/Good-News-About-Bad-Behavior/dp/1610398386
Katherine's Washington Post article on the increase in adolescent suicide attempts
PrepMatters website: https://prepmatters.com

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Teens May 09, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the Self-Driven Child Podcast, I discuss the mental health challenges faced by kids and teens during the pandemic. I share the experiences of Rihanna Alexander, a mental health advocate, and high school senior who went from being a straight-A student to struggling in school. I also talk about the importance of empathy, validation, and emotional support for young people dealing with these challenges.
Main Topics:

Mental health challenges in kids and teens, especially during the pandemic
The story of Rihanna Alexander, a mental health advocate
The role of schools and teachers in supporting students' mental health
The importance of listening, empathy, and validation
The concept of post-traumatic growth and resilience
The importance of healing before catching up

Don't miss this powerful episode where I share the experiences of a young mental health advocate, discuss the role of schools and teachers in supporting students' mental health, and emphasize the importance of empathy, validation, and emotional support for young people dealing with these challenges.

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Welcome to The Self-Driven Child Podcast Mar 08, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Self-Driven Child podcast. I'm your host, Ned Johnson and co-author with Dr. William Stixrud of the book, The Self-Driven Child: the science and sense of giving your kids more control over their lives. And the book, What Do You Say?: How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home.
In this podcast series, my mission is to help parents raise kids with healthy motivation and resilience while facing life's challenges. Oh, and having more fun while doing it!

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected