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Episode 12: Tara Brasier - Navigating Academic Stress & Family Dynamics: How to Support Your Teen’s Success Without Adding Pressure
37 Plays1 year ago
✨ *Parents, this one’s for you!* ✨
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your teen’s academic stress? Do you want to support their future without adding pressure?
In the latest episode of **Mommas Who Lead**, I sit down with **Tara Brasier**, an **education-life coach with over 25 years of experience**, to talk about **how parents can help their teens thrive emotionally and academically.**
Tara shares:
✅ How to reduce stress around school & future planning
✅ Practical ways to boost your teen’s confidence
✅ Why perfection isn’t the goal—resilience is
🎧 **Tune in now!** Your teen’s success starts with the right support!
🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommas-who-lead/id1735746990?i=1000697705560
#MommasWhoLead #ParentingTeens #StudentSuccess #GrowthMindset #EducationCoach #TeenMentalHealth
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Transcript
Introduction to 'Mamas Who Lead'
00:00:15
Speaker
Hey, Mamas, welcome back to another empowering episode of Mamas Who Lead. I'm your host, Laura Carafino, and this is a podcast where we have real conversations about leadership, business, and the journey of motherhood, because we know that leading in life starts right at home.
Supporting Teens Without Stress
00:00:31
Speaker
So today we're tackling tackling a topic that so many parents face, and that is how to support our teens academically and emotionally without adding pressure.
00:00:41
Speaker
So let's be real, being a teenager today isn't easy at all. Between academic stress, social pressures, and the looming decisions about life after high school, it can be overwhelming.
00:00:53
Speaker
And for parents, we're trying to guide them, support them, and help them to succeed, all while making sure we're not adding to their stress.
Meet Tara Braser: Education Life Coach
00:01:01
Speaker
And that's why I'm so excited to introduce you to today's guest, Tara Braser.
00:01:07
Speaker
Tara is an education life coach with over 25 years experience working with students and families all across Ontario. And she's what she calls an empowerment alchemist, helping teens build confidence, navigate big transitions, and step into their personal power.
00:01:26
Speaker
So Tara has dedicated her career to reducing the pressure students face while also equipping parents with practical strategies to create a balanced, healthy approach to education. So if you're a parent wondering how to help your teen thrive without feeling like you're walking a tightrope, this episode is for you.
Framing Education Beyond Grades
00:01:44
Speaker
So let's dive in.
00:01:46
Speaker
Tara, oh my gosh, I love how you frame education as more than just grades. It's about resilience, growth, and curiosity. And your approach isn't about perfection, but about helping students and families move forward with confidence, even when the road feels a little uncertain, right?
00:02:04
Speaker
So before we get into these strategies with parents, I would love to hear more about your journey, what inspired you to become an education life coach, and how you developed this passion for helping like teens and families through this crazy transition.
00:02:21
Speaker
Absolutely. Thanks so much for having me, Laura. I'm happy to be here with you.
Tara's Journey to Coaching
00:02:26
Speaker
So as an educator with 25 years of experience um and providing and being an academic and life coach for students, I've worked with people with diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
00:02:39
Speaker
I've taught and coached here in Ontario, as you mentioned, as well as over in Australia. I went to Australia for Teachers College, as a matter of fact. I've taught in mainstream and special education through private and public organizations from the kindergarten level all the way up to the college level.
00:02:56
Speaker
And I've seen a massive need for programs to help students figure out who they are, ah to visualize a future full of opportunities, and to map out their pathway beyond high school.
00:03:11
Speaker
As I worked through the years of the pandemic, I saw that need grow exponentially, as I'm sure everyone did around us.
Impact of the Pandemic on Education
00:03:19
Speaker
I, you know, working through the years of the pandemic and then past pandemic, I watched the true impact um that it was having on our young people's education and their lives. um But I knew that the the total picture of that was yet to be revealed.
00:03:38
Speaker
And it kind of lit a fire under me to develop something that encompassed all of my skills, my passions, connections, and creativity that was really going to make a big impact.
00:03:49
Speaker
um And because the reason for that is that, you know, we're seeing more and more now again, during the pandemic, but it's the post pandemic hangover, if you will, that just hasn't gone away.
00:04:01
Speaker
um There's a growing disconnect between Gen Z and traditional education. So students are feeling lost.
Guiding Teens Through Overwhelming Decisions
00:04:08
Speaker
unmotivated and unsure about their future. And when it comes to guiding that transition, um I certainly realize that moms are the teen's first leaders, but they can often feel just as overwhelmed, especially by that question, what's next?
00:04:25
Speaker
ah They can feel as overwhelmed as teens do.
00:04:29
Speaker
Oh, and I know that all well. I'm in the thick of it right now too with a senior in high school. So I'm really, i you know, as I told you earlier, I'm so excited to talk to you about this because it is, I think that what you said, they you know, the pandemic was, you know, it had a huge impact on our kids that are now graduating and having these pressures. So, you know, moms often feel responsible for keeping their teen on track. I know I do personally, but But how can we empower them to take ownership of their, you know, own learning and future decisions after, you know, they we've pretty much been teaching them because we were home for so long with them. Right. With um during the pandemic, you know, teaching them through online learning. So how do we do that? How do we navigate that?
Encouraging Teen Self-Reflection
00:05:17
Speaker
Yeah, so as I previously mentioned that what's next question is kind of the question that every teen dreads, especially in current day. um But we know that the right answer to that, or the next answer to that can really change their life.
00:05:32
Speaker
And it's about finding ways to have teens step into their authentic selves. Confidence comes from knowing who you are authentically.
00:05:43
Speaker
um So this means engaging in different kinds of experiences, cultures, social dynamics, um but perhaps equally or maybe even more importantly is um asking them to guide or guide them through reflecting on what matters most to them,
00:06:02
Speaker
ah what skills they possess, what skills they're curious about learning, what they might want to invest some time in, and surely ah what their values are. I find in the work that I've done with a lot of people, when you say the word values, there's kind of this blank stare.
00:06:19
Speaker
And if you don't have your values identified, you're kind of moving at the whim of the wind without any anchor to tell you if you're headed in the right direction or not.
00:06:32
Speaker
So the key between parents and and teens is really about coming at it from more of a curiosity rather than control.
00:06:44
Speaker
So instead of saying or or having that concept in your conversations of, but you need to figure out about your future, you need to make some decisions, you know, trying the approach of more What excites you? Like, what gets you up? what what When you are up, teens don't like to get up generally, but when they are up, you know,
00:07:07
Speaker
but so what inspires you to go and engage with the world around you? um The other thing, you know, as humans, we inherently want to help.
00:07:21
Speaker
it's it's It's in our human DNA to want to help and support others.
Real-World Experiences for Teens
00:07:26
Speaker
So if we can find experiences or lead the discussions that are asking teens to think about what are the problems and challenges that you see in the world right now that you feel fired up about?
00:07:42
Speaker
And then, you know, once they establish this, then they can start to engage or you can lead them to engage with different types of potential solutions to the issues that they have an interest in.
00:07:55
Speaker
So it might mean having meaningful conversations and with people that are already working on creatively solving those problems. So, for example, if someone is sustainable in it energy is very big.
00:08:09
Speaker
you know, um and I know our our young people are feeling the pressure of that um because of what those of us who have come before them, um the practices that we embraced.
00:08:21
Speaker
But, you know, if if they're if a youth is really ah desiring to see a change in sustainable energy, it can be a springboard for them to get into real world connections with people in the field.
00:08:35
Speaker
um And that might mean that as moms, we're looking at our networks, we're asking our networks to look at their networks. Where can we find ah soft ah lead so that there can be an actual direct connection for them?
00:08:50
Speaker
where can we have Where can we find experiences and foster our kids going out and spending a day out in the field with someone? um or going out to dinner with them or coffee with them and having a conversation where they can understand and get, you know, not just here's the learning that you need to have, here are the letters after your name, here are the paper tickets, but more this is actually what it's like to be in this industry.
00:09:19
Speaker
Because not only are they getting that real world experience, and they are growing their network, but it's lower risk for them to, you know, that idea of going to post-secondary can feel so overwhelming for them, but bringing it back to a lower stakes, but yet still invested experience can open up that avenue for them to have the desire for deeper exploration.
00:09:45
Speaker
You know, you brought up a thing about like, it could be a little overwhelming for them. why, You know, I know it's not just about getting into college or a career for their next steps or whatnot, but there's an emotional side to us, as you were pointing out. Like, how can moms prepare their teens holistically for that?
Emotional Readiness and Life Skills
00:10:03
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. So what I guess I would say is there are three key areas that moms really want to look at in terms of readiness. So emotional readiness, academic readiness, and life readiness.
00:10:18
Speaker
Right. When it comes to emotional readiness, um it doesn't matter what generation we came from. We all want ownership of our own choices.
00:10:29
Speaker
I think the real difference today and probably ah bit of a take your breath away moment for parents is that the choices and teens, but the choices are so vast.
00:10:40
Speaker
So how do we keep up with all of the choices to help direct them? I think that we can get caught up in that I have to know everything to help them. No, we have to help our teens feel that ownership, but also help them believe in themselves that they can take ownership so that they feel empowered to know that they are in the driver's seat when it comes to making decisions about their future.
00:11:07
Speaker
um You know, we have this sort of knee jerk reaction to label experiences or choices as good or bad, but those labels really aren't helpful. um I believe in our conversations with our kids, it's important that we teach them that all experiences are valid and important that we can glean something from every experience we have.
00:11:30
Speaker
So whether that's Right. Like whether that's a social experience, for example, you know, post COVID, how many people of any age, but particularly our teens, our young people, ah social anxiety is through the roof.
00:11:45
Speaker
You know, yes, but taking a bit of a risk out there. So whether that is having a social experience or taking a workshop that they're investing time or money in, or if it's that leap to enrolling in a post secondary program, but it's something that they then pivot from, it's not the first choice that they stick with and they pivot.
00:12:05
Speaker
It's okay. they can glean something of value from every experience. And the key point really is um it's more than just that punitive life lesson lens that we can thrust upon ourselves.
00:12:21
Speaker
it's It's that we really can gain knowledge and skills in every experience that are transferable for whatever comes next. It's the fact we have to teach our young about being open to seeing that.
00:12:36
Speaker
Gosh, yes. That's, you know, yeah. When you look at it through that lens, that just opened a whole different perspective. So kind of gives them, it kind of takes away that fear.
00:12:51
Speaker
of failure in a way, I guess you could say the fear of moving forward um or fear of unknown for the most part, you know, as long as they're gaining that experience and, you know, any experience is good.
00:13:05
Speaker
or How you said that was, I was just love that. very Yeah, absolutely. And you know this this leads itself to the life readiness.
00:13:16
Speaker
So if we help see teens help teens rather see beyond the grades, it's about learning essential life skills too. So as you mentioned mistakes, down when I was teaching it at George Brown College,
00:13:31
Speaker
ah One of the first fundamentals I would ask my students and my students down there ranged in age from 17 as I mentioned earlier in our discussion, 67.
00:13:42
Speaker
ah sixty seven My eldest student was 67. But regardless of their age, it was about asking them to be willing to be vulnerable. And that the recognition that mistakes are an integral part of the human experience.
00:14:02
Speaker
You know, without them, we're we're just spinning our wheels. We really do need to recognize the value. It's feedback. it's feedback right and so in addition to that you know skills like financial literacy communication uh problem solving skills these are the types of daily and life skills that life readiness lens that we want to be supporting our teens through as well that transition to post-secondary leaving home for a lot of them even if you aren't leaving home even if you're living at home while going to college or university
00:14:41
Speaker
It's a very, very big leap. So having them um engage in chores at home, having them go out and whatever, whatever the tasks are from a very young age that you can encourage them to be doing to gather those life skills.
00:14:58
Speaker
um They're going to serve them very well when they're moving on beyond high school as well.
00:15:04
Speaker
So if, you know, what would you say are some more ways that, you know, the moms can encourage independence and responsibility in their teens before they step in adulthood, adulthood, um, would it say, you know, suggest, I know you were just talking about maybe some chores and stuff for the little ones.
00:15:23
Speaker
What can you do? do you have any specific things that you would suggest for them? You know, when we want to, we want to tie that in, I think one of the big things that, um, Perhaps we were not taught very well in our younger years, but we really want to help our young people learn is that financial literacy piece. So tying in chores to financial responsibility, financial gain, meaning.
00:15:50
Speaker
If you are going to take the responsibility of setting the table every day and clearing and putting in the dishwasher, doing the hand dishes, you know, helping out around the house, have a conversation with them.
00:16:03
Speaker
How often do you think you would be able to do this? And what value would you place on that? What value do you place on that? You know, ah that's inviting them into the conversation. We in life have so much external input on us about what we think we should be worth instead of letting that come from within us.
00:16:25
Speaker
um The other thing is, you know, scheduling.
Trust and Growth Mindset for Moms
00:16:30
Speaker
ah When we look at scheduling to an end time management.
00:16:35
Speaker
Yeah, of course, as moms, we want to be there for our kids every step of the way. We want to take them wherever they need to go. All of the lessons, all of the social engagements, all of the appointments, everything.
00:16:46
Speaker
And yet. how or when are we teaching them there is ah there are life responsibilities and time responsibilities for everyone in the household let's look at a schedule together and talk about when we might be able to fit x y or z in when would the best time to be when wouldn't be a good time and why what's going on for everyone in the household at that time so really broadening their perspective of things.
00:17:14
Speaker
I really don't think that takes away from them as an individual. I actually feel that that gives them an opportunity to see, wow, I am a part of something much bigger than myself. That's some really good advice there.
00:17:29
Speaker
ah you know, but that i I'm going to implement that now with my four and eight year old. Okay. Yes. It's never too late.
00:17:40
Speaker
um So now, okay. Yeah. What do you tell the moms that maybe like me may have some struggle of letting go and trusting their teen that they're making the best decisions during this process, like allowing them to make those decisions?
00:18:00
Speaker
I know this a struggle for me. Yeah. So, well, I think it is for everyone, right? um Honestly, feel the more that we are working on that aspect within our own selves and trusting our own decisions, the more we are emitting out there for our kids to pick on it pick up on in in the subconscious, oh, this is what it's like to be ah making decisions that I can trust for my own self and my own good.
00:18:33
Speaker
And I think another key important aspect is that moms shouldn't have all of the answers. Because no matter what our age,
00:18:44
Speaker
Life is not an enriching experience if we're just fed all of the next steps without our own stamp on the journey. So you ah right your question about when um knowing when to let go a bit, first of all, knowing that letting go is the right thing to do.
00:19:05
Speaker
I liken this to, from an educator's perspective, my job is to work myself out of a job with the students in front of me, right? So that they are growing and evolving beyond where I'm at and they move on to their next teacher or mentor, right?
00:19:25
Speaker
Now that's not to say that they're going to fly from the nest of the home and never return. It's not that. It's actually the opposite, right? Right. It's allowing them to have that freedom again within their own selves and their own environment and the trust that you are there.
00:19:40
Speaker
So letting your teens know again about the the mistakes is part of the integral part of the human experience um and that it's not um it's not just okay to make mistakes, but it is necessary.
00:19:52
Speaker
ah But also, you know, moms are modeling leadership by embracing curiosity, adapting to change and showing resilience. So as moms are constantly ah finding our ability to grow and the hope then is that we're modeling that to to our kids as well.
00:20:16
Speaker
And the way to that is self-reflection. So asking yourself things, being self-reflective and asking yourself, where do I have a fixed mindset? Where am I telling myself ah that I'm not good at certain things or I can't accomplish specific dreams?
00:20:33
Speaker
Because when we're doing that, which we are we we aren't perfect beings, we're human beings, right? If we don't know that that's happening, it's running it's running the program and we are showing our kids that and they will in turn be behaving that way as well.
00:20:49
Speaker
But when we're self-reflective of that and we go, oh look at me, look at that. I was limiting myself there, interesting. Then it' opens our avenue to say, well what's the opposite to a fixed mindset? That's a growth mindset.
00:21:01
Speaker
So meaning um remembering the concept of not yet. And this is a very important aspect to ah to share with our children through our own
Modeling Growth Mindset for Teens
00:21:16
Speaker
modeling first. So modeling the growth mindset means embracing that playfulness um that I haven't succeeded in doing something Yet.
00:21:27
Speaker
Having an open mind, a playful perspective, and embracing optimism. And the more we as moms are able to do that for ourselves, the more our teens will observe this and be curious, that's the hope, that they can have about how they can do that for their own selves um and in their quest to figure out what's next for them.
00:21:51
Speaker
yeah Oh, yes. Not yet. Not yet. Not yet. ah You know, and that that's a, you know, training your brain to flip the switch and start saying that, you know, i started to do that with my little kids. They said um he was doing some of my youngest and he's like, I can't do that. and I was like, you can't do that yet.
00:22:11
Speaker
you know, exactly put in a little bit practice. So I love that perspective. So many moms, you know, really struggle with feeling like they have to be perfect guides for their teens during this process. I know I've felt like that.
00:22:26
Speaker
What advice you have for those feeling a little overwhelmed by this transition right now? Yeah. So I think it's really at the crux of it, reaffirming to to your teens that they're not alone in the process.
00:22:42
Speaker
You know, they have your support. um Again, moms don't have to have all the answers figured out. that's That's not our job. Our job is to be the constant, the grounding, the open door, the person to bounce the ideas off of, the person to lead our kids to possibilities,
00:23:02
Speaker
but we don't have the answers. We aren't telling them what the next step is. um When we do that, we're closing the possibility for the teens, again, to take ownership of their lives, for them to be able to have a self-monitoring.
00:23:18
Speaker
Is this something I want to go toward or not? And it's really about creating the environment where our kids feel safe, supported and empowered to make their own decisions and be that driver in their own life.
00:23:35
Speaker
um Moms are the foundation, right? But you don't have to build the house by yourself. um Leadership isn't about having all of the answers. It's about creating an environment, again, where we feel safe, supported and empowered.
00:23:49
Speaker
that's our That's our main job. Safe, supported and empowered. i love that. All right. Now here's another really good question. One I've struggled with.
00:24:01
Speaker
How do we help a teen who is struggling with motivation without turning into that nagging parent? Yeah. Yeah.
Motivation Without Nagging
00:24:10
Speaker
So um it's interesting because i was looking at, i believe it was the Walden Gallup survey that's put out every year. um was looking at the 2023 results. The 2024 have just come out, but I have not yet had a chance to look at them.
00:24:24
Speaker
But in 2023, the survey was really looking at Gen Z motivation um and satisfaction. think there is perhaps a tie the...
00:24:36
Speaker
the um instant gratification that is developing expectant perspective of instant instant results, right?
00:24:51
Speaker
um Yes. Finding purpose, I believe, again, going back to the beginning of our conversation about finding what fires the teens up.
00:25:03
Speaker
Now, if it's not coming out in a conversation with with yourself as mom, um what experiences what's going on in the community is it is it volunteering for example you know there is so much purpose that can come from helping and supporting others in need um and you never know when you go out to these types of engagement experiences what you'll glean from it yes you're going to be helping others but you don't know who you're going to meet the conversation that you might have
00:25:35
Speaker
with the least expected person, you know, that is going to spark that imagination. but I would also, um something we haven't yet talked about today is reflective journaling. Now, reflective journaling can take on the approach of traditional pen to paper writing. And in fact, I do encourage that.
00:25:54
Speaker
um However, i also encourage the digital version just as much because if picking up pen and paper is a barrier to really allowing your thoughts and feelings to flow, go digital.
00:26:11
Speaker
But those two methods aren't the only way either. You know, can we sing it out? Can we dance it out? Can we take photographs? Can we be in nature? Nature is something i feel is way underrated, but yet so powerful in terms of the inspiration, the satisfaction, and the sense of purpose in the connection to all that it is around us.
00:26:41
Speaker
And I think it is one of our main guiding sources that can help us understand and our teens understand nature. um, what truly is the next right step for us and help us be reflective that way.
00:26:55
Speaker
Do you think there's any questions that like moms could or should ask their teens to kind of help them open up? Like, do you have specific questions that would be gate openers for that conversation?
00:27:09
Speaker
I do actually. um Something about, i believe that there's always conversation to be had every day about what we're grateful for. Something that we struggled with in a day, you know, our teens, although at times, yeah, they don't want to be seen. The truth is we all want to be seen.
00:27:30
Speaker
And so opening the door to talk about um what's working, but also what you struggle with is really important. Again, the what gets you fired up or what are you most, what what upsets you about the world around you right now? That's a really empowering question as well.
00:27:49
Speaker
um And laying the groundwork that it doesn't mean we have to come up with the answers right now. It's exploratory. But let's see. Let's let's look at what what's driving you, what's what's got you um interested or upset about that problem. And how can we Just dip a finger in, dip a toe into that world and see what it uncovers.
00:28:10
Speaker
I love that.
Handling Stressed Teens
00:28:11
Speaker
um Just ah open, asking them what they're, you know, seeing and, um you know, things that are happening that interest them. I, it's, those are good questions.
00:28:21
Speaker
Now let's see, like. What would you say or any advice for a mom if they see their teen shutting down, like due to stress? Like how, what's the best way to approach that conversation if they're really stressed and, you know, closed down? Yeah, I think, again, coming from a place of wanting to let them know that you, you see that they're, that they're struggling, you know, you're their mom, you know, that they'll know that you're going to know.
00:28:58
Speaker
Um, but reaffirming for, for them that they, you do see them. Um, the empowerment piece comes in. If you want to talk, I'm here. If you don't want to talk about it right now, that's okay. Um, ah we don't have to talk about it in this moment.
00:29:15
Speaker
Our next step right now is just, let's pick a time. Because what happens often is sometimes there's a thing as too much space. So if we say, it's okay if you don't want to talk about it now, and we end the conversation, there's the scapegoat.
00:29:33
Speaker
There's the escape door, right? And and that that will habitually happen. But if we say, it's okay to not talk about it now, we do need to talk about it.
00:29:43
Speaker
Let's pick a time. let's Let's pick a time right now. I want you to tell me how long you want to talk. Is it 10 minutes? Is it 15 minutes? Is it half an hour? And where do you want to be?
00:29:55
Speaker
Do you want to go for a walk? um I think walks are underrated too The science tells us that just 10 minutes of walking changes the brain chemistry. 15 minutes of walking starts to break the loop of the anxiety because anxiety is a cascade of chemicals in the body, right? So we need to shift that relationship um and that emotional cascade of chemicals that's happening so that we can have a new emotional response which is being open to the world that we're seeing around us, breathing in that air,
00:30:29
Speaker
And allowing them two when once you do get into that conversation, almost like having a safe word, like we're going to talk, but if you're letting me, you know, let let me know what a safe word is where you're saying, you know what, we're going into a territory where it's really getting me worked up or it's really getting me shut down or whatever um the teen is expressing.
00:30:53
Speaker
um And my word is pineapple. That means we're going to change the conversation for a bit. Right. And of course, then always letting them know that if I, if, if, if it's too much pressure to talk with me right now, let's find someone that you can talk to.
00:31:12
Speaker
It's really important that we get you talking. Um, and I understand that that might not be me and I'm okay. I'm okay with that, but let's find someone who is.
00:31:24
Speaker
That's yeah, that's, I love the keyword that, that gives them a safe space and, um, help, but help them find someone to talk to if it's not them. Great. Amazing tips. Uh, here's a fun
The Power of Stillness
00:31:38
Speaker
question.
00:31:38
Speaker
If you could give every high school student one superpower to navigate life's challenges, what would it be? Hmm. A superpower to navigate life's challenges.
00:31:53
Speaker
The ability to sit in quietude and stillness until you enter the space of all that ever was, ever is, or ever will be, because that is where all of the answers are.
00:32:08
Speaker
So it's sitting in the seat of all potential. that is a That's a lifelong skill. Again, something that's not taught to us at school, not not schools that I've been engaged with over 25 years anyway. no um And it's not really something that too many families do as a family either, I would say. And yet...
00:32:30
Speaker
ah Going back to the idea that if we're constantly going out here, we're constantly looking at the algorithm for our answers, for our dopamine hits, et cetera, we're not in the driver's seat.
00:32:44
Speaker
But the way to get in the driver's seat is to calm down, be in the present, give yourself space away from all of the exterior noise and stimulation and listen to your own heart's rhythm.
00:32:56
Speaker
Listen to the pullings from within. you know, not many people, I don't know if any, I don't, not many people will probably give that an answer, but I would love to have that superpower and be able to do that.
00:33:08
Speaker
I mean, I do try to meditate, um but it is hard. It is very, it's not easy. So that is a phenomenal superpower.
Empowering and Supporting Moms
00:33:18
Speaker
um Now, if you could give a mom one, what would it be? yeah me
00:33:27
Speaker
so
00:33:29
Speaker
Yes. um Yes. The same superpower. I think the world would be ah much more grounded yet expansive place if we all had that superpower. But for moms specifically, the knowing that she is enough, that she is doing everything within her power and her brilliance to be enough,
00:33:54
Speaker
the leader, the voice of connection, the grounding, and the conduit to opportunities for her children.
00:34:07
Speaker
That's the superpower. Oh, I love that. Yes, please.
00:34:15
Speaker
Oh my goodness. but This conversation has been such an eye opener for so many of us moms, I'm sure that are listening. You know, you've helped us see that we don't have to have all the answers. We just need to create space for our teens to grow, learn and make decisions with confidence. So,
00:34:35
Speaker
Before we wrap up, you know, if you could give one final piece of advice or anything else you would love to share with with our listeners today who may be feeling a little overwhelmed by this phase of life like me, um what would it be?
00:34:48
Speaker
An invitation. i would give and an invitation ah to carry on conversations, to stay in touch with your networks, to reach out to people professionals and experts in the fields ah that will guide your teens to the next steps or at least to the next enriching experience without attachment, that it has to be the perfect step.
00:35:17
Speaker
And I have an invitation, if I may, Yes, please. i think you you have like amazing workshop coming up. I do. So um it's a it's a no pressure, ah you know, starting point, I think, for parents to gain insight into their teens, challenges and solutions. so um I've developed a five-part webisode series. It's a free webisode series called Elevating Youth in Education.
00:35:46
Speaker
um It's happening from February 27th to April 1st. There are various dates for people to register for. ah topics that we're looking at, um vanishing students, confronting the crisis for chronic school absenteeism. As we know, it is an ongoing and growing issue that we're seeing North America wide for sure, possibly beyond that.
00:36:10
Speaker
um And it's really about helping parents and educators lead Gen Z back to the classroom. The next one we dove into a little bit today about finding purpose, enhancing Gen Z youth satisfaction.
00:36:21
Speaker
um So how to help students find motivation and meaning in their life. ah Looking at the impact of AI on modern learning. So navigating technology's evolving role in education. And I have a guest appearance from Tom Sherblock, a data science professional, ah who will be joining me for that.
00:36:40
Speaker
And two more, the Neurodivergent Minds Thriving in Post-Secondary, Supporting Divergent Learning Needs Beyond High School. um Not only have I worked for 25 years with Neurodivergent Minds, I myself am ah someone of Neurodivergent Mind.
00:36:56
Speaker
ah So there's a lot to be shared in that episode. And then finally, um for parents who are really looking for actionable steps about that step beyond high school, our post-secondary launch pad is a proven roadmap for teens transitioning to post-secondary and how you can set your teens up for long-term success.
00:37:15
Speaker
So moms can go to
00:37:24
Speaker
and ah forward slash E-Y-I-E. e And they will find all of the webisodes there to register for. Oh, I love that. Thank you so much. So everyone that is listening, go check that out, especially if you're in this phase of life right now, Tara, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom today. there anything else you'd like to share before we close out tonight?
00:37:48
Speaker
Just that it's been an honor and a pleasure to be here with you, Laura. It's a, it's a continued conversation in many households and, um, I really look forward to connecting with so many people and helping families through this transition.
00:38:05
Speaker
Thank you. It's just been an honor to have you here and you're sharing your wealth of wisdom with us, and especially, you know, your 25 years experience. um I know this is a very difficult transition for many moms. I'm being one of them that is in this season right now.
00:38:21
Speaker
You know, this season of parenting is emotional, it's exciting, and sometimes it's exhausting. Yeah. and I mean, it is. and i so yes but It But it's also an opportunity for growth, both for our kids and for us as moms. And, you know, to all our moms listening, you know, you are not alone in this journey.
00:38:42
Speaker
Your love, support, and guidance matter more than you realize. Even when your team seems distant and or independent or just blocks you out, shuts the door, turns the radio on, it's still, you, you matter.
00:38:58
Speaker
And if today's episode resonated with you be sure to connect with Tara at Tara B T A R A B dot C a and check out her incredible work, helping families navigate these life transitions.
00:39:13
Speaker
And um be sure to sign up for her free workshop. I know I will be. and if you found value in this conversation, please share this episode with another mom who needs to hear it.
00:39:24
Speaker
So until next time, keep leading, keep learning, and keep believing in your teen's future and in yourself as their guide. We'll see you in the next episode.