Shit Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You brings you candid conversations with experts in psychology, education, and college admissions — so you can better understand your teen and help them thrive. Hosts Cathy Chen and Meredith Herrera have coached thousands of teens and families, and they’re here to make this whole “parenting a teenager” thing a little easier. (Or at least, less bewildering.) Because parenting is hard AF.
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Debunking the Myths: The Power of a Liberal Arts Education
Episode 92
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 • Duration 35:40
Most kids have no idea what a liberal arts education really is, or why it might be a great choice! Today on Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we discuss a liberal arts education, why it’s beneficial, and so much more! We delve into what makes a liberal arts college unique, how it differs from a traditional university, the benefits of this kind of education, and what a liberal arts degree can be used for. We go on to discuss Meredith’s experience of being a liberal arts major and how it gave her an exploratory mindset before sharing our take on how kids can create relatively ordinary careers after studying abstract liberal arts degrees. We even tell you about 3+2/4+1 programs and how they work. Lastly, we remind you of the benefits of choosing a liberal arts program for your studies and encourage you not to ignore that as an option. Thanks for tuning in!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:01:50] Today’s topic of discussion: defending liberal arts majors.
[0:02:54] We explain what a liberal arts education actually is.
[0:07:52] Some examples of liberal arts colleges in the USA.
[0:09:57] What a liberal arts degree can be used for career-wise.
[0:13:19] The benefits of having a liberal arts education (according to Meredith).
[0:22:56] How to make a ‘normal’ career from an abstract liberal arts degree.
[0:31:01] A breakdown of what the 3+2/4+1 programs are and how they work.
[0:33:14] We encourage you not to discount liberal arts programs as options for studies.
The Real Talk on Teen Substance Use: Bella’s Story and What Parents Need to Know
Episode 91
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 • Duration 36:13
Have you equipped your teen to make informed choices about substance use? During this episode, Bella, a Senior at a Boarding School back East, joins us to share the inside scoop of what’s really going on at teen parties. Since the start of her high school career, she has been involved in advocating for teens with substance abuse issues. Join us for a look behind the scenes at what motivates kids to use substances at a young age including social pressure and the problem of mental health. We discuss the age-old belief that it’s safer to allow your kids to drink at home, and Bella offers her perspective on how easy it is for adults to tell if a young person is abusing substances. You’ll also hear about the level of access that suburban teens have to illegal substances, and Bella’s opinion on what it might look like to nurture an open and honest relationship with your child from a young age. This conversation also emphasizes the importance of educating your kids rather than punishing them. Thanks for tuning in.
How to Make the Most Out of College Visits at Your High School
Episode 82
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 • Duration 30:43
Amid the pile of college applications, seniors are often encouraged to attend rep visits—but what exactly is a rep visit, and why should your child take full advantage of it? In this week’s episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, Cathy and Meredith explore how you and your teen can maximize the benefits of college rep visits at their school. They break down why these visits are important, and what to do (and what to avoid) while attending, and Cathy shares one of the most commonly missed opportunities during rep visits. You’ll also hear about the types of questions students should ask, which ones to skip, and what demonstrated interest is, and how it can sometimes play a role in the admissions process. If your child hasn’t mentioned anything about rep visits at school, be sure to check in with them or reach out to the school for more information. Tune in now for all this, and more!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:03:00] A timely, yet practical, issue that is today’s focus.
[0:03:25] What we mean by “rep visits”.
[0:04:00] Why it’s a good idea for students to attend these sessions.
[0:05:10] We explain what these sessions encompass (from first-hand experience)!
[0:07:40] What to do when you show up to your scheduled rep visit.
[0:08:45] What not to do at these rep visits.
[0:09:23] The main purpose of the rep’s job.
[0:10:20] A major missed opportunity Cathy has seen in these visits.
[0:11:00] Our thoughts on the types and range of questions you can ask.
[0:12:50] Why a little bit of prep in advance is not a bad idea.
[0:13:10] What questions you should and shouldn’t ask.
[0:15:30] Showing up to visits in respectful ways.
[0:17:20] Why email communication is encouraged (for the right reasons).
[0:20:00] Life as a rep and what makes it just that little bit better.
[0:22:10] Why it’s not the end of the world if your child can’t make the rep visit.
[0:23:18] We talk about demonstrated interest and how reps play a role.
[0:24:13] How demonstrating interests varies but often involves attending formal programs that the school puts on.
[0:24:46] What demonstrating interest can look like.
The Role of Parents in the College Admissions Process
Episode 81
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 • Duration 41:57
Parenting is incredibly difficult and stressful as it is, but when you add the college admissions process, that stress multiplies! So how can we help you find the best way to help your child through this process? Today on the show, we are discussing the role of parents in the college admissions process. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the danger of controlling your kids and trying to get too involved in this experience, why parents often have a dated outlook on colleges, and the importance of reminding your child that you will be proud of them regardless of the college they go to because their success and worthiness is not defined by the college they go to. We delve into how you can support your child through this process before discussing how parents can manage their anxiety to protect their children from potential damage. Hear about how your approach to this process can make or break the experience for your child, be reminded to meet your kid where they are and bring humility into this process by accepting that there are people who know what they’re talking about and can help your child. Finally, we urge you to recognize the impact you will have on this process for your child. The children who have the most positive experiences can largely attribute that to the role their parents take on in this process. Thank you for listening to another episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:02:05] Why we decided to speak about the role of parents in college admissions.
[0:04:04] Why trying to control your teenagers through this process only increases stress.
[0:11:52] Being really careful about your level of involvement in this process as a parent.
[0:18:07] The importance of telling your child that you’ll be so proud of the college they go to.
[0:21:13] Some ways to support your teenager during this potentially difficult process.
[0:26:21] Trying to maintain perspective and find healthy ways to manage your anxiety.
[0:27:52] The danger of expecting a certain level of maturation from your teenagers.
[0:33:32] Why parents need to bring humility into the college admissions process.
[0:35:22] How you can affect your child’s college admission process positively or negatively.
When to Step In and When to Step Back: A Parent's Guide to School Drama Without the Mama Bear Meltdown
Episode 80
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 • Duration 35:33
When we come in hot, fully activated to defend and advocate for our children, we may end up causing more harm than good. Sometimes, as parents, it’s essential to check our tone, take a breath, and approach situations with curiosity. Think of it as a partnership. Join Cathy and Meredith on this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You as they dive into a discussion about when it is and isn’t, appropriate for parents to step in and how to handle school drama without the 'Mama (or Papa) Bear Meltdown!' They explore different examples, discussing how a parent’s tone can completely change the entire experience and why, when necessary, you shouldn’t be deterred by red tape when advocating for your child’s needs. They also highlight key aspects of a well-received intervention, what to consider when making requests, and why it’s crucial to think about what you say, how you say it, and to whom you’re saying it. Be sure to tune in for all this and much more!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:01:00] A timely discussion as the school year kicks off.
[0:02:30] Subscribe and share our podcast!
[0:03:20] When is it, and isn’t, appropriate for parents to step in at school.
[0:04:45] Some situations where parents shouldn’t be playing any role.
[0:07:00] An example of when it could be appropriate for parents to step in.
[0:08:35] The importance of your tone when stepping in.
[0:09:15] We look at other examples of when stepping in would be appropriate.
[0:13:10] Don’t be deterred by red tape when advocacy for your child is needed.
[0:15:30] Any time you are concerned about your child’s safety.
[0:15:45] What gets parents in trouble when reaching out to schools.
[0:16:30] We delve into the best approach for stepping in.
[0:19:45] An important aspect to remember when reaching out with requests.
[0:22:00] Try to approach things with curiosity, and not as an activated parent-warrior.
[0:25:40] How the college process can also bring forth bad parenting intervention.
[0:28:50] Providing critical information and context about your child’s health.
[0:33:55] We share the only time when parents reach out is bothersome.
A Sh**ty Life Update From Cathy
Episode 79
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 • Duration 34:39
Today’s episode is about perseverance, resilience, and letting go of the things we can’t control. Earlier this year, Cathy received news that the lump she found on her body was indeed malignant, but the most important thing is everything she did after receiving the news. In today’s conversation, we learn about Cathy’s diagnosis and how she processed this revelation before exploring how Meredith came to terms with the news. We discover why and how Cathy’s plight fits perfectly with the themes of this podcast, how she’s maintained an optimistic outlook throughout her journey, how you can build a similar mindset of positivity, the keys to harnessing resilience, and the value of community in helping you overcome life’s struggles. To end, we unpack the dangers of toxic positivity, and Cathy shares her final words of gratitude – yes, you heard right, gratitude!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:01:55] Cathy lets us in on her recent cancer diagnosis.
[0:03:33] Meredith’s first experience of seeing Cathy receive treatment.
[0:05:38] Why Cathy’s struggle complements the themes of this podcast.
[0:07:13] How she’s managed to maintain a positive mindset since discovery.
[0:12:26] The best practices for cultivating and maintaining optimism.
[0:18:31] Why Cathy continued to work even while in treatment – building resilience.
[0:21:43] A reminder of the undeniable power of community in navigating life’s storms.
[0:26:00] How to manage your worrying habits, and a side note on toxic positivity.
[0:30:17] Cathy’s final words of gratitude – yes, gratitude.
How to Write a Kick-Ass Supplemental Essay That Will Make Admissions Say 'Wow!'
Episode 78
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 • Duration 42:52
It’s mid-August, and college application deadlines are fast approaching. So, get ready for more 'college stuff' as we dive into how to write kick-ass supplemental essays that will make you stand out to admissions! In today’s world, most schools require at least two to three different supplements with their application, and highly selective schools often ask for even more. Join Cathy and Meredith as they share their insights on all things college supplements, including why colleges ask for them and why you need to take them seriously. They’ll explore different themes and templates, discuss how supplements can reveal what a college truly values, and guide listeners through a few key essay questions. Be sure to tune in for all this and more! And remember, make sure your kids don’t phone it in because admissions officers can tell!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:01:00] College applications are due any minute, have you turned on the Common App?
[0:01:30] What today’s episode is all about.
[0:02:15] Our views on supplements: the feelings and thoughts behind them.
[0:07:28] Using supplements to discourage applications.
[0:08:00] Why colleges are asking for supplements and why they have to be taken seriously.
[0:09:25] Why you need to have a nice, small, tight list of potential colleges.
[0:10:35] A quick look at the book Lifting the Veil of Enrollment Management.
[0:11:44] The themes often seen in the template of college supplement requests.
[0:13:28] How supplements can reveal what a college cares about (do your research!)
[0:15:25] Biggest mistakes we’ve seen in the college essay-prompt format.
[0:16:30] The importance of belonging to a community.
[0:19:00] We talk about a certain trend and “haze of skepticism” around adolescents that doesn’t seem to play well in a community.
[0:21:40] An asterisk for those who don’t know what they want to major in.
[0:23:00] Identity and the challenges with this essay.
[0:26:30] Love yourself for who you are and show up as your authentic self.
[0:27:30] The hard parts of the social issue essay.
[0:28:30] A great place for parents to model and open up conversations.
How to Prepare Your Middle Schooler for High School
Episode 77
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 • Duration 37:14
As children grow and transition from middle school to high school, their world inevitably becomes bigger and more complex. And rightly so! Welcome back to another episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You. Today, we're turning our attention to the ‘littles’, our middle schoolers! Join us as we explore how to best prepare your middle schooler for the journey to high school. We dive into how to best prepare your middle schooler for the journey to high school by exploring two of the biggest transitions: academic and social. We also discuss some of the most common issues freshmen struggle with, the evolving role of parents, and how boundaries begin to shift, along with why it's crucial to create a safe space for your kids to have those confusing conversations with you. Don’t miss out as we cover all this and much more about getting your littles ready for high school. Thanks for listening!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:00:50] What listeners can expect from today’s episode.
[0:01:30] Common topics in the transition from middle school to high school.
[0:03:00] The most noticeable differences to expect from middle school to high school.
[0:06:00] How the social dynamic also changes.
[0:07:45] The culture shift for students who change schools (to a new high school).
[0:08:30] We discuss some of the things freshmen often struggle with.
[0:09:30] The lack of high school coaching on how students should learn.
[0:10:45] Why students need to build and adjust good study habits.
[0:11:30] How students can become proficient in advocating for themselves.
[0:12:45] The parent role and how they can help their kids with these transitions.
[0:15:00] The importance of teaching kids how to reflect.
[0:16:16] Normalizing asking for help.
[0:16:40] The freshmen social concern.
[0:20:20] We talk about the shift in grades freshmen often encounter.
[0:21:40] How the boundaries of what is appropriate for a parent start to shift.
[0:25:55] Going over the school’s handbook with your child and other school policies.
[0:27:10] Attending the parent orientation sessions.
[0:27:50] Getting familiar with the content in content your children will be exposed to.
We're Baaaaack!
Episode 76
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 • Duration 06:47
Welcome to Season 4 of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! Join Cathy and Meredith as they dive into the real conversations and hidden truths of teenage life, bringing you more fresh insights and practical advice to help you navigate the teen years with confidence and understanding. Are you ready for candid discussions, expert tips, and plenty of laughs? Stay tuned for a season packed with stories and strategies (and maybe even some songs) to make parenting your teenager a little bit easier and a whole lot more rewarding!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:00:45] Welcome to Season 4 of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You!
[0:02:10] What to expect from our upcoming episodes.
[0:03:08] Your invitation to subscribe and leave us a positive review.
[0:04:36] Insight into our recent goal-setting getaway.
Conquering Senioritis: How to Overcome and Defeat High School Burnout
Episode 75
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • Duration 30:02
As the end of senior year approaches, a widespread affliction known as senioritis begins to affect many American high school students. In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we explore how to recognize telltale symptoms of the “itis,” address some of its more serious consequences, and offer practical advice for encouraging seniors to make wise choices, even as their motivation wanes. We also share strategies for striking the right balance between letting teens enjoy all the fun and excitement of senior year while emphasizing the importance of a strong academic finish. Tune in today for your comprehensive guide to conquering senioritis, overcoming high school burnout, and ensuring your teen’s success!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:04:03] Trademark indications that your kid has come down with senioritis.
[0:07:41] Consequences of senioritis, from summer school to losing scholarships.
[0:12:32] Why it’s important to discuss these consequences with seniors.
[0:15:41] Advice for parents to help their kids make better choices.
[0:19:01] Reasons that absences and tardiness should not be tolerated.
[0:21:20] Opportunities to remind seniors of their place in community.
[0:22:41] How much assertiveness and guidance is required from parents.
[0:28:06] Why this is a special time to bond before your kids go to college.
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