Having Conversations with Teenagers: Screentime Limits, Procrastination, and Being Sendy

In this episode with my Sendy Son, Aaron, you’ll hear about his struggle with procrastination, particularly in schoolwork and his determination to improve. Listen for what he looks for in a lady! I give advice to parents about helping kids to control their technology use while keeping a good relationship. Aaron isn’t perfect, but he keeps trying and that makes him a Sendy Teen. He talks about what it feels like to be a teenager today, how he’s learned to make good friends, and how he puts himself in situations that challenge him. You’ll also hear where I draw the line on risky behaviors and what he thinks makes a good parent.

Meet my Guest:

Aaron Brouwer is an incredible teenager! He came in my office one night and was teasing me about interviewing him. I said “Let’s do it!” I got everything set up and we did an interview right there. It was really fun to talk to him about his life and things he is hoping for and things he struggles with. I thought it was appropriate to air this episode around Mother’s Day. Aaron is a cool kid. He is 16 years old. We share a birthday which is fun. He is my fifth child of 6. He is very kind and inclusive.

What you’ll Hear:

♛ It's important to protect children from online influences.

♛ Teenagers face unique challenges in today's digital landscape.

♛ Procrastination can lead to stress and learning opportunities.

♛ Building confidence is crucial for making friends.

♛ Resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks.

♛ Family dynamics play a significant role in shaping a teenager's identity.

♛ Social media can impact self-esteem and fitting in.

♛ Teaching children about responsibility is essential.

♛ Open communication between parents and teens fosters trust.

♛ Encouraging teens to pursue their passions can lead to success.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Sendy Mom Podcast

01:02 Understanding the Concept of 'Sendy' in Teen Life

06:00 The Example of Siblings

08:40 Struggling with Procrastination as a Teenager - Time to Get Around to It

11:05 What Do You Carry With You to Remind You What Is Important?

12:04 Skiing and Adrenaline Activities for Teens

13:25 Teenager Entrepreneurship

19:11 Building Resilience Through Life's Challenges

24:08 Building Strong Friendships with Other Teens

26:59 What Teenage Boys Look for in Teenage Girls

29:25 Setting Boundaries to Risky Activities

32:32 Restrictions on Social Media

35:10 How We Deal with Technology

39:38 Make Good Choices in Media and Recognizing Your Worth

40:47 Advice for Parents to be More Sendy

43:32 Getting a Driver's License

48:12 The Impact of AI on the Next Generation

52:25 Rapid Fire Questions

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