Eps 387: Supporting atypical teens with Dr. Norrine Russell

I’m really excited to introduce Dr. Norrine Russell to you all.   Dr. Russell has truly walked the walk with her own complex children which has changed her parenting & professional paths. Dr. Russell shares what she loves about her work, what hurdles complex kids face in traditional schooling, and what parents can do to help support their atypical kids as learners. She talks on why teens need to figure out what they’re good at and how important it is to tell your teens how much you love them and the strengths you see (empowering encouragement, anyone?). I ask Dr. Russell how families can scaffold to support their complex kids, and we discuss how important it is to listen and observe your own teen, as well as how much individualizing you can do in your home to support your adolescent. We talk about how to reframe it when your kids look like “they don’t care” and whether or not “trying their best” is a reasonable and helpful expectation. Dr. Russell also shares her thoughts on motivation, laziness, ADHD, rewards, & consequences. We finish up talking about how to get teens to buy-in to coaching and what Dr. Russell wishes parents knew about complex teens.   Takeways from the show: School angst & school struggles for complex kids  Lack of flexibility, training, & resources in schools  Helping teens figure out what they are good at  The importance of “I love you” & encouraging atypical kids  Listening to & observing your teen  Individualizing things at home  Watch & wait before jumping in to help  Are “doing their best” and “trying their hardest” helpful & reasonable expectations?    When teens “don’t care” & what teens do care about  Appearing lazy, ADHD, & motivation Getting adolescents to buy-in to coaching For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices