Things Every Teen Needs to Thrive: Belonging, Purpose & Connection

Ask Rachel anything We all want our kids to feel they belong and have purpose, but what simple things can we do at home and in schools that will help them develop what they need? In this interview you'll hear so many great tips we can put in place at home that will help our kids thrive. In 2007, Tish co-founded Jamie’s Farm with her son Jamie, a teacher and farmer. LINK: https://jamiesfarm.org.uk/people/tish-feilden/ The residential visits for disadvanteged kids, who are disengaged or disruptive at school, give them experience of eating as a family around a table, setting aside their digital devices, and creating a structure for positive recognition of those around them. Since its founding, Jamie’s Farm has supported over 16,000 young people across six farms in the UK and delivered significant, lasting improvement to young people’s social and emotional health as well as school attendance and attainment. Tish has background as a foster parent and teacher, she went on to build a 30-year career as a psychotherapist, including working with teenagers, families, and the supervision of school counsellors. Tish Fieldon's 10 Transformative Tips for Parents and Teachers Understand the Teenage Brain Recognize that teenagers operate differently from adults Avoid logical lectures - they rarely work Redirect energy positively instead of shutting down natural curiosity Create Meaningful Connection Have regular family meals together Make time for genuine conversations Practice "check-ins" where everyone shares how they're feeling Limit Technology Set clear boundaries with phones Create phone-free zones and times Prioritize Sleep Ensure teenagers get adequate rest Establish consistent bedtime routines Understand sleep is crucial for brain development and emotional regulation Embrace Nature Encourage outdoor activities Take walks together Explore local trails and green spaces Foster Purpose Give teenagers meaningful tasks Involve them in community projects Help them feel they're contributing Celebrate their achievements Practice Positive Reinforcement Focus on strengths Give genuine compliments Do "shout-outs" recognizing good qualities Learn from positives, not just correction Create Safe Spaces for Communication Be authentic Share your own experiences Listen without judgment Make conversations feel natural Teach Life Skills Discuss practical adulting topics Cook together Build confidence through practical learning Support the show Please hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits. Find all the tips from the episode on Substack: My email [email protected] My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me Instagram Facebook