Aug 16, 2021
Jon Mattleman has worked with
schools, parents, mental health organizations, and businesses for
the last 30 years to help manage anxiety, stress, depression and
more. Today, Jon discusses why your teen might not be opening up to
you, social media challenges, and so much more. It’s not just
because they’re going through a ‘phrase’, it’s because we, as
parents, make it difficult for them to talk! Sometimes we need to
take a step back, give our teen space, and just listen attentively
without trying to problem solve. Jon shares some useful strategies
on this week’s episode to help navigate these tough teen
years.
Key Takeaways
- About Jon and his extensive work in this
field.
- Why don’t teens talk to us?
- Believe it or not, teens want to share their
fears!
- Parents are always talking and giving advice
when sometimes we just need to shut up and
listen!
- Why do teens have better conversations with you
in the car?
- Teens stop talking because they can see your
face. Jon decided to try something new and turn off the light tod
see what happens!
- Just because you’re ready to talk doesn’t mean
it’s a good time for them to talk.
- Kids know when you’re not
present!
- Jon offers advice to parents who are worried
their children aren’t motivated enough.
- We often say the wrong thing when it comes to
handling anxiety.
- When your teenage son comes home drunk, the
best time to talk about this is not in the moment, it’s the next
morning.
- Jon shares what he learned when he asked his
son why he got drunk.
- When you’re talking to your child about
something they made a mistake on, don’t make a decision about the
consequences on the spot just yet. This teaches them by being
honest with you, they’ll get punished. Give it some
distance.
- We are all so hyper connected with technology.
How can we best manage it?
- What is digital self-harm?
- What are some of the best ways to talk to your
teens about some of their anxiety or mental health challenges they
might be going through?
- When it comes to better mental health
awareness, schools are slow to accept it, but we are getting
better.
- If you’re really concerned about your child’s
mental health, talk to your guidance counselor at the school first.
Therapists can be harder to find during Covid.
- There are so many consequences to sweeping your
child’s mental wellbeing and health under the table. Address it now
before it gets worse.
- What are some of the things you should look for
in a therapist for your teen?
Resources
Jonmattleman.com
Sponsored by
Stand Up for Your Greatness!
Edgerety.com/education
Quotes:
“We didn’t have virtual
learning, we had pandemic learning, which means people have to
pivot at a moment's notice and that’s an incredible stressor. Of
course, kids are burned out!”
“We are constantly saying the
wrong things around anxiety like, ‘It’s not a big deal’ or ‘Get
over it.’”
“When your kids are drinking,
drugging, anything, everyone does something for a good reason to
them. It’s not good in terms of their longevity or safety, but we
have to understand their reasoning and process.”