Talking To Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting Teenagers
Kids & Family
Sheila Liming, author of Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time, explores the underestimated value of unstructured social time for teens, discussing why it's essential for developing negotiation skills, setting boundaries, and fostering creativity.
Bonfire Digital Wellness has a diverse team of seasoned, compassionate school counselors, ready to coach your teen. Check it out today and take advantage of a 1-month FREE trial: BonfireDW.org/talkingtoteens
Full Show Notes:
In today's fast-paced world, parents often worry about their teenagers' productivity and safety. The idea of teens "just hanging out" can induce anxiety, conjuring images of wasted time or potential mischief. Yet, these unstructured moments play a critical role in adolescents' development, offering unique opportunities for learning and growth unattainable in more structured settings.
Our guest, Sheila Liming, brings a fresh perspective on the art of hanging out. An accomplished teacher, essayist, and author, Sheila has extensively explored the complex dynamics of social interactions and their impact on individual development. Her book, Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time, challenges prevailing notions of productivity, suggesting that these seemingly idle moments are foundational to shaping character and interpersonal skills.
The Value of Unstructured Time
Sheila argues that hanging out offers teens essential lessons in negotiation, boundary setting, and improvisation. Away from adult supervision and structured activities, teens learn to navigate social dynamics, make collective decisions, and, crucially, understand their own limits. This episode delves into why fostering these skills is crucial for their transition into adulthood.
Overcoming the Stigma of Idle Time
The common view of idle time as inherently unproductive overlooks its potential to strengthen relationships and community bonds. Sheila and host Andy Earle discuss how parents can reframe their understanding of what it means for teens to spend time together without a set agenda. They touch on the historical context of hanging out and how digital interactions compare with face-to-face gatherings.
Embracing Risk and Flexibility
One of Sheila's key messages is the importance of embracing risk and being open to the unpredictable nature of social interactions. For teens, navigating this uncertainty is vital for emotional development. The conversation covers practical ways for parents to encourage their teens to engage in healthy social experimentation while maintaining safety and trust.
Making Time for Connection
In our busy lives, making room for genuine connections can be challenging. Sheila shares insights into why dedicating time to hang out—both for teens and adults—is more crucial than ever. She offers tips on how parents can model healthy social behavior and create opportunities for meaningful family interactions.
Episode Highlights
Amid a culture obsessed with productivity and screen time, encouraging teens to engage in the simple act of hanging out might seem counterintuitive. Yet, as Sheila Liming articulates, these moments are irreplaceable workshops for life's most valuable lessons. Tune in to learn how to support your teen in making the most of their social opportunities.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation—subscribe to Talking to Teens to stay updated on insightful discussions aimed at making the journey of parenting teens a bit smoother.
Ep 73: “You ALWAYS do that!”
Ep 72: Know-It-All Teens
Ep 71: Laziness Ends Here
Ep 70: Sexual Identity Challenges
Ep 69: Happier Parenting
Ep 68: What You Don't Know About Teen Hook-up Culture
Ep 67: The Hidden Secrets of Teenage Success
Ep 66: Grown and Flown and Still Parenting
Ep 65: 'Punishment' is a Trick Tactic
Ep 64: A Way Through the Toughest Conversations
Ep 63: Recognizing Strengths to Help Your Teen Thrive
Ep 62: Avoiding Negative Cultural Influences
Ep 61: Is Your Teen's Brain-Body Type Causing Problems?
Ep 60: Deliberate Parenting for Happy Campers
Ep 59: College, Careers, and Becoming Adult
Ep 58: The Great Outdoors and Teens
Ep 57: Your Teen on Power
Ep 56: Make Meaningful Connections
Ep 55: Build Resilience & Capability in Teens
Ep 54: Making Room for More with Minimalism
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
History Storytime - For Kids
Privacy Boys
Nonsensical Show
Pollyanna
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly