Helping Teens Reflect and Reset: Ending the School Year with Purpose

The end of the school year can be a whirlwind, both for teens and their parents! In this episode, Cathy and Meredith explore how to help your teenager close out the academic year with reflection and a sense of purpose. They unpack why May is such an emotionally complex month, how to prioritize conversations about growth rather than grades, and why summer is an ideal time for deeper check-ins. From celebrating quiet wins to letting go of disappointments with compassion, this episode is packed with insights on how to shift the focus from performance to progress. You’ll also hear why these conversations aren’t about fixing problems but creating space for your teen to feel seen, heard, and supported. Tune in to learn how to wrap up the school year in a way that sets the stage for a stronger, more intentional start to the next one!

Key Points From This Episode:

• [0:01:52] What teens and parents might be feeling as the year wraps up.
• [0:03:05] Choosing the right time to check in with your kids (when they aren’t too busy).
• [0:04:49] Questions to help them reflect on the past year.
• [0:06:29] Why you should praise your kid for growth, not just achievement.
• [0:09:33] A story of growth and self-confidence that Cathy observed in one of her kids.
• [0:11:50] Meredith’s account of a moment of empathy that shifted one student’s perspective.
• [0:12:56] Helping teens process disappointment with acceptance and compassion.
• [0:16:04] Give kids space over summer for decompression and reflection.
• [0:16:56] Making time to set intentions for the new school year.
• [0:18:49] Final tips on how to create a space where kids can authentically talk about their feelings.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram