This episode marks the end of our fourth season, and we’re taking the opportunity to share some insights we’ve gained over this time, with a special focus on what we have seen over the school year. We discuss some of the trends that have continued and increased and new ones we’ve noticed in the kids we work with. We touch on the power of boredom and why the true practice of gentle parenting shouldn’t mean permissiveness. Our conversation also dives into themes we’ve noticed in the world of college admissions in the past year, including gender bias and funky waitlists. Lastly, we discuss some of our plans for the coming year, including celebrating Cathy’s 50th birthday cancer-free. Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• [0:00:48] Reflections on four years of hosting this podcast.
• [0:02:40] How the past year has differed from previous years and what has stayed the same.
• [0:05:20] What has changed in middle and high school education.
• [0:07:09] A year-on-year trend around reading and speaking.
• [0:10:31] How boredom can facilitate finding what your kids are truly interested in.
• [0:11:38] Gentle parenting, consequences, and permissiveness.
• [0:15:55] Themes in the world of college admissions this year.
• [0:20:11] Funky waitlists and weird offers.
• [0:22:00] Our plans for the coming year.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

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

Have you ever wondered what the exciting, challenging, and confusing teenage years look like from the perspective of someone who sees it first-hand? And have you considered how insightful that perspective can be for you as a parent? Today, we are joined by school counselor, Jake Fauver, to discuss the most common struggles teenagers face and how parents can help them navigate this transformative time. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the dangerous world of comparison for teens, how parents can become aware of internal struggles (even when it seems like their kid is fine), how to get boys to open up, and so much more! We delve into Jake’s role as a school counselor and hear about common issues he’s dealt with this week before discussing common myths about teenagers. Jake even shares some advice for parents about how to navigate difficult conversations with their teenagers. Finally, our guest discusses the importance of helping your teenagers see different perspectives. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• [0:01:19] Introducing today’s guest, school counselor, Jake Fauver.
• [0:03:51] The danger of the world of comparison for teenagers.
• [0:07:16] How parents can evaluate the mental health of their high-functioning teens.
• [0:10:31] Jake shares some tips for getting teenage boys to talk to people.
• [0:14:36] The kinds of challenges teenagers spoke to Jake about this week
• [0:19:13] Jake tells us exactly what he does as a school counselor.
• [0:20:56] Some tips on how to navigate difficult conversations for parents of teens.
• [0:24:52] Jake debunks some common myths about teenagers.
• [0:33:12] When and how to challenge your teenagers’ perspectives.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jake Fauver on LinkedIn

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

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

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