Stay Calm Don't Panic

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Teens and Their Families Summer is a time for relaxation, adventure, and creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. With longer days and warmer weather, there’s no better opportunity to explore new activities and bond as a family.  Here’s a fun-filled summer bucket list for teens and their families to enjoy together.  Also in this episode: Should teens be using ChatGPT 4 and talking tips for helping them navigate it. A podcast announcement and update you won't want to miss! . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - TikTok: Teacher Reads Student Emails - OpenAI: Introducing GPT-4o and more tools to ChatGPT free users - ChatGPT - Wired: With OpenAI’s Release of GPT-4o, Is ChatGPT Plus Still Worth It? - TikTok Summer Ideas: Candy Salad | Color Snack Party | Board Party - Teen Life Podcast: Mogging | Summer Ideas | Teen Stereotype Episodes - Teen Life Blog: Summer Bucket List for Families | Navigating Your Teen Through the Summe

Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique. Teens are constantly navigating a world full of changes, challenges, and opportunities. Taking ownership of their faith is a rewarding way to maintain inner peace and find meaning in the chaos. It isn’t about following a set of rigid rules or mimicking what others do; it’s about finding their unique connection with God and nurturing that relationship in a way that resonates with them. Listen for ideas for exploring various spiritual disciplines and discovering how to best connect with God.  Also in this episode: - Fake social media accounts used to bully people. - What are satire accounts and how can you identify them? - Shop the Teen Life Merch Store until May 24. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Facebook: Fake Accounts - Teen Life Podcast: Social Media Etiquette | Intentional Rest - The Message Version . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on

How to Support Teens with Learning Differences Learning differences, also known as learning disorders or disabilities, can make academic settings particularly challenging for kids and parents. Understanding these disorders, recognizing their signs, and knowing how to support teenagers with them are crucial steps toward ensuring their success in school and in life.  Also in this episode: Graduation gifts they'll really use. Shop the Teen Life Merch Store until May 24. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - TikTok: Graduation Gift Idea - CDC: Learning Disorders in Children - Nemours: Understanding Dyslexia | IEPs - Psychiatry.org: Specific Learning Disorders - ADA: Testing Accommodations - Teen Life Podcast: Graduation Gifts | Graduation | ADHD | Test Anxiety . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter . . Podcast Music by: Luke Cabr

How can adults connect with teens during their senior year when everyone has senioritis? Senioritis is widely regarded as a right of passage for teenagers. It’s a time when they may push boundaries more, assert their independence, and navigate the delicate balance between adolescence and adulthood. The potential to drive parents and caring adults crazy is off the charts. But it’s also a unique opportunity to lean into that natural urge toward freedom and choose to prioritize connection. So, how can parents and teachers connect with graduating seniors? Also in this episode... Have you taken the Kaizen Challenge? What you should know about bra strap bracelets. Mental Health Awareness Month - Get our cheat sheet on what to say when things aren't "fine". Shop the Teen Life Merch Store until May 24. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Teen Life Merch Store - Kaizen Explanation: Kaizen Challenge l Kaizen Tik Tok - MHA: Mental Health Awareness Month - Teen Life Coloring

What is toxic achievement culture and how can we help? Can achievement really be toxic? Jennifer Breheny Wallace says that achievement turns toxic when it becomes the sole determinant of one’s value and identity. In many middle and high schools (and even elementary schools), the pressure of achievement culture has reached alarming levels, leaving a trail of behavioral and mental health challenges in its wake. Listen for ways to relieve the pressure.  Also in this episode: ~ The rising use of caffeine pouches. ~ Caleb's take on the Apple Vision Pro. ~ One strategy on winning college scholarships adds up. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Apple: Vision Pro - Instagram: Micro Scholarships Reel - Washington Post: Teens are crumbling under extreme pressure. Parents need to change. - Amazon: Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It - The Harvard Gazette: How achievement pressure is crushing kids and what to do about it . . Visit our website: ww

Creating a welcoming environment sets the tone. In episode 156 of the Teen Life Podcast, we explore the significance of fostering a welcoming environment not just at the door, but throughout our Teen Life groups or church small groups. In our journey to create spaces where teens feel valued and supported, every detail matters. Let’s delve into some actionable tips that can make a difference in shaping the atmosphere of our gatherings.  Also in this episode: ~ What’s the deal with food dyes and do they cause behavioral issues? ~ Why are teens using the Chinese app, Little Red Book, to ask people abroad for style, health, and dating advice? . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Wikipedia: Little Red Book - YouTube: The Most Inspiring Man in China - Healthline: Food Dyes: Harmless or Harmful? - Edutopia: Welcoming Students with a Smile - Conscious Discipline: Methodology & Brain State Model . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www

Unlocking Success for Students Below Grade Level Report cards and grades have traditionally been our primary understanding of our children’s academic progress. Grades don’t always provide the full picture, however. That’s where Go Beyond Grades comes in. Go Beyond Grades is a national campaign aimed at bridging the gap between how parents’ think their kids are doing and the reality of their children’s academic performance. Learn more about how you can be sure your teen is mastering the skills he or she needs for academic success. Also in this episode: Taylor Swift is set to release The Tortured Poets Department on April 19. What’s new on the looming TikTok ban. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Billboard: Everything We Know About Taylor Swift’s New Album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ So Far - Taylor Swift Store - Go Beyond Grades - Readiness Check - Learning Heroes - Teacher Resources . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: w

How can we foster positive social media etiquette? Social media has undeniably become an integral part of our lives, especially for teenagers who often find themselves navigating its complexities daily. Unfortunately, as much as it can be a platform for connection and inspiration, it can also be a breeding ground for toxicity and negativity.  As parents and caring adults, it’s important to help our teens cultivate positive social media practices to ensure their online experiences are enriching rather than damaging. Get our key strategies to promote positivity and encouragement on social media.  Also in this episode: New teen terms How can we get quiet teens to engage or talk? . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Urban Dictionary - Teen Life Podcast: Comment Culture | Social Media | Talkative Teens | Shyness . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow Us: Instag

Helping teens understand how credit cards work. We want to equip our teens with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of the adult world. One crucial area often overlooked in these conversations is financial literacy, specifically understanding how credit cards work.  Also in this episode: - What is test anxiety; who is most susceptible; what are the symptoms; and how can we help? - How comment culture affects teens and why it matters. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - TikTok: Teen + Credit - Greenlight - Modak - Petal Card - Nemours TeenHealth: Test Anxiety - VeryWell Mind: What Is Test Anxiety? - Mayo Clinic: Test anxiety: Can it be treated? - Teen Life Podcast: Turning 18 | Girl Math | Friendship Anxiety | Anxiety | Back to School Anxiety . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter . . Podcast Music b

Do you know when reporting abuse is required and where to turn? As parents and caring adults, one of our most important responsibilities is ensuring the safety and well-being of the teenagers in our lives. Unfortunately, there are times when teens may be subjected to various forms of abuse or neglect, which can have long-lasting and devastating effects on their physical and emotional health. It’s crucial to understand what constitutes abuse, how to recognize the signs, and what steps to take to report it.  Also in this episode: It was announced at the beginning of the month that the first over-the-counter birth control will be available soon. A recent TikTok trend has teens “ranking” everything – Rank This. The latest in entertainment: Avatar, Eras Tour, Dune 2, and more. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Disney+: Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version) - NPR: First over-the-counter birth control pill heads to stores - USAToday: America's first over-the-count

. . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - The Guardian: From bone smashing to chin extensions: how ‘looksmaxxing’ is reshaping young men’s faces - TikTok: Mewing - VeryWell Health: What Is Mewing and Can It Reshape My Face? - Mogwarts - Give to Teen Life! (send Caleb to Mogwarts) - Truth: Truth Initiative: Zyn Facts - Merriam-Webster: Self-Esteem Definition - Teen Life Blog: Overcoming Low Self-Esteem in Teens - Psychology Today: Low Self-Esteem in Adolescents: What Are the Root Causes? - Teen Life Podcast: Addiction | Vaping . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter . . Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann . . 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Looksmaxxing 04:02 Mewing 06:16 Mogging 08:38 Bone Smashing 10:52 Zyn 13:36 Flavors and Attractin

Celebrating 150 Episodes with 15 Reasons to Love Teens! We believe that teens are amazing for who they are becoming, but also for who they are right now! To celebrate our 150th episode, we wanted to take a minute to remember some of the top reasons we love being around teenagers. What would you add to the list?  Also in this episode: - The latest in TikTok dating advice - If you could have 150 of anything, what would it be? . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Mentioned in the podcast: Nerd Clusters | Reese's Eggs | I'm A Little Crabby Game - Teen Life Podcast: Ep. 100: Top Teen Things | Ep. 50: Teen Life's Top Five . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter . . Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann . . 00:00 Introd

. . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Next Gen Now Podcast: Controlled (Addiction Series) - Merriam-Webster: Addiction Definition - NPR: Too much pleasure can lead to addiction. How to break the cycle and find balance - Teen Life Podcast: Athletics | Gaming | Pornography Pt. 1 | Pornography Pt. 2 | Marijuana | Body Image | Spicy Books | Parasocial Relationships | Vaping | Alcohol | Eating Disorders | Overeating Disorders | Cell Phone Boundaries | Social Media | Teen Mental Health Update . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter . . Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann . . 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Spring Break Memories 02:24 Spring Break Tips 03:25 Spring Break Ideas 10:52 Senior Sunday 11:31 Stanley Cups 13:53 GYAT 16:07 Skibid

Friendship Anxiety: A Guide for Teens and Parents It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to fit in and maintain a wide circle of friends. And let’s be honest, social media instills us all with FOMO. After all, it seems like everyone is having a great time. And if you’re not there, do you even have friends at all? The more connected we are, the more we can feel disconnected and anxious about whether or not we are living up to expectations. Fortunately, there are strategies to cope with friendship anxiety and cultivate healthy relationships.  Also in this episode: - The history and fun facts of Leap Year. - Teen movies might not all be accurate, but some can offer insight into teen culture. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - USAToday: What is a leap year? Breaking down the science, and history, behind the ancient phenomenon - Movies Mentioned: Harry Potter | Divergent | Hunger Games | Napoleon Dynamite | Grease | High School Musical | Mean Girls (2004) | Mean Girls (2024) - TV

Why are teens missing so much school? In recent years, chronic absenteeism among students has become a pressing concern, especially with its stark rise since the onset of the pandemic. Defined as missing at least 10% of school days, this issue has significant implications for academic success and overall well-being.  But what’s causing students to miss so much school? What are we missing? We all need to work together to help teens succeed. Here's how.  Also in this episode: What is fanfiction and why are teens so crazy about it? How are fan edits being used, especially on TikTok? . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - USAToday: Interested in fan fiction? Here’s what you need to know to start. - Bark: What is Fan Fiction? Here’s Why Kids Are Going Wild for Online Stories - Fanfic Sites: fanfiction.net | Archive of Our Own Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts - Vox: Why so many kids are still missing school - Teen Life Podcast: Parasocial Relationships . . Visit our

What advice would you give your teenage self about dating? Despite vast changes in the romantic landscape, the emotional high of teen romance is universal. If anything, it’s amplified by being constantly connected, a heightened sense of vigilance, and a lack of commitment or trust. Teenagers are dealing with all the dangers and emotional disconnect of a techno world, adding to the emotional stress of being a teenager. So what can parents and other caring adults do to help? Get our top advice for dating teens. Also, in this episode: Palworld is the latest in popular online gaming for teens. Taylor Swift is furious after a social media challenge led to explicit deepfakes of her on Twitter. Apple recently updated everyone’s phone and installed the Journal App, allowing journal entries and photos to be stored behind a password. BeReal streaks- what are they and are they a good thing? . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Palworld - Defiance Act of 2024 - NBCNews: Nude deepfake ima

Valentine's Day Date and Gift Ideas for Teenagers. The pressure is on for Valentine's Day, especially when you are a teen and are newly dating. In this episode, we discuss some fun, inexpensive date ideas that focus on having a good time. Also, get some great dating and gift-giving tips! Finally, Tobin shares the best plan for starting an instrument for the first time. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Valentine Date Ideas: Melting Pot | Main Event . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter . . Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

What you should know about parental rights and teen responsibilities when your teen turns 18. When teens turn 18, it is cause for celebration! Parents and teens alike can pat themselves on the back for having made it to this point! This milestone brings about significant changes in the dynamics of your relationship with your child. Here’s a guide on how to deal with these changes while considering parental rights, teen rights, and adjustments in your parenting style.   Also in this episode: Sports betting, terms, and gambling resources. Dungeons and Dragons is becoming mainstream. Here's what you need to know. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Gambling Resources: 1-800-662-4357 - SAMHSA or 1-800-GAMBLER - Gridiron Games: Super Bowl Bingo - Dungeons and Dragons: dndbeyond.com | Movie - Grown and Flown: 50 Things You Can Do When You Turn 18 (Who Knew?) - Lawrence Financial Planning: What You Need To Know When Your Teen Turns 18 - Teen Life Podcast: Sports Betting | Talkin

How do I set healthy cell phone boundaries with my teen?  In the digital age, cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for teenagers. They serve as a means of communication, entertainment, and learning.  However, as teachers and parents, guiding teens to establish healthy boundaries with their cell phones is crucial for their overall well-being and development. So what are the basic boundaries we should be setting? Read more about cell phone boundaries and why your teen isn't responding to your texts. Also in this episode: Why your teen isn't responding when you text them. Teen terms we just learned that will make you laugh. . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - The New York Times: What Students Are Saying About Ignoring Text Messages - EdWeek: Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say - Teen Life TikTok - Teen Life Podcast: Cell Phones | Bark . . Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com Subscribe to get the episod

Navigating Talkative Teens in Group Settings Dealing with talkative teens in a group or class setting can be challenging, but understanding the reasons behind their behavior and implementing effective strategies can create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.  Join us as we explore the reasons why teens tend to overshare or talk too much and provide practical tips for teachers, group facilitators, and youth workers to redirect and engage these talkative teens. Get tips on how to manage teens who dominate the conversation.  Also in this episode: What is the Ahead App and will it really transform your life? Blind boxes and chase figures – what are they and why are they so popular? . . In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: - Ahead: App | Self-Awareness Test - Blind Box Mentions: Blind Boxes | Mini Brands | FIFA | MLB the Show | Madden | CSGo (Counter-Strike) | Lootbox - VeryWellMind: Excessive Talking in Children with ADHD - YouthWorker: Dealing with a Talkative Teen