5 Essential Podcasts for Parents of Teens and Tweens

I’m a little obsessed with podcasts. It’s my favorite form of media. I’d guess I work podcasts into about 50 percent of all casual conversations I have. 

 “Hey, I was listening to this podcast and…”

 I think podcasts are the perfect tool for easy self improvement and personal development. Today, I’ve rounded up 5 exceptional podcast episodes for the parents, caregivers, or teachers of tweens and teens. 

1.    Let’s just start with the best. This episode of The Rich Roll Podcast will rock your parenting world. Rich interview Dr. Lisa Damour who has authored two best sellers on teen girls. Their conversation applies to both boys and girls (really age 10 and above).

 They dive into the rise of anxiety among teens, social media and how not to take your teens behavior personally. Dr. Damour’s swimming pool metaphor at the hour, thirteen minute  mark is a game changer. 

 2.    Radiolab also has a great series about general intelligence (“G”). The first episode or the second would be a great listen for parents whose kids are exposed to a high stakes testing environment at school. It’s also a great example of parents advocating for meaningful change. 

3.    As a major introvert myself (INFJ all the way) and mom of an introvert, this Ted Talk is an all time favorite. I’ve also seen the way schools favor extroverts in my teaching career. If you’re tween or teen is introverted and coming home from school completely drained, there’s a reason why.

4.    I also really loved “Determining Which Hill to Die On”, by the folks at Parenting Today’s Teens. There is a religious component, but the advice is applicable to families of all faiths. 

 5. If you’re into data informed parenting, you’ll love “The Data Driven Guide to Sane Parenting”on Freakanomics Radio

Happy Listening!