Raising Teens with Collett Smart

Key Takeaways:

• Independence is Key: Teenagers naturally drift away from parents as they seek independence, making this a crucial but challenging time for both.
• Adaptability is Essential: Parents must adapt to their teen’s rapidly changing behaviors and needs, understanding their own frustrations.
• Balancing Control and Connection: It is important to maintain connection over controlling every aspect of a teen's life, empha...

All views expressed in this episode are personal to Michelle Basson.

Michelle Basson is a dedicated school psychologist actively working in both public education systems and the academic sphere associated with university settings. Her role involves providing comprehensive support and counseling to students across multiple school environments, including both primary and high schools. Michelle's work extends to assessment and se...

Key Takeaways:

• The process of raising children aims to prepare them to thrive independently rather than keeping them at home.
• Transitioning to an "open nest" allows for relationships to evolve, fostering a friendship between parents and young adults.
• Parents have the opportunity to deeply appreciate who their children are becoming, while children gain newfound appreciation for their parents.
• Family interactions become more int...

Key Takeaways:

• Transition from Authority to Ally: Empowering parents to shift their roles from strict rule enforcers to supportive allies, improving the parent-teen relationship.
• Control and Instructions: Highlighting the risks of micromanaging older teens, emphasising that too much control can create distance instead of fostering growth and maturity.
• Effective Connection: Suggesting practical ways to nurture connection with t...

Win a copy of Janet Evans' book Empty Next by clicking here!!! 

Janet Evans is an accomplished author and podcast host recognised for her insightful work on the themes of parenting and personal growth. She co-authored the book "Empty Next" with Dr. Amelia Haynes, targeting the often unspoken phenomenon of empty nest syndrome. Alongside her literary contributions, Janet is known for co-hosting the podcast "She Wasn't Born Yeste...

Key Takeaways:

• Recognise Behavioral Changes: Learn to identify key signs of a teen in crisis, such as withdrawal, risk-taking, diminished school performance, and expressions of hopelessness.
• Maintain Calm and Support: Discover the importance of staying calm and curious, not reactive, to offer a safe environment where teens feel supported.
• Focus on Connection: Prioritise emotional safety and connection over immediate problem-so...

Key Takeaways:

• Teens distancing from parents is a normal developmental phase as they seek independence.
• Parents should provide a "steady presence" and adapt to their teen's communication preferences.
• Emotional regulation and repair after conflicts are vital to maintaining trust.
• Giving teens some control over their choices within healthy boundaries can foster connection.
• Family connection, though on the teen's terms, remains c...

PURCHASE the book for $1.39AUD here at Amazon

Raewyn Elsegood is a seasoned author and chaplain renowned for her empathetic writing and expertise in grief counseling. With over ten years of experience as a trained writer, Raewyn has channeled her profound personal experience of losing her daughter into her work, penning "21 Gifts" as a testament to her healing journey. Her professional history includes extensive work as a chaplain,...

Key Points:

• Understanding legal responsibilities is crucial when teens commence driving alone.
• Assessing a teen driver's experience and confidence helps gauge their readiness.
• Safety must be a priority, especially when younger siblings are passengers.
• The approach to driving should be gradual, with trust-building measures.
• Continuous communication about safe practices reinforces learning and responsibility.

Notable Quote...

WIN Dr Arne’s book!! Click here to enter!

Dr. Arne Rubinstein is a leading expert on rites of passage and adolescent development. As the founder of the Rites of Passage Institute, Dr. Rubinstein is devoted to creating transformational experiences for teenagers and communities. With over 30 years of experience, including a decade and a half as an emergency medicine doctor, he has a profound understanding of human ...

Key Points:

• Encouraging teens to consider counseling should be a gentle process that respects their need for control and privacy.
• Parents should emphasise the confidentiality of counseling, reassuring teens that professionals will maintain their privacy while sharing critical concerns.
• Involving teens in the decision-making process, such as choosing a counselor, can increase their sense of ownership and reduce resistance.
• Buil...

Krysten Bisby is an esteemed counselor and advocate for animal-assisted therapy, harnessing her extensive experience with animals to support mental health and well-being. With a background in competitive horse riding, she has drawn on her lifelong passion for animals, including her therapeutic partner Cruz, a certified therapy dog, to enhance her counseling practice. She is notably involved in para-dressage riding at an internation...

Key Points:

• The "invisible load" involves the mental and emotional planning needed to keep a family running smoothly, disproportionately handled by mothers.
• When recognised and verbalised, this load can be redistributed among the family, easing stress and fostering a more collaborative environment.
• Collett emphasises how engaging teens in managing this load fosters their independence and reduces pressure on parents.
• Small, str...

Hannah Gair StrongHER Side ebook - Available for free to listeners, providing tools and resources for mothers.

Hannah Gair became a foster mum at 23, then had a son born with Fragile X syndrome. She's now raising three kids and knows firsthand the "pressure cooker" reality of supporting families with children with disabilities. In this conversation, Hannah shares practical strategies for raising teens with additional needs while st...

Key Takeaways:

• Predictability Matters: Building a predictable environment can significantly reduce stress for neurodivergent teens as they start a new school year.
• Collaborative Support Systems: Engage teens in their support planning, which increases their comfort and trust in their school environment.
• Focus on Emotional Regulation: Prioritise emotional well-being over academic performance to help teens cope with sensory overl...

Lisa Maltman brings sleep health education to thousands of Australian teens and parents. She reveals why 70% of teens aren't getting enough sleep, tackling technology designed to keep them scrolling, packed schedules treating sleep as leftover time, and sleep disorders mistaken for ADHD.

Collett and Lisa discuss the "Can't Sleep vs Won't Sleep" framework, social jet lag from weekend sleep-ins, and why tired teen drivers are as impa...

Collett Smart wraps up the year with one of her most honest episodes yet. After taking time away from the podcast, she's back to share what really happened during her break – and it's not the polished story you might expect.

In this vulnerable ep, Collett opens up about the reality of juggling her work as a psychologist, caring for elderly family members, and keeping her marriage strong after three decades together. She's ref...

Collett sits with the host of Troubleshooting (a podcast for the 20-35 year olds for all things technology) and discuss the social media ban which has come into effect recently. 

Key Takeaways:

• Legislative Impact: Australia's new laws ban under 16-year-olds from accessing many social media platforms, intending to offer kids more time for childhood development away from digital distractions.
• Platform Responsibility: Th...

Key Takeaways:

• Parents should model emotional regulation and prioritize checking in on their own mental health to support their children effectively.
• Engage in open yet age-appropriate dialogues with children, allowing them to process their emotions and ask questions about the crisis.
• Limit media consumption to protect mental health, as repeated exposure to distressing news can exacerbate anxiety and fear.
• Maintain normalcy th...