This week's featured freebies

Connection, communication and collaboration 

I think this week's episode is so important. If you're a parent who is dealing with challenges with your middle schooler, like resistance, distraction, or defiance at home, this conversation with Dr. Nerissa Bauer will help you better understand what your kid's behavior might be communicating.

Dr. Nerissa Bauer is a behavioral pediatrician with a part-time practice, creator of Teach Me ADHD, and host of the Let’s Talk Kids Health LIVE show. She is also a spokesperson for the American  Academy of Pediatrics. Her resources and courses are designed to educate and empower parents AND children no matter where they are on their journey together. She's been featured on CNN, Parents Magazine, PsychologyToday, and on several national news outlets and podcasts.

She is also a wife and mother of two amazing children and lives in the Midwest.

Take a look at today's talking points

[2:30] The best place to start when it comes to challenges with mental health

• You are the expert on your own kid, trust your parenting radar

• Get curious!

[6:40] What to do if your kid is "unmotivated"

• Knowing the contributing factors to lack of motivation

[11:15] Keeping the relationship an even playing field

• Parents don't need to be perfect and admitting you don't have the answer is ok!

• Do tasks alongside each other and break things down into chunks

• Collaboration is key!

[15:20] Understanding ADHA

• Releasing regret of a missed diagnosis and working on what you can do today

[17:43] Things in the adolescent brain that are more susceptible to anxiety and depression

• The push and pull are normal

• How social media is contributing to an impressionable mind

• Cultivating instant bonding opportunities between you and your preteen

[20:49] The power of modeling behavior for your adolescent

• Our kids learn more from what we do than from what we say

• How to use this to your advantage

[24:40] Simple tools you can use today to alleviate challenges around mental health

• Nerissa's suggested free resources

• Steps to feel confident and comfortable getting the support you need around these topics and what to look for in your child

[29:52] Rapid fire questions with Dr. Nerissa

People, places, things mentioned in the episode

• ADHD is the most common neuro-psychological condition and affects 6-7 million children between 2-17

• "Why American Teens Are So Sad" - Derek Thompson, The Atlantic

• Healthychildren.org

• Attitude Magazine

• understood.org

• Take NOTE free resource in English and Spanish

• More on Dr. Nerissa: letstalkkidshealth.org

• She has a weekly live Facebook as well as a parenting book club

• Check out her course: Teach me ADHD

• New membership launching soon to create a space for parents and kids to learn and grow and thrive together!

Like what you hear? Keep listening to the Elevated Adolescence Podcast