What if embracing your unique identity could lead to a rewarding career in the performing arts? Join Jenny Debevec as she talks with Jonathan Cormur, an accomplished actor and passionate advocate for neurodiversity, who opens up about his journey with autism. From the challenges of navigating a Catholic school environment to discovering his passion for theater and voiceover, Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and resilience. Listen as he recounts his transformative experiences and his impactful work at Great America theme park, which not only boosted his confidence but also helped him form lasting friendships.

In this episode, Jonathan also shares invaluable advice for young individuals on the spectrum, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures and staying true to oneself amidst societal judgments. We explore his advocacy work, including the memorable "The Mighty League, with J-Man and Reginald T Hedgehog" presentation, and the critical role of family support in his life. From discussing how the understanding of autism has evolved over the years to his rise as a minor celebrity, Jonathan's journey is an inspiring beacon for anyone striving to embrace their unique identity and passions. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation that highlights the significance of supportive environments and the joy that comes from celebrating neurodiversity.

Ever wondered why so many young women are misinformed about their own bodies? On this episode of "Smells Like Teen Parent," high school students Alexis Hom and Emma Slocum tackle the glaring gaps in women's health education with their junior capstone project. From sharing personal struggles to confronting the unreliable information circulating on social media, Alexis and Emma shed light on the urgent need for accurate education on puberty, menstruation, STDs, and healthy relationships. They also bust the myth of perfect body standards perpetuated by AI and social media, revealing the real-life consequences of these unrealistic images.

Together, we delve into the broader need for social-emotional learning and comprehensive sex education in schools, particularly for young women. Hear about the transformative power of a supportive environment where students can ask awkward questions without feeling ashamed, and the resistance faced from some parents who are uncomfortable with these essential topics. We also offer practical tips for creating safe spaces at home to foster open discussions about women's health. Join us as we envision a future where informed and empowered young women are the norm, not the exception.

Discover the delicate dance of trust that defines the ever-evolving parent-teen relationship with thoughtful insights from Jenny Debevec, adult guest expert Dr. Eric Solomon and teens themselves. Together, we peel back the layers of truth, lies, and the quest for adolescent independence, offering you a treasure trove of understanding and strategies to fortify these crucial bonds. Hear heartfelt stories and expert research that illuminate the reasons behind teenage secrecy and its reverberating effects on everything from school success to self-esteem. We confront the tough issues head-on, advising on how to handle the moment a child entrusts you with their hidden truths and exploring ways to rebuild trust when it’s been shaken.

Venture further into the intricate fabric of family dynamics, as we navigate the challenges authenticity faces in an era where opinion is often mistaken for fact, not just in the public arena but also within the close-knit circle of family life. The conversation introduces innovative tools like the 'trust barometer' and the 'line of humility', aimed at nurturing curiosity and open dialogue over defensiveness and stubbornness. Fundamentally, we emphasize the value of adopting a learning stance over the need to always be correct, with the ultimate goal of cultivating deeper, more transparent family connections amid our complex social landscape. Don't miss this essential exchange filled with actionable insights for parents and teens alike.

Join me, Jenny Debevec, on this journey through the transformative world of career counseling. Let's explore how early conversations about ambitions can shape the lives of adolescents and teens. Imagine a child's playful dream of designing Lego masterpieces transitioning into a fulfilling career - this episode unpacks how nurturing youthful imagination and self-efficacy equips our youth with the tools to turn their vibrant visions into actionable realities. With personal anecdotes and keen insights from children of all ages, we dissect the myriad ways exposure to diverse environments and role models serves as a compass for teens navigating the sea of potential futures.

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the emotional labyrinth of supporting a LGBTQ+ child? Do you wish you had a guide, someone who's been through it, to offer invaluable insights? This episode, packed with candid conversations, student insights, and real-world tips, is your guide. Heather Hester, founder of Chrysalis Mama, takes us through her personal journey as a parent of LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting the essential role acceptance, open communication, and respect play in their lives.

Imagine the paradigm shift required to break from traditional ideas of control and authority to create safe spaces for young people exploring gender and sexuality. In my talk with Heather, we examine how to foster these safe spaces, address the emotional rollercoaster that follows a child's coming out, and underline the significance of therapy and self-care. We also amplify the voices of student contributors who illuminate the necessity of nurturing inclusive environments in schools, homes, and communities.

Shining a light on the importance of active support and advocacy is the crux of our conversation, especially for transgender children. Heather and our student contributors underscore the power of affirmation, like using preferred pronouns and chosen names. The potency of words like "I'm here for you, I love you, and I've got your back, no matter what" cannot be overstated. This is more than just an episode – it's a toolkit for parents, teachers, and allies seeking to foster a more accepting world for our LGBTQ+ youth. Tune in, and together, let's transform love into action.

In this quick and dirty episode we bring you advise from the street corner with improv guru and public radio talk show host Michael O’Brien, who shares the life lessons and parenting rules you can learn from improvisation:

1. There are no rules
2. Say Yes, (or at least be curious about what they want)
3. There are no mistakes (and when there are, learn from them!)
4. Life is full of contradictions, so stop trying to make it all make sense.
5. Develop your own method
6. Focus on your connection
7. Be in the moment

In this episode, we're diving into the science behind the value of humor in parenting! What kinds of humor do kids prefer and how does that influence their behavior? How does does having a sense of humor help you raise an adolescent? What kinds of humor are not effective with teens? How can you cultivate a sense of humor if you don’t really think you are that funny? You will hear from guest expert on humor Michael O’Brien and from students themselves.

This episode is brought to you in part by NextPhase.ai.

In this episode we discuss anxiety. Anxiety is the number one concern students and parents present in counseling referrals. Why are rates of anxiety and depression skyrocketing? What are the triggers for adolescent anxiety and what are effective ways to help your kid notice and calm their anxiety? You will hear from students themselves and adult expert David Flores, Lead Trainer for Mindful Life Project. Mindful Life Project is an amazing program that is transforming schools from the inside out with innovative and comprehensive mindfulness based social-emotional learning programming.

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Host and Creator Jenny Debevec is a national certified school counselor and academic consultant with over 20 years experience working with youth. You can learn more about her services at www.yesandcounseling.com.

Thank you for listening. Your feedback is welcome!