Parenting Teens Today!

Introduction

Hey there, it’s Jesse LeBeau, your go-to youth motivational speaker and teen coach here. Today, I want to dive deep into a topic that’s close to so many hearts— the relationship between moms and their teenage daughters. We all know the teenage years are challenging, not just for teens but for parents, too. Navigating through this phase can be tough, and it’s even more complex when it comes to the relationship between a mother and her daughter.

That’s where Jeannie Baldomero comes in. Jeannie started by leading a church youth group, and she found herself approached by concerned mothers facing relational issues with their daughters. Realizing the pressing need for community and resources, Jeannie began providing moms with the support they needed to foster healthy and strong relationships with their daughters. One particular success story from a mom in London highlights the profound impact Jeannie’s course can have. This mother witnessed a significant change in her daughter’s attitude. Her daughter went from being distant to telling her mom “you are my safe place” and “home is where I feel like I belong.”

We’re going to unpack all of this—why these relationships matter, how mothers can manage the balancing act, and the importance of preparation and support. We will also explore the hot-button issues around screen time and social media, a landscape that’s rapidly evolving and presenting new challenges every day.

In today’s episode of the “Parenting Teens Today” podcast, Jeannie and I discuss the critical role that mothers play, the guilt and pressures they face, and how they can shift their perspective to better prepare for their children’s independence. We’ll also focus on actionable strategies moms can use to build open communication and trust with their daughters, offering practical advice to help mothers navigate the complexities of raising teenagers in a digital world.

Building a Community for Moms

One of the most powerful things Jeannie Baldomero mentioned is the importance of community for mothers. Raising a teenager doesn’t have to be a solo journey. It can sometimes feel isolating when you face challenges that seem insurmountable, but having a support network can make a world of difference.

Jeannie realized that moms needed more than just guidance; they needed a sense of belonging and a place where they could share their struggles and victories openly. This sense of community helps validate their experiences, providing an emotional anchor and practical advice. Through her podcast, “Raising Her Confidently,” and her online community, Jeannie offers a supportive village for moms, providing them with resources, courses, and one-on-one coaching.

A key takeaway here is that moms should actively seek out and invest in communities where they feel understood and supported. In these spaces, they can share their trials and triumphs, learn from others, and, most importantly, find solace in knowing they are not alone.

Whether you join existing communities or create your own circle of support, being part of a group where you can openly discuss your challenges and glean advice is invaluable. Remember, the journey of motherhood is more manageable when you are surrounded by a tribe that lifts you up and supports you every step of the way.

Navigating Screen Time and Social Media

Today’s technological landscape brings unique challenges, particularly when it comes to managing your teen’s screen time and social media use. Jeannie Baldomero and I dedicated a significant portion of our discussion to this critical issue. It’s not just about restriction; it’s about finding a balance that allows your teenager to take advantage of digital tools and platforms while protecting their mental well-being.

Jeannie implemented specific boundaries and expectations for her children, including not giving them phones until they turned 13. Even after they got their phones, there were clear rules and plenty of monitoring. The purpose wasn’t just control but rather teaching her children responsibility and how to manage the powerful tool they had been given. Before gaining more access, her children had to demonstrate that they could handle the responsibilities tied to phone and social media usage.

Establishing open lines of communication is key to navigating the digital world with your teens. Jeannie built a relationship with her daughter based on trust. She allowed her daughter certain time blocks for social media use but was always available to guide her. This approach reduced the need for invasive monitoring and instead focused on equipping her daughter with the skills needed to navigate the online world responsibly.

One of the most poignant aspects of our conversation was the emphasis on being aware of new apps and social media trends. The world is constantly changing, and as parents, it’s essential to stay informed about the potential dangers and benefits these platforms offer. We must teach our children to critically assess the content they encounter and question what they see and hear.

Remember, the goal isn’t to shield your teen from technology but to prepare them to use it wisely. Having a game plan and consistent systems in place can make all the difference.

The Rebellious Teen Years: A Personal Journey

Jeannie Baldomero wasn’t just a guiding light for others; she has her own story of struggle and transformation. Growing up as a rebellious teenager in an immigrant military family, Jeannie faced her share of challenges. The strained relationship with her parents during those turbulent years became a driving force behind her passion for helping others navigate similar waters.

Jeannie shared how her personal struggles and the eventual resolution with her mother had a profound impact on her approach to parenting. She came to realize the importance of owning responsibility for her reactions and working towards building a relationship based on mutual respect and open communication.

This personal journey led her to create her podcast, “Raising Her Confidently,” which focuses on mom-daughter relationships and their impact on daughters’ confidence and self-worth. Her experience serves as a testimony that it’s never too late to mend broken relationships and build a foundation of trust and respect.

Jeannie emphasizes that one of her primary motivations is to help mothers see the value in themselves and the critical role they play in their daughters’ lives. She encourages moms to embrace their imperfections and focus on showing consistent love and support for their children.

Personal struggles can often become powerful platforms for growth and change. Jeannie’s story is a testament to the fact that even the most challenging relationships can be transformed with empathy, effort, and open communication. If she could do it, so can you.

Mentorship and the Role of a Village

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Jeannie Baldomero stands firmly by this philosophy. One of the recurring themes in our conversation was the importance of mentorship and involving a community in raising teenagers.

Jeannie often finds that many parents feel guilty and isolated, especially when their teens get into trouble. However, her approach is to encourage mothers to shift their perspective. Instead of internalizing their children’s behavior as their fault, parents can benefit from accepting that this phase is part of the natural progression towards independence.

One of the most effective ways to navigate this journey is by involving mentors—trusted individuals who can provide guidance and serve as positive role models for your teen. Mentors can offer a fresh perspective and reinforce the values and lessons you’re trying to instill at home. This, in turn, can strengthen your child’s confidence and add another layer of support.

Additionally, creating a network of supportive friends, family, and community members can provide valuable insights and practical advice. Parenting doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor; surrounding yourself with a village of empathetic and experienced individuals can make the journey significantly more manageable.

The idea is to create a balanced environment that includes parental guidance, peer influence, and mentorship, all working together to provide a holistic upbringing for your teen. It’s about finding that sweet spot where guidance meets independence, and where support doesn’t stifle growth but encourages it.

Conclusion: Embracing Imperfection and Empowering Your Teen

At the end of the day, parenting, especially during the teenage years, is about embracing imperfection and constant learning. Jeannie Baldomero’s journey from leading a youth group to becoming a mom mentor underscores the immense value of support, community, and open communication.

It is crucial to shift your perspective and realize that the challenges you encounter during this phase are part of your child’s journey to independence. Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for these transitions will not only benefit you but will also create a healthier and more trust-filled environment for your teenager.

One of the most empowering steps you can take as a parent is to equip yourself with knowledge and involve yourself in a supportive community. The “Raising Her Confidently” podcast and Jeannie’s online resources are excellent starting points. They offer practical advice and real-life success stories that can guide you through the most challenging moments.

Another important aspect is understanding the role of technology in your teenager’s life. Setting rules and boundaries while maintaining open lines of communication can help you navigate this tricky terrain. Instead of fearing technology, prepare your children to use it responsibly and safely.

In conclusion, remember you’re not alone in this journey. Engage with communities, seek out mentors, and utilize the wealth of resources available to you. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared to face the ups and downs of raising a teenager while building a strong, healthy relationship with your daughter.

As we wrap up, I encourage you to take the first step in strengthening your parenting journey. Join our free Facebook group community, where you can connect with other parents and gain access to invaluable tips, support, and resources. Also, check out the “Raising Her Confidently” podcast for more guidance on building strong mom-daughter relationships.

Remember, every step you take to enhance your relationship with your teenager is a step towards empowering them to become confident, resilient individuals.