In this episode of In Tune With Teens, host Veronique sits down with Lesley Thomas, founder of the Money Confidence Academy, host of the “Let’s Talk Money and More” podcast, and #1 bestselling author of “Parents Let’s Talk Money and More.” Together, they dive deep into the essential but often overlooked conversation of talking to teens and children about money.

Lesley shares her expertise on how building money confidence isn’t just about spreadsheets and budgets, it's about understanding and changing the stories and beliefs we inherit about money, many of which are formed before the age of seven. She offers practical advice for families of all backgrounds, whether you’re navigating wealth, living paycheck to paycheck, or somewhere in between. The episode explores why open conversations about money can help forge trust, boost self-worth, and create powerful learning opportunities for young people.

Key topics include:

• How parents’ own money mindsets shape those of their children
• The importance of honesty, even when money is tight or there’s debt
• Concrete strategies for discussing family budgets with teens (it’s never too late to start!)
• Navigating the “shame” and judgment that can come with financial challenges
• Tackling tough questions around pocket money, chores, and setting boundaries
• Why instant gratification is everywhere and how to teach kids delayed gratification.
• Handling the social media pressure to “keep up” with others
• Talking about credit scores, debt, and real-world money management as a family
• Addressing the impact of privilege, comparison, and self-worth in today's digital world

Veronique and Lesley also reflect on their own upbringings and the generational shifts around money, offering listeners a blend of practical tips and relatable stories. The conversation wraps up with encouragement to become the “loudest voice in your child’s head” especially when it comes to financial literacy and confidence.

Resources & Links:

• Lesley Thomas’ website: themoneyconfidenceacademy.com
• “Parents Let's Talk Money and More” book
• “Let’s Talk Money and More” podcast

Connect with Lesley:

• Instagram: @iam_lesleythomas
• LinkedIn: Lesley Thomas

Whether you’re ready to heal your own money story or want to give your teen the tools to thrive, this episode is packed with supportive advice, honest laughter, and plenty of inspiration to get your whole family talking about money—judgement free.

Listen now and help your teen become money confident for life!

Welcome to the very first episode of In Tune With Teens! 

Join your host, Veronique, a clinical hypnotherapist and experienced expert in children’s development, as she shares her personal journey transitioning from confident parent of young children to navigating the often turbulent waters of parenting teenagers.

Veronique opens up about the challenges she faced as her own children moved into adolescence, reflecting on feelings of loss, confusion, and the struggle to maintain a strong connection. Drawing from her background in neuroscience and hypnotherapy, she explores how understanding the teenage brain can transform the parent-teen relationship, bringing in recent discoveries about adolescent development and mental health.

This episode touches on:

• The emotional shift parents experience as kids become teens
• Why puberty can feel like “the art of cutting a cactus” for families
• Common issues teens face today, from identity struggles to academic and social pressures
• The impact of social media and screen time on teenagers’ mental health
• How anxiety works as a survival mechanism—and why it’s so common in both teens and adults
• The importance of community, open conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives, including those of teens and young adults themselves

Veronique introduces her vision for the podcast as a supportive, holistic, and inclusive space for parents, young people, and professionals. She invites listeners to contribute, ask questions, and join the conversation, because together, we can empower each other and help our teens (and ourselves!) thrive.

Want to be a guest or suggest a topic? Reach out and get involved.

Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for more real, honest discussions about parenting, adolescence, and everything in between.

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