Boys are falling behind in school, and Brandon Jones says the mental health piece of that story isn't getting enough attention. In this episode, Brandon breaks down the widening education gap between boys and girls, from elementary school through college graduation rates, and explores how unaddressed mental health struggles, undiagnosed learning differences, and rigid expectations of masculinity all play a role. He looks at why boys are less likely to ask for help, more likely to be misdiagnosed or overlooked, and how schools and parents can start closing that gap without shaming either boys or girls in the process. This isn't about picking a side in a boys vs. girls debate; it's about making sure every kid gets what they actually need. Come think this through with Brandon. #ItsNotYourFaultPodcast #BrandonJones #BoysMentalHealth #EducationGap #TeenMentalHealth

Does your kid's school have a therapist, or just access to one? Brandon Jones breaks down the difference, and why it matters. In this episode, Brandon explains school-based mental health services (a therapist embedded in the school building) versus school-linked services (a provider who comes in from an outside agency). He covers where each type of care happens, how it's typically paid for, and the five critical questions every parent and caregiver should ask before their child starts services: who employs the provider, where sessions happen, what type of care they can deliver, who controls the records, and who's paying for it. Brandon also shares sobering numbers from a 2023 national survey on teen mental health, and explains why school counselors and school psychologists aren't the same as clinical therapists, a distinction that trips up a lot of parents. This is information every parent needs walking into this school year.

s your teen's mental health only about therapy and medication? Brandon Jones says it's time to widen the lens. In this episode of It's Not Your Fault, Brandon breaks down why mental health experts are moving toward a more holistic view of teens, one that looks at sleep, relationships, identity, school, technology use, and community, not just symptoms. He walks through why the old question ("How do I make sure my teen never has problems?") needs to become a new one: "How do I help my teen build the skills and support to navigate life's difficulties?" Brandon also gets personal, sharing exactly how he handles devices and sleep routines with his own kids at home, and previews an upcoming episode on school-based mental health services. This isn't about eliminating every hard thing your teen will face; it's about helping them move through it without being consumed by it. Come think this through with Brandon. #ItsNotYourFaultPodcast #BrandonJones #TeenMentalHealth #Parenting #HolisticHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #TeenParenting

Neurodivergence in teens does not look the same from one kid to the next, and that is exactly the problem when schools, parents, and even therapists expect it to. In this episode of It's Not Your Fault, host Brandon Jones sits down to unpack what it really means to support a neurodivergent teen through mental health challenges. From misread behaviors to missed diagnoses, this conversation gets into why so many young people are struggling in silence and what caregivers can do differently. This isn't just about understanding a diagnosis; it's about understanding a whole young person. Brandon brings the same honest, no judgment approach that makes this podcast a safe space for real conversations about parenting, mental health, and raising kids who feel truly seen.

#ItsNotYourFaultPodcast #BrandonJones #Neurodivergence #TeenMentalHealth #NeurodivergentYouth #ParentingTeens

In this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones dives into "popcorn brain": the constant pinging, scrolling, and switching that's rewiring how kids' minds work, making it harder for them to focus, sit still, or even feel bored without reaching for a screen. What does this constant stimulation actually do to a developing brain, and what can parents do to help protect their child's attention and wellbeing in a world that never stops buzzing?

#ItsNotYourFault #PopcornBrain #TeenMentalHealth #ScreenTime #ParentingTeens #DigitalWellbeing #KidsMentalHealth #ParentSupport

In this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones unpacks what's really behind a teen's "whatever": the eye rolls, the shrugs, the walls that go up the moment you ask what's wrong. For parents, it can feel like indifference, but it's often something much deeper. What does "whatever" actually mean, and how can parents respond in a way that opens the door instead of closing it further?

On this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones explores the connection between gambling culture and teen mental health. Learn how this growing trend is influencing young people, the warning signs families should recognize, and how parents and caregivers can have supportive conversations that encourage healthy decision-making.

#ItsNotYourFaultPodcast #TeenMentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #ParentingTeens

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This show is part of the ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com podcasting network, a group of shows that celebrate Black culture and creativity. Find MORE entertaining and enlightening podcasts hosted by Black folks for Black folks at shelettamakesmelaugh.com

In this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones explores social prescribing, an innovative approach used in the UK that connects families, counselors, and local communities to meaningful activities that help teens build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging. Could this model be part of the future of teen mental health in the U.S.?

What happens when you discover your teen is gambling online?

On this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones discusses how digital gambling culture, influencers, and online platforms are influencing teens today. Learn the warning signs, how to start the conversation, and what parents can do to support their teens in making healthy choices.

Brandon Jones, tackles the tough conversation how to talk to your child when tragedy hits close to home.