Teenagers today are facing unprecedented challenges—social media, anxiety, and self-worth struggles. In this episode, Mindi Linscombe sits down with Mike Donahue, a renowned youth speaker and founder of Value Up, a program that has impacted over a million students.
Mike shares how parents, educators, and mentors can help teens navigate today’s pressures by focusing on intrinsic value, listening without judgment, and fostering resilience. He also dives into the concept of the "privilege of process", encouraging parents to guide rather than control, allowing teens to develop their own confidence and decision-making skills.
💡 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The rise of anxiety and social media’s impact on teen mental health
✅ How Mike’s Value Up program helps teens recognize their worth
✅ The importance of listening to teens without overreacting
✅ Why parents should give their children the “privilege of process”
✅ Practical ways to balance guidance with independence
✅ Insights from The Anxious Generation and Talking to Brick Walls
This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to help teens build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth.
📌 Action Items
✔️ Reach out to Mike Donahue to bring the Value Up program to your child’s school
✔️ Check out Mike’s podcast for parents at MikeDonahueConnects.com
✔️ Read Mike’s book, Talking to Brick Walls, for expert insights on communicating with teenagers
📝 Episode Breakdown
🎤 Mike Donahue’s Background & Experience
- How he started speaking to high school students
- The rise of anxiety, social media, and teen struggles
💡 Understanding Intrinsic Value
- Why self-worth should come from within, not external validation
- Stories from Value Up that changed students' lives
🎭 The Power of Stories in School Assemblies
- Using real-life experiences to connect with students
- How one story saved a teen from suicide
📱 The Impact of Social Media on Teens
- How excessive screen time affects self-esteem
- Why The Anxious Generation is a must-read for parents
👂 Parenting Tips: Listening Without Judgment
- Why parents should stay calm instead of overreacting
- The power of asking, not telling when talking to teens
🧠 The Privilege of Process: Letting Kids Think for Themselves
- Encouraging kids to make their own choices and learn from mistakes
- Why parents shouldn’t answer questions their kids aren’t asking
🏡 Balancing Parental Guidance & Autonomy
- The importance of unconditional love & supportive parenting
- Why allowing failure helps kids grow stronger
📚 Where to Find Mike’s Resources
- MikeDonahueConnects.com for parenting podcasts
- Value Up program for school assemblies
- Talking to Brick Walls—a must-read for parents
🎧 Listen Now!
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