With back-to-school season right around the corner, I keep thinking about a moment from my own high school years – a moment so small I barely registered it at the time. I noticed a kid sitting alone, stuck out my hand, and said hi. That was it. What I didn't know was that it would change his life, and honestly, mine too.

This is a re-air of one of my favorite episodes from the archives, originally recorded as an interview I did on the podcast Becoming for Teens. I'm bringing it back now because our schools need more kids brave enough to look up, reach out, and make someone feel like they belong. And the truth is, so do our communities.

You'll come away from this one thinking about:

💜 The letter Brian wrote me at graduation, and what he said about that first handshake

💜 Why the kindest thing you can do might feel awkward or forced at first (and why that's okay)

💜 The small but specific things teens (and moms!) can do to make someone feel seen

This episode is worth listening to with your kids on a family night, in the car, or anytime when they're a captive audience. I think it'll spark a conversation you'll both remember.

For full show notes, including takeaways, click here.

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Announcement:

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Related Episodes:

445: How to Set Boundaries without Damaging Relationships // Rachel on Happy Mom Summit

429: How Ordinary Moms Can Make a Difference // Sharon McMahon

419: 3 Things Moms of Children with Disabilities Want You to Know // Katie Blackburn

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