If you’re parenting little ones now, the idea of raising pre-teens or teenagers might feel far off—or a little intimidating. These years often come with a tough reputation, but what if they didn’t have to?

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by pediatrician Dr. Hina Talib to talk about how we can start preparing now to enter the teen years with more confidence, connection, and compassion. Too often, teens get labeled as the problem, when in reality, it's our job as parents to prepare and empower them to navigate the challenges ahead.

Dr. Talib shares powerful tools to help our kids feel more respected during this season of life—including the importance of putting ourselves in their shoes, approaching situations with curiosity (not judgment), and creating a safe space for open conversation.

We dive into:

Why starting family traditions now creates strong connection later
How to foster independence in preteens to build confidence and resilience
Body image and how to talk about our kids’ bodies in ways that don’t focus on weight
The truth about teen mental health—and the most important (and surprising!) thing we can do to support it

Whether your kids are in preschool or approaching middle school, this is a must-listen conversation that will leave you feeling more prepared for what’s ahead—and more empowered to raise confident, connected teens.

Follow Dr. Talib on Instagram and LinkedIn

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This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.