Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show – "Under the Surface: Guiding Teens Through Stress, Overwhelm, & Crushing Expectations (Outweigh)"
Release Date: January 11, 2025
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Episode Title: Under the Surface: Guiding Teens Through Stress, Overwhelm, & Crushing Expectations (Outweigh)
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Bobby Bones Show, host Leanne engages in a profound conversation with Natalie Burrell, founder of Life Success for Teens. Released on January 11, 2025, the episode delves deep into the pervasive issues of stress, anxiety, and overwhelming expectations that today’s teenagers face. Tailored for parents navigating the tumultuous teenage years, the discussion offers actionable insights and strategies to support teens without inadvertently exacerbating their struggles.
Meet the Expert: Natalie Burrell
Leanne kicks off the episode by introducing Natalie Burrell, a seasoned school psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio, with nearly two decades of experience in supporting teenagers. Natalie shares her journey from working within the public school system, where she identified significant gaps in emotional and mental support for students, to founding Life Success for Teens seven years ago. Her mission centers on building confidence, reducing stress, and equipping teens with the tools to thrive academically and personally.
Notable Quote:
"So it's about understanding what's really driving their behavior and giving them the tools to find their own freedom."
— Leanne [00:34]
The Hidden Struggles of Teens
Natalie articulates the often unseen pressures that teens endure, likening their outward calm to a duck gliding smoothly on water while paddling frantically beneath the surface.
Notable Quote:
"If you can imagine a duck swimming across a body of water and it looks like smooth sailing... underneath the surface, they're paddling like crazy."
— Natalie Burrell [04:25]
She emphasizes that the internal battles with self-worth and control significantly contribute to anxiety and overwhelm, leading teens to unhealthy coping mechanisms like food obsession or restrictive dieting.
Understanding Anxiety and Overwhelm
The conversation shifts to the neurological underpinnings of teenage anxiety. Leanne points out that teens often seek control in areas where they feel powerless, such as their eating habits or body image, as a means to reclaim a sense of agency.
Notable Quote:
"When you're not in the driver's seat that feels very anxiety-provoking and it does not feel good in general."
— Natalie Burrell [06:19]
Natalie expands on this by discussing how the lack of control in various aspects of their lives—academic pressures, social interactions—fuels their anxiety, making it crucial for parents to help teens shift their narratives towards self-efficacy and confidence.
Coping Mechanisms and Strategies
Natalie outlines practical coping strategies tailored to teens' unique stress responses. She advocates for a personalized approach, encouraging teens to recognize their stress signals and select coping tools that resonate with them personally.
Notable Quote:
"You need to choose a skill that works for the moment, but also one that actually works for you."
— Natalie Burrell [06:50]
Key strategies discussed include:
- Recognizing Stress Indicators: Identifying physical and emotional signs of stress (e.g., racing heart, tight chest, negative self-talk).
- Building a Toolkit: Developing a collection of coping mechanisms such as breathing exercises, discreet fidget tools, and affirmations.
- Practicing in Low-Stress Moments: Encouraging teens to rehearse coping skills during calm periods to ensure automatic application during high-stress situations.
Leanne underscores the importance of selecting methods that create positive neural associations, preventing the reinforcement of negative experiences with ineffective or disliked techniques.
Parental Guidance: Supporting Without Pressure
Transitioning to advice for parents, Natalie addresses common challenges parents face when attempting to support their teens. She highlights the importance of recognizing when parental efforts may be missed or even counterproductive.
Notable Quote:
"If the answer is no, there's two things I would say. Keep trying, but not in a way that feels like you're being overbearing or that if you're trying and that it's making it worse, I might hold off there, but keep trying."
— Natalie Burrell [10:23]
Key Recommendations for Parents:
- Consistency in Positivity: Continuously affirm their teen’s capabilities and worth without being overbearing.
- Seek Alternative Voices: If teens are unresponsive to parental encouragement, involve other trusted adults—teachers, counselors, family friends—who can provide additional support.
- Identify Positive Influences: Utilize existing relationships within the family or community to introduce consistent, positive role models into the teen’s life.
Leanne adds that in today’s influencer-driven environment, finding authentic and relatable positive influences is crucial for reaching and resonating with teens effectively.
Early Intervention: Addressing Food and Body Image Issues
As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the early signs of food and body image struggles. Natalie advises parents to meticulously document these behaviors to distinguish patterns and seek professional assistance when necessary.
Notable Quote:
"Start to take Notes meaning, like, how often is this happening? How often are you noticing it? Like, in what ways is it impacting their life."
— Natalie Burrell [13:55]
Steps for Parents:
- Monitor and Document: Keep detailed records of the frequency and context of concerning behaviors.
- Avoid Judgmental Responses: Instead of imposing strict rules or expressing disapproval, approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
- Engage Professionals: Use the collected information to consult with mental health professionals who can provide tailored interventions.
Leanne shares a relatable anecdote about a client’s daughter exhibiting disordered eating behaviors, emphasizing the potential negative impact of well-intentioned but misguided parental advice.
Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
Leanne wraps up the episode by previewing next week’s focus on addressing teenagers’ emotional needs without resorting to food, highlighting the importance of alternative coping mechanisms such as managing online activities and social media use.
Natalie provides her contact information, encouraging listeners to connect via Instagram and their website, LifeSuccessforTeens.com, for ongoing support and resources.
Notable Quote:
"Feel free. Come stalk me on Instagram. That's where I play mostly at Life success for teens."
— Natalie Burrell [16:25]
Leanne assures listeners that the episode's valuable insights will be linked in the show notes, providing easy access to additional resources.
Conclusion
This episode of The Bobby Bones Show offers an in-depth exploration of the hidden pressures and anxieties plaguing today’s teenagers. Through Natalie Burrell’s expert guidance, parents gain a nuanced understanding of their teens' struggles and actionable strategies to foster a supportive and empowering environment. The conversation underscores the importance of empathy, consistency, and the right external influences in helping teens navigate the complexities of adolescence.
Stay Tuned:
Don’t miss next week’s episode as Leanne and Natalie delve into meeting teens’ emotional needs beyond food, addressing behavioral patterns like excessive online activity and fostering healthier coping mechanisms.
Connect with Natalie Burrell:
- Instagram: LifeSuccessforTeens
- Website: lifesuccessforteens.com