http://www.kidsthesedaysbook.com
🛠️ Quick Tips for Parents (Take‑away Action Items)
Start the “Youth‑Engagement Conversation” – Ask your teen: “What part of today felt most alive? What felt like a waste of time?”
Swap “Compliance” for “Co‑Creation” – Re‑frame rules as agreements: “Let’s decide together how we’ll handle homework this week.”
DIY Advocacy – Identify one school policy (e.g., cell‑phone usage) you can discuss with a teacher. Bring a teen‑suggested solution.
Leverage Strengths, Not Labels – If your teen mentions a diagnosis, ask: “What does this tell us about how you learn best?”
Micro‑Disruptions in the Classroom – Encourage teachers (or your own home‑learning) to let students choose one project topic each month.
today we’re stepping directly into a conversation that so many parents whisper about but rarely name out loud: the school system.
The one we grew up in.
The one our kids are sitting in right now.
And the one that — for too many teens — simply doesn’t match who they are, how they learn, or what they need to thrive.
For decades, we’ve been taught not to question it. But when a system is outdated, when it’s built for a world and a learner that no longer exist… we have to talk about it.
And today, we are.
I’m joined by Nevin Harper and Will Dobud, authors of the incredible book Kids These Days — a book that doesn’t just diagnose what’s going on with youth, but shines a bright light on the systems shaping them.
Together, we’re going to unpack what’s broken, what’s possible, and how every one of us — parents, educators, advocates — can begin disrupting the system in small, meaningful ways.
Show more...
http://www.kidsthesedaysbook.com
🛠️ Quick Tips for Parents (Take‑away Action Items)
Start the “Youth‑Engagement Conversation” – Ask your teen: “What part of today felt most alive? What felt like a waste of time?”
Swap “Compliance” for “Co‑Creation” – Re‑frame rules as agreements: “Let’s decide together how we’ll handle homework this week.”
DIY Advocacy – Identify one school policy (e.g., cell‑phone usage) you can discuss with a teacher. Bring a teen‑suggested solution.
Leverage Strengths, Not Labels – If your teen mentions a diagnosis, ask: “What does this tell us about how you learn best?”
Micro‑Disruptions in the Classroom – Encourage teachers (or your own home‑learning) to let students choose one project topic each month.
today we’re stepping directly into a conversation that so many parents whisper about but rarely name out loud: the school system.
The one we grew up in.
The one our kids are sitting in right now.
And the one that — for too many teens — simply doesn’t match who they are, how they learn, or what they need to thrive.
For decades, we’ve been taught not to question it. But when a system is outdated, when it’s built for a world and a learner that no longer exist… we have to talk about it.
And today, we are.
I’m joined by Nevin Harper and Will Dobud, authors of the incredible book Kids These Days — a book that doesn’t just diagnose what’s going on with youth, but shines a bright light on the systems shaping them.
Together, we’re going to unpack what’s broken, what’s possible, and how every one of us — parents, educators, advocates — can begin disrupting the system in small, meaningful ways.
Show more...
Why Susan’s Mission Matters
The “Abyss” Explained
Start Planning in Middle School
Three Must‑Do Actions for Parents of 8th‑Graders
Social‑Skill Strategies
Behavior ≠ Manipulation
The “Swiss‑Cheese” Planning Model
Finding & Securing Resources
Next Steps for Parents
Call to Action
Susan Tatem is the founder and CEO of Bright Path 4 Autism, an autism advocate, coach, speaker, international bestselling author, TV host (Puzzled Parents), and YouTuber (@PuzzledParentsUnlocked). Drawing on nearly 30 years in healthcare and her lived experience raising her daughter with autism, she transforms parents of kids with autism from overwhelm and