Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

The Secret to Being an A+ Student

How often do you find yourself thinking of ways to help your teenager get organized, keep their space clean, and have better time management? Cathy Chen and Meredith Herrera are here to offer five key strategies that all teens should use and how you can help them do it. Despite feeling seemingly obvious to adults it is important to emphasize why being organized matters, and Cathy and Meredith give some tips on how to help teens see and understand this. You will hear about all the important times of the day for teens and how to best maximize organization in these times. From using a google calendar, creating a good routine, the importance of consistency, making time real, and buying the real-deal alarm clock, this episode covers it all!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:01:13] An introduction to the topic; organization and time management.
[0:02:10] Why organization matters.
[0:02:31] Routines; what they are, why they matter, and the dos and don'ts.
[0:03:15] Effective morning, after-school, evening, and bedtime routines.
[0:05:30] Reflecting on a good morning routine.
[0:06:29] How to manage your ‘I just got home from school’ time.
[0:09:40] The importance of keeping track of time and using timers.
[0:12:07] How to define an evening routine and how it links to consistency.
[0:13:25] How to create an effective bedtime (wind down) routine.
[0:16:12] A google calendar; why Cathy and Meredith swear by it.
[0:19:50] Things that belong on a calendar.
[0:21:25] How to time block and efficiently manage time.
[0:23:16] The to-do list and how to tackle it.
[0:28:34] Why you should do the hardest thing first.
[0:30:13] How Cathy and Meredith manage the resistance from teens they coach.
[0:31:20] The importance of the space a teen works in.
[0:33:45] How to manage your own bias with how organization looks.
[0:35:44] Why you need to limit your distractions.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Is Private School or Public School Better?

Choosing a school for your child can be an incredibly challenging decision to make. One of the top questions we receive is whether or not we would send our own children to the schools we have worked at. We spend today’s episode unpacking the considerations we deem most important when searching for the right fit for your child and how to tackle this weighty decision. We share some of the lessons we’ve learned from our professional experiences, and anchor our conversation in the guiding question of what you value most. Tune in to hear our thoughts on how to get the right support for your child’s development based on who you want to see them become. Thanks for listening! 
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:02:12] Today’s topic: the frequently asked question of whether public or private schools are better.
[0:04:28] What the conversation ultimately comes down to: values.
[0:05:59] A developmental perspective on public versus private. 
[0:06:59] Questions to ask yourself to determine which option is best for your child’s education.
[0:09:16] Differences between the public and private settings.
[0:10:05] Support and accommodations at public versus private schools.
[0:14:00] Social considerations for public and private education.
[0:14:39] The implications of private school hand-holding in tertiary education.
[0:16:30] A powerful question for any parent to answer.
[0:16:55] Acknowledge that we are using a binary of public and private to talk about the full spectrum of schools.
[0:18:44] Trusting in your child’s resilience.
[0:22:58] Considering the financial aid route in private schooling.
[0:27:20] Meredith answers the question of whether she would consider sending her child to one of the schools she has worked at.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

The Most Common Mistakes Seniors Make on College Apps

Sometimes we have to learn by doing, but a college application certainly isn’t the time for that approach. That’s why today, we are sharing common mistakes we see seniors make on college applications all too often. We know our audience, and the mistakes they are susceptible to making. Press play to hear us highlight what we’ve noticed, what to do instead, and whose guidance to heed along the way. We touch on which schools to apply to, essay tips, and what to make of school rankings before unpacking some essential considerations that will help you to determine which institution is the best fit for your child, and much more today. Thanks for tuning in to another episode! 
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:01:25] Today’s topic: the biggest mistakes that we see seniors make on college applications over and over again. 
[0:02:28] The mistake many seniors make by following the advice of their peers. 
[0:05:59] Why it is a mistake to apply to too many top schools.
[0:10:15] Why a 17-year-old’s definition of a good application essay differs from ours.
[0:14:07] The mistake of never stopping to offer an explanation, and offering a list instead.
[0:18:02] Why it is a mistake to choose a school based only on name and rank.
[0:19:32] How rankings are calculated and why this is often unrelated to the undergraduate experience.
[0:20:42] Considerations that help to determine fit.
[0:21:29] Why, if you are taking your kids to see schools, you should include less selective colleges.
[0:26:41] The number one biggest mistake we have seen kids make in their applications.
[0:28:13] How early to begin completing your application process.  
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Our Top Tips For Parenting Teens

We know how difficult it can be to navigate your highly emotional, sometimes nasty, boundary-testing teenagers and today on Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are unpacking the enigma that is parenting teens. In this episode, you will hear our top tips for parenting teens, ranging from finding the balance between giving them independence and still being the parents they so desperately need, to how to handle alcohol and all things taboo. We delve into the dangers of trying to be your child’s friend, why teenagers need very strong boundaries, how to model behavior for them at all times, and why they need you to help them learn how to emotionally regulate. It is in the nature of teenagers to push boundaries and we discuss how being too permissive is problematic before asking you to fact-check your teens when something sounds strange. Finally, we want to remind you to shower your teens with love! To hear all this and more, tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:00:55] The topic of today’s episode: parenting teenagers.
[0:01:16] Why teenagers are just dumb adults and how things are changing for them.
[0:03:12] The importance of remembering that teenagers are still children and do need you. 
[0:04:55] Why you need to be involved in your teenager’s life without micromanaging. 
[0:06:06] A reminder that you cannot try to be your teenager’s friend.
[0:08:45] Why teenagers need just as many (if not more) boundaries than younger kids. 
[0:11:35] How being too permissive is more dangerous than being too strict.
[0:13:25] The importance of having open conversations with your teenagers. 
[0:16:04] How modeling respect can help them learn how to have healthy relationships. 
[0:16:55] Why you should not believe everything your teenager says. 
[0:19:00] The importance of helping your teenagers learn to emotionally regulate. 
[0:21:41] Why we must protect them from dangers when they experiment with risky behavior. 
[0:26:35] A reminder that supplying teenagers with alcohol is against the law. 
[0:29:51] Why talking about serious things makes them less taboo and demystifies them. 
[0:30:56] Why we want you to overwhelm teens with love, and physical and emotional affection. 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Adolescent Development 101 Episode
Let’s Talk About Sex Babyyyy with Justine Fonte Episode 
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Are Some Extracurriculars “Better” Than Others?

Extracurricular activities are a huge component of healthy development for teens. In this episode, we discuss the vast benefits of extracurriculars and how to approach the topic with your kids. You’ll hear our thoughts on the demands of sports commitments and whether some extracurriculars are better than others. If you’re wondering what colleges are really looking for in terms of extracurriculars and community service, you’ve come to the right place. Tune in to find out everything you need to know about the role of extracurricular activities in your child’s life.
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:01:45] Introducing today’s topic: all things extracurricular activities.
[0:02:26] How you should/shouldn’t approach picking extracurriculars.
[0:03:14] Why extracurricular activities are important.
[0:06:05] Our take on whether some extracurriculars are better than others.
[0:10:23] Why it’s important not to overload your child’s schedule.
[0:11:41] Our thoughts on the demands of sports commitments.
[0:16:16] Why we encourage diversity of exposure when it comes to extracurriculars.
[0:16:48] The benefits of kids getting jobs.
[0:17:16] What colleges are looking for regarding your extracurricular choices.
[0:20:36] How to encourage kids to commit to an extracurricular activity.
[0:23:58] The recommended approach if your kids are into video games.
[0:28:14] Whether or not colleges require candidates to do community service.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Does My Kid Need a Tutor? Answer That Question and More with Expert Tutor, Maya Varga

Have you thought of hiring a tutor to help your child at school? If you are a parent, this thought has likely crossed your mind. Most students can cope well in a typical classroom situation, but it does not work for everyone, and some students require a more one-on-one approach. Tutoring can help students build essential learning skills, boost confidence, and increase subject comprehension. To help us unpack the benefits of tutoring is the Senior Director at Hayutin Education, Maya Varga. Hayutin Education offers a wide range of professional, research-based, and one-on-one tutoring services to help children reach their full potential. Maya started as a tutor in the entertainment industry and started her own private practice before joining Hayutin Education in 2014. Maya has vast experience in college counseling, homeschool instruction, and executive function skill-building, and specializes in non-traditional education pathways. In this episode, Maya answers all our questions about tutoring. We learn how to assess a student’s inventory of skills, key indicators your child would benefit from tutoring support, tailoring the approach to each student, and the value of building learning capacity. We also discuss what aspects to consider when looking for a tutor, how to tell whether tutoring is working, the value of building momentum, why tutoring does not get results overnight, and the importance of a support network. We also uncover why tutoring is not the silver bullet parents think it is, the benefits of independent learning, why the physical and mental health of a student is vital, and much more! Tune in to discover the power of tutoring with education expert Maya Varga!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:00:45] Introduction and background about today’s guest, Maya Varga.
[0:03:34] How Maya helps parents determine if their child could benefit from a tutor.
[0:05:58] She unpacks what she means by good skills and routines.
[0:08:28] Maya shares advice for finding the right tutor for your child.
[0:10:56] What parents are committing to when they hire a tutor.
[0:12:07] The role of a tutor and why tutors are not “homework nannies”.
[0:13:22] What indicates that a student does not need further tutoring support.
[0:15:08] Ways to motivate students to complete homework and tasks.
[0:17:59] Discover what parents can do to help their child be successful.
[0:20:39] Her approach to parents who are skeptical of the tutoring process.
[0:25:18] Find out when homeschooling is appropriate for a child.
[0:28:55] Maya shares some best practices for students and parents.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Maya Varga on LinkedIn
Hayutin Education 
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Early Decisions Just Came Out, What Now?

It’s nearing the time when students start to hear back from early decision (ED) and early action (EA) schools. In this timely episode, we’re covering the ins and outs of the ED/EA admissions process from the expected timeline for hearing back from schools to the appropriate actions for each potential outcome. We delve into the pros of early action schools and the cons of the third less common early admission option: restrictive/single choice early action. You’ll discover all the potential outcomes and what to do (and not to do) in the case of each outcome. If your child is a senior in the early decision/ early action process, you’ve come to the right place. Tune in for advice and action items you can put in place to keep calm in this stressful time.
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:00:44] Today’s topic: hearing back from early decision (ED) and early action (EA) schools.
[0:01:40] The expected timeline for hearing back from schools.
[0:02:43] A breakdown of ED and EA admission options.
[0:04:16] A third less common early admission option: restrictive/single choice early action.
[0:05:06] The pros of early action schools.
[0:06:00] Examples of early application outcomes.
[0:08:29] How to prepare for a denied admission and what to do if denied.
[0:12:20] What application deferrals are and the various kinds to expect.
[0:14:23] An example of a courtesy deferral.
[0:15:42] Insight into enrollment management.
[0:17:06] Our take on the standard practice of writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) post-deferral.
[0:19:44] The role of the admission counselor at this time of year.
[0:21:12] Things to do once you have an outcome.
[0:24:21] The students’ and parents’ respective roles in the application and admissions process.
[0:27:54] Appropriate parent behavior when children are accepted or denied.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

How to Work Effectively with Your School’s College Counselor

After visiting 700 college campuses, it’s safe to say that today’s guest, Diane Campbell, is an expert in this area! The college application and admission process is different to what it used to be, and this requires a mindset shift of the parents who have children in high school. In today’s episode, Diane shares advice on how to navigate college counseling during high school, why it’s never too late to visit a college counselor (yes, even if you’re a senior), her thoughts on IECs, and the dreaded “gap trap.” College applications can be complicated and confusing and as a parent, it’s your responsibility to guide your child while also offering them independence. Tune in today to hear it all from the Director of College Counseling at Liberty Common High School and the founder of Campbell College Consulting. 
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
[0:01:29] Introducing today’s guest, Diane Campbell. 
[0:06:10] Advice for getting the most value out of your child’s school’s counseling department. 
[0:10:42] Differentiating between different types of counselors.
[0:11:25] Challenges of navigating the public school system. 
[0:13:20] Why it’s never too late to visit a college counselor.
[0:16:23] The importance of finding a healthy balance between guiding students and giving them their independence.
[0:20:00] Diane shares her thoughts on IECs.
[0:27:55] Parental attitudes that bother Diane.
[0:32:17] The mindset shift relating to college applications that is required.
[0:33:58] Exploring the concept of the “gap trap.”
[0:38:26] A few of Diane’s favorite hidden-gem colleges. 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Campbell College Consulting
Diane Campbell on LinkedIn
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Want to cut college tuition in half? How about college in Ireland?

A college education is the foundation for success and is essential to start the life you want. However, the costs associated with acquiring quality qualifications exclude many from pursuing their ambitions. What if there was a more affordable solution? In today’s episode, we speak to Niamh Kavanagh about the benefits of studying in Ireland and why it should be a consideration for any student wanting to pursue a college degree. Niamh is an International Recruitment Officer and Regional Manager of North & South America at the University of Limerick. She has worked on various national and international marketing campaigns and managed projects in countries around the world, affording her the experience and skills needed to be a success as an international recruiter. In our conversation, we discuss the benefits of studying in Ireland and what students can expect from attending an Irish university. We learn about the main differences between Irish and American universities, the culture shock many international students experience, and the benefits of the compulsory work experience required by Irish universities. Niamh also provides insight into common character traits of potential students and details the support system Limerick University offers for international students. Join us to discover the benefits of studying in Ireland and how to make it happen with special guest, Niamh Kavanagh!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
[0:00:45] Introduction to today’s guest: Niamh Kavanagh.
[0:04:11] Background about Niamh and her professional career.
[0:06:25] Hear what the benefits are of attending college in Ireland.
[0:09:11] A comparison of costs between going to college in America versus Ireland.
[0:09:38] Hear about the reputation and transferable skills of the Irish education system.
[0:10:19] Learn about the compulsory work experience of Irish Universities.
[0:11:40] We discuss the main differences between Irish and American colleges.
[0:14:19] The shock that many international students experience regarding grading.
[0:15:48] What students can benefit from outside of attending an international university.
[0:18:40] Outline of the character traits students need to study abroad.
[0:21:54] Why students must make sure the college and course are suitable for them.
[0:25:53] Niamh explains the support network offered to homesick students.
[0:32:18] She shares a recent experience she had with a student who needed help.
[0:35:16] How Niamh is able to relate to international students studying at Limerick University.
[0:37:48] Discover what traditional Irish dishes Niamh recommends people should try.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Niamh Kavanagh on LinkedIn
University of Limerick
Want to Save Money on College? Here’s a (Somewhat) Radical Idea
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Is it better to get an A in ‘regular’ class or B in an AP Class?

Welcome to a brand new season of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! We’ve been thinking about how we can make the SYTWTY Podcast more relevant and valuable to parents, which is why, in season two, we’re taking a look at our FAQs. Today, we attempt to answer an age-old question that we commonly receive from parents and students alike: is it better to get an A in a ‘regular’ class or a B in an AP/Honors class? The TL;DR answer may seem obvious (objectively, AP classes are better), but there are a number of factors that you need to evaluate when it comes to course selection, the college admissions process, and how it can impact a student’s self-worth. Tune in today as we give this FAQ the nuanced consideration it deserves!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
[0:01:35] An introduction to today’s FAQ: Is it better to get a B in AP or an A in regular?
[0:02:05] False premises that make this a difficult question to answer.
[0:04:00] Important considerations when it comes to college admissions.
[0:06:13] Course selection tips for students to make the most of their schedules.
[0:08:55] Uncomfortable realities in highly competitive environments.
[0:10:35] A follow-up FAQ from parents: how do I know if my kid can handle it?
[0:12:30] Advice for trialing a more rigorous schedule.
[0:13:44] Why personalized decisions need to be made for each student.
[0:16:38] When parents take the process too personally.
[0:21:25] Putting your child’s health and well-being first.
[0:21:50] Opportunities to discuss values and self-worth with your child.
[0:23:05] Why it’s important to celebrate diverse strengths.
[0:27:16] Benefits of choosing the most rigorous curriculum a student can handle.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
A College Professor Shares His Best Practices For College Freshman
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram