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Janet Evans is an accomplished author and podcast host recognised for her insightful work on the themes of parenting and personal growth. She co-authored the book "Empty Next" with Dr. Amelia Haynes, targeting the often unspoken phenomenon of empty nest syndrome. Alongside her literary contributions, Janet is known for co-hosting the podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday," which celebrates the experiences and transitions faced by women over 40. Janet’s expertise in traversing this delicate phase of parenting combines personal experience with practical strategies tailored to support parents through this emotional transition.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Spectrum: Parents often experience a mix of pride and grief when their children leave home, highlighting the natural, varied responses to empty nesting.
• Improved Relationships: Interviews with young adults reveal that many develop stronger relationships with their parents after moving out, underlining the potential for positive change.
• Reevaluating Misconceptions: The episode challenges common misconceptions, such as the assumption that mothers are more affected than fathers by their children's departure.
• Global Phenomenon: Empty nest syndrome is not exclusive to Western cultures; parents worldwide experience similar emotional transitions despite differing family structures.
• Proactive Transitioning: Parents are encouraged to plan ahead by prioritising personal interests and marital relationships to ease the transition into this new stage of life.

Notable Quotes:

• "You bring them up for like 20 odd years. It's a long time to be in the same job."
• "A lot of [young adults] got on a lot better with their parents once they'd moved out."
• "You should never feel guilty about missing your children after they've left home."
• "With all of the people that we spoke to, the dads were just as affected. Oh, my goodness. And some of them even more so."
• "Every single situation is different, and every personality is different… overwhelmingly, most parents want the very best for their kids."

Resources:

• Janet Evans's book "Empty Next" explores empty nest syndrome and its impact.
• Podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday" hosted by Janet Evans, focused on women over 40.
• Hope 103.2 Radio, mentioned as an initial platform for the podcast concept.

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognise Behavioral Changes: Learn to identify key signs of a teen in crisis, such as withdrawal, risk-taking, diminished school performance, and expressions of hopelessness.
• Maintain Calm and Support: Discover the importance of staying calm and curious, not reactive, to offer a safe environment where teens feel supported.
• Focus on Connection: Prioritise emotional safety and connection over immediate problem-solving to build trust and open communication lines with adolescents.
• Support Over Correct: Understand the need to connect with your teen before introducing any corrective actions or consequences post-crisis.
• Professional Help: Reinforce that seeking professional support is essential and conveying that doing nothing is not an option for their well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• "Crisis behavior is often communication, not defiance or attention-seeking."
• "A calm parent becomes the emotional anchor in a teen's storm."
• "Connect before we correct."
• "Doing nothing is not an option. My job is to love you and support you."
• "I'm here to listen if you need me. I'm here for you if you want to brainstorm any ideas together."

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Teens distancing from parents is a normal developmental phase as they seek independence.
• Parents should provide a "steady presence" and adapt to their teen's communication preferences.
• Emotional regulation and repair after conflicts are vital to maintaining trust.
• Giving teens some control over their choices within healthy boundaries can foster connection.
• Family connection, though on the teen's terms, remains crucial for their overall life satisfaction.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Pulling back is often part of building independence, and it's how teens practice being separate, capable people."
2. "Very often, the closeness returns once the emotional storm has passed."
3. "Connection still matters. It's often more on our teens' terms, but connection is what we need to be fighting for as parents."
4. "You will know your teen best. You will know what works well."
5. "Even well-intentioned advice can land as criticism when emotions are high."

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.