Are Your Expectations Crushing Your Teen?
Are Your Expectations Crushing Your Teen?  
Podcast: All Pro Dad Podcast
Published On: Mon Feb 24 2025
Description: Expectations can lead to pressure, which grows into stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth for kids. This is a problem dads can help with. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how expectations are crushing our kids, especially our teens. They dive into the unique challenges kids are facing and how parents don’t always make things easier. Key TakeawaysBrain Development: Teen brains are still developing, particularly the frontal lobe responsible for executive function. This can make it difficult for teens to plan, prioritize, and remember future tasks.Sleep Patterns: Teenagers naturally have different sleep-wake cycles than adults, often leading to difficulty falling asleep early and waking up for school.Creating a Safe Environment: Parents should strive to create a safe and supportive environment for their kids, focusing on guidance and encouragement rather than constant pressure to achieve.Practical Tools for DadsEngage in a meaningful conversation with your kids. Ask them to identify the biggest source of pressure they are currently experiencing, then follow these steps:1. Let your kids share their perspective.2. Verbalize your support.3. Offer guidance.Important Episode Timestamps·      (00:00 - 02:15) Introduction & Hosts' Backgrounds ·      (02:15 - 03:04) The Big Question: Are Parental Expectations Crushing Teens? ·      (03:04 - 04:46) Understanding Teen Brain Development ·       (04:46 - 06:36) Why Teens Argue & How It Benefits Them·      (06:36 - 10:36) The Pressure of Expectations vs. The Power of Guidance ·      (10:36 - 14:08) Boundaries vs. Expectations: What’s the Difference? ·      (14:08 - 18:17) Curfews, Consequences & Real-World Lessons ·      (18:17 - 20:55) The Identity Crisis: How Teens Navigate Different Worlds ·      (20:55 - 23:22) How Dads Can Reduce Pressure & Create a Safe Space ·      (23:22 - 25:30) Pro Move of the WeekAPD Pro Move:Ask your child, “What is the biggest source of pressure you are currently experiencing?”Sponsor:The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. LeaWe love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Connect with Us: Ted Lowe on LinkedIn Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn BJ Foster on LinkedIn Subscribe on Apple Podcasts EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com