In this episode of the Odd Mom Pod, host Brittany interviews Jessica Speer, an author who focuses on helping preteens and teens navigate relationships, middle school, and technology. Jessica shares her personal background of growing up in an unstable home lacking emotional intelligence and how it influenced her parenting and career. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe emotional environment for children, the value of re-parenting oneself while parenting, and the concept of felt safety. The discussion covers Jessica's books, including 'BFF or NRF: A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships,' which offers insights on managing friendships and dealing with common challenges. Jessica also shares her findings on middle school dynamics from her book 'Middle School Safety Goggles Advised,' and talks about her latest work, 'The Phone Book,' focusing on safe and mindful technology use for kids. The episode underscores the significance of mindfulness, self-awareness, and intentional action in parenting and personal growth.
References:
https://jessicaspeer.com/00:00 Welcome to the Odd Mom Pod: Empowering a New Generation
00:39 Diving into Episode 11: A Limerick and Excitement for Today's Guest
01:11 Meet Jessica Speer: Author, Mom, and Guide for Navigating Teen Relationships
01:55 Jessica's Personal Journey: From Childhood to Empowering Her Kids
03:00 Creating Emotional Safety and Healing Through Parenting
08:31 Jessica Spear's Writing Journey: Empowering Girls in Friendships
10:16 Navigating Friendships: The Friendship Pyramid and Healthy Relationships
20:10 Implementing Friendship Groups: A Tool for Parents and Educators
24:24 Understanding 'Not Really Friends' and Emotional Safety
24:57 The Power of Change and Avoiding Labels
25:42 Fostering Empathy and Understanding Others' Burdens
27:02 Navigating the Complexities of Middle School Relationships
29:11 Exploring Middle School Challenges Through Interactive Stories
29:23 The Impact of Technology on Preteens and Teens
36:25 Creating Healthy Digital Habits and Navigating Social Media
44:27 The Importance of Emotional Safety and Mindfulness
47:49 Concluding Thoughts and Resources for Parents