Meeting the Pre-Teen Challenge
Today, with the Holidays upon us, I’m veering away from political discussions to focus on kids, specifically pre-teen kids, and I invite you to check out this interview with life coach Marcus Aurelius Higgs as we discuss meeting the pre-teen challenge. And, if you like it, please consider subscribing and leaving a comment. Hitting the like button would be great, too!
Parenting pre-teen children presents a unique set of challenges, as these formative years are filled with identity exploration and development. As parents, it can be daunting to help children navigate these social and emotional landscapes. The recent episode of the Lean to the Left podcast addressed these issues with special guest Marcus Higgs, a life coach specializing in communication strategies for pre-teen parents. Marcus is the author of “Inspire Life Through Words of Well-Being,” personal meditations in poetry to find balance and inner peace.
Understanding Pre-Teen Challenges
Pre-teens, typically aged 10 to 14, face many challenges, including forming their identity and navigating complex societal norms. Marcus Higgs emphasizes the importance of open communication and strong family relationships during these critical years. He explains how societal pressures can create mistrust and emotional mismanagement in children. According to Higgs, building a child’s identity starts with instilling virtues and values early on.
The Role of Certain Future Press
Marcus Higgs is the founder of Certain Future Press, a venture dedicated to fostering strong connections within families through character development. Certain Future Press is not only a publishing platform for Higgs’ books but also the foundation for his coaching services. Marcus highlights the importance of creating an environment where pre-teens learn critical thinking skills to question societal norms healthily.
Introducing the SHOW UP Framework
A significant part of Higgs’ coaching strategy involves the “SHOW UP” framework, which stands for:
- Start with a Strong Identity: Encourage children to develop a sense of self rooted in virtues and values.
- Hold Space for Collaboration: Create opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding between parents and children.
- Open Up Communication: Develop environments where children feel safe to express themselves freely.
- Wonder and Explore the World Together: Engage in project-based learning to foster growth and relationship building.
Through this framework, parents are provided with strategies and tactics to improve communication and understanding with their children, essential to navigating pre-teen challenges.
Building an Effective Parenting Strategy
Marcus Higgs advises parents to take an active role in shaping their children’s identities before societal influences, like social media, take hold. He stresses the importance of family values and cultures, approaching parenting with intentionality in instilling virtues and values. Marcus also highlights the need for parents to maintain a growth mindset, promote the best in their children, and recognize their potential.
The Impact of Social Media on Today’s Youth
Social media presents both challenges and opportunities for today’s youth. Higgs points out that while it can offer positive connections, it often creates fractured attention and identity struggles. He emphasizes the importance of empowering children with strong internal values to navigate the barrage of external influences.
Conclusion
Parenting during the pre-teen years is no small feat, requiring patience, understanding, and effective communication. Marcus Higgs, through his work with Certain Future Press and the SHOW UP framework, provides valuable strategies and insights to help navigate these years. By focusing on fostering identities and family values, parents can better support their children in becoming well-rounded, resilient individuals. For those interested in delving deeper into these approaches, Higgs’ methods invite parents to explore innovative ways to connect with and nurture their pre-teens.
About Bob Gatty
A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time.
Please check out Bob’s new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump’s Attack on America’s Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here’s a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.
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