In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, I sit down with Jennifer S. Miller, MEd., an author and expert with over 30 years of experience working with educators and families to support child and teen development.

We explore the vital distinction between temporary bravery and true courage habits, offering actionable guidance for parents of teens navigating high school pressure, social anxiety, and college transitions.

• Understanding why courage requires a pause and inner stillness rather than impulsive bravery
• Navigating social anxiety and helping teens build the courage to form authentic connections
• Supporting college students through loneliness without over-parenting or stepping in to fix things

Bravery relies on impulsive, primitive brain responses to immediate danger. Courage requires an intentional pause and stillness to access inner wisdom and choose action in service of a noble goal.

Normalize social anxiety as a natural byproduct of expanding social awareness. Encourage in-person practice in low-stakes environments and allow your teen to navigate social discomfort rather than fixing it for them.

For over thirty years, Jennifer Miller has worked with educators and families to help them become more effective with children and teens by understanding and supporting their learning and development. She is the author of Confident Parents, Confident Kids and her upcoming book Humanaissance: Igniting Courage In Our Teens and Ourselves.

Connect with Jennifer Miller:

• Website: confidentparentsconfidentkids.org
• Instagram: @jennifersmithmiller1
• LinkedIn: Jennifer S. Miller

Connect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger

• Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching
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