Eps 489: Identity development for mixed race teens with Dr. Jenn Noble

Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

My guest today is Dr. Jenn Noble, and she’s here to talk about adolescent identity development and support us all in broadening our lens around the experience of mixed race kids and families.

Dr. Jenn helps parents to see who their kids really are and helps teens express who they are to their parents. We all know teen identity development is a total rollercoaster! On one hand, we know our adolescents are growing up, but we sure like to hang onto who they were as children. Their experiences and perspectives are real, but they’re often dismissed.

As we dig into adolescent identity development, and Dr. Jenn reminds us that part of a teen’s job is to explore things, try things out, and push back with a safe place to land. I ask Dr. Jenn what parents can do to invite your teens to talk to you, how adolescents can read our agendas (even when we think we’re being open-minded!), and how this plays out differently in mixed race households.

Takeaways from the show

• What should parents know about adolescent identity development?
• Broadening our lens around the experience of mixed race kids and families
• Seeing your kid for who they are - how do we really get to know & see them?
• Negative stereotypes around teens
• Teens need to try & explore new things with a safe place to land
• What makes adolescents feel open to talking and sharing more with parents
• Code switching (cognitive flexibility)
• Teens are seeking groups and are very sensitive to rejection
• How can we best show up for mixed race teens?
• Authentically affirming & complimenting teens’ experiences

For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here.

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