Struggling to get your teen to talk face-to-face? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast, Kim and Jacob dive into why real-life conversations are getting harder for teens—and especially for neurodiverse kids with ADHD, autism, or social anxiety. From awkward small talk to screen addiction, they unpack: Why face-to-face communication feels intimidating for Gen Z, How screens are affecting social development. Tools for building “talking muscles” at home Conversation tips for neurodivergent teens Real parent-teen banter and fun practice questions. Whether your child avoids eye contact, hides behind emojis, or just needs a little nudge toward better communication, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen in for practical tips, laughs, and a reminder that connection starts small—one real convo at a time.Message us through our website:
http://www.themothersonpodcast.com

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Show Sources:
https://www.heysigmund.com/strengthening-teens-social-conversation-abilities/
https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/starting-conversations/how-to-start-conversations-with-neurodiverse-kids
https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/-/media/onoursleeves/documents/conversation-starters-for-neurodiverse-children.pdf?forcedownload=0http://
www.betterup.com/blog/questions-to-ask-to-get-to-know-someone

In this lighthearted check-in, Kim and Jacob take a break from big topics to chat about real life-- from Jacob's grueling four-hour gymnastics practice to how they're upgrading their podcast setup. Recorded in Jacob's computer/playroom (with new gear!), this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes peek into their summer and family life-- plus plenty of laughs along the way. We are excited for the upcoming episodes and welcome your comments and questions! Send us a message through our website, http://www.themothersonpodcast.com As we prepare to fully launch our marketing campaign on

Instagram, go follow us now at

https://www.instagram.com/themothersonpodcast/ @themothersonpodcast

Send your questions through our website: http://www.themothersonpodcast.com

As always! Thank you for listening!

Kim and Jake open up about how teens and parents can face life's challenges with strength and honesty. From school stress to personal setbacks, this episode offers real tips for building resilience-- together!

Episode references:

https://resiliencei.com/blog/how-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-supports-resilience/#:~:text=Cognitive%20Behavioral%20Therapy%20(CBT)%2C,solid%20foundation%20for%20building%20resilience

Book: CBT Toolbox for Children & Adolescents by: Lisa Weed Phifer, Amanda K. Crowder, Tracy Elsenraat, Robert Hull https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/guide-parents-teachers

Be sure to visit us at:
http://www.themothersonpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram: @TheMotherSonPodcast
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Is it time to hand over the phone? Kim and Jake debate the pros and cons of giving kids and teens their first device. Screen time, safety, trust-- nothing's off limits in this honest conversation. What do you think?

Message us through
http://www.themothersonpodcast.com!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as we prepare a full launch of our podcast, (@themothersonpodcast).
https://www.instagram.com/themothersonpodcast/

Be sure to stay tuned to the end of each episode for the BLOOPER REEL!

Show sources:
TheAtlantic.com: "End the Phone-Based Childhood Now" by Jonathan Haidt
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/03/teen-childhood-smartphone-use-mental-health-effects/677722/

EdSource.Org: "Excessive Cell Phone Use Can Harm Children, Here's How Parents Can Limit Use at Home" by Diana Lambert
https://edsource.org/2024/excessive-cell-phone-use-can-harm-children-heres-how-parents-can-limit-use-at-home/718105

WebMD: "Childhood ADHD and Screen Time" by: Janie McQueen and Medically Reviewed by: Smitha Bhandari, M.D.
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/childhood-adhd-screen-time

CosmoTogether.com: "8 Reasons Why You Should Give Your Kid a Phone," February 23, 2024:
https://cosmotogether.com/blogs/news/8-reasons-why-you-should-give-your-kid-a-phone

📱 Episode 11: “Can I Please Get a Phone?!” – Talking Cell Phones with Kids

Is your child begging for a phone? Or maybe they already have one, and you're navigating screen time battles, group chats, or late-night texting?

In this episode, Kim and Jacob dive into all things cell phones and kids — from when to get one, to what kind of boundaries help create balance. With Jacob’s firsthand teen insight and Kim’s parenting perspective, they explore the emotional, social, and developmental impacts of phones, especially for neurodiverse kids like Jacob who feel things deeply.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• How to know if your child is “ready” for a phone
• What questions to ask before buying their first phone
• Common parent-kid arguments about phones (and how to handle them)
• Real stories of kids getting caught up in social media drama
• Strategies to create healthy phone boundaries without shame or blame
• How neurodiverse kids may experience phone use differently — and what supports can help

💬 Quote of the Episode:

🔍 SEO-Optimized Keywords:

Kids and cell phones, first phone for kids, screen time rules, parenting teens and tech, neurodiverse kids and smartphones, social media and kids, family phone contract, when should kids get phones, cell phone boundaries for children

🔗 References & Resources:

1. Common Sense Media – Cell Phone Parenting Guide
2. American Academy of Pediatrics – Media and Children Communication Toolkit
3. Child Mind Institute – Helping Kids with ADHD Manage Screen Time
4. Understood.org – Tech and Executive Functioning in Neurodiverse Kids
5. TheAtlantic.com: "End the Phone-Based Childhood Now" by Jonathan Haidt
6. EdSource.Org: "Excessive Cell Phone Use Can Harm Children, Here's How Parents Can Limit Use at Home" by Diana Lambert
7. WebMD: "Childhood ADHD and Screen Time" by: Janie McQueen and Medically Reviewed by: Smitha Bhandari, M.D.

Is your child texting someone a little too much lately?
Did you just find out there's a crush — or maybe even a boyfriend or girlfriend — in the picture?

In this heartfelt (and often hilarious) episode, Kim and Jacob open up about teen crushes and early dating, from awkward love notes to texting overload. With Jacob’s real-time teen perspective and Kim’s parent guidance, they break down how families can handle first relationships with empathy, humor, and support — especially when emotions are intense or things get complicated.

❤️ What You’ll Learn:

• When kids start developing crushes — and how to talk about it without freaking out
• How to guide tweens and teens through first relationships (without embarrassing them!)
• What to do if your kid is the one being too intense… or feeling overwhelmed by someone else
• Why neurodiverse kids may express or respond to crushes differently — and how parents can help

🔗 References & Resources:

1. Child Mind Institute – Talking About Crushes and Dating
2. Psychology Today – Helping Teens Navigate First Relationships
3. Understood.org – Neurodivergent Kids and Emotional Regulation
4. Common Sense Media – Social Media & Relationship Pressures
5. Healthline -- http://www.healthline.com

📲 Follow Us and Join the Conversation!

• 💻 Visit us: www.themothersonpodcast.com
• 📸 Instagram: @themothersonpodcast

🎧 Listen Now!

From awkward texts to “Are we a thing?” moments, Episode 9 is full of real talk for parents and teens navigating the tricky world of first crushes and early dating.

From high school choices to personal boundaries, teens face tough calls every day. Kim and Jake talk about how families can support decision-making without taking over all control. Big news! We finally published a webpage! It is still a work in progress but you can send us messages and questions by completing the contact form at:
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We are working on building that content so go follow us and we will be posting more very soon!

Celebrate Mother's Day with this mother-son duo who give some updates on what is to come and enjoy a good old fashioned mother son talk. In lieu of a blooper reel... Stay tuned to the very end to enjoy a sweet clip from April 9, 2017. This is the perfect way to end this brief episode that was recorded on Mother's Day. Please like and subscribe to The Mother-Son Podcast on Apple iTunes or Spotify! Leave us a 5 star review and feel free to provide your kind comments and feedback as we prepare for a full launch over the coming weeks.

Website:
http://www.themothersonpodcast.com

Instagram: @themothersonpodcast
https://www.instagram.com/themothersonpodcast/

The "P" word doesn't have to be awkward. Kim and Jake get real about puberty, changing bodies, and how to start the conversation without making it weird. (Mature Content)

NOTE: Kim and Jake are excited to launch their website

http://www.themothersonpodcast.com

Instagram: @themothersonpodcast
https://www.instagram.com/themothersonpodcast/

You will be able to send a message, provide feedback, provide show suggestions, and ask questions. Thank you for listening and your continued support.