Season 8, Episode # 67 – Teens Giving Back
Guest Hosts: Wonders & Worries Teen Council Representatives – Angie, Nash and Arya; Suzi Simmons, Wonders & Worries Central Texas Event Coordinator and Teens Giving Back Program Lead
Summary:
For the entirety of my profession as a Child Life Specialist, it has been our teen populations that continue to inspire and touch my heart in such a beautiful way. I KNOW. I was surprised too. Sure, they can have a crunchy exterior, have a way of making a compliment somehow feel like an insult and are the truest masters of the side eye…. mom of 3 teens here. I get it… But in times of crisis, it is their vulnerability, demand for authentic transparency, advocacy for their peer group and resilient spirit that is just so incredible. Teens today are showing up in big and small ways for their communities.
Today, I am honored to introduce you to three such teens… faced with hardship, all former Wonders & Worries families impacted by illness and choosing to give back to their community in the most beautiful of ways. This conversation features members of the Teen Council discussing their personal experiences with illness, the support they received from Wonders and Worries, and how these experiences have shaped their lives. They share insights on the importance of coping skills, preferred methods of support for teens, and the role of community service in their lives. The discussion also touches on the stressors faced by teens today, including academic pressures and social dynamics, and emphasizes the value of peer support and open communication. Additionally, we are joined by Wonders & Worries Staff Member, Suzi Simmons, as she discusses her journey with Wonders and Worries, highlighting the new Teens Giving Back initiative aimed at empowering teenagers to engage in community service. Suzi emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in fostering empathy and leadership among youth, and how they can serve as a healing process for those affected by illness or injury.
Keywords:
Teen Council, illness support, coping skills, emotional maturity, community service, mental health, teenage experiences, fundraising, peer support, personal growth
Initiatives Featured in this episode:
Programming Highlight
Takeaways:
- The Teen Council provides a platform for teens to share their experiences and support each other.
- Coping skills learned during childhood can significantly impact emotional maturity in teens.
- Teens prefer honest communication about difficult topics rather than sugar-coated truths.
- Engaging in activities can help teens process their emotions and cope with stress.
- School environments can often contribute to high levels of stress for teens.
- Peer support is crucial for teens navigating difficult family situations.
- The Teen Council allows members to give back to the community that supported them.
- Understanding and empathy towards others’ struggles can be developed through personal experiences with illness.
- Teens often feel more comfortable discussing their experiences with peers who understand their situation.
- Finding ways to express emotions, such as through art or music, can be beneficial for teens.
Social Media: @wondersandworries @ACLP