Episode 1- Dada: Peer Pressure, Friend Groups and Academic Demands.

Episode 1- Dada: Peer Pressure, Friend Groups and Academic Demands.

What happens when you combine a family meal with open discussions about the pressures teenagers face? In this episode of 'Talk with Your Mouth Full', Program Director Theresa Bairos, LMFT, sits down with real families to explore the challenges students encounter, from peer pressure and friend groups to academic demands. Theresa leads a heartfelt conversation that dives into how these pressures affect mental health, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

Guests share their personal stories, reflecting on balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities and the pivotal role of parental support.

One memorable quote from the episode is, 'The best thing you can do is have these conversations where you get to talk about: hey, I know how you're feeling and you should know how I'm feeling right, like you should say to mom: all right, mom, you look nervous and I want to make it better for you, so she could say: oh, my goodness, I got this'.

The episode also underscores the importance of family meals in preventing substance abuse and fostering open communication. Whether you're a parent looking for ways to support your teen or someone interested in the dynamics of family conversations, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.