I like to tell myself that I'm not one of those parents. The type that:

• Plays short-order cook.

• Folds and puts away their teenager's laundry.

• Doesn't have their kids do any chores around the house.

• Calls their child's coach to complain about playing time.

• Emails their child's teacher to argue about a grade (or ask for an extension).

And although I'm not one of those parents, I've come to realize that I haven't been doing quite the stellar job I thought.

Because my oldest is a senior in High School. In about 5 months' time he will be out of the house (and very likely far away).

And I've recently found myself noting all the things I need to write down (in a Here's-What-You-Need-To-Know-And-Do Guide). Things I knew at his age, such as:

• What to take & when to get help when sick.

• What medicines not to mix together.

• Holistic things he can do to assist his immune system.

How is it I knew these things but he doesn't?

I grew up in the 80's, when kids rode their bikes all over town with one rule (be home by dinner time).

My mom never knew where I was. And most of the time she wasn't even home when I was (she was a single mom who worked a lot and had a life of her own).

My brother and I were left to our own devices (along with most of our friends).

What that gave me was the chance to flail and figure things out on my own. Which built real confidence (and the ability to figure new things out without feeling totally inadequate).

Something our current generation of young people have been denied all because we want to keep them "safe".

Why should this matter to you, Friend?

This issue doesn't only impact young people and their parents.

It's impacting how they show up in the world (including within the workplace). Which means it will impact how you relate to (and manage) them, too.

That's why, upon meeting today's guest I knew I had to have him on the podcast.

Introducing Ben Cooper, who helps young professionals develop soft skills most older generations take for granted (because we grew up differently).

Listen here to learn how to better relate to and manage young people.

Although the discussion is framed in terms of attorneys, it's applicable to us all.

XO,

Heather

P.S. The issues noted above are further exacerbated by smartphones, social media and Covid policies (something Ben and I touch upon in our conversation here).