EP#106 From Classroom to Life Coach: Kristi Simons on Empowering Teens
In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, teens face challenges that many of us could never have imagined growing up. In the latest episode, Shaunie chats with Kristi Simons, who transitioned from teaching to teen life coaching, bringing a wealth of experience and insight on how to guide young people through these turbulent times. Here’s what stood out from their heartfelt and impactful conversation.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Teen Life
Kristi emphasizes that emotional intelligence is key to thriving as a teen today. Many teens struggle with feelings of inadequacy, largely fueled by the pressures of social media and the constant comparison it fosters. In her experience, coaching teens isn’t just about fixing problems—it's about teaching them the tools to understand their emotions and build the confidence they need to tackle life’s hurdles.
She highlights that teens need to learn the language of self-love—acknowledging their feelings without shame and creating space for personal growth. Whether it’s a tough day at school or a friendship falling apart, Kristi believes that emotional intelligence empowers teens to respond rather than react, turning a difficult moment into a valuable learning experience.
Building Confidence One Step at a Time
Confidence doesn’t magically appear overnight. As Kristi explains, it’s built through consistent action. For teens, it might be something as small as speaking up in class or showing kindness to themselves after a bad day. It’s these little wins that add up over time.
Kristi's message to teens is clear: confidence is a journey, not a destination. And yes, it’s messy in the middle! We all experience the ‘messy middle’ when we’re learning or growing, but that’s where the real transformation happens.
Social Media & The Disconnect
Kristi and Shaunie dig into how social media plays a complicated role in teen life. While it can be a tool for connection, it often ends up having the opposite effect, creating a barrier to real-life relationships and heightening anxiety.
Kristi suggests taking a break from the screen and spending more time in face-to-face conversations. It’s in these meaningful moments that teens can truly connect and grow. Building a community where teens feel supported and understood is essential for their emotional well-being.
Motherhood as a Catalyst for Change
A pivotal moment in Kristi’s journey came through motherhood. It was a transformative experience that helped her grow both personally and professionally. Balancing her career with the demands of raising children forced her to confront her own fears and cultivate deeper self-awareness. Her growth as a mother mirrored her growth as a coach, showing her the importance of self-trust and leaning into vulnerability.
Kristi’s upcoming marathon is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a metaphor for the obstacles we face in life. Like training for a race, overcoming fear and building confidence requires consistent effort and pushing through discomfort.
Practical Tips for Teens (and Parents)
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Ignoring your emotions won’t make them go away. Learn to sit with them and understand them—this is the first step toward emotional freedom.
Take Small Steps: Confidence is built over time, so don’t expect to feel invincible overnight. Start with small, consistent actions that align with your values.
Get Help When You Need It: Whether it’s a coach, a mentor, or just someone who listens, having someone in your corner can make all the difference. As Kristi mentions, hiring help can give you the accountability and freedom to focus on what matters most.
Empowering Teens Through Conversations
The real power in Kristi’s coaching comes from conversations. Whether she’s talking with a teen about their latest challenge or guiding them through the emotional landscape of adolescence, Kristi knows that the key to empowerment lies in being heard, understood, and supported.
Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that while life can feel overwhelming, it’s through intentional action and emotional awareness that we begin to build confidence and self-trust. Kristi’s story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of helping teens learn to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace.
Additional Resources:
Listen to the Episode: Girl Take Note Podcast - EP#106 How to Build Your Teen Confidence and Emotional Intelligence with Kristi Simons
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