Reframing Me
So many prepare us for the transition to motherhood, but no one prepares us for how hard the transition out is, and once our kids become teens, it also can feel very solitary. The issues we face with teens are often ones we need to talk about, yet feel we can't or shouldn't. Together, we can create a community of women who, faced with growing children and changing families, are relearning how to mom, and relearning who they are as women. Grounded in family communication theory, join Dr. Jennifer Brubaker to have those conversations to help you better understand this new chapter of your life. Episodes focus on both family communication with our teens and reflection and self discovery. Dr. Brubaker has her Ph.D in Communication Studies and is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she has taught for 17 years. Prior to UNCW, she taught at The Ohio State University, Kent State University and the University of Toledo. Originally from Ohio, Jen lives in Wilmington, NC, with her husband, three children, three dogs, cat and a menagerie of small animals. She loves spending time with her family, traveling and all things fitness, sports and wellness. Reach out with your questions, issues or experiences to begin the conversation. Or reach out to say hi and let me know you’re listening :) Join the Reframing Me: The Podcast Community Facebook group to connect with others who are looking to relearn how to parent, now that their kids are teens, and rediscover who they are as women, beyond the framework of motherhood. Send emails to jen@reframing-me.com; or on socials: Reframing Me on FacebookAND join the Facebook group Reframing Me: The Podcast Community; @reframingme on Instagram; Reframing Me on YouTube @reframingme on TikTok
Reframing Me
Reframing the Conversation Part 1: Why is Reframing the Conversation Important?
Thank you for being here for this important and timely conversation! Part 1 of this 6-part series highlights the growing polarization in society and its impact on family dynamics, especially when political differences lead to tension and conflict. It emphasizes the importance of reframing conversations around sensitive political topics to promote understanding and connection rather than division. The rise of political absolutism, where individuals adopt rigid "black-or-white" thinking, has created a significant strain on personal relationships.
The episode explains how political beliefs have become closely tied to personal identity, with political affiliation often seen as an indicator of a person’s character or moral values. This shift has contributed to an environment where political discourse has become more hostile, with many people segregating themselves into echo chambers that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs. Social media, the 24-hour news cycle, and media bias have amplified these divisions, making it harder for individuals to engage in respectful, productive discussions.
To address this, the episode advocates for improving communication strategies within families. It emphasizes the need for empathy, active listening, and a focus on understanding others' perspectives. By prioritizing relationships over winning arguments, families can foster healthier political discussions and work toward repairing strained relationships. The overall goal is to create an environment where differing opinions can coexist without damaging personal connections.
Dr. Jennifer Brubaker is a professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and teaches and publishes in both Family Communication and Political Communication. “Reframing the Conversation” is a six-part series that focuses on addressing the challenges that families face in communicating across political divides. It explores the psychology behind political polarization and examines how society has reached this point of division. The series emphasizes using strategies like empathy, active listening, and finding common ground to foster healthier conversations and mend complicated relationships. By reframing the way political and family discussions are approached, individuals can work towards reconnecting despite their differences and strengthening their relationships.
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