Reframing Me - Self-Development & Parenting Teens for Midlife Moms
Your kids are growing up - but so are you. Reframing Me is the podcast for moms of teens ready to reframe family, identity, and self-development in midlife.
Parenting teens is hard -and parenting while rediscovering yourself in midlife can feel even harder. Reframing Me is the parenting podcast for moms raising teenagers who are also navigating the transition out of hands-on motherhood, identity shifts, and the search for balance, fulfillment, and self-development.
Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Brubaker, a Communication Studies professor, mom of three teens, and intrapersonal communication expert, each episode blends family communication strategies, honest conversations about parenting teens, and self-reflection tools to help moms strengthen family relationships while rediscovering who they are as women.
Together we’ll talk about the issues moms face but don’t always say out loud: changing family dynamics, feeling invisible, letting go of control, and creating new purpose. Through research, theory, and compassionate conversation, you’ll find support, strategies, and a sense of community in this season of parenting and personal growth.
Join the Reframing Me community to connect with other midlife moms, share your stories, and reframe how you see yourself, your family, and your future.
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 - Self-Development & Parenting Teens for Midlife Moms
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.
Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingme
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