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
Upcycle: Senioritis and Soiling the Nest
Thank you so much for being here! While I'm currently in my healing era, it’s the perfect time to revisit powerful topics that never lose their relevance—like senioritis.
This time last year, I was right where many of you are now—parenting a high school senior navigating the emotional rollercoaster of their final year. Senioritis is often brushed off as laziness or apathy, but it’s actually a complex emotional and psychological shift that affects both students and families.
From sudden lack of motivation and irritability to feelings of disconnection and overwhelm, the final stretch before graduation can stir up tension in even the most grounded households. In this episode, we explore the real reasons behind senioritis—from cognitive dissonance and fear of the unknown to the need for control and autonomy.
You'll learn how to recognize emotional behaviors like "soiling the nest"—where teens unconsciously create conflict to make separation easier—and discover practical ways to guide your senior through this transitional period. Whether it’s encouraging new hobbies, life skills, or part-time jobs, there are meaningful ways to reframe this season of change.
If you’re parenting a teen preparing for college, experiencing senior year stress, or simply trying to maintain peace during this major life shift, this episode is for you.
Let’s embrace the chaos, find clarity, and walk this path with grace—together.
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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