What I Learnt From a Decade Of Raising Over 250 Teenagers
"I realised something crucial: my compassion, my years of classroom teaching, even my experience as a parent—none of it was enough. These teenage girls deserved someone who had actual tools, not just tea, chat and sympathy."
For over a decade, Kate witnessed hundreds of late-night conversations in boarding school houses—those vulnerable moments when teenagers finally share what's really on their minds. In this deeply personal episode, she shares why good intentions aren't enough, the turning point that changed everything, and why this podcast exists.
Key Moments:
[01:30] The conversations behind closed doors that shaped Kate's approach
[04:15] The midnight moment in Switzerland that changed her career trajectory
[06:45] Why mothers kept telling Kate the same struggles again and again
[08:20] The hardest shift of all: from problem-solver to space-holder
[09:45] The four areas this podcast will explore over the coming weeks
Notable Quotes:
"I realised something crucial: my compassion, my years of classroom teaching, even my experience as a parent—none of it was enough. These teenage girls deserved someone who had actual tools, not just tea, chat and sympathy."
"One mother described it perfectly: 'I want to help her, but she won't let me.'"
"We're told to 'give them space,' but not how to stay connected when they push us away. We're told we need to be their 'safe space,' but not how to hold that space when they're being rude, combative, or shutting us out completely."
This Week's Practice:
Notice one moment this week when your daughter lets you glimpse her inner world—a passing comment in the car, a smile at dinner, a late-night chat. Just notice it. No judgment. Those small openings are where trust grows.
Share Your Insights: What's been the hardest shift for you in mothering teens? Have you tried these coaching tools? Let us know what resonated:
Get In Touch: Share your feedback, ask a question, or suggest a topic for the podcast.
