Why are so many teens tuning out of school—and how can parents help them re-engage?
In this of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with award-winning journalist Jenny Anderson and education expert Rebecca Winthrop, co-authors of The Disengaged Teen. Drawing on extensive research, they discuss four key student learning profiles—Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer—and how understanding these mindsets can help parents meet their teens where they are.
From emotional well-being to communication, discipline, and healthy relationships, Anderson and Winthrop offer actionable strategies for parents navigating the complex world of adolescent education and development.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Why teen disengagement spikes in middle school
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How parents can meaningfully support learning at home
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The four modes of student engagement—and what they reveal
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How to nurture curiosity, resilience, and independence
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The role of extracurriculars in reigniting interest in learning
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Why healthy relationships and consent matter more than ever
JENNY ANDERSON
Award-winning Journalist
Author
Contributing writer, TIME, New York Times, The Atlantic
Mother of 2
REBECCA WINTHROP
Director, Center for Universal Education, Brookings Institution
Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University
Author
Mother of 2