In this episode of the Odd Mom Pod, host Brittany interviews Jessica Speer, an author who focuses on helping preteens and teens navigate relationships, middle school, and technology. Jessica shares her personal background of growing up in an unstable home lacking emotional intelligence and how it influenced her parenting and career. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe emotional environment for children, the value of re-parenting oneself while parenting, and the concept of felt safety. The discussion covers Jessica's books, including 'BFF or NRF: A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships,' which offers insights on managing friendships and dealing with common challenges. Jessica also shares her findings on middle school dynamics from her book 'Middle School Safety Goggles Advised,' and talks about her latest work, 'The Phone Book,' focusing on safe and mindful technology use for kids. The episode underscores the significance of mindfulness, self-awareness, and intentional action in parenting and personal growth.

References: 
https://jessicaspeer.com/


00:00 Welcome to the Odd Mom Pod: Empowering a New Generation

00:39 Diving into Episode 11: A Limerick and Excitement for Today's Guest

01:11 Meet Jessica Speer: Author, Mom, and Guide for Navigating Teen Relationships

01:55 Jessica's Personal Journey: From Childhood to Empowering Her Kids

03:00 Creating Emotional Safety and Healing Through Parenting

08:31 Jessica Spear's Writing Journey: Empowering Girls in Friendships

10:16 Navigating Friendships: The Friendship Pyramid and Healthy Relationships

20:10 Implementing Friendship Groups: A Tool for Parents and Educators

24:24 Understanding 'Not Really Friends' and Emotional Safety

24:57 The Power of Change and Avoiding Labels

25:42 Fostering Empathy and Understanding Others' Burdens

27:02 Navigating the Complexities of Middle School Relationships

29:11 Exploring Middle School Challenges Through Interactive Stories

29:23 The Impact of Technology on Preteens and Teens

36:25 Creating Healthy Digital Habits and Navigating Social Media

44:27 The Importance of Emotional Safety and Mindfulness

47:49 Concluding Thoughts and Resources for Parents