In Season 2, Episode 5 of Big Mama’s House Podcast, we examine a phrase well-intentioned adults in your life may use when speaking to teens: “This is the best time of your life.” Just the fact that adults say this at all, proves that they’re not understanding the reality of what you’re dealing with, just on an average day. Play this episode for the older adults in *your* life who don’t get it (we see you Boomers) and let Big Mama do the explaining. With a mix of truth bombs, jokes, and some jaw-dropping stats, we answer the biggest and challenging questions your generation is facing: Why (this generation’s) teens have more pressure than any other generation in history. In the United States, teens are the loneliest age group (yep, worse than your grandparents). The upside down “attention economy” makes likes and followers feel like currency. By the end, you’ll know you’re not alone, why your future is gonna get better, and what to keep in mind in the day-to-day. Go to the webpage for this episode and grab all the free downloadable extras to help make it a bit easier. If you wish you could talk with a friend or family member about some of these issues - share this episode and let Big Mama be your ice-breaker. If you have a comment, or something to add email us at info@bigmamashousepodcast.com. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your feelings of loneliness - or for ANY other reason - please reach out to one of these organizations - there are people interested in hearing from you. Do it right now. In the US - just call or text a message to 988 In the UK - call 116-123 In Australia - call 131-1141 Episode Highlights 0:00 - “The best time of your life”... or not. 1:10 - Big Mama’s story about her husband’s favorite (annoying) saying 2:40 - Why your life is going to be SO much better as you get older! 3:10 - PSA for Boomers: Here’s why adults can’t compare their teen experience to today’s teens. 6:35 - Do teens have it easier than adults? No, they do not. 7:15 - First reason why being a teenager now is harder than ever before: Your generation has more pressure than any generation ever. 8:00 - The AI problem: what if your future career disappears? 8:45 - Second reason why being a teenager now is harder than ever before: Loneliness levels are off the charts, teens have the highest rate of loneliness in history 12:00 - How much social media use is too much? How much social media use impacts mental health? Shocking stat: Being lonely can hurt your health like smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 13:45 - Third reason why being a teenager now is harder than ever before: How the “Attention Economy” messes with self-esteem. 14:58 - Self-esteem can only come from self. 16:10 - Your entire world will be better as you get older. Here’s why. 16:50 - You are enough as you are, right now (Listen to this before you leave for school every day) 17:45 - Use the episode to start awkward conversations. Let Big Mama be your ice-breaker. ** Big Mama’s House Podcast - a podcast for teens is written and hosted by Jesse Weinberger (Internet Safety Speaker for Schools) Teen fans of this podcast are called squids. Together with the entire Squid Squad, this podcast for teens explores the immense amounts of pressure impacting young people including: generational disconnect, digital & social media issues, tech true crime, mental health. Each episode comes with additional resources to help teens navigate difficult life circumstances. Expect to laugh along with the host and guest co-hosts while learning something new. Hosted on Acast.