In this episode, I’m joined by mother and daughter Punam and Lyla Saxena. As the mother to four young adults, Punam has years of experience parenting teens and has lots of valuable advice to share. Lyla is a current college student and is wise beyond her years. She offers great suggestions for teens who are figuring out their path after high school. During our conversation, we talk about the importance of communication skills, how to help our teens build confidence, and why it’s critical that teens maintain a growth mindset.
About Punam Saxena
Punam V. Saxena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. She is a mother of 4 college-aged children, including a set of twins. She taught for 10 years and then spent 20 years volunteering in her children’s school in their classrooms and working with their administrators. She has implemented several processes that have benefited many children at the school. Punam is currently the host of the edu-Me podcast which focuses on bridging the gap and fostering a stronger relationship between parents and schools by empowering parents to become partners in the school. She also holds weekly edu-Nars and works one-on-one or in small groups as a parenting coach. Punam is an author in the making, writing an education book, and a memoir.
About Lyla Saxena
Lyla Saxena is a rising junior at American University’s School of International Service, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Computer Science. She attended Fordham University Lincoln Center for her freshman year before transferring. In high school, Lyla was a dance major, focusing on classical ballet and modern styles. Recently, Lyla completed an internship with Solomon Rajput for US Congress. She enjoys working on political campaigns and is politically active on her college campus. Lyla hopes to pursue a career in the healthcare field (but is open to where life takes her!). Lyla is also an advocate of prioritizing mental health and helping others avoid burnout in their academic and professional lives.
Episode Highlights
- Lyla’s uncertainty about her post-high school path
- Planning without being boxed in
- Instilling a growth mindset in teens
- The importance of communication skills in teens and young adults
- Developing confidence in teens
- Lyla’s relationship with her twin
- Punam’s experience raising twins
- Kids will end up where they belong
- High school is a great opportunity for safe failures
- Lyla’s advice for her teenage self
- Punam’s advice for high school parents
Resources
Punam’s edu-Me website and podcast
Email Lyla at: lylasax@gmail.com