Today I am joined by Pam Roy. Pam Roy is a writer, filmmaker, investor, and philanthropist with a mission to provide community-based support for youth and families. Pam and I have a shared passion for parenting and educational transformation. During our conversation, Pam shares content from her new book, “Parenting From the Passenger Seat”, which by the way, is a must-read for anyone who parents, mentors or works with teens. We also talk about the value of social connections and how to help our kids find meaning. If your teen or young adult is struggling to find their path, this conversation will give you some insights and ideas to help them get back on track.
About Pam Roy
Pam Roy is a writer, filmmaker, investor, and philanthropist with a mission to provide community-based support for youth and families. Her passion for parenting and educational transformation is inspired by her three daughters, now young adults. What started as a parenting blog (pamroyblog.com) evolved into co-founding several organizations and initiatives. She is the co-founder of Straight Up Impact (a women-owned production company at the intersection of film and social impact) and B-Unbound (an initiative with Big Picture Learning that connects youth with community-based adults who share their interests). Recognizing the key role meaning plays in mental health, Pam also co-founded the Viktor E. Frankl Institute of America with Frankl’s grandson, Alexander Vesely-Frankl. She is the author of the new book, Parenting From The Passenger Seat: How Our Children Develop Capabilities, Connections and Meaningful Lives.
Episode Highlights
- Pam’s book: Parenting from the Passenger Seat
- The only way we go is together
- Kids are disconnected from their communities
- We have trained kids to not listen to themselves
- Victor Frankl’s book “Man’s Search for Meaning”
- The real cost of a meaningless education
- Industrialization might work for a product but it doesn’t work for human beings
- The existential vacuum leads to aggression, addiction, and depression
- We can never drive anyone else’s life
- Social connections are important to get work
- 80% of all jobs are acquired through who you know
- We need the bigger collaborative to support ourselves
- Real happiness comes from meaning
- How to help our kids find meaning
- We all have multiple meanings
- Meaning is a pulling effect
- Setting values as a family
- 30% of students didn’t go back to school after the pandemic
- Trusting your intuitive conscience is a life skill
- Kids need to know they have permission to pivot
- Self-transcendence is the ultimate human achievement
Links and Resources
Email Pam: pam@pamroyblog.com
Parenting From the Passenger Seat website