Key Takeaways:

• Predictability Matters: Building a predictable environment can significantly reduce stress for neurodivergent teens as they start a new school year.
• Collaborative Support Systems: Engage teens in their support planning, which increases their comfort and trust in their school environment.
• Focus on Emotional Regulation: Prioritise emotional well-being over academic performance to help teens cope with sensory overload and daily pressures.
• Understanding Over Fixing: Embrace a mindset of curiosity and understanding rather than trying to fix perceived problems in teens' behaviors.
• Home as a Safe Space: Ensure home remains a haven for recovery and support after the school day, helping teens decompress effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• "Predictability might look a little bit like getting back into sleep routines like we learned last week."
• "The key is collaboration, not control."
• "When school starts, it's easy to focus on their marks, but for our neurodivergent teens, emotional regulation really comes first."
• "You don't need to turn your teen into someone else to help them succeed at school."
• "When teens feel understood rather than managed, their stress drops and their capacity rises."

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

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Lisa Maltman brings sleep health education to thousands of Australian teens and parents. She reveals why 70% of teens aren't getting enough sleep, tackling technology designed to keep them scrolling, packed schedules treating sleep as leftover time, and sleep disorders mistaken for ADHD.

Collett and Lisa discuss the "Can't Sleep vs Won't Sleep" framework, social jet lag from weekend sleep-ins, and why tired teen drivers are as impaired as drunk drivers. You'll hear practical tools like family sleep diaries, Connor's story of misdiagnosed sleep apnoea, and why "revenge bedtime procrastination" steals everyone's rest. Real solutions for tired teens.

Key Takeaways:

• Sleep is foundational for physical health, mental well-being, and academic and athletic performance.
• Around 70% of teens fail to get adequate sleep, largely due to technology and time management issues.
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can profoundly impact behavior and mental health; professional help is available and recommended.
• Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, even on weekends, can help mitigate "social jet lag" in teenagers.
• Parents can model good sleep habits and assist teens in understanding the importance of adequate rest by engaging in open conversations about sleep.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Sleep impacts so much, and ironically, the time I was working for a sleep company, I developed insomnia."
2. "Elite athletes will actually get someone to come in and talk to them about how improving their sleep will give them the competitive edge."
3. "The logical part of our brain's not really working, so we just go: 'whatever', and that cycle can continue."
4. "Because when you're tired, it is the same as being over the limit with alcohol."
5. "My biggest hope is that they all completely understand the impact that sleep has on their physical health, mental health, and performance."

Resources:

• The Sleep Connection: Lisa Maltman’s initiative, offering programs focused on educating students, parents, and corporations about sleep health.
• Woolcock Medical Institute: Leaders in Breathing and Sleep Research

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Collett Smart wraps up the year with one of her most honest episodes yet. After taking time away from the podcast, she's back to share what really happened during her break – and it's not the polished story you might expect.

In this vulnerable ep, Collett opens up about the reality of juggling her work as a psychologist, caring for elderly family members, and keeping her marriage strong after three decades together. She's refreshingly honest about not getting everything right and the importance of hitting pause when life demands it. For parents trying to balance caring for teens whilst managing their own challenges, Collett's candid reflections will resonate.

This episode isn't just about Collett's personal journey – it's about the power of community and the impact your stories have had on families across Australia. Collett shares heartfelt feedback from listeners and how your questions and experiences have shaped the podcast into something truly meaningful.

But here's the exciting bit: Collett reveals what's coming in 2026. The new season kicks off in the first quarter with impressive guests, insightful mini-episodes, and answers to your burning questions about raising teenagers. She's calling on parents, educators, and caregivers to keep sharing their stories because this podcast thrives on the wisdom of the village raising teens together.

It's a genuine conversation about nurturing responsible, happy young adults whilst looking after yourself in the process.

Have a great end of the year Raising Teens Family!

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.