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Helping Teens Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better

October 9, 2026

We often hear from schools that family engagement at the high school level feels tricky. Parents also share that they aren’t sure how to navigate the teen years. Yet we know that teens still need our love, support, and teamwork, sometimes more than ever as they navigate the turbulent teen years.

Researcher and author Rebecca Winthrop created a roadmap for both families and educators in her book The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. She unpacks why kids become disengaged and what we might do about it. Using the concepts of engagement (what kids think, feel, and do) and agency (what kids initiate), she describes how families and schools can help kids become more engaged learners. 

Join us for a talk with Rebecca on Wednesday, October 14th at 12 pm (register here or below). You can also check out her book and free resources here.

Are there other articles, videos, or podcasts that have helped you understand the mysteries of supporting mercurial teenagers? Consider sharing those resources with families with a simple note like “I found this interesting and thought you might too”.