Ep 254: Life Skills for Connecting with Others

Brooke Romney, author of 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teenagers,
takes us beyond basic etiquette to understand how manners shape
important life skills and awareness in teenagers. We discover why
manners matter more than ever in the digital age and post-Covid
world





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Full Show Notes


Raising teenagers in today’s world is challenging, with digital
distractions and societal pressures complicating traditional
upbringing methods. Parents often wonder if they've covered all
the bases in preparing their children for adulthood, especially
when it comes to social skills and manners that go beyond the
dining table.


In today's episode, we sit down with Brooke Romney, a prolific
writer, speaker, educator, and connector known for her insightful
pieces in The Washington Post and Deseret News. Brooke is here to
share her unique approach to bridging the gap between what
teenagers know and what they need to know to thrive socially and
emotionally.


Bridging the Teenage Gap


Brooke noticed a divide among teens—those who mastered social
skills naturally and those who struggled, often due to a lack of
explicit teaching or various personal challenges. Observing this,
she was inspired to create a resource that would serve as a
comprehensive guide, covering everything from initiating
conversations to being a considerate guest. Her work, "52 Modern
Manners for Today's Teens," provides teenagers and their families
with a roadmap to successful social interactions and
relationship-building.


More Than Manners: Life Skills for Success


Brooke’s mission extends beyond teaching which fork to use. By
defining "manners" as essential life skills, her books delve into
the practical aspects of leading a fulfilled life. Topics range
from the simple act of introducing oneself to more complex issues
like inclusivity and empathy. Through engaging presentations and
family discussions, Brooke’s books aim to not only instruct but
to connect, providing a shared language for families to address
common social scenarios positively.


From Observations to Actions


In an era dominated by smartphones, many teens miss out on
learning from real-world interactions observed in their
environments. Brooke highlights the importance of being explicit
in teaching these life skills, given that observational learning
has diminished. Her material serves as a reminder and a guide for
teens to learn the social norms that might not be as intuitively
absorbed as generations past.


The Power of Connection


One of the central themes in Brooke Romney’s work is the emphasis
on relationship-building and connection. By understanding and
implementing these 52 manners, teens can unlock doors to more
meaningful interactions and opportunities. Brooke’s books not
only offer teenagers the "cheat codes" to navigating life's
social challenges but also help parents approach these topics in
a non-confrontational, supportive manner.


In the Episode…


Discover the inspiration behind Brooke Romney’s dedication to
teen development.

Learn about the unique approach Brooke takes to teach manners
as life skills.

Explore various manners from introductions to celebration of
others, and the impact on teen success.

Find out how these manners can create a foundation for strong
relationships and personal growth.

Hear about real-life examples of families and teens who have
benefitted from Brooke’s guidance.




Ready to help your teen master the art of living well in a modern
world? Tune in to this enlightening episode and subscribe to
Talking to Teens for more expert insights on teen upbringing.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.