Why Teens Check Out of School—and How to Bring Them Back

Why Teens Check Out of School—and How to Bring Them Back

Author: Lianne Castelino July 12, 2025 Duration: 36:36
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamilyHow ToParenting

In today’s episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the findings of educational experts Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of 'The Disengaged Teen.' They share their insights on the various modes of learning—Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer—and how understanding these can empower parents to better support their children. Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative research, the authors share the importance of fostering an environment where curiosity thrives and students regain their independence in learning.

Anderson and Winthrop explore actionable tips for parents to help their teens navigate the complexities of school life, from addressing emotional health to fostering better communication and discipline.

What you'll learn:

  • Why the disengagement of teens from school becomes pronounced during their transition into middle school
  • How parents can play a pivotal role in their children's educational engagement
  • Understanding the different modes of learning—Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer
  • Why promoting emotional health in teens involves encouraging curiosity and resilience
  • Extracurricular activities can serve as vital outlets for teens
  • Why the importance of consent and healthy relationships is increasingly relevant for teens

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • New York Times
  • Quartz
  • Time
  • the Atlantic
  • Brookings Institute
  • Georgetown University
  • Transcend Education

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.


Raising children in this era comes with a unique set of questions, and Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today is here to offer clarity, not just opinions. Hosted by award-winning journalist and mother Lianne Castelino, this weekly conversation moves beyond anecdotal advice to explore the science and research behind modern parenting. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a knowledgeable friend, one who brings in leading experts and thinkers to tackle the real issues families face. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating everything from the emotional turbulence of adolescence to building a foundation of healthy communication from a young age. The focus is on holistic development-addressing the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of both kids and their parents. Lianne’s skill as an interviewer helps distill complex topics into actionable insights, making this podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to ground their parenting choices in evidence and shared experience. It’s a space where the noise of conflicting advice fades, replaced by informed conversations that empower you to find your own path through the joys and challenges of family life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
Podcast Episodes
The Empty Nest: Coping Strategies When Your Kids Leave Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:11
When children leave home, parents often face a powerful mix of emotions—grief, pride, uncertainty, and even freedom. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, licensed therapist, TEDx speaker, author, and mom Mo…
Unplugged and Unfiltered: Delaying Smartphones for Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:27
On this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Jenny Perez, entrepreneur, mother and founder of Unplugged an organization whose mission is to raise awareness about the impact of smart…
From Chaos to Connection: Rethinking the Teenage Years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:15
Adolescence is often described as turbulent—but in the digital age, the waves are higher and the currents stronger. In this week’s Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with bestselling author, mental…
Healing Estrangement: Reconnecting with Your Adult Child [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:31
Estrangement between parents and adult children is more common than many realize — affecting an estimated 26% of adults aged 18 to 40. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino talks with Ca…
Caught in the Middle: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:51
Balancing the needs of aging parents while supporting young adult children is no easy task—and for millions in the sandwich generation, it’s a daily reality.In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne…
From Heartbreak to Healing: A Parent's Guide to Teen Relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:56
First love can feel all-consuming—especially for teens navigating overwhelming emotions, identity, and digital pressure all at once.In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino sits down with acclaimed jo…
The Math You Wish Your Kids Were Learning with Ted Dintersmith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:29
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Ted Dintersmith, education disruptor, former venture capitalist, and author of Aftermath: The Math You Wish You Took. The discussion expl…
Creating Customized Parenting Plans with Bailey Gaddis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
The tween and teen years can feel like emotional whiplash — one minute you're managing mood swings, the next you're untangling tech rules or talking boundaries.In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lian…

«12345678...10»