We all want to raise kids who can confidently navigate the world on their own, but independence doesn’t happen overnight when they turn 18. It’s built through years of practice, responsibility, problem-solving, and learning how to handle the messy moments along the way. In this HER+ Expert Roundtable, we’re talking about the practical life skills tweens and teens need to develop before they leave the nest. From managing money, time, food, and daily responsibilities to understanding their own strengths, regulating their emotions, and learning how to repair relationships, our experts unpack what it really looks like to raise capable, confident, independent adults. We’ll also explore the unique challenges neurodivergent kids may face when developing these skills, and why sometimes the key isn’t expecting them to do things our way, but learning how to work with their brains instead of against them. Most importantly, this conversation reminds parents that our job isn’t to fix every problem or prevent every struggle. It’s to create opportunities for our kids to practice, make mistakes, problem-solve, recover, and discover what they’re capable of. Which essential life skills tweens and teens need to start practicing now—from money and time management to responsibility, healthy choices, problem-solving, and relationship repair. How to build emotional resilience and independence without constantly stepping in to fix things, including what to do when your child is dysregulated. How to support neurodivergent kids in developing independence by understanding their unique strengths, learning styles, motivations, and the “why” behind everyday expectations. Because raising independent adults isn’t about doing everything for our kids—or expecting them to figure it all out alone. It’s about giving them the skills, support, and opportunities to become the people they’re capable of becoming. 🎧 Tune in and explore more expert resources inside the HER+ Health Collective community. Featured HER+ Experts: Jill Triana MS, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor, Centerline Counseling Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life Cassandra Pickett, LMFT, Certified Clini-Coach®, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Coach, Girl You Good? Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy Episode Notes and Resources: Brittni Winslow’s course: Smoother Days - https://thetherapeuticedge.thinkific.com/products/courses/smoother-days FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon. HER+ You Tube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@herhealthcollective4278
