In this episode, Illy interviews her niece Mia, who shares her experience transitioning to high school, making new friends, dealing with drama, managing a reduced commitment to dancing, and balancing her role as an older sister. The conversation also features Ilana Lawrence chatting with two young children, Coco and Harriet, who offer delightful and imaginative answers to questions about their favorite colors, jokes, superpowers, and more. Lastly, 11-year-old Willow opens up about the life shifts she’s faced, from navigating puberty and friendship changes to becoming a big sister and overcoming fears. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of the unique perspectives of young people as they navigate growth and change.

Takeaways

• Transitioning to high school can be challenging, especially when changing schools and making new friends.
• Dealing with drama and finding the right group of friends is important for a positive school experience.
• Balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming, and it's okay to make adjustments to find a better balance.
• Becoming an older sibling comes with new responsibilities and a sense of independence.
• Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges in terms of workload and maintaining relationships with friends.

• Children have unique and imaginative perspectives on various topics.
• Favorite colors and animals are often influenced by personal preferences and experiences.
• Children's aspirations can range from traditional professions to more creative and unique roles.
• Imagination and play are important aspects of a child's life.
• Simple things like cuddles and spending time with loved ones can bring happiness to children.

• Puberty can bring about mood swings and changes in behavior.
• Dealing with mean friends can be challenging, but open communication and support from others can help navigate through it.
• Becoming a big sister can bring mixed emotions, but understanding and support from family members can help address any feelings of jealousy or neglect.
• Overcoming fears requires spending time with supportive friends, practicing deep breathing, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Coping with injuries and not being able to participate in activities one loves can be difficult, but taking time to rest and heal is essential for recovery.