Teens Recovering from Trauma - a podcast by Leslie Shull

Tori McKay and Ava Fierro are two of the most thoughtful, insightful, inspiring young people you will meet.  They are best friends and survivors of the Camp fire in Paradise, CA.  These wise young women have much to share with our young people, parents, and teachers on how to navigate our current world of Covid, fires (that were breaking out the week we spoke!), and resulting isolation, distance learning, and our new normal.

Tori and Ava's nuggets:

 1). The isolation they felt after the Campfire is similar to the isolation of Covid and kids can use technology purposefully to connect. 2). Put the bad news away and don’t drown in it. 3). It’s easy to feel helpless, like we have no choices. Look at what you can control. 4) As kids, we are so young and have so much to look forward to. There are a lot of good times coming our way. 5). We need to appreciate everything we have. Even a tree. 6). In your online classes, connect with your acquaintances too - reach out. Everyone is missing everyone. Don’t be afraid to reach out. 7) The opposite of negative is warmth (I LOVE THIS ONE). 8. Initiate a gratitude practice. 9. The worst days are the best days to be grateful. 10. Please parents, listen and support your kids. Hold your anger, sometimes hold your advice and just listen - let your kids talk and this will build their trust.  11. Please educators, be patient and understanding - it’s hard to retain information right now. 12. Kids, give out as much light and connection as possible - whatever that means to you.

Further episodes of Let's All Flourish (L.A.F.)

Further podcasts by Leslie Shull

Website of Leslie Shull