Episode 180 - Supporting Teens Using Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs

In this helpful parenting and personal development episode, I have a great conversation with Annette Evans Wilson, who brings both wisdom and professional experience to the topic of navigating family changes, especially during divorce. Annette begins by sharing her journey of overcoming self-doubt and discouragement that began in childhood, where she was surrounded by limiting beliefs echoed by family members. Despite this, she found the determination to pursue her dream of becoming an English teacher, and later, to create the YOU Life Skills and Leadership Educational Foundation after retirement. Her foundation focuses on supporting youth in self-discovery, empathy-building, and community engagement.

We talk, the discussion turns to Annette’s years teaching in a challenging inner-city school environment, where she noticed that her students, and their parents, benefited from structured self-reflection and a supportive approach. Drawing from her classroom experience, Annette emphasizes the value of encouraging young people, and by extension their families, to change the narrative from “I can’t” to “Maybe I can’t, but I will.” She highlights the importance of exploring Maslow's hierarchy of needs not just for children, but for adults as well, recognizing how foundational needs, safety, and a sense of belonging must be addressed in times of upheaval.

Annette describes how her workbook, “Know Yourself,” is set up for families to use together, providing practical exercises that foster honest conversations and deeper self-awareness. She underlines how tools like the identity wheel help families recognize that beliefs and values are shaped by various influences—family, culture, and personal experience—and that developing authenticity is an ongoing journey for everyone. Annette introduces the term “teenitude” to help parents reframe and appreciate the changes their children experience in adolescence as opportunities for growth rather than conflict.

Annette’s insights remind families that everyone’s perspectives are shaped by their experiences, and that embracing these differences can create more resilient, connected households, even in the midst of change. Through practical advice and genuine warmth, this conversation offers reassurance that with empathy and open communication, families can thrive through life’s transitions.

About the Guest:

Annette Evans Wilson overcame personal and societal obstacles to become a dedicated English teacher, positively impacting the lives of countless young people in a challenging environment. Her mantra "maybe I can't, but I will" empowered her students to surpass limitations and achieve their goals.

Notably, she mentored the first female college football head coach in the US. Following her retirement, Annette established the YOU Life Skills and Leadership Educational Foundation to continue guiding youth in self-discovery, community service, and empathy. With her own sons thriving in diverse careers, she advocates for recognizing and nurturing individual differences to foster success.

For Annette’s gift: email annette@youlsl.org with "authenticity" in the subject for a signed copy of my book "Know Yourself: How to Enjoy an Authentic Life"

To connect with Annette:

Website: www.youlsl.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youlsl/