A New vision on the Education for the adolescents of this New Generation

Last night, I had the privilege of sharing my vision for a more conscious, compassionate, and effective education system at the breathtaking Château d’Argenteuil in Waterloo.

It was a truly magical evening, surrounded by parents, educators, and change-makers, all eager to rethink how we guide today’s adolescents in an ever-evolving world.

As a well-being professional working every day with children, adolescents, and families, I see firsthand the challenges this generation faces and the struggles parents go through trying to figure out how to support, guide, and connect with their teens in this fast-changing world.

For those who couldn’t be there, I want to share some of the most important insights from this conference:

The Screen Dilemma: How Do We Reconnect Teens with the Real World?

One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents is screen dependency. Teens are more connected than ever, yet many feel disconnected from themselves, their families, and the world around them.

From my experience working with adolescents, I know this is not just about limiting screen time, it’s about supporting them build a meaningful life beyond the screen.
Encourage real-life connections:meaningful conversations, deep listening, and quality time without distractions.
Promote movement and mindfulness: sports, time in nature, and stillness to counteract digital overload.
Let them experience boredom! Boredom fuels creativity, curiosity, and self-discovery.

Breaking Free from an Outdated Education System

Education is still built on an old model that no longer serves today’s world. In my work, I see the frustration of both teens and parents when education feels meaningless, rigid, and disconnected from real life.

We need to move beyond memorization and nurture creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Learning should not be about standardized tests but about developing real-life skills.
It’s time to redefine success, not just by grades, but by how students thrive as human beings.

Love, Compassion & Empowerment

I emphasize with every family I work with: Education is not just about knowledge. It’s about empowerment. Adolescents are going through profound emotional and neurological changes, and they need guidance, not judgment.

Mistakes are part of learning: Let’s help them grow from them, rather than fear them.
Encouragement fuels confidence: When we believe in them, they believe in themselves.
Empathy is power: if we truly listen, respect, and support them, they will flourish.

Motivation and Purpose

The Keys to Engagement: Many parents tell me: “My teenager just isn’t motivated. They don’t seem to care about anything.” But from my experience, it’s not a lack of motivation. it’s a lack of purpose.

Make learning relevant: When students work on real-life projects, they feel engaged and inspired.
Create emotional connections: When teens feel valued and understood, their enthusiasm grows.
Give them autonomy: Let them take ownership of their learning because it empowers them!

The Adolescent Brain: A Window of Opportunity

One of my favorite topics to explore is how the adolescent brain works. This stage of life is a critical window for growth, self-discovery, and transformation. Instead of resisting their natural tendencies, let’s:

Teach them self-awareness: to help them understand their emotions and reactions.
Channel their energy into purpose: Give them projects that challenge and inspire them.
Guide them with trust: Allow them to make decisions, learn from experience, and develop resilience.

A Call for Change

Last night’s talk was not just about education. It was about the future of our children. If we want them to grow into strong, compassionate, and empowered adults, we need to transform the way we educate them.

This is not just the responsibility of schools: This a responsability of all of us.
Parents, teachers, mentors: we each have a role to play in creatng an environment where young minds can truly thrive.

Let’s keep this conversation going 🙂

What’s one thing you would change about today’s education system? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

mail@sandranavarrete.com