Middle Meets
MIDLIFE MANIA (IT’S ABOUT TIME):
As midlife in general (menopause, more midlife "influencers", embracing aging, etc.) is garnering more positive attention and having a moment in the spotlight (THANK FREAKING GOODNESS!!!), it was primed for me to start ‘MiddleMeets’ (MM) by G.!
MIDDLEMEETS STORY:
I started thinking about the parents and caregivers of teens (I myself am a single mama to three teens), and how we receive minimal support during these confusing, stressful years. When you have younger kids AND when you're an empty nester, there are soooo many organizations, groups, articles, resources, etc. It seems like one of the hardest parts of raising children is MOS DEF the teen years, and its legit wild no one is really creating a space for us as parents (not just moms, btw! dads and caregivers and anyone involved with a teen’s life). MM was then born: a central community (private FB group) for 203 based parents & caregivers to share & receive ideas & resources specifically geared to raising teens. Feed features posts, discussions, events with speakers (called ‘Meets’, education about hot topics like college prep, jobs, tutoring, school, mental health and anything to do with the wildly intense & fun times of raising of a teen. To hopefully understand them better and know you are not alone. A lot of relatable memes as well so we can all LOL a bit more.
IT'S HARD FOR TEENS (NOT JUST THEIR PARENTS):
Honestly, this isn’t for ME per se; I also feel for my three teens sometimes…between schoolwork, work, sports, volunteering, driving, post high school shit, hormones and everything in between, creating a mission of empathy for our teens is also a goal of MM. Once I told a few about this idea and one night created the FB group, I went from one member to 139 in three weeks’ time. Although the goal is to engage more, etc., I am figuring things out as I go and can tell from the analytics that folks are liking the concept, content and community! Makes my heart smile since I know I’M not alone as well. Even if you have wonderful teens (as we all do), still a super stressful time for all.
NATURAL EXTENSION OF G.:
Since I LIVE to connect people, this community is another way for me to utilize my gifts as part of my new venture personalbusinessally.com while truly helping this group of parents feel seen and heard. The initial feedback has been stellar. I want to scale this because I see potential to help so many more with the struggle and joy of raising a teen.
Another goal with this group is to prepare parents with slightly younger children that have concerns about living as a teen today. I’ve even had parents of 10-year old children join the group to hopefully become a bit proactive and realistic about what’s to come. Plus, my vibe is to always keep things as fun as we can because tbh if you don’t laugh about things as a parent to a teen, then you’re in for a long road.
ONE MONTH IN:
We reached 138 members without even trying. Telling me that folks agree with my intuition.
We hosted the first live Meet on education featuring two seasoned teachers that had wonderful advice about the education system and how to talk to your teen. Our next Meet is 4/19 in Fairfield from 6-8 featuring three amazing local mental health professionals.
Currently, MM is a free group, yet my plan is to ultimately make it a membership community to assist parents all over the country NOT FEEL ALONE and incorporate more online interviews and overall digital resources on a regular basis. After all, there’s plenty of times when your teen says they’re “fine” for the hundredth time…or you find a 5-week-old dirty plate in their bedroom…and it would be great to commiserate with a true community that will accept you, and ultimately help your teens indirectly.
DM me on IG @g.personalbusinessally.com to join access to the group or ask any Qs!
Follow Georgette’s new Middle Meets page too!
