Marcus Aurelius Higgs

Can healthy communication and trust transform your family’s life? Discover the power of open dialogue and connection as we sit down with Marcus, a communication coach and former AP program teacher, who navigates us through his compelling journey from Alabama to California and the Bahamas. Marcus opens up about the emotional upheaval following his parents’ divorce and the sanctuary he found within his extended family and church. His story is a testament to the critical role of healthy communication and relationship repair, elements he now champions when coaching parents of preteens. Join us as Marcus shares pivotal insights on building non-judgmental spaces for adolescent self-expression and growth.

In an era where technology often erects barriers between parents and their tech-savvy children, Marcus offers practical strategies to bridge the gap. Learn about autonomy-supportive parenting and the essential balance of fostering independence while maintaining clear boundaries. We explore the impact of parental behaviors post-divorce and the necessity of proactive communication to nurture trust and dignity within families. From addressing the challenges of digital media consumption to supporting adolescents through their emotional journeys, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to cultivating healthy, connected family relationships in the digital age.

Chapters:

(0:00:00) – Parenting and Trust Building Strategies
(0:12:14) – Navigating Parent-Child Relationships and Conflict
(0:22:52) – Navigating Parenthood in the Digital Age

(0:00:00) – Parenting and Trust Building Strategies (12 Minutes)

This chapter explores the emotional development and familial dynamics of growing up in a religious and tight-knit community, as Marcus shares his childhood experiences between Alabama, California, and the Bahamas. We discuss the impact of his parents’ divorce on his upbringing and the stability he found within his extended family and church community. Marcus reflects on the importance of modeling healthy communication and repairing relationships, which he now incorporates into his work as a communication coach for parents of preteens. Additionally, we touch on his insights from teaching in the AP program and the significance of creating non-judgmental spaces for self-expression in fostering personal growth among adolescents.

(0:12:14) – Navigating Parent-Child Relationships and Conflict (11 Minutes)

This chapter explores the impact of technology on our ability to connect with ourselves and others, emphasizing the importance of real-life interactions for mental well-being. We discuss the challenges parents face in a rapidly advancing technological world where children often surpass their knowledge. We introduce the concept of autonomy-supportive parenting, which encourages fostering a child’s personal growth within clear boundaries. Additionally, we address managing conflict in parent-child relationships by highlighting the importance of communication, repairing ruptures, and maintaining dignity and trust through mutual understanding and accountability.

(0:22:52) – Navigating Parenthood in the Digital Age (11 Minutes)

This chapter explores the impact of parental cynicism and criticism post-divorce on children, highlighting how such behaviors can lead to distrust and closed-mindedness in kids. We discuss the importance of distinguishing between communication and connection, emphasizing that intentional awareness and finding common ground are key. For preteens, maintaining frequent light conversations using the B-R-I-E-F framework helps build rapport, while deeper discussions should be balanced with moving on to maintain a positive relationship. We address the challenge of guiding teens towards independence by offering choices and stepping back to build trust. Additionally, we tackle the complexities of modern parenting in a digital age, stressing the need for proactive conversations and family plans to manage digital media consumption. Lastly, we focus on supporting children through the emotional challenges of adolescence by encouraging open communication and intentional planning.