In a world where growing expectations increasingly weigh heavy on a young person’s mental health, the understanding-divide between adolescents and adults seems to be getting wider. Concretely on a day-to-day basis, adolescents and parents and other adults in their lives are clashing with each other over mind and heart issues. No one seems to be able to “get” the other.

In this session Nicholas will take us through the science and the art of effective youth work. Brain science studies have found that cognitive and emotional developments are not parallel in the physical maturation rates for adolescents. He will highlight the importance of ‘developmental relationships’ and the need for parents, teachers, coaches and other adults working with youth to use strategies, typically not used by them, to communicate and engage with youth effectively.

Nicholas will share his VOICE framework for coaching youth, as well as practical strategies to guide coaches in helping youth succeed. He will share stories from his professional work with youths, including effective strategies as highlighted by youth themselves in retrospect.

Takeaways for the participants

• The session is for coaches, educators, parents and those working in positive youth development work.
• You will gain evidence-based understanding of how to coach youth and to empower them to thrive.
• You will learn tested strategies and a basic framework to guide your coaching with youth.