The Minor League: Parents, Listen Up with Dr. Paul JenkinsThe Minor League: Parents, Listen Up with Dr. Paul Jenkins
Addict II Athlete Podcast
Savannah and Blu Robinson talk with psychologist Dr Paul Jenkins about teenage identity, mistakes and perfectionism, and how parents can offer unconditional love while setting limits. The conversation highlights the stories teens believe about themselves and how strong parent–child relationships can support healthier choices.
32:27•30 Jun 2021
Parents, Teens and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Episode Overview
- Identity is the internal story about who you are, while personality is the set of enduring traits that show how you actually show up.
- The brain’s confirmation bias means it keeps searching for evidence to prove whatever story you already believe about yourself.
- Mistakes are described as essential and required for growth and success, showing you’re actually “playing the game” of life.
- Character matters more than reputation, because other people’s opinions are not your responsibility.
- A parent’s primary role is to love their children unconditionally—"no matter what and even if"—while setting reasonable limits without trying to live through them.
“Parents, your job is to love them no matter what and even if.”
Curious about how others manage their sobriety journey while still dealing with everyday family drama? This chat on Addict II Athlete’s Minor League series teams up 15-year-old host Savannah Robinson, her dad and co-host Blu Robinson, and psychologist Dr Paul Jenkins to talk honestly about teenage identity, parenting, and the power of the stories we tell ourselves. Dr Jenkins breaks down the difference between personality and identity in simple, teen-friendly language.
Personality is who you actually are; identity is the internal story about who you think you are. As he puts it, your brain “takes on a job… to prove us right”, even when that story is harsh or flat-out wrong. Savannah keeps it real by sharing her own perfectionism and recent failures at work, showing how easy it is for teens to tie their worth to mistakes.
The conversation also tackles school pressure, fear of failure, and why making mistakes is “an essential, required component of success”. Savannah’s examples from her own life give younger listeners someone their age to relate to, while parents get a front-row seat to how teens actually think and feel.
Things get especially powerful when Dr Jenkins talks to parents directly: “Your job is to love them no matter what and even if.” He stresses that teens are not mini versions of their parents, and that over-controlling or trying to live through your child can crush their sense of self. Limits still matter, but so does backing off and letting kids learn. This episode is ideal for families dealing with addiction risk, recovery, or just the usual teenage storms.
You’ll come away with practical language, fresh ways to think about identity, and some gentle challenges for both parents and teens. How might your family change if you treated mistakes as proof you’re in the game, not proof you’re failing?
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