Ep 251: Shaping Identity with Values

Sam LaCrosse, author of Value Economics, unveils principles for fostering strong values in teenagers. We also dive into an examination of helping teens build a sense of identity, and the impact of going too far with positivity.If you've enjoyed Talking to Teens, we'd love if you could leave us a five-star rating, and if you have time, a review! Full Show NotesIn today's world, teenagers are bombarded with questions about who they are and where they belong. Social media and a plethora of information sources can often lead them down paths of confusion and identity crises. It’s crucial for parents to understand the role they play in guiding their teenagers towards developing a strong sense of self, built on a foundation of positive values. Sam LaCrosse, a young author passionate about the intersection of economics and identity formation, joins us to unravel how we can apply economic principles to instill strong values in our teenagers.Sam LaCrosse, at the age of 24, penned "Value Economics: The Study of Identity," aiming to offer a fresh perspective on building one's identity based on well-crafted values. He brings incredible personal vulnerability into his work, making strong arguments against the prevailing winds of self-help that preach unattainable positivism and highlights the necessity of sacrifice and self-awareness in cultivating personal values and identity.The Factors of Value ProductionSam discusses the necessity of transforming basic experiences into valuable life lessons through "The Factors of Value Production." This concept is broken into four key components: experiences, actions, discipline, and self-awareness. Each plays a critical role in how individuals, especially teenagers, can craft their values. Through relatable examples, Sam ignites a conversation on how parents can encourage their teenagers to engage more deeply with their world, learn from their experiences, and develop a robust value system.Modeling Strong Values at HomeThe conversation dives into how parents can be exemplary models of strong values for their teenagers. By sharing responsibilities and demonstrating mutual respect within the household, parents can set a precedent for how values inform identity and actions in the real world. Sam emphasizes the importance of courage in sticking to one’s values, even when faced with polarization and challenges.Navigating Excess and Diminishing Returns in ValuesSam and Andy explore the concept of excess in the context of values, cautioning against rigid adherence that can lead to harmful extremism. The discussion pivots to "diminishing returns" on certain values and the importance of recognizing when persistence in a value becomes counterproductive. Through personal anecdotes, Sam illustrates how self-awareness about one’s values and their impacts is crucial for balanced development.Fostering Self-Awareness in TeenagersA pivotal part of the episode is dedicated to fostering self-awareness among teenagers—a value Sam holds in the highest regard. They discuss practical strategies for helping teenagers become more introspective and self-aware, from creating quiet spaces to encouraging active listening. By reducing noise from social media and the external world, teenagers can better understand themselves and their values.Topics Covered in This Episode Include:Personal vulnerabilities and the power of sacrifice in value formation.The economic analogy of crafting values: experiences, actions, discipline, and self-awareness.The importance of modeling strong values and courage in value-based decision-making.Recognizing when values reach excess and how to adjust for healthy development.Practical tips for promoting self-awareness and introspection in teenagers.Parents seeking to guide their teenagers through the complex journey of identity formation will find Sam LaCrosse’s insights invaluable. Through understanding the principles of value economics, parents can equip their teens with the tools needed to navigate life with purpose and integrity.Tune into this episode to learn more about shaping your teen's identity through values and subscribe to "Talking to Teens" for more enlightening conversations.Follow us on Social Media! We're @talkingtoteens on Instagram and TikTok