In this episode of Big Mama’s House, Big Mama calls out the quiet truth: a lot of teens feel completely invisible at home. She reads real survey results and shares stories from student presentations, including one girl who dropped the now-legendary line: "This isn’t Build-A-Bear."

It’s not about stuff. It’s about presence, connection, and being seen. From phone-addicted parents to screen-raised kids, this episode hits hard but keeps it real. Big Mama shares a brutal poolside moment with an Insta-mom, plus a heart-wrenching student story about growing up without ever having a conversation that mattered.

This message is for the squids — and maybe for your parents too (if they can put their phone down long enough to hear it).

Key Takeaways:

You’re not alone — So many teens feel unseen, unheard, or just… tolerated. That doesn’t mean you’re wrong to want more.
You're allowed to ask for connection. Wanting your parent to know you is valid.
Love isn’t stuff. Phones, clothes, tablets ≠ attention, affection, or presence.
Saying it out loud helps. Use this episode as a jumping-off point to start a convo. (Even if it feels awkward.)
You don’t have to blame yourself. If your parent doesn’t show up the way you need — that’s on them, not you.
You may be more emotionally mature than some adults. And that’s powerful.

Action Items:

Use the insights and stories shared in this episode as icebreakers to have real conversations with the people you love.
Reflect on how you can be more present and engaged with the world… PARENTS: put down YOUR devices and have meaningful conversations.
Parents: Seek to understand your child as an individual and make an effort to connect with them, rather than just providing material things.

Episode Highlights:

0:08 - Intro — Big Mama kicks off the episode with the truth: Teens are tired of being ignored by their parents.
1:12 - Why she keeps doing student events — even when she’s sleep-deprived and running on caffeine and chaos.
1:34 - Where the real data comes from — Big Mama explains how student convos and 15 years of surveys shape everything she teaches.
2:39 - What teens actually want — Spoiler: it’s not money, shoes, or a Dodge Charger (except for one kid).
3:27 - The Big 5 asks from teens: no unapproved posts, put the phone down, help with screen limits, real convo time, and just… be present.
4:32 - “Just showing up” isn’t enough — teens want habits of connection, not drive-by check-ins.
5:00- Why parents struggle — no manual, generational baggage, and general chaos.
6:13- Big Mama Life tip — “There’s always someone better off and someone worse off.”
7:10- Poolside InstaMom Fail — Big Mama recounts a gut-punching moment with a mom glued to Instagram while her daughter begs for attention.
8:40- Big Mama Life Tip: The opposite of love isn't hate. The opposite of love is indifference.
10:28 - Student quote bombshell — “This isn’t Build-A-Bear. Don’t give kids tablets just because you’re tired of parenting.”
13:02 - Big Mama Life Tip: The appearance of love does not always equal the presence of love
13:39 - Private story from a 12th grader — She opens up about screen-based parenting, zero connection, and the cost of feeling invisible.
15:02 - She’s never heard a compliment from her parents — a powerful reminder that love needs words and time.
17:16 - Outro — Big Mama encourages you to start real convos. And as always: eat more dirt, avoid moist dudes in basements.

** Big Mama’s House Podcast - a podcast for teens is written and hosted by Jesse Weinberger (Internet Safety Speaker for Schools)

Teen fans of this podcast are called squids. Together with the entire Squid Squad, this podcast for teens explores the immense amounts of pressure impacting young people including: generational disconnect, digital & social media issues, tech true crime, mental health. Each episode comes with additional resources to help teens navigate difficult life circumstances. Expect to laugh along with the host and guest co-hosts while learning something new.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Isn't Build a Bear