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Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
At Peers Not Fears, we believe leadership is for everyone. It’s not about titles—it’s about action, influence, and showing up fully in your own life.
Dive into our posts and discover how to empower your teen to grow into the leader they’re meant to be.
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Why should we give students a voice?
#peersnotfears Today's schools are facing a diverse number of challenges when addressing social and emotional wellness, and as teachers...
Lorraine Connell
Jun 27, 20205 min read


The Secrets of Mistakes: Why Hiding Them Hurts More Than Making Them
Hiding mistakes isolates us and blocks growth. Real learning happens when we share, reflect, and grow from our missteps.
Lorraine Connell
5 days ago2 min read


Leadership is a long game, and our children are worth every minute of it.
We’ve stopped investing in people and started investing in profits. Leadership is long-term, and our children are worth the time.
Lorraine Connell
Jun 252 min read


Learning Is a Risk – Are We Making It Safe to Build Student Confidence?
Learning is risky—and our classrooms must be safe enough for students to take those risks. Are you making space for that risk?
Lorraine Connell
May 283 min read


Words That Stick: How We Communicate Matters More Than We Think
The words we say stick—sometimes forever. What we think is small can shape how a child sees themselves for life.
Lorraine Connell
May 213 min read


Lessons from Leadership Coaching: What Middle Schoolers Teach Us About Growth
Leadership starts with discomfort. When we give students space to struggle, reflect, and grow, we unlock their true potential.
Lorraine Connell
May 144 min read


Leadership and Integrity Skills, and Giving Credit Where It's Due
Giving credit costs nothing—but not doing it can cost someone everything. Let’s teach students the power of honoring original work.
Lorraine Connell
May 73 min read


How to Truly Listen to Your Teen: Building Trust Through Open Conversations
Want a stronger connection with your teen? Learn how open conversations, trust, and listening can transform your relationship.
Lorraine Connell
Apr 293 min read


When “Bad Behavior” Is a Leadership Test—for Teens and Adults
To help teens lead, we must let them push back—without pushing them away. Growth starts when we respond with trust, not control.
Lorraine Connell
Apr 223 min read


The Leadership Crisis: Why Leadership Accountability and Taking Responsibility Matters at Every Level
Great leaders take responsibility. When leaders shift blame, they erode trust. Leadership starts with accountability—in school & beyond.
Lorraine Connell
Apr 153 min read


What is the Job of a Leadership Coach?
Teen leadership coaching builds confidence, communication, and decision-making skills, helping young leaders thrive in school and beyond.
Lorraine Connell
Apr 84 min read


How to Create a Youth Leadership Program
Empower teens with leadership skills that last a lifetime. Learn how to create a sustainable, impactful youth leadership program today!
Lorraine Connell
Apr 26 min read


Building Practical Confidence: What We Wish We Had Learned as Teens
Confidence is often talked about as something we either have or don’t have. For many teens, the message they hear is simply, “You need to...
Lorraine Connell
Mar 192 min read


What Causes Lack of Confidence in a Child?
Confidence shapes children's social skills, academics, and mental health. Parenting, peers, and school pressures impact teen confidence.
Lorraine Connell
Mar 133 min read


Breaking the Mold: Redefining Leadership for Every Teen
Leadership is for everyone! 🌟 When teens see themselves represented, they step up with confidence. Let’s break the mold together! 🚀
Lorraine Connell
Feb 263 min read


Bridging the Gap: A Partnership Between Choose Love & Peers Not Fears
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a cornerstone of student development, equipping young people with the skills to navigate life’s...
Lorraine Connell
Feb 193 min read


Teen Leadership Programs: What Are Some Leadership Activities for Students?
Encourage teen leadership by challenging students to problem-solve, step outside their comfort zones, and support each other’s growth!
Lorraine Connell
Feb 112 min read


What Makes You Confident? A Teen Leadership Coach’s Perspective
Learn how leadership coaching helps teens overcome a lack of confidence, build resilience, and unlock their potential to thrive as leaders.
Lorraine Connell
Feb 53 min read


Is Making Friends a Skill? Exploring the Role of Leadership Coaching in Social Connections
Friendship is a skill, not an innate ability. Leadership coaching helps teens develop confidence, empathy, and communication to make friends
Lorraine Connell
Jan 293 min read


What Is Public Speaking and Why Does It Matter for Teens?
Public speaking builds confidence, leadership skills, and personal growth. Learn how teens can thrive with leadership coaching.
Lorraine Connell
Jan 223 min read
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