Christian nationalists want to turn America into a theocracy, a government under biblical rule.

If they gain more power, it could mean fewer rights for you.

I'm Heath Drusen and on the new season of Extremely

American I'll take you inside the movement. Listen to Extremely American

from Boise State Public Radio, part of the NPR Network.

You're listening to Life Kit, from NPR.

Hey everybody, it's Mariel.

I remember my first day of, I think it was sixth grade.

I showed up in this cute outfit that I had loved the day before. If I remember right, there was a plaid skirt and a maroon cardigan. I was stylish, but then I got to school and all the girls were wearing gym shorts and athletic sneakers. And I was like, what did did I miss the memo like I suddenly felt so

self-conscious about my clothes like a total outsider not a good way to start my middle school journey. And I think I'm not alone here, right? Back to school time can be exciting for sure. All those fresh notebooks and dreams of possibility. This is my year. I'm going to try out for the play or make the soccer team or finally talk to that boy.

But it's also hard on kids.

You know, it's always been hard to be a teenager and it's always been

hard to raise a teenager. That's Lisa DeMoor. I'm a psychologist who cares for

teenagers and the adults around them. I'm the author of three books on raising adolescents and I had the honor of

working with the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup on a poll about the

emotional lives of teenagers and their parents.

Just to note here, the Walton Family Foundation is an NPR funder.

And that poll was a part of the 2024 Voices of Gen Z Study.

They talked to thousands of 10 to 18 year olds

and one of their parents or guardians

about the emotional lives of preteens and teens.

Turns out, no surprise here, they are complex.

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