What can Taylor Swift teach us about connecting with teens?
Ever heard of Taylor Swift? The Eras Tour? Does it ring a bell?
Are you:
A – A massive fan
B – Indifferent
C – Haters gonna hate
Now think about a teen in your life. Someone you care about. How would they answer that question?
Because their answer could open the door to something special.
A night at the Eras Tour
On Friday 23rd February 2024, I went to the Eras Tour with my daughter, her friend and my niece.
They’re all in their 20s. I am… not. But that night? We were all teenage girls.
We planned our outfits. Made friendship bracelets. Spent hours getting ready. Got giddy before the show. Then sang and danced our hearts out for three solid hours.
In other words: WE HAD THE BEST TIME EVER!!!
But it wasn’t just a fun night out. It was bonding. A shared experience that felt bigger than ourselves.
The power of storytelling
Why? Because Taylor Swift is a master storyteller.
She doesn’t just write songs - she creates worlds you can step into. Worlds full of rituals, references, chants, and meaning.
The bracelets, the outfits, the chants, the in-jokes - all of it made us feel like we were part of something together.
We entered her story world. And we came out more connected.
That’s why the ‘Swiftie Dad’ phenomenon exists. Why mother–daughter matching Era outfits were cute, not cringey. Why Swiftflation became a real word.
Because her stories didn’t just entertain. They connected us. Personally. Collectively. Across generations.
What this means for parents
I reckon that’s a lesson for anyone trying to connect with a teen in their life.
You don’t need stadium lights or $2 billion tours to create that kind of connection. You just need the right story.
A book, a character, a world you can both step into. A story that becomes a bridge between the two of you.
So yeah, A, B or C?
If you guessed my answer is A – a massive fan – you’d be correct.
But the thing is: so is my daughter. And that’s what makes it extra special.
Take the next step
You can download a copy of the Teen Connection Guide — a short, free resource that shows how fiction can support your teen’s emotional wellbeing (and spark some surprising conversations along the way).
FAQ: Connecting With Your Teen Through Stories
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Taylor’s music resonates because it tells stories teens relate to — about first love, heartbreak, friendship drama and growing up. Her authenticity and rituals (like friendship bracelets and Eras outfits) create a sense of belonging that’s hugely appealing.
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Stories give parents and teens a shared reference point. Instead of forcing awkward conversations, you can talk about a character or situation in a story — which feels safer and more natural.
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Not at all. You don’t need to be a Swiftie! The key is finding any story world — whether it’s a book, a TV series or a musician — that your teen loves. Joining them in that story is what builds the bridge.
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Start with stories in other forms — movies, music, graphic novels, podcasts, even video games. Stories are everywhere and the goal is to find one you can both share.
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Keep it casual. Ask what they think of a character’s choices or share how a scene reminded you of your own teen years. The more it feels like a casual chat, the more they’ll be keen to share.
