Speaking of Teens

This episode kicks off a series on teens, tweens and substance use that will continue each Tuesday and Friday until I've exhausted issues to talk about!    Today, I'll talk to you about the adolescent brain, why it's so prone to risky behaviors like using substances, why it's so much easier to become dependent on those substances, and many of the reasons teens use substances li...

What do you think about allowing your teen or tween a mental health day off from school when they ask for it? How do you decide? What should they do with that day off? I'll answer these questions and more in today's episode. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I...

This episode was prompted by a recent conversation with a parent. This parent needed help validating her teen's feelings about friendship issues, without inserting herself and causing problems in the connection with her teen. What do you do or say when your teen shares with you that a friend has done something horrible to them? How do you acknowledge their feelings about the situation without...

None of us come to parenting without our own mindsets, core beliefs, and past emotional experiences. All of this informs us as parents and shapes our thoughts, emotions and behavior related to our kids and teenagers. But too many of us fail to recognize this side of parenting, even when we're desperate to change the dynamic in our home. Very often, parents must address their own emotional wou...

Today I'm sharing the findings from a recent study out of New Zealand, and a report on a new survey out of the U.S. The study sheds light on teens' use of devices before bed and in the bed. And the survey finally gives us some good news about vaping and teenagers. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful f...

Teenagers want their parents to understand them. They need to feel heard and seen in the worst sort of way.  But as parents, we often do a really crap job of actually listening - much less truly understanding them. Today's episode (pulled from the 2022 "best-of vault") gives you the inside scoop on what your teen's thinking and what they really want you to understand. Listen up...

In today's episode I continue my conversation with Colin MacDonald, co-founder of Not Therapy - a high-touch coaching program for young people. Colin told his story as a former "troubled teen" in episode 168 . And today he outlines the "4 Pillars of Transition" for teens and young adults moving from residential treatment, wilderness programs and other therapeutic facilitie...

If you struggle to believe there's hope for your teenager because of their behavior, mental health issues, substance use, etc. then you want to hear what this young man has to say. Colin MacDonald was a "troubled teen" himself. He has a story to tell and advice for you as the parent of a struggling teenager. Colin is a certified young adult coach and the co-founder of Not Therapy al...

In today's episode I talk to a mom about the transformation her family experienced from Parent Camp. Listen to her describe where they were, the changes they've made, and where they are now. Plus, she has some advice for you! Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I...

If you have a teen or tween who has ADHD, anxiety, depression, uses substances, doesn't talk to you, refuses to go to school, doesn't seem to be phased by logical or natural consequences, etc...this episode is for you. Join me today and let me explain why you can't skip over the basic parenting strategies even if you feel your teen isn't "basic". Show Notes and Transc...

So many of us have been there. Your teen isn't listening to a word you say. As a matter of fact they're doing just the opposite. You've issues consequence after consequence. You've lectured, warned, threatened, pleaded, begged, and cried on the bathroom floor. Counseling hasn't helped (or you can't get them to go). What's the problem and where do you go from here...

Investing the time (and the money) to learn the skills you need for parenting your teen without all the conflict and disconnection is one of THE best investments you'll make in your life. Making the time now to learn how to change the dynamic between you and your teen, improve their behavior (and calm your nerves about it all) will save you so much more time and money in the future. Listen an...

This is a very special episode of Speaking of Teens. I'm joined by a mom who's going to tell you about her journey in Parent Camp and where her family is today thanks to the knowledge and skills they've gained.  Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discover...

Today I want to tell you a little bit about why I want to help you strengthen the connection with your teenager and stop arguing so much (while also changing their behavior). I'll explain how I know what I know and how I teach you what I know! I'm taking you into my brain a bit and giving you a taste of Parent Camp.  Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I j...

There's nothing like parenting a teenager to bring out the parenting differences (that haven't been that difficult to navigate up until now). If you and your spouse are not on the same page about how to deal with teenage risk-taking behaviors, giving consequences, schoolwork, chores, dating, etc., it can make for a very contentious atmosphere at home. Listen to today's episode where...

Maybe you don't insist your teens or tweens get all As or take the harder classes. But do you check Google Classroom daily or weekly? Do you ask them about all that unfinished work? Do you remind them of each test, quiz and project? Do you scold them when they seem unmotivated, lazy, or forgetful? Well, today I'm going to give you some really good reasons to back off a bit, stop worrying...

Today I'm talking about how changing your parenting style or the strategies you use when parenting your teens or tweens can feel insurmountable or even impractical...but you can do it. If the current situation isn't working for you and your family, you're constantly arguing or stressed out or your teen is not living up to your behavioral expectations, what do you have to lose by try...

We must change our own behavior if we hope to change our teens'. In this episode I talk about how we let our emotions or our controlling parenting style take over and just blow things out of the water. It's a good one so have a listen. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm...

As the parent of a teen or tween we often feel frustrated (or even worried) about our kid's behavior. If they would just do what they're supposed to do - if they'd just listen - we wouldn't have any issues. It's hard to imagine any of their behavior is actually due to the way we engage with them...the way we respond to their behavior.  In fact, so many of the arguments and...

Have you ever thought about how often you vent your anger or frustration? And when you do, who do you go to? What do you expect of them? Now, what if your teen or tween needs to vents a little bit? What do you think they expect of you? How is it any different when a parent expresses their negative feelings and when a teenager expresses theirs? Should parents expect more from their teens than they...

As the parent of a teen or tween we often feel frustrated (or even worried) about our kid's behavior. If they would just do what they're supposed to do - if they'd just listen - we wouldn't have any issues. It's hard to imagine any of their behavior is actually due to the way we engage with them...the way we respond to their behavior.  In fact, so many of the arguments and...

Dealing with a teenager who has explosive emotional reactions isn’t easy but it’s totally doable. Listen to this short bonus episode from last summer to understand how to manage better. Show Notes Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the...

As the parent of a teen or tween we often feel frustrated (or even worried) about our kid's behavior. If they would just do what they're supposed to do - if they'd just listen - we wouldn't have any issues. It's hard to imagine any of their behavior is actually due to the way we engage with them...the way we respond to their behavior.  In fact, so many of the arguments and...

As the parent of a teen or tween we often feel frustrated (or even worried) about our kid's behavior. If they would just do what they're supposed to do - if they'd just listen - we wouldn't have any issues.  It's hard to imagine any of their behavior is actually due to the way we engage with them...the way we respond to their behavior.  In fact, so many of the arguments an...

As the parent of a teen or tween we often feel frustrated (or even worried) about our kid's behavior. If they would just do what they're supposed to do - if they'd just listen - we wouldn't have any issues.  It's hard to imagine any of their behavior is actually due to the way we engage with them...the way we respond to their behavior.  In fact, so many of the arguments an...