TRUSTED by your teenager with Kristen Duke

Just minutes after I recorded the last episode, I got a call from my son that I shared the story about him. I told him about what I have planned in the next few months, and discussed the importance of sharing stories, and he said, "What does sharing your story have to do with parenting?" I answer that question in this episode more in depth, it's a great question! Sharing challenging stories, and e...

The tears came out today!  I wasn't planning to share this today, but I just got back from the gym where I ran into someone (I barely know) and we talked for an hour... I walked away so benefitted from that experience, that it reminded me of how sharing our vulnerable stories has the opportunity to bless others in countelss ways, many we will never know about. I share how a friends story she share...

My son just graduated college! My friends on Instagram saw me travel to his graduation on Thursday this week, and you may remember how I've shared in the past that he chose not to participte in high school graduation (and how I eventually became ok with that) but that he dediced to indeed walk in his college graduation. I shared a video on IG about him growing up , and the things I EXPECTED him to...

In this quick episode, I share my observations and thoughts after walking through the halls of the high school today.  AND.... That I'm sharing a fun series in my bestie club emails in the next few weeks leading up to Mother's Day, so if you're not in that club, and you wanna be, you can join here: https://kristenduke.com/join/  

I completed 7 podcasts in 7 days, woohoo! I'm digging this new way of chatting, what do you think? You can always leave a review and let me know your thoughts! Responding to a message from a mom in the community asking about Sibling Rivarly and sharing a few of my thoughts, and I also have a workshop with actionable step by step tips and a family lesson idea over here: https://kristenduke.com/sale...

I got invited to a local event with META, where they share details about their family and parental support. You can read all about that here .  I love social media and I've successfully guided my teens THROUGH it, and you can too. I have a free guide that I'm updating, so stay tuned on how you can grab that soon. I also have the Tough Teen Topics PDF with questions to talk to your teen about socia...

Today is my daughter Cali's 15th birthday, and I share what we like to do for birthdays AND about getting her drivers permit with some stories of my experience with teaching my teens to drive.  Dropping 2 episodes today because the one I shared this morning was supposed to be shared yesterday (I recorded it then) and I want to share 7 episodes in 7 days on this kickoff week.  THEN when I announce...

Recorded an episode on the road, here's to my goal of 4 episodes in 7 days before I announce this resurgance publically. I still haven't had anyone message me saying they've heard them! FREE: In this episode, we cover some teen dating thoughts and tips, download the freebie I created for you here:  https://kristenduke.com/date-ideas-for-teens/ Included are 27 Creative Teen Date ideas that can ALSO...

Chatting about the need not only for self care, but self improvement, and how much I value and appreciate when I can focus on this. I ended quickly to make sure I made it under 10 minutes, but details on the link below after you listen!! If wish we had a REPLY button here on the podcast, because I want to know how you support yourself emotionally, and if you're ready for a transformation. Because...

Hearing others stories are connecting, and helps us all feel less alone, so I will be sharing stories of others (without names or details) to help you better recognize that A) you're not alone and B) You can always do something to improve. Not only do I share others stories, but also my feedback to them, so you can learn as well.  Feel free to message me your story, and not only will I reply to yo...

I have been thinking about bringing this podcast back, and today, on a whim, I recorded this quick episode...listen to hear about the new direction I want to take this and WHY I decided to bring it back!  Grab the new dating freebie here: https://kristenduke.com/date-ideas-for-teens/ Mesage me on Intagram https://www.instagram.com/kristendukechats/ Or email me if you listened to this to hear what...

I have admired Shawni's parenting from afar as I've read her blog 71Toes.com for many years. She is just about 3 years ahead of me in this parenting gig, and I felt inspired seeing how she mothered just a few steps ahead of me.  I was so delighted to hear her words of encouragement for teens, words she hopes her kids will know before leaving the home and under her roof. She came up with a list of...

Episode #100!!!! I'm so excited to introduce you to my high school best friend, Natalie. We met right after my 14th birthday, the week I moved from Louisiana to Texas about to begin my freshman year of high school. We had so much fun during our teen years, and you'll hear us talk about the good, the crazy, our parents, and then of course how all of that has affected how we parent our teens. One of...

In March, we talked all about TEENS and FRIENDS. Friends are SO important for teenagers, and as parents, we often run this challenge about how to navigate friendships we are concerned about, as well as how to help them make friends. If you missed episode #98 with Dr. Justin Coulson about toxic friendships , I encourage you to LISTEN! But with Katie, she moved with teens, and is in the trenches of...

My friends, I've declared this episode among my top 10 favorites in my two years of podcasting. So many wisdom nuggets on information, it's worth the 1 hour listen! Dr. Coulson not only shares some gems about how to help our teens with toxic friends, but it applies to so many relationships as well.  You can find @DrJustinCoulson on Instagram and JustinCoulson.com And his book Miss-Connection on Am...

This episode is full of little tidbits about how we can help our teens be a better friends and make good friends. LISTEN and SHARE, and leave an iTunes review if you felt inspired! You can find Vanessa on IG at @VanessaQuigley If you aren't already following @Chatbooks , do that! Study on pictures: Printed photos = Stronger Families . MomForce Podcast episode about strengthening families through t...

My teen friends--have you talked to your parents about sex? I mean, beyond the birds and the bees of "how babies are made?" I would expect that most of you haven't, but if you have...yay! I'm giving you MY thoughts on the sex talk, as if you were my teenagers.  With that, I encourage you to TALK TO YOUR PARENTS! Ask them questions, invite them into your world of curiosity. My hope is that they wil...

I'm happy my guest @KristinBHodson is here to help us know how to best have sex talk with teens. No longer is it enough to have "the talk" just once, it should be an ongoing discussion with 1,000 1 minute conversations, Kristin says. Kristin runs a practice in Salt Lake City called @TheHealingGroup and is also a professor at the University of Utah. As often happens, I ended up falling into the the...

This interview with Wendy about her son Erik coming out as gay is heartwarming. She helps me understand the difference between cisgender (new word for me!) and transgender. Listen and share with any mama warriors out there that could use some support. Check out our favorite family items and shop in our AMAZON store . I'd love if you left an iTunes review! Continue the weekly discussion over on Ins...

Listen as Madeleine shares her story of manipulations and sexual abuse from a teen relationship.  She not only shares tips we can offer our kids to hopefully avoid the same, but also suggestions on how to help, including a specific type of trauma therapy.  If you're not already a part of the community on Instagram, follow the weekly topics at @KristenDukeChats You can find Madeleine on IG at @made...

My guest Cassie from @Fit_Is_a_Journey shares with us how she struggled with body positivity since she was a teen, and how a dear friend help her out of a tough mental state.  She shares some tips for parents to watch out for, and how to help our teens find that beauty. 

In this episode, we learn some "do's & don'ts" of how to talk to our teens about what they are eating. Us parents are all well intentioned (that's why we're listening, right?) but sometimes we mess up, and I've asked Laura Solorzano to come chat with us about her eating disorder, and tips for parents to do better. You can find Laura at @Remarkable_now on Instagram and her website www. RemarkableNo...

My dad, Norman Hill, dissects the responsibility & independence continuum between parents and teens in this BONUS episode. It's important to know WHERE your teen lies on this scale, to best know how to parent and what they need most.  Visuals for this episode will be available on KristenDuke.com (on 1/17) with definitions as well, so make sure you reference that for visual details. Reach out to No...

After I shared about the year of the teenager initiative, I had a handful of people say, "I just can't get behind that, because I'm in a really hard place with my teen." My heart hurt for them. One commenter said to me, "I love following along to what you share, but sometimes it makes me feel worse about myself." That is the complete OPPOSITE of the feelings I want to invoke! There are so many var...

Kicking off the first interview and episode of the new year talking about teens and stress. Excited to share ways that parents can help teens de-stress and better understand emotions. We also talk about the importance of SLEEP and how it can cause stress (lack of it). Speaking with Nicci Bontrager, a licensed professional counselor in this episode. She meets with clients in Austin, TX at Joyful Fa...