Failure to Launch
Is your teen failing to launch? All your teen does is hide in their room on their phones, listen to music, or play video games day, after day, after day. You’re worried if you don’t interrupt their GPS before it hits the destination, they’re going to live in a van down by the river or […]
Are you in it to win it?
“I don’t want to do it your way!” “Just because you didn’t grow up with (fill in the blank) doesn’t make it wrong!” “Why can’t you just love me for who I am?” Insert your whatever else your throws out that has your body tense and prepare for what’s coming next. Arguing helps your teen […]
Does your teenager argue EVERYTHING?
Your teenager walks in the room and drops a random comment and you’re pretty sure it’s bait. Unsure if you should bite, or what to say, you feel yourself going into defensive/offensive mode as your brain engages its fight or flight response. No matter what option you chose, you’re down a rabbit hole in an […]
10 Ways to Boost Your Teen’s Confidence
Your teen isn’t light and happy anymore. Whether your teen is riding the new emotional rollercoaster as a typical teenager, feeling low and going through a bit of a rough patch, or you’re watching them go dark and getting worried. Sometimes you know why – a change in schools, a change to online schooling, a […]
Why is your teenager so mean?
Every day I read posts on social media like these: “My teenager called me a B*tch today because I wouldn’t drive her and her friends to the mall.” “My teen just told me to shut up because I asked him to pick up his laundry.” “My teen told me to F Off. I never thought […]
The ‘Chipper Chicken’ Sister’s Weekend
The days before children. Just 17 months apart, my sister and I had always been close yet completely different in so many ways. We ‘got’ each other. We played together for hours in make-believe worlds of our future careers and creative eruptions with craft supplies strewn from one end of the kitchen to the other. We were called […]
Turn that frown upside down – The secret price of Pompom Parenting
When your child hurts, you hurt. It’s genetic. You’re their parent, the person who’s known them longest so it’s on your shoulders to sprinkle your special brand of cheer to turn that frown upside down. These situations call for the good stuff at the back of the costume closet. Pompom parenting ENGAGE! (Insert cheer, high […]
Tired of hearing, ‘I don’t know’ from your teenager?
“Ok, I get you might need a moment to think about your answer.” Or, “I understand you have a lot on your mind.” Taking another inhale… A few moments later you ask the seemingly simple question again and get the same, flat ‘I don’t know’ response. Insert inside voice, “Aaannnnddd we’re breathing…stay calm….stay calm.” You […]
How to diffuse sibling rivalry WITHOUT getting stuck in the middle
“Why can’t you leave me alone!” “I AM, I just needed to get my phone charger” “That’s MY charger!” “No, it’s not, I left it in the bathroom this morning.” “You’re always losing things. You can’t keep track of anything.” “At least I can keep friends which is better than you!” And so it goes. […]
Is your teen the boss of your emotions?
Every morning I’d wait in the kitchen with nervous anticipation, like hanging on for enough oxygen to take a breath. I was waiting for my son to come down the hall from his room and see his face. That’s all I needed; I could tell. My whole day was dictated by my teenager’s mood. On […]