Gentle Parenting creates lazy, entitled teens
You hear about it every day on social media. Parents and experts espousing this unachievable fantasy of raising a respectful teen without using generations old methods to teach your teen what’s right and wrong. (YOU: shaking your head) Pfft!! You’re thinking: “Good for you, whatever your name is. I’m raising my teen to succeed in […]
5 Ways to break the cycle of constant arguing with your teen
Having real, calm conversations with your teen as if you’re actually on the same page and speaking the same language isn’t just a pipe dream… …even if the arguing is currently wearing down your patience until you feel raw and reactive. Let’s get real. If you’ve got a teen at home, you’re no stranger to […]
Divide and Conquer: When Your Teen Exploits Parental Differences
If you’ve been feeling like there’s a growing tension and deepening chasm between you and your partner about how to discipline your teen, you’re not alone. Many couples experience this and it can be incredibly stressful even if you had multiple conversations about how you were going to raise your children. Don’t worry, I’ve got […]
What to Do When You Find Sketchy Stuff on Your Teen’s Phone: A Guide for Concerned Parents
If you’ve ever picked up your teen’s phone and found something that made your heart skip a beat, or your blood boil, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a questionable text, Snap, or photo that crosses the line, it’s a visual that can send you into a tailspin. But before you go confiscating phones and grounding […]
Why Smart Kids Struggle in School
You might think that smart kids have it all figured out, so there’s absolutely no excuse for declining attendance or grades. But, as someone who was identified as gifted in Grade 1, yet traded straight As for Fs by Grad 11, I can tell you it’s possible… …but not because I was unmotivated, lazy, irresponsible, […]
Tired of dragging your teen out of bed?
This is one of the most exhausting challenges parents tell me about that creates resentment and stress in your relationship with your teen. The Real Struggle Behind the Snooze Button First off, let’s get one thing straight: it’s not just your teen being difficult. Their internal body clock shifts during puberty, making them natural night […]
I can’t, my stomach hurts
It’s not always the most wonderful time of the year. School has either started or will in a few days depending on where you live and I can feel the collective stress, teeth clenching and shoulders tensing. Even a summer free of school doesn’t slow the looming countdown or stress that lies just below the […]
How to avoid the shame game
These are the things I say when my teen does something outside of our family values, the person I think they are, and the person I want them to be. “What were you thinking?!!”“Why did you do that?!”“You didn’t do what I asked!” It’s ok to feel frustrated and flabbergasted by your teen’s choices… …but […]
Fighting without freaking your teen out
What do you feel or think when you hear the word conflict? For most people, that word creates a physical reaction like fear, avoidance, terror, shutting down or running away. Studies also show an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Run away! Run away!! Unfortunately, conflict is a key ingredient for all […]
Why doing ‘all the things’ isn’t helping your teen
“My teen gets counseling, teachers support, assignment extensions, and they’re still NOT doing the work!” Few things are more frustrating or heartbreaking as a parent when you go so far out of your way to support your teen when they’re struggling only to see no change. You’re literally doing all the things, being an AMAZING […]