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 […]
Begging is NOT a boundary
I had a conversation yesterday with a caring mom who’s feeling at her wits end trying to get her son to give a crap about her boundaries. She wants connection over control with her son (while still being the parent) and has done her internal work to know why this boundary is important to her […]
I’ll never be enough
If you think being a perfect parent feels hard, try being a teen. There’s a huge weight of measuring up that’s weighing them down even if you don’t see it on the outside. So many teens feel like they’re climbing an impossible mountain that’s imposed upon them and even if they try they never get […]
6 Essential Tips for Surviving Summer Vacation with Your Moody Teen
You’ve been eagerly awaiting your summer vacation as a much-needed escape from the daily grind and exhausting routine of school, homework, sports, driving, cleaning, etc., … …hold on a second! Your teenager seems less than thrilled about the family getaway, preferring to laze around, hang out with friends, and bury their face in their phone […]
I’m bored
Here we go again… “No, no no! Not the free for all of summer again!! That boredom leads to nothing but more internet time or bad choices while hanging out with friends.” Your teen sees unlimited gaming/phone time, hanging out with friends, late nights, sleeping until the early afternoon and eating like crap as a […]
Creating a Safe Haven: Empowering Parents to Support Bullied Teens at School
YOU: “My teen is being bullied and I don’t know what to do” There’s more to supporting your teen through this awful experience than going after someone else’s child, even if that feels better in the short term. Advocating for your teen and being their safe ally to share and process their experience, feelings, and […]
Getting your teen to follow through with basic chores and tasks
Why is getting your teen to do what you asked so hard?? You’re asking nicely and being clear, yet your teen isn’t doing the chore/task. What’s even more frustrating? They said/texted YES and agreed!! Few things are more frustrating as a parent when you’re trying to have your teen contribute and learn new skills. Over […]