If you're the parent or caregiver of a teenager, this episode is for you. It can be challenging to navigate the ups and downs of the adolescent years—whether your child is merely exhibiting age-appropriate but frustrating behaviors (door slamming and eye rolling, anyone?) or facing more complex challenges. In this compassionate conversation with family therapist Dr. Kelly Moore, you'll gain strategies and techniques to help improve communication and boost connection with your teen. You'll also learn how to handle conflict more effectively, and nurture yourself through this rollercoaster ride. Among the questions Dr. Moore addresses: How much freedom should you give your child? What kind of behavior is developmentally appropriate? How do you talk to a kid who doesn't want to talk to you? How do you support a teen who's going through a difficult time? When should you worry about your child's mental health? And how can you manage your own emotions in order to be there for your child?

In this jam-packed episode, Dr. Moore and I also discuss:

• The crucial information that a lot of well-meaning parenting advice leaves out
• How teen behaviors don't always correlate to what they're experiencing on the inside
• The biggest mistake parents make when communicating with their child
• How to dance the fine line between offering support and setting boundaries—and why teens crave both
• Why strengthening your self-awareness makes you more attune to your child's needs
• How your kid's brain development affects their behavior and emotional responses
• The best way to respond to the silent treatment (warning: it's not easy for you, but your kid will love it)
• The one thing you should always do when you're disciplining your child
• Why it's necessary to mourn the loss of that "little kid" your child once was
• Why you should approach parenting from your deepest values instead of your biggest fears
• When to worry about your child's mental health, red-flag behaviors to look out for, and our culture's biggest misconception about kids and depression
• Why apologizing to your kid is so important, and how to do it the right way
• When to text your child vs. talk face to face
• How you can stay close to your child even after they've flown from the nest

Plus, Dr. Moore opens up about how a breast cancer diagnosis changed her relationship with her kids. And she offers practical, brilliant tips for diffusing conflict with your teen in the heat of the moment. Parents, this is one episode you don't want to miss!

Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.