Challenging Teenage Sons

Is your teenage son addicted to screens, shutting you out, or refusing to step up? You're not a bad parent. You're missing a method.

In this first episode of a special series for the Challenging Teenage Sons podcast, Dr. Mark Schillinger, founder of the Young Men's Ultimate Weekend and a family mentor with over 25 years of experience, reveals the single piece most families are missing when it comes to raising responsible, resilient teenage sons.

You'll discover why good instincts aren't enough, and why having a clear roadmap changes everything.

In this episode:

• Why 90% of struggling teenage sons are actually good kids who are simply stuck
• The R.I.G.H.T. Way Method: the 5 core virtues that become your family's compass (Respect, Intelligence, Grace, Humor, True)
• The difference between punishing your son and giving consequences that actually teach
• Why technology is pulling families apart, and what to do about it
• The 12 destinations on the R.I.G.H.T. Way Method to Family Unity Roadmap, from real communication to launching your son into adulthood
• How Dr. Mark's own journey with his son Gabe led to the creation of the Young Men's Ultimate Weekend

If you're tired of yelling, nagging, repeating yourself, and watching your relationship with your son slowly erode, this episode is your starting point.

*** Resources Mentioned ***

🎯 Want the R.I.G.H.T. Way Method to Family Unity Roadmap? Email Dr. Mark directly at [email protected] and he'll send it to you personally.

🏕️ Learn about the Young Men's Ultimate Weekend (a rite-of-passage adventure camp for young men ages 13–20): go.ymuw.org

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/

*** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger sits down with six Young Men's Ultimate Weekend (YMUW) graduates, ranging in age from high school to their early 30s, to talk honestly about who they were before the weekend, what was hard to face about themselves while they were there, and how their lives shifted after they graduated.

The YMUW grads discuss:

• What teen boys are actually afraid of when they think about growing up
• Why the hardest part of YMUW isn't physical, it's emotional
• How the program changed parent-son relationships, sometimes dramatically
• What a real rite of passage does that therapy alone often can't
• Why the obstacle course, the sweat lodge, and even the joke circles matter more than they sound.

If you're a parent wondering whether your son is ready for adulthood, or worried he's not, this conversation will hit close to home.

If you're a young man sitting on the fence about YMUW, listen to the guys who were exactly where you are.

ℹ️ Learn More about the Young Men's Ultimate Weekend, a Modern Day Rite-of-Passage 🔥Registration Open for June 11-14, 2026 and August 21-23, 2026 | https://go.ymuw.org/

*** More Resources ***

On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/

*** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

*** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

In this powerful conclusion to our consequences series, Dr. Mark Schillinger reveals the deeper purpose behind positive discipline.

It's not just about changing your son's behavior. It's about being able to respect yourself as a parent for the rest of your life.

*** Resources Mentioned *** Young Men's Ultimate Weekend ⁨@YMUWorg⁩ Rite of passage program for boys ages 13-20 https://ymuw.org

*** More Resources ***

On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/

*** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

*** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

Does your teenager constantly tell you "it's not fair"? Do you find yourself offering bigger and bigger rewards just to get them to take out the garbage?

In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down why bribes and rewards actually backfire with teens, and shares the mentoring approach that builds real responsibility and self-respect. You'll learn how to stop negotiating with your "house lawyer" and start raising a young person who takes ownership of their life.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Why "it's not fair" is actually a learning opportunity, not a problem to solve

The difference between extrinsic rewards (bribes) and intrinsic motivation

How to use the "Both/And" principle when your teen does something right AND wrong

Why most of life is unfair or neutral, and how to prepare your teen for this reality

The 5 C's of calm, confident communication that won't get derailed

Resources Mentioned

Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn

Young Men's Ultimate Weekend https://ymuw.org

More Resources

On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

Free Parents' Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/markstipsforparents

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com

About Dr. Mark Schillinger

Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

Connect with Dr. Mark

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down Australia's groundbreaking decision to ban social media for children under 16 and shares why this matters for parents everywhere, even if your country hasn't passed similar laws.

Discover the brain science behind teenage phone addiction, why your teen struggles to self-regulate their screen time, and Dr. Mark's practical approach to starting the conversation about device limits in your home. Plus, learn the difference between consequences and punishment when it comes to enforcing new boundaries.

Resources

On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com

About Dr. Mark Schillinger

Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

Connect with Dr. Mark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

Struggling to get your teenage son to cooperate? You're not alone, and it's harder now than ever before.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down why modern teens resist helping at home and what you can do about it.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The historical shift that took cooperation out of our kids' DNA, from tribal living through the educational revolution to today's smartphone addiction
• Why treating consequences as punishments pushes your teen further away (and what to do instead)
• The critical difference between "right," "not right," and "wrong" behaviors, and how this distinction saves your energy and protects your relationship
• How to stay calm when giving consequences using brain science communication techniques
• The power of intelligent questions
• Why mentors at Young Men's Ultimate Weekend get teens to open up when parents can't
• One simple communication tip that transforms resistant teens into cooperative young men

Dr. Mark shares real examples from 26 years of mentoring families and running rite of passage camps for boys ages 13-20.

This isn't about getting your son to obey. It's about building the kind of relationship where cooperation happens naturally.

Resources Mentioned:

• Virtues & Values Worksheet (email [email protected] for your free copy)
• Young Men's Ultimate Weekend: Rite of passage initiation camp for ages 13-20: https://ymuw.org
• Daily Support for Parents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/markstipsforparents

Resources On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com

About Dr. Mark Schillinger Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

Connect with Dr. Mark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

Your teenage son breaks curfew again. He ignores responsibilities. He pushes back on everything. You try consequences, but nothing sticks. Sound familiar?

In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger reveals why most consequences fail and what actually works instead. The difference?

Staying calm, being clear, and teaching rather than punishing.

What You'll Learn:

• The 4 C's of effective consequences: Calm, Clear, Concise, and Certain
• Why being "dispassionate" is your secret weapon when your son lashes out
• How to give your son TWO choices (and why this changes everything)
• The one question that will blow your son's mind: "What do you think you should do?"
• When to give a consequence immediately vs. when to wait
• How to match consequences to the specific virtue your son violated

Resource Mentioned Email [email protected] for the free consequence list and weekly parenting tips.

More Resources On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com

About Dr. Mark Schillinger Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

Connect with Dr. Mark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

Tired of yelling at your teenager in the heat of the moment? You're not alone. Most parents confuse punishment with consequences, and their teens know it.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down the critical difference between reactive punishment (made up when you're angry) and structured consequences (teaching tools built into reality itself).

He shares the exact framework he's used with thousands of young men at The Young Men's Ultimate Weekend to help teens understand accountability without the power struggles. You'll discover why "gimme your phone" and "you're grounded" backfire, how to explain consequences in a way your teen actually respects, and the virtue-based system that makes consequences feel fair instead of punitive.

If you're exhausted from fighting with your son over the same issues, this framework will change how your family operates.

*** Key Takeaways ***

• The one thing that turns a consequence into a punishment (and why teens reject it) • How to explain consequences so your teen understands they're not made up by you • The Virtues, Values & Behaviors model that stops the guessing game • Why rewards are a trap (and what works better) • The simple phrase that reframes every consequence conversation

*** Resources Mentioned *** • Free Virtues & Values worksheet: email [email protected] • Learn more about The Young Men's Ultimate Weekend at https://www.ymuw.org

It's never too late to move your family in the right direction. You just need a way that works.

*** More Resources *** On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/

*** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices.

For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

*** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

Discover why modern parenting feels more stressful than ever in this insightful podcast episode.

Dr. Mark Schillinger explores how the collapse of traditional village-style child-rearing has left families struggling in our digital age.

Learn why we can't rely on outside forces to rescue our families from digital takeover, and how we can blend the best of ancient parenting wisdom with modern solutions.

*** Resources ***

Join the free parents' group for daily support and free solutions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/markstipsforparents

On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/

*** About Dr. Mark Schillinger ***

Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

*** Connect with Dr. Mark ***

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

In this powerful episode of Challenging Teenage Sons, Dr. Mark Schillinger reveals how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing family dynamics — and what parents must do now to prevent technology from dividing their family.

Are your teens more connected to their devices than to you?

Are arguments about screen time, gaming, or social media pulling your family apart?

Discover practical strategies for parents to strengthen family unity, improve communication, and raise resilient young men in the age of AI.

In this episode:

• Why AI is a threat to family connection • How testosterone and dopamine make your son defiant • The forgotten ancient practices that will unite your family • How healthy families can change the world

Don't let technology raise your kids for you!

** Resources for Parents and Young Men ** On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops

For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/

*** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. This podcast offers straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices.

For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com

*** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/