Buckle up. In this episode, we get real about what it's like to raise kids between the ages of 10 to 18 in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in. From the emotional rollercoaster of middle school years to navigating social media, anxiety, and the constant pressure to be “on,” we break down the mental load parents are carrying—and what actually helps. Spoiler: It’s not control, and it’s definitely not panic.

Join us as we unpack what long-leash parenting really looks like, why emotional regulation (yours and theirs) is key, and how to create that solid, secure attachment your kids need—without micromanaging them into dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with defiance, withdrawal, or just trying to keep your cool through the chaos, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and maybe even a little more sane.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] - Why parenting tweens and teens feels harder than ever.
 [1:43] - Understanding adolescent brain development and modern challenges.
 [4:35] - Colette shares her anxious “blue dot” tracking phase and why it’s so relatable.
 [6:13] - The “long leash, large corral” approach to parenting.
 [10:29] - Replacing lectures with Socratic conversations to foster trust and independence.
 [13:49] - Colette’s unforgettable car ride convo and why staying calm matters.
 [16:50] - How to view misbehavior as a lack of skills—not a reason to punish.
 [17:33] - Why regulating your emotions is the parenting superpower.
[19:50] - The horse whisperer metaphor that’ll change how you parent forever.
[24:32] - Parenting the “Polaroid” child: Navigating confusing or unclear behavior.
[26:35] - Laura’s Life360 obsession and the new realities of teen safety.
[30:18] - Why social kids might actually fare better than isolated ones.
[33:41] - The dangerous rise of incel ideology and digital radicalization.
[34:50] - The case for no phones in schools and delayed access to social media.
[36:13] - Rejection in the age of Instagram: why it hits harder now.
[38:59] - Talking to your teen about the long game and giving them vision.
[40:50] - The crushing pressure of college admissions and why it’s unsustainable.
[41:41] - Final takeaways: connection over control, collaboration over lecturing.
[44:32] - Letting go: Adolescence as labor and the importance of separation.
[44:57] - One last reminder: regulate your emotions and help them learn to do the same.

Resources:

📝 Download the Parenting Tweens & Teens Worksheet: insightsfromthecouch.org

📺 Watch “The Horse Whisperer” 

📚 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

📺 The Netflix series “Adolescence” 

📱 Life360 (for those who love a little tracking reassurance)

💌 Reach out to us anytime at: [email protected]

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.