Teenagers today are facing pressures that most adults can barely understand, and it’s easy for communication to become a one-sided effort. As mental health struggles rise, parents often feel like they’re talking past their kids, unable to break through the walls of silence or frustration. Social media, school, and emotional turmoil add layers of complexity that make meaningful conversations feel impossible. But the more parents understand the silent struggles, the more they can find ways to connect and offer real support.

Kristin MacDermott is a marriage and family therapist specializing in resilience training. Her work, initially with cancer patients, evolved into creating a digital platform to support mental health for teens, military, and first responders. She developed the "Mindset Moments" program and parenting courses to improve communication between parents and teens. Today, Kristin discusses how simple, weekly conversation prompts can strengthen emotional intelligence and foster resilience. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

• “Resilience is realizing that life is not always a straight path. You can have great plans, but then your life can end up somewhere that is often way cooler than you could have imagined.” – Kristin MacDermott
• “The single most protective factor against depression and anxiety in adolescents is spirituality. This doesn't necessarily refer to a specific religion or even religion at all—it can simply mean a sense of transcendence, such as connecting with nature.” – Kristin MacDermott
• “The kind of therapist I am focuses on teaching what I know so that my clients no longer need me. Typically, I don't have clients who come to me for extended periods of time.” – Kristin MacDermott
• “You make normal what you make normal. If it becomes routine early on to discuss these things, talk about them at the dinner table, and identify emotions, over time, it naturally becomes a regular topic of conversation. It becomes something they focus on, pay attention to, and recognize—you establish what is normal.” – Matt Beaudreau

Takeaways:

• Practice curiosity with teens by asking open-ended questions about their emotions, experiences, and perspectives instead of giving unsolicited advice.
• Create a weekly family ritual of discussing one skill or mindset topic, using simple prompts that spark genuine conversation about resilience, values, or personal strengths.
• Identify and discuss your teen's personal strengths together, helping them recognize their unique capabilities without judgment or pressure.
• Commit to being vulnerable with your teen by admitting when you don't have all the answers, showing that learning and growth are ongoing processes.
• Develop a family communication approach that prioritizes listening over lecturing, focusing on understanding your teen's world and building trust.

Conclusion:

Building strong relationships with teenagers starts by creating safe spaces for open conversations and focusing on their unique strengths. By treating them as whole individuals with valid perspectives, families can support their mental wellness in a meaningful way. Rather than trying to fix problems, the focus should be on teaching skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. These tools will help teenagers face personal and social challenges with confidence and grow into self-aware, resilient individuals.

Links:

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