Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World

What do you do when your teen won't talk?

How do you bring up sex without making everyone uncomfortable?

What if your teen gets caught vaping...or you discover they're sexually active?

In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's World, Cheryl Pankhurst sits down with pediatrician and parenting expert Dr. Kristen Cook to tackle one of the biggest fears parents face—having difficult conversations that could shape their teen's future.

Together they explore why many parents unknowingly shut communication down, how to rebuild trust after mistakes, and why leading with connection—not control—changes everything.

Whether your teen is 10 or 17, this episode will give you practical strategies to create honest conversations before peers, social media, or misinformation do.

✔️ Why parents should start talking about sex, vaping and drugs earlier than they think

✔️ What to say when your teen gets caught vaping

✔️ How to respond if you discover your teen is sexually active

✔️ Why punishment alone rarely changes teen behavior

✔️ The difference between boundaries and controlling parenting

✔️ How to repair trust after conflict

✔️ Why "I don't know" is actually an important part of teen communication

✔️ How to create a home where teens feel safe telling the truth

✔️ The role anxiety, ADHD and mental health play in teen risk-taking

✔️ Why your teen's behavior isn't necessarily a reflection of your parenting

If you've ever worried that you're saying the wrong thing—or not saying enough—this conversation will help you approach parenting with more confidence, compassion and connection.

Remember...

"It's not them. It's you."

Because when parents change how they communicate, everything begins to change.

Dr. Kristen Cook is a board-certified pediatrician, parenting educator, author of Parenting Redefined, and host of the Mom Doc Talk podcast. With more than 15 years of experience helping families navigate childhood and adolescence, she empowers parents with evidence-based strategies that strengthen relationships while supporting children's physical and emotional well-being.

Website:

https://www.kristencookmd.com

Instagram:

@momdoctalk_kcmd

Podcast:

Mom Doc Talk with Dr. Kristen Cook

If your teen is struggling at school, has recently received a diagnosis, needs support navigating an IEP, or you're simply feeling overwhelmed trying to advocate for them—you don't have to do it alone.

Through Insight to Impact Educational Consulting, Cheryl helps parents confidently navigate schools, understand assessments, and become powerful advocates for their teens.

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

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Parenting Teens Advice Redefined

Many parents believe the school year begins in September.

It doesn't.

For children with learning differences, ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other support needs, the foundation for a successful school year is often built during the summer.

In this episode of WTF (Welcome to Friday), Cheryl shares why she's so passionate about parent advocacy and how one family completely changed their child's school transition in just a few weeks.

You'll learn:

• Why June, July and August are critical months for school planning.

• What every parent should know about IEP transition planning.

• Why unanswered emails don't necessarily mean "no."

• The biggest mistake families make before the school year begins.

• How to prepare your child emotionally before they walk through the school doors.

• What an experienced school advocate actually does—and why it's not about fighting the education system.

• How understanding the school system can reduce stress for both parents and children.

If your child is changing schools, entering a new grade, recently received a diagnosis, or struggled during the last school year, this episode offers practical guidance to help you create a smoother transition.

Book a complimentary Parent Advocacy Discovery Call:

www.CherylPankhurst.com

If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who may be feeling overwhelmed before the new school year begins.

Because when parents understand the system, children have a better chance to thrive.

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

Parenting Teens Advice Redefined

#TeenDrivers

#TeenDriving

#DrivingSafety

#TeenDriverSafety

Learning to drive represents freedom for teens—but for parents, it often brings fear, stress, and uncertainty.

Driving coach Todd Avery explains why teaching a teenager to drive is far more complex than most parents realize and shares actionable strategies to help families navigate this important milestone.

Todd discusses how parents can shift from "backseat driver" to "driving coach" by using curiosity, awareness-building questions, and proactive communication.

The conversation also explores:

• The #1 reason teens get into accidents
• Why experience matters more than confidence
• The impact of ADHD, anxiety, and neurodivergence on driving readiness
• How parents can model safe driving habits
• When a teen may not be developmentally ready to drive
• Preparing teens for highways, bad weather, parking, and unexpected situations
• Building confidence without rushing the process
• How to reduce power struggles during practice driving sessions

"Learning to drive isn't about passing a test. It's about developing lifelong habits that keep everyone on the road safe." — Todd Avery

ParentsGuideToTeenDriving.com

Parents Guide to Teen Driving

Safe Driving Coach

Educational Strategist | Family Advocate | Founder of Insight to Impact

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

Parenting Teens Advice Redefined

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/speaking-corporate

#ParentingTeens

#NeurodivergentParenting

#WorkingParents

#Neurodiversity

#EmployeeWellbeing

#WorkplaceCulture

#HRLeadership

What happens when a parent is expected to perform at a high level in their career while silently managing a child who struggles with anxiety, emotional regulation, school challenges, or neurodivergence?

In this episode of WTF (Welcome to Friday or What The F***—you decide!), Cheryl Pankhurst shines a light on a group of parents who are often overlooked: working professionals raising neurodivergent children and teens.

Drawing from more than 25 years in education, special education, advocacy, and parent support, Cheryl shares what she witnessed firsthand in schools when parents repeatedly received "the call" to come pick up a dysregulated child.

She explores:

• The emotional toll of constant school calls
• Why traditional school responses often increase dysregulation
• The hidden burden carried by working parents
• How neurodivergent families navigate advocacy, IEPs/IPRCs, assessments, and school challenges
• Why workplace inclusion efforts may be missing a critical piece
• How organizations can better support employees who are parenting neurodivergent children
• The importance of creating communities of support inside workplaces
• Cheryl's new role as a Workplace Family Support Consultant

If you're a parent who feels alone trying to balance career success and supporting a struggling child, this episode will remind you that you're not alone.

And if you're an HR leader, manager, DEI professional, or organizational leader, this conversation may reveal an opportunity to better support the families behind your workforce.

When we support the parent behind the employee, everyone benefits—the family, the workplace, and ultimately the child.

Cheryl Pankhurst is a Parent Advocate, Educational Strategist, Coach, Speaker, and Workplace Family Support Consultant helping parents and organizations better support neurodivergent teens and their families.

For support with:

• School advocacy
• Neurodivergent teens
• IEP/IPRC navigation
• Parent coaching
• Workplace family support initiatives 

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

Parenting Teens Advice Redefined

#ParentingTeens

#ParentingAdvice

#TeenParenting

#RaisingTeens

#lying

Conflict isn't the problem. Avoiding it, escalating it, or handling it poorly is.

In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today's World, Cheryl Pankhurst sits down with conflict resolution specialist, mediator, and divorce coach Masha Rusanov to unpack what's really happening underneath the arguments, power struggles, sibling rivalry, and emotional blowups happening in so many homes.

Whether you're parenting a pre-teen, navigating the teenage years, or trying to co-parent after separation or divorce, this conversation offers practical tools to help you reduce conflict, strengthen relationships, and create more connection at home.

Together, Cheryl and Masha discuss:

• The difference between healthy conflict and harmful conflict
• When parents should step in—and when they should stay out
• How sibling rivalry can actually build important life skills
• Why taking sides between children often makes things worse
• Teaching teens emotional regulation and conflict resolution
• The "Exhale, Explore, Engage" framework for managing difficult conversations
• How parents unintentionally escalate arguments
• Helping teens navigate friendship breakups, exclusion, and social conflict
• The impact of the silent treatment on children and relationships
• Why children need to see conflict resolution—not just conflict
• Healthy communication strategies for co-parenting after separation or divorce
• How loyalty conflicts affect children of divorced parents
• The importance of boundaries, structure, and emotional safety

One of the most powerful reminders from this episode:

Your children are not your therapist, confidante, or emotional support system. They deserve to remain children while the adults handle adult problems.

If you've ever found yourself wondering whether you're helping or hurting during family conflict, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical tools you can begin using immediately.

✅ Conflict is normal and necessary in healthy relationships.

✅ The goal isn't to eliminate conflict—it's to teach healthy ways to navigate it.

✅ Children learn conflict skills primarily by watching adults.

✅ Avoid taking sides during sibling disputes whenever possible.

✅ The silent treatment can be as damaging as yelling.

✅ Children need to witness healthy repair and resolution after conflict.

✅ Co-parents should never place children in the middle of adult disagreements.

✅ Boundaries create emotional safety, especially for teenagers.

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

Parenting Teens Advice Redefined

#ParentingTeens

#TeenMentalHealth

#TeenAnxiety

#ParentingPodcast

#EmotionalRegulation

What if your teen isn't being defiant, lazy, or disconnected?

What if the behaviors that frustrate parents most—constant distraction, emotional shutdown, anxiety, overwhelm, mood swings, and lack of motivation—are actually signs of a dysregulated nervous system?

In this powerful conversation, Cheryl Pankhurst sits down with Spencer Delisle, President of the Art of Living Foundation Canada, global meditation teacher, executive coach, and former cancer and cardiology researcher, to explore what is really happening beneath teen behavior.

Together, they unpack:

✔ Why today's teens are more overwhelmed than previous generations

✔ How constant screen use impacts attention, emotional regulation, and self-worth

✔ What parents often misunderstand about anxiety, moodiness, and emotional shutdown

✔ The connection between nervous system regulation and resilience

✔ Why awareness is the first step toward change

✔ How breathwork and meditation can help teens manage stress and emotions

✔ The shift parents need to make from controlling to coaching

✔ The importance of helping teens develop confidence from within

✔ Practical ways to create more connection at home

✔ How intuition, focus, and emotional regulation can be strengthened

This conversation challenges the idea that parents need more discipline strategies and instead offers a deeper understanding of what teens are experiencing in a world that never turns off.

If you've ever wondered why your teen seems overwhelmed, distracted, anxious, emotionally reactive, or disconnected, this episode will give you a new lens through which to view their behavior—and your role in supporting them.

Because sometimes what looks like a behavior problem is actually a nervous system asking for help.

CONNECT WITH SPENCER DELISLE

Website: https://www.artofliving.org

Instagram: @spencerdelisle

Learn more about Art of Living programs, breathwork, meditation, and youth programs designed to help children and teens develop resilience, focus, confidence, and emotional regulation.

CONNECT WITH CHERYL PANKHURST

Educational Strategist | Family Advocate | Podcast Host

Website: https://www.cherylpankhurst.com

Book a complimentary consultation to discuss educational advocacy, IEP support, school transitions, neurodivergent learners, and family advocacy services.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who needs to hear this conversation.

Remember:

It's not them. It's you.

And that's where the magic happens.

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

Parenting Teens Advice Redefined

What if one of the most powerful parenting tools wasn't another strategy, consequence, or conversation?

What if it was your breath?

In this eye-opening episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today's World, Cheryl Pankhurst sits down with Spencer DeLisle, global meditation teacher, executive coach, neuroscientist, and President of the Art of Living Foundation Canada.

Together they explore why today's teens are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, distraction, and stress—and what parents can actually do to help.

Spencer explains the science behind nervous system regulation, how chronic stress impacts the brain, why many parents are unknowingly living in a constant state of fight-or-flight, and how simple breathing practices can create profound shifts in emotional resilience, focus, confidence, and connection.

This conversation goes far beyond meditation. It dives into parenting, neuroscience, emotional regulation, technology, social media, anxiety, ADHD-like symptoms, perfectionism, and what it really means to become the calm, steady presence your teen needs.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why today's teens experience stress differently than previous generations

• How chronic stress affects the adolescent brain

• The connection between breathwork and emotional regulation

• What happens neurologically during anxiety and overwhelm

• Why parents must regulate themselves before helping their teens

• The difference between reacting and responding

• How meditation creates more time, focus, and clarity

• Practical strategies for helping teens manage difficult emotions

• The role of schools, parents, and educators in building resilience

• Why awareness, belonging, and commitment are critical for adolescent wellbeing

If you've ever wondered how to support an anxious teen—or if you're feeling overwhelmed yourself—this episode will leave you with hope, practical tools, and a completely new perspective.

Because as we say here:

"It's not them, it's you... and that's where the magic happens."

Connect with Spencer DeLisle:

Art of Living Foundation Canada

Sky Schools

Institute of Absolute Intelligence

President, Art of Living Foundation Canada | Executive Coach | Global Meditation Teacher | Former Cancer & Cardiology Researcher

Spencer Delisle is a global meditation teacher, executive coach, and the President of the Art of Living Foundation Canada — one of the world’s largest volunteer-run organizations dedicated to mental health, leadership, and human values. For over two decades, Spencer has helped thousands of people — from executives and first responders to elite athletes to students, parents and teachers — to self regulate, and access peak performance and inner peace through the science of breath and meditation.

Drawing on his background in both neuroscience and high-performance training, Spencer has coached amateur and professional athletes, including ITF Tour juniors, NCAA Division I, and professional tennis players, integrating cutting-edge mental conditioning, breathwork, and recovery strategies to unlock flow states and sustainable excellence.

Trained personally by five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and humanitarian leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Spencer has led programs in more than 25 countries, teaching advanced self-mastery and team-connectedness techniques to leaders from Deloitte, Swiss Re, Google, TD Bank, FIFA, Ford, GE, the European Parliament, the Government of Iraq, and the Federal Government of Canada.

Before dedicating his life to human development, Spencer worked in oncology and cardiology research at Mount Allison and McGill Universities, later joining Novartis Pharmaceuticals in marketing. His rare blend of scientific grounding, athletic coaching, and spiritual insight makes him a compelling voice bridging mindfulness, leadership, and neuroscience.

Spencer was the Master of Ceremonies for both the first UN International Day of Yoga at Lincoln Center in New York and the World Culture Festival, which gathered over 3.75 million people in India and 1.1 million in Washington D.C., celebrating unity, peace, and human potential.

He currently collaborates with the University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on groundbreaking studies examining how meditation and breathwork can alleviate PTSD, depression, and anxiety among veterans, first responders, and at-risk youth.

Spencer’s mission is clear: to make mental resilience, joy, and purpose accessible to everyone — from boardrooms to locker rooms, from soldiers to CEOs.

When he’s not teaching or speaking, Spencer can be found snowboarding, surfing, or playing ultimate frisbee, living what he teaches — that happiness is not the goal, it’s our nature.

Connect with Cheryl Pankhurst:

Educational Strategist | Family Advocate | OCT Certified

Helping families navigate diagnoses, IEPs, assessments, high school transitions, and school advocacy.

Visit: CherylPankhurst.com

Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with another parent who needs to hear it.

#NervousSystemRegulation

#Breathwork

#Mindfulness

#ParentingPodcast

#EmotionalRegulation

#MentalWellness

#TeenAnxiety

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

#TeenMentalHealth

#ParentingTeens

#TeenAnxiety

#EmotionalRegulation

@kericooperholistictherapy. www.kericooperholistictherapy.com

Keri Cooper, LCSW, is the owner of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy in northern New Jersey. In her

private practice, she counsels teens and works to give them the tools they need to navigate

life. Keri takes a holistic approach to therapy, looking at the whole person, not just their

symptoms. Keri is the author of Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent

Needs To Know, a book designed to give parents steps on how to improve their child’s mental

health. Her second book is a workbook for teens, Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations

Every Teen Needs To Know. She is a speaker and writer who helps educate teens and parents

on the topics teens face in everyday life. She is a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania

and continues to further her education by obtaining additional certifications in her field, one of

her favorite pastimes! When Keri isn't busy working with teens, she is busy with her own four

children and her flock of chickens.

What if your teen’s mental health isn’t just about therapy, diagnoses, or behavior… but about the small daily habits happening inside your home?

In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today’s World, Cheryl sits down with therapist, author, and holistic mental health expert Keri Cooper to unpack the real foundations of teen mental health — and why anxiety, emotional dysregulation, school refusal, sleep deprivation, and overwhelm are skyrocketing in today’s teens.

Together, they explore how parenting has shifted, why teens are struggling more than ever, and what parents can begin doing immediately to create calmer, more resilient homes.

This episode is packed with honest insight, practical strategies, and powerful mindset shifts for parents raising teens in today’s screen-saturated, high-pressure world.

• Why teen anxiety is at an all-time high
• The connection between sleep and emotional regulation
• How dehydration and nutrition affect teen mental health
• Why parents must model the behaviors they want to see
• The hidden dangers of phones and screens at night
• School refusal and anxiety: what parents need to understand
• Why boredom is essential for healthy brain development
• The parenting patterns accidentally increasing anxiety
• Emotional regulation strategies for parents and teens
• Parenting neurodivergent teens with more understanding and less power struggles
• Why family meals matter more than ever
• How saying LESS can improve communication with teens

• “Your feelings are valid… but you still have to live your life.”
• “If you don’t like the dance you’re doing with your teen, you have to change your steps.”
• “They’re not listening to what you say — they’re watching what you do.”
• “Sleep is the foundation everything else is built on.”

Keri Cooper is a holistic therapist, speaker, author, and founder of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy in New Jersey. For over 20 years, she has helped teens and families navigate anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, sleep issues, and modern parenting challenges through a whole-child approach focused on mental and physical wellness.

Her books include:

• Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs to Know
• The companion workbook for teens

• Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy
• Keri Cooper on Instagram

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide

Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL

 email : [email protected] 

Website  cherylpankhurst.com

SOCIALS:

linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD

THE PODCAST

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

#ParentSupport #AutismAwareness

Do you ever label your teen’s outburst as “attention‑seeking,” “manipulative,” or “just drama”? In this hard‑hitting, no‑fluff episode, Cheryl Pankhurst shatters those myths once and for all. Drawing on decades of front‑line special‑ed experience and a powerful, real‑life story from a teen she coached from grade 9 through senior year, Cheryl proves that behaviour is communication—not a choice.

🔹 Why teens—especially neuro‑divergent teens—can’t “just calm down.”

🔹 The life‑changing distinction between “can’t regulate” vs. “won’t regulate.”

🔹 A 1‑5 safety rating system that gives teens a voice before a crisis hits.

🔹 Practical steps to replace judgment with empathy at home, school, and in public.

If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or any adult who watches a teen fight to be understood, this episode will flip your perspective and arm you with concrete tools to respond with compassion instead of condemnation.