Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World

#ParentingTeens #IEPSupport #SpecialEducation #NeurodivergentTeens #ParentAdvocacy #SchoolSupport #PsychoeducationalAssessment 

Welcome to another raw, real, and honest conversation on Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today’s World—where we stop sugarcoating parenting and start understanding what’s actually going on beneath the surface.

Because it’s not them… it’s you—and that’s where the magic happens.

In this episode, we explore something many parents feel but don’t fully understand:

👉 Why animals can regulate your teen’s nervous system faster than words ever could.

I’m joined by Prairie Conlon, licensed mental health therapist and equine-assisted psychotherapist, who shares how animals—especially horses—can access parts of your teen’s brain that traditional therapy simply can’t reach.

This conversation will shift how you think about:

• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Autism
• Emotional regulation
• And why your teen “shuts down” when you try to talk

• Why traditional “sit and talk” therapy often fails teens
• How animals bypass resistance and connect directly to the nervous system
• The powerful role of nonverbal communication in neurodivergent teens
• Why horses teach boundaries and self-regulation better than adults
• The difference between verbal memory vs. sensory (trauma) memory
• Why your teen may be “fine” at school—but falls apart at home
• How animals reduce anxiety in minutes (backed by brain research)
• Why therapy should never feel like punishment
• What real progress looks like (hint: it’s not always what you expect)

If your teen won’t open up…

If therapy hasn’t worked…

If you’re exhausted trying to “get through” to them…

This episode will help you understand:

👉 Your teen isn’t resisting you.

👉 Their nervous system is protecting them.

👉 And connection doesn’t start with talking—it starts with safety.

Prairie Conlon is a licensed mental health therapist and founder of Emotional Support Assisted Therapy. She specializes in integrating animals into trauma therapy, autism support, and emotional healing.

Her work has been featured in:

• The Guardian
• Military Makeover
• Creature Comforts documentary

And her approach is changing how we understand healing—especially for teens who don’t fit the traditional model.

Because what you’re doing might not be wrong…

It’s just not reaching the part of your teen that needs support.

And once you understand that—

everything shifts.

If your teen is struggling in school, navigating a diagnosis, or you feel lost in the system…

I help you go from diagnosis → direction

So you can walk into meetings confident and finally feel heard.

👉 Visit CherylPankhurst.com to book a complimentary consultation

#ParentingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #TeenAnxiety #ADHDParenting #AutismSupport

#AutismParenting

#ParentingTeens

#Neurodivergent

#AutismAwareness

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined, I sit down with Susan Tatem, the visionary behind the anthology Daring to Belong: Stories of Autism, Courage and Connection, to talk about what really happens when autistic teens become adults.

We challenge the cultural myth that adulthood begins at 18—and explore what readiness, independence, and support actually look like for neurodivergent individuals.

This is not a surface-level conversation.

This is real, raw, and what parents need to hear.

We talk about:

• Why chronological age does NOT equal developmental readiness
• The painful balance between protecting your child and letting go
• What to say (and what NOT to say) when supporting independence
• The reality of watching your child make choices you know may hurt them
• How to “keep the light on” when there’s distance or estrangement
• The 3 most important priorities: health, safety, and welfare
• Practical strategies you can start using TODAY
• 
  

Susan also shares her personal journey raising her autistic daughter into adulthood—and the fears she’s had to release along the way.

If you are parenting a teen with autism, navigating a new diagnosis, or trying to understand how to support independence without losing connection… this episode will stay with you.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Your child doesn’t need you to control their path.

They need to know you’re still there… no matter what.

📚 About the Book:

Daring to Belong brings together powerful voices sharing real stories of raising and supporting neurodivergent children—with all proceeds supporting the autism community.

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

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

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

In this unfiltered WTF (Welcome to Friday) episode, Cheryl Pankhurst dives into one of the most frustrating parenting challenges: teen lying—and the uncomfortable truth parents need to hear.

Inspired by insights from Dr. Becky Kennedy, this episode reframes everything you think you know about dishonesty in teens.

👉 What if your teen isn’t lying to deceive you…

👉 What if they’re lying to protect themselves?

Cheryl breaks down how common parenting habits—like asking questions we already know the answers to—actually create a “test” instead of building trust.

And here’s the shift:

➡️ When teens feel tested, they go into self-preservation mode

➡️ When teens feel safe, they move toward honesty and connection

• Why asking “Where were you?” can backfire instantly
• How parents unintentionally set teens up to lie
• The difference between curiosity vs. control
• What to say instead when you already know the truth
• How to create a home where honesty feels safer than lying
• The powerful mindset shift: the lie is not the problem—it’s the symptom

Instead of:

Try:

No traps. No tests. Just connection.

Because this isn’t about controlling your teen’s behavior…

It’s about the environment we’re creating as parents.

If we want honest kids, we have to become the place where truth feels safe—not risky.

If this episode hit home, share it with another parent who needs this shift.

And if you’re ready to change the dynamic in your home, connect with Cheryl for support at:

👉 www.cherylpankhurst.com

#ParentingTeens #TeenLying #ParentingTips #ConsciousParenting #TeenCommunication

#ParentingAdvice #MomLife #RaisingTeens #ConnectionOverControl #ParentingShift

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

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

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

#AutismAcceptance

#ParentingTeens

#Neurodivergent

#ADHD

#AutismParenting

#Grandparents

✔️ How grandparents can become powerful allies instead of barriers

✔️ Why awareness → acceptance → action is the path forward

✔️ Practical ways to support neurodivergent children at family events

✔️ The language shift that reduces shame and builds trust

✔️ How self-care impacts your ability to support your family

This episode features insights from the anthology:

“Daring to Belong: Stories of Courage & Autism”

Launching around Autism Awareness Day (April 2)

• Parents of neurodivergent teens
• Grandparents who want to better understand
• Educators and professionals
• Families navigating autism, ADHD, or learning differences

If your teen is struggling in school, navigating a diagnosis, or you feel unheard in the system…

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Visit: www.cherylpankhurst.com

Book a complimentary consultation

✔️ Subscribe for real, raw parenting conversations

✔️ Share this episode with someone who needs it

✔️ Leave a review—it helps more families find support

https://coachingforschools.com/parents-guide-to-ebsa/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanramseycoach/ www.coachingforschools.com You Tube: Jean Ramsey ADHD and Education coach

If your teen is struggling in school, navigating a diagnosis, or you feel unheard in the system…

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Visit: www.cherylpankhurst.com

Book a complimentary consultation

#AutismAwareness

#NeurodivergentKids

#ParentingTeens

#InclusiveEducation

#IEP

If your teen feels like they don’t belong… this is the conversation we need to have.

In this raw and unfiltered WTF Friday episode, Cheryl Pankhurst challenges one of the biggest misconceptions in parenting and education:

👉 That accommodations automatically create inclusion.

They don’t.

Because true belonging doesn’t come from what we give kids…

It comes from whether we actually listen to them.

With Autism Awareness Day approaching and the release of Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection, this episode dives deep into:

• Why “good intentions” can still miss the mark
• How IEPs and accommodations can unintentionally exclude
• The powerful shift from telling kids what they need → asking them what works
• What the pandemic taught us about isolation, disconnection, and empathy
• How parents, teachers, and leaders can create real inclusion

This isn’t just about autism.

This is about every child who feels different, unseen, or disconnected.

Belonging isn’t created by checking boxes.

It’s created through conversation, curiosity, and connection.

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

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

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

#AutismAwareness

#NeurodivergentKids

#ParentingTeens

#InclusiveEducation

#IEP

If your teen feels like they don’t belong… this is the conversation we need to have.

In this raw and unfiltered WTF Friday episode, Cheryl Pankhurst challenges one of the biggest misconceptions in parenting and education:

👉 That accommodations automatically create inclusion.

They don’t.

Because true belonging doesn’t come from what we give kids…

It comes from whether we actually listen to them.

With Autism Awareness Day approaching and the release of Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection, this episode dives deep into:

• Why “good intentions” can still miss the mark
• How IEPs and accommodations can unintentionally exclude
• The powerful shift from telling kids what they need → asking them what works
• What the pandemic taught us about isolation, disconnection, and empathy
• How parents, teachers, and leaders can create real inclusion

This isn’t just about autism.

This is about every child who feels different, unseen, or disconnected.

Belonging isn’t created by checking boxes.

It’s created through conversation, curiosity, and connection.

Connect with Cheryl!

Get the book here!

Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection

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

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

Neurodivergent Teens Aren’t “Acting Out”… They’re Asking for Connection

1. What If Your Teen’s Behavior Isn’t Defiance… But a Cry for Connection?
2. Why Neurodivergent Teens “Shut Down” (And What Parents Are Missing)
3. Stop Correcting Your Teen—Start Understanding Them (This Changes Everything)

#neurodivergentteens

#parentingteens

#adhdparenting

#autismparenting

#behavioriscommunication

What if your teen’s behavior isn’t something to fix… but something to understand?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Cheryl sits down with Jillian Nycum to challenge everything we’ve been taught about behavior, belonging, and parenting neurodivergent teens.

This episode goes beyond labels and accommodations—and into something much deeper:

👉 What if shutdowns, resistance, and emotional explosions aren’t defiance… but signals?

👉 What if your teen isn’t “acting out”… but trying to connect?

Jillian shares a transformative perspective rooted in neuroscience, systems thinking, and lived experience raising a neurodivergent child. Together, they unpack how traditional systems—especially schools—often prioritize compliance over connection, and why that’s costing our kids more than we realize.

This conversation will shift how you see your teen, their behavior, and your role as a parent.

• Why behavior is communication—not manipulation
• The truth about masking (and why it’s more like filtering)
• How neurodivergent teens experience the world differently
• Why belonging is not a “soft skill”—it’s a strategy
• What parents and teachers are missing when they focus on compliance
• How to move from correction → curiosity in real time
• The hidden cost of “fitting into the system”
• How connection changes everything in your relationship

• “Behavior is not the problem—it’s the signal.”
• “Belonging is a condition we create, not something kids earn.”
• “Curiosity over correction.”
• “Your child is showing you how to connect with them.”
• “Masking is often filtering—what they let in and what they keep out.”

Jillian Nycum is a coach, facilitator, and learning designer who supports parents, educators, and leaders in navigating complexity through nervous system alignment, relationships, and systems thinking.

With over 20 years of experience and lived insight as a parent of a neurodivergent child, her work blends neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and real-world application to help people create environments where belonging fuels growth.

Share it with a parent or educator who needs this perspective.

Follow the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations that challenge how we parent and lead.

And if your teen is struggling in school or you’re navigating diagnosis, IEPs, or advocacy—you don’t have to do this alone.

#neurodivergentteens

#parentingteens

#adhdparenting

#autismparenting

#behavioriscommunication

#consciousparenting

#momsofteens

#parentingadvice

#neurodiversity

#emotionalregulation

#traumainformedparenting

#specialeducation

#iepsupport

#parentingtips

#mentalhealthawareness

#raisingteens

#connectionovercorrection

#parentinghelp

#nervoussystemregulation

#educationreform

If you want to really leverage this episode for growth, the next move is:

What if your teen’s behavior isn’t something to fix… but something to understand?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Cheryl sits down with Gillian Nycum to challenge everything we’ve been taught about behavior, belonging, and parenting neurodivergent teens.

This episode goes beyond labels and accommodations—and into something much deeper:

👉 What if shutdowns, resistance, and emotional explosions aren’t defiance… but signals?

👉 What if your teen isn’t “acting out”… but trying to connect?

Gillian shares a transformative perspective rooted in neuroscience, systems thinking, and lived experience raising a neurodivergent child. Together, they unpack how traditional systems—especially schools—often prioritize compliance over connection, and why that’s costing our kids more than we realize.

This conversation will shift how you see your teen, their behavior, and your role as a parent.

• Why behavior is communication—not manipulation
• The truth about masking (and why it’s more like filtering)
• How neurodivergent teens experience the world differently
• Why belonging is not a “soft skill”—it’s a strategy
• What parents and teachers are missing when they focus on compliance
• How to move from correction → curiosity in real time
• The hidden cost of “fitting into the system”
• How connection changes everything in your relationship

• “Behavior is not the problem—it’s the signal.”
• “Belonging is a condition we create, not something kids earn.”
• “Curiosity over correction.”
• “Your child is showing you how to connect with them.”
• “Masking is often filtering—what they let in and what they keep out.”

Gillian Nycum is a coach, facilitator, and learning designer who supports parents, educators, and leaders in navigating complexity through nervous system alignment, relationships, and systems thinking.

With over 20 years of experience and lived insight as a parent of a neurodivergent child, her work blends neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and real-world application to help people create environments where belonging fuels growth.

Share it with a parent or educator who needs this perspective.

Follow the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations that challenge how we parent and lead.

And if your teen is struggling in school or you’re navigating diagnosis, IEPs, or advocacy—you don’t have to do this alone.

#neurodivergentteens

#parentingteens

#adhdparenting

#autismparenting

#behavioriscommunication

Here is your Gift!!!

Guide

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

If your child has an IEP, the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 can feel overwhelming.

You’re not just thinking about academics—you’re wondering:

👉 Will my child get lost in a much bigger school?

👉 Will teachers really understand their learning needs?

👉 What happens to their IEP—does it actually follow them?

👉 Will they feel socially safe and included?

👉 And when they’re struggling… who will they go to?

These are real, valid concerns—and you’re not alone in them.

The high school transition is one of the most critical moments for students with learning differences, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. And the truth is, the support doesn’t automatically “just happen.”

But with the right preparation, advocacy, and awareness, this transition can feel a lot more supported—for both you and your child.

This is the conversation every parent of an IEP student needs to be having before Grade 9 begins.

#IEP #ParentingTeens #SpecialEducation #NeurodivergentTeens #ADHDKids #AutismSupport #HighSchoolTransition #Grade9 #ParentAdvocacy #SpecialEdSupport #IEPTransition 

Connect with Cheryl!

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

Sleep support

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

Join our Podcast Private Facebook Group!

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What’s it like to work with me!

MINI-COURSE

#ParentingTeens

#TeenMentalHealth

#DigitalWellbeing

#DrSajitaSetia

#ScreenTimeForTeens

#SocialMediaAndTeens

In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined, Cheryl sits down with Dr. Sajita Setia, physician, digital well-being researcher, and evidence-based educator, for a much-needed conversation about raising teenagers in a world shaped by screens, algorithms, social media, and AI.

Parents today are navigating a reality none of us grew up in. Teens are building friendships online, forming identity through digital spaces, and living in a world where their nervous systems rarely get a break. So how do parents protect their teens without pushing them away? How do we guide without controlling? And how do we create homes that feel calm, connected, and grounded in a world that never seems to turn off?

Dr. Sajita breaks down what digital well-being actually means in real life, not just in theory. She shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help families reduce harm, improve sleep, protect mental health, strengthen connection, and create healthier relationships with technology.

Cheryl and Dr. Sajita explore the emotional pull of screens, the dopamine-driven design of social media and online gaming, the risks of emotional dependency on AI, and the importance of teaching teens digital boundaries before problems escalate. They also talk about why connection is the most powerful protection parents can offer.

This episode is full of honest insight, compassionate truth, and practical tools every parent needs right now.

• What digital well-being means for teens and families
• How screens and algorithms affect teen mental health and nervous systems
• Why the old advice about screen time hours is outdated
• How to set phone and device boundaries without hovering
• Why no phones in the bedroom is one of the most important family rules
• The connection between dopamine, social media, online gaming, and compulsive screen use
• How to help teens build healthier offline sources of reward and belonging
• Why delaying smartphones and social media can matter
• The dangers of sharenting and posting children online
• How AI is shaping teen life in both helpful and harmful ways
• Why emotional reliance on AI can interfere with healthy development
• The importance of digital detox, digital sunsets, and better sleep habits
• How online predators and manipulative digital spaces can target vulnerable children
• Why parent-child connection remains the strongest form of protection

The answer is not fear, shame, or total control. The answer is connection, curiosity, boundaries, and intentional parenting in a digital world.

Website: https://sajitasetia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drsajitasetia/

Be sure to check the show notes and episode description for Dr. Sajita’s website and social platforms, where she shares education and tools for parents raising teens in today’s digital world.

Cheryl Pankhurst is an educational strategist, family advocate, speaker, published author, and founder of Insight to Impact. She helps families navigate school challenges, diagnoses, IEPs, transitions, and teen advocacy with clarity and confidence.

Visit CherylPankhurst.com to learn more about consulting and her 90-day advocacy program.

Connect with Cheryl!

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

Sleep support

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

Join our Podcast Private Facebook Group!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpswww.facebook.comgroups1258426648646523

What’s it like to work with me!

MINI-COURSE