Pivot Parenting: Expert Tips for Navigating Teen and Tween Challenges

I hear it all the time with clients and friends: One parent is the liaison between the kids and their spouse. They soften the blow of bad news, buffer the emotions of struggle, keep their teens secrets from the other parent because they both fear that parent's reaction, and generally act as a go-between to help manage their partner's emotions. 

This can feel necessary to keep the peace. This can feel like an act of betrayal. This can feel like a last ditch effort to support everyone as best you can, being the glue that holds. And usually it’s a little of all of it with some resentment sprinkled on top because you don’t want this role but have no idea how to shift it. 

In today's episode I’ll teach you:

• Why we do this

• How and when to stop this behavior

• What it is really creating

To book a free Peaceful Parenting Strategy call with me, click HERE and book the best spent 30 minutes you can take as a parent.

In Episode 241, "The Art (and Benefits) of Listening to Your Teenager," we dive deep into one of the most crucial, yet challenging, skills for parents: truly listening. You’ll learn about the two types of listening that can make or break your connection with your teen and get a practical guide on the dos and don’ts to use when they open up. Whether you're struggling to understand their world or just want to build a stronger relationship, this episode is packed with tips to transform how you listen and connect with your teenager. Tune in to discover the real power of being heard and give your teen the gift of understanding.

Ready to bring more peace into your parenting journey? Book a free Peaceful Parenting Strategy Call with me, where we’ll tackle your biggest family challenges and create a clear plan for a calmer, happier home. Let’s work together to turn chaos into connection and stress into peace—starting now!

From Christmas gifts to college applications, choosing friends, picking classes, applying for jobs, finding roommates, how to respond to a text, and even what to wear on any given Tuesday—life is full of decisions that can feel overwhelming. Add in the mental drain of decision fatigue, and it’s no wonder our teens (and even we) feel worn out by lunch!

But what if regret over decisions could be a teachable moment for your teens? Imagine the confidence they could build in making choices that align with the life they want, and the relief that could bring to your household. Decision-making is a learnable skill, and in today’s episode, I’m going to show you exactly how to help your teen master it.

What You’ll Learn:

• The hidden reason why decision-making is so difficult—and how to overcome it.
• Step-by-step strategies to guide your teen in making decisions they’ll feel good about.
• How to handle it when the 'wrong decision' is made, and turn it into a growth opportunity.

Want to go deeper and help your teen tackle life’s big decisions with ease? Book a free 30-minute consultation with me, and together we’ll work through your family’s biggest challenges.

Ever find yourself staring at your teen, wondering why they keep making choices that seem baffling? They may look like adults, but they're not acting like one. They struggle with impulse control, long-term planning, and prioritizing wisdom over their friend’s opinion. In this episode, I’m diving into the science behind those head-scratching decisions and how you, as a parent, can stop spinning your wheels and start supporting them in the most helpful ways possible.

We’ll break down why they’re wired to be influenced by their peers, can’t see past tomorrow, are ruled by emotions, and—let’s face it—think your advice is “outdated.” Knowing what’s going on in their brains helps you guide them more effectively and allows them to learn from their own mistakes while keeping your sanity intact.

In today's episode you'll learn:

• The 4 driving reasons your teen is making the choices they are
• What you can do to mentor and support them without going crazy

Want more support navigating these parenting hurdles? Let’s chat. Book a free consultation with me, and together we’ll work to make your family dynamic stronger than ever.

We’ve all heard the word "objectify" in the context of sexualizing women, reducing them to something that exists to gratify others. But this same concept shows up in parenting more often than we realize. When we label our teens, we’re unconsciously treating them as objects—means to an end for our own validation, appearance, or pride. In this sister episode to #144 episode, I explore how labeling our teens strips them of their individuality, dreams, and struggles, and how this egocentric mindset creates a toxic cycle in our homes.

It’s easy to fall into this trap, expecting our teens to represent the family weel, soothe our wounds, and validate our parenting. But this comes at a great cost: the diminishing of our teens' humanity. Together, we’ll unpack why this happens, how it affects our relationships, and most importantly, how to break the cycle for more genuine and respectful connections with our teens.

Key Takeaways:

- How labeling teens objectifies them and harms their self-worth.

- Recognizing the ego-based patterns that create this dynamic.

- Steps to stop the cycle of objectification and foster a healthier parent-teen relationship.

Ready to make this shift and build a stronger connection with your teen? Book a consultation with me today, and let’s dive deeper into transforming your family dynamics.

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most common struggles parents face—tying their self-worth to their teen's choices and behaviors. It’s easy to feel like a "good" parent when things are going smoothly, but what happens when your teen starts acting out or making decisions you don't agree with? Does that make you a failure?

Join me as we explore how to detach your self-esteem from your teen’s actions and focus on your own emotional well-being. By letting go of the need to control every outcome, you can show up as a more confident, supportive parent while allowing your teen the space to grow, learn, and make their own decisions.

• How tying your self-worth looks in real time, so that you can recognize how we all do this. 
• Why tying your self-worth to your teen's behavior is harmful to both you and your child.
• Practical steps to emotionally detach from your teen's choices without losing connection.
• How to feel like a successful parent, no matter what your teen is doing.
• Ways to maintain your emotional balance, even when your teen is struggling or rebelling.

If you're ready to stop riding the emotional rollercoaster and create a more peaceful, fulfilling parenting experience, this episode is for you!

Don't forget to grab my free resource to help navigate these challenges with ease: 30+ Phrases to Turn Any Argument Around—because every parent could use a little extra help in tough conversations!

And if you want the fastest progress with the least amount of hang-ups and pain, grab a free 30 minute consultation with me where we'll discuss a custom strategy to get your relationships right where you want them Schedule HERE. 

Why won’t your teen confide in you, give you a straight answer, or do anything more than grunt or nod? I know it can feel frustrating when you’re trying to connect, and it just isn’t happening.

Short answer: They don’t want to.  

Long answer: They have a really good reason that's unique to them but not unique for human psychology. In this episode, I’m diving into the logical and predicatable ‘why’ behind your teen’s silence. From their perspective to common roadblocks we may unknowingly create, I’ll break down what’s going on and how you can start making shifts to open up communication again.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- The main reasons your teen pulls away and stops talking

- How to spot (and remove) the communication barriers that keep them from opening up

- Simple, effective ways to rebuild trust and get your teen talking without forcing it

- The common mistakes parents make when trying to get their teens to talk—and how to avoid them.

If you’re done with the one-word answers and ready for real conversations, this episode is for you. Let’s get to the heart of what’s holding your teen back and take steps to bring connection back into your relationship.

If you'd like the free "What to Say Instead Cheat Sheet" I mentioned in this episode, click HERE

Want some extra help figuring out what’s going on with your teen? Book a free 30-minute consultation with me, and we’ll create a plan that works for your family. Book your call HERE.

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why won’t my teen just go to bed?”—trust me, you’re not alone! The nightly struggle over bedtime is real for so many parents. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about stubbornness or screen time. In this episode, we’ll explore why teens naturally want to stay up late and what you can do to help them wind down and get the rest they need (without turning bedtime into a war zone).

• The biological reasons why teens’ bodies are wired to stay up later (it’s science, not attitude).

• How stress and social pressures can be affecting their sleep schedule and what you can do about it.

• Simple, practical strategies to encourage better sleep habits—without constant nagging or frustration.

• How to talk about bedtime in a way that respects their autonomy but still helps them make healthier choices.

Tired of the endless bedtime battles? Tune in and learn how to shift the dynamic, so both you and your teen can enjoy more peaceful nights.

And if you want some extra support on this or other parenting challenges, let’s chat! Book a free 30-minute consultation with me, and we’ll create a personalized plan to get you and your teen back on track. Book your call HERE.

Ever wonder what sets the most successful teens apart? It’s not luck or perfect behavior—it’s the way their parents show up! In this episode, I’ll share four key things that parents of thriving teens do consistently to build strong, healthy relationships and help their teens grow into confident, resilient adults. The best part? You can start implementing these strategies today, no matter where you’re at in your parenting journey!

• How to create quality communication that strengthens your connection and trust with your teen.

• Why it’s crucial to release your own expectations and dreams and let your teen follow their unique path.

• The game-changing impact of unconditional love and how it sets the foundation for your teen’s emotional security.

• How to view mistakes as learning opportunities, so you can encourage growth instead of getting stuck in frustration.

By doing these four things, you’ll not only help your teen succeed, you’ll also feel more at peace  and happy in your role as a parent.

If you want personalized support on how to make these shifts, let’s talk! Book a free 30-minute consultation with me, and we’ll dive into your specific situation to create a strategy that works for your family. Book your call HERE.

Feeling like your teen "hates" you? You're not alone. One of the most frequently Googled questions by parents is: Why does my teenager hate me? From eye rolls to harsh words, lies, and disrespect, it can seem like your teen is constantly at odds with you—and even their siblings. But why do teens sometimes act so mean, and how can parents respond in a way that fosters love, respect, and kindness?

In today’s episode, we break down the reasons behind your teen's behavior and provide actionable strategies to rebuild a more loving and harmonious relationship.

• Why Your Teen “Hates” You: Common reasons within your control, stemming from your actions, reactions, or unspoken expectations.

• Your Teen’s Perspective: What’s going on in their mind that makes them act out, and why it often has nothing to do with you.

• How to Respond with Love: Practical ways to address negative behavior and guide your teen towards kindness and mutual respect.

1. Identify Root Causes: Determine whether your teen’s frustrations are linked to something within your control or their own internal struggles.

2. Shift the Dynamic: Learn how to stop the cycle of disrespect and frustration with specific communication strategies.

3. Create a Positive Home Environment: Implement proven techniques to transform conflict into connection and restore a sense of harmony in your household.

Ready to take immediate, effective action? Book a FREE 30-minute consultation where we’ll address your specific situation and create a personalized roadmap to improve your relationship with your teen. Click here to book your call.

Would you like the free PDF “Cheatsheet” with over 30+ responses and questions to turn every potential argument into a connected interaction that can better your relationship? Click HERE and it’s yours. xoxo