Connection and Communication Validation 101 September 16, 2025 / August 25, 2025 When your teenager is dealing with something difficult, it can be natural to jump into fixing their problem to help and support them. But suggesting a solution without their permission sometimes makes it look like you don’t value what your teenager is going through. Most teens just want someone safe who accepts their feelings. To […] Read more
Connection and Communication Why Teens Push Boundaries (and Why That’s Not Always a Bad Thing!) September 9, 2025 / August 25, 2025 Most teens don’t follow the rules all the time: they test them and sometimes they completely ignore them. This can feel frustrating or disrespectful, but boundary-pushing isn’t just normal for teens. It’s a necessary part of development. Adolescence is a period for teens to figure out what they believe, what matters to them, and how […] Read more
Connection and Communication Respecting Your Teen’s Need for Independence September 2, 2025 / August 25, 2025 If you’re reading this blog, chances are you know what it feels like to bump heads with a teenager you care about– even over little things you thought weren’t a big deal. When your teen doesn’t follow through on a task or pushes back about what they’re wearing, it may represent more to them than […] Read more
Adolescent Development Teen Brain Basics August 26, 2025 / August 25, 2025 If you’ve ever wondered how your teenager went from happily talking to rolling their eyes and shutting their bedroom door—or why they sometimes make decisions that don’t make sense—you’re not the only one. Many adults take moments like this personally. The truth is that a lot is happening in the teenage mind, and what might […] Read more
Connection and Communication What is a trusted adult? August 12, 2025 / August 18, 2025 Whether you’re a parent, older sibling, teacher, coach, family friend, or mentor, chances are there’s at least one teenager in your life you care deeply about. No matter what your role is, you’ve probably wondered at some point: Do they trust me? How do they really feel about our relationship? What can I do to […] Read more