When I work with clients who are parents, it’s common to hear, “What if I mess up my kid?!” Their fear and concern is palpable. Often, parents say this when they’re coming to terms with their own painful relationship dynamics with their parents and genuinely want something better for their children. The teen years in particular can cause parents to feel a painful distance from their kid(s), leaving them wondering if they’ve done something wrong, or if they’ll ever be close again. What can parents do to keep perspective, practice self-care, and take meaningful steps to protect connection, even when their teens want space from them?
Read More
I don’t have to tell you that being a parent or support person to a teen is HARD work! Teens are in such a unique stage developmentally--not quite an adult but not quite a child either (although you may beg to disagree at times ;) ). They’re developing the capacity to question, explore, and generate their own ideas and beliefs about the world while their growing brains can cause them to crave intensity (loud music, new experiences) and be highly emotional and impulsive. It can be a tricky combination!
Read More
You’ve been watching your kid struggle for so long. You know how important friendships are throughout life, especially during the teen years. You want to help them make friends in real life (not just online), but they get angry when you bring it up and don’t want to talk to you about it. You get that it’s awkward and they’re embarrassed, but it’s painful to watch. You constantly wonder how you can help.
Read More