Hi ,"My teen never talks to me."I hear this weekly. Sometimes daily.And every time, I wonder: Are they not talking? Or are we not listening?Here's an uncomfortable truth: most of what we call "listening" isn't listening at all.We're:Waiting for our t...

Hi ,Let me guess: there's a conversation you know you need to have with your teen. But you keep putting it off because you don't want it to blow up.Their screen time. That friend you're worried about. Their mood lately. Something you saw on their soc...

Hi ,I'm about to share something that might sting a little:Your teen probably doesn't feel truly known by you.Before you protest (I have three kids myself I get it), let me explain.We confuse managing our teens' lives with knowing their lives. We kno...

Hi ,Tell me if this sounds familiar:You know you're right. You have the facts, the logic, the life experience. Your teen is clearly in the wrong. So you lay out your case. Perfectly. Undeniably.Your teen shuts down. Storms off. Stops talking.You won...

Hi ,Quick question: When was the last time your teen opened up to you about something that really mattered?If you're struggling to remember, you're not alone. I hear from parents every single day who feel locked out of their teen's inner world.Here's...

Hi ,The text came at 2:47 PM on a Tuesday: "Mom, I need to talk to you about something. Can you call me right away?"Victoria's hands were shaking as she dialed her 19-year-old son's number. When he answered, his voice was barely a whisper."Mom, I mes...

Dear ,This week is Customer Service Week, and while I'm usually the one offering support and guidance, I want to flip the script for a moment.I want to appreciate YOU.For a very long time, I've had the privilege of working with many of families, and...

Hi ,"We're not giving our daughter a phone until she goes to university. That way she won't develop bad habits."The mom sitting across from me was proud of this decision. She thought she was protecting her 16-year-old from phone addiction by keeping...

Hi ,"Just put your phone down.""Use some self-control.""You're stronger than this addiction."If you've said these words to your teenager (and I know you have, because every parent has), you've probably been met with eye rolls, arguments, or complete...

Hi ,"GIVE ME THAT PHONE RIGHT NOW!"Amara was screaming at her 15-year-old daughter Susan for the third time that week. It was 11:30 PM, and she'd discovered Susan scrolling TikTok instead of sleeping, again.Susan's response was predictable: door slam...