Speaking of Teens

In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the most emotionally charged challenges parents face...teen friendship drama...and sharing exactly what to do (and what not to do) when your teenager comes home in tears over a falling out with their friend group. You'll also learn why social rejection genuinely feels life-threatening to the adolescent brain, how boys and girls navigate friend conflicts differently, the ins and outs of "popularity" and more. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

In this episode, I'll completely flip your understanding of teen discipline — because if grounding, taking the phone, punishing, and lecturing haven't worked, it's not because you haven't tried hard enough, it's because those approaches are working against your teen's developing brain. Today I'm breaking down exactly why traditional punishment backfires every single time, what teen brain development actually means for your parenting approach, and what discipline is truly supposed to accomplish. I'll walk you through why your teenager's impulsive, emotional, and sometimes baffling behavior isn't defiance — it's a skill deficit rooted in an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex — and I'll show you what actually works instead. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

In this episode, I'm sharing some of the most powerful, science-backed strategies you can use to help motivate your teen to change their relationship with substances — without the yelling, punishing, lecturing, or ultimatums that likely haven't been working. Drawing from the highly regarded book Beyond Addiction , I walk you through two of the most effective tools available to parents of teens struggling with drug or alcohol use: motivational interviewing and the CRAFT method (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), which research has shown to be more effective than traditional intervention approaches and Al-Anon. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today I’ll explain exactly what to do when you discover your teen is drinking, vaping, or using drugs. You’ll learn how to have a calm, connected conversation with your teen, how to understand why your teen is using substances, how to approach them with empathy instead of confrontation, and practical strategies to keep them safe while maintaining trust. I also review the critical mistakes we parents make in this situation, and how to set boundaries without pushing them away. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate this scary situation with science-backed strategies that protect both your teen's wellbeing and your connection with them. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

In today's episode I break down the neuroscience behind why teens are so vulnerable to substance use—and explain what you can actually do about it. If you're worried about your teen using alcohol, vaping, or marijuana, this episode is for you. I explain how the adolescent brain's reward system, weak prefrontal cortex, and neuroplasticity create the perfect storm for risky behavior. But here's the good news: the majority of teens do NOT use substances, and I'm sharing 4 science-backed strategies to help your teen stay in that majority. You can watch this episode on YouTube as well! Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today I'm going to share why your teenager seems so lazy and unmotivated, and what you can actually do about it that won't backfire. I'll explain what's happening in that unmotivated brain of theirs and why punishment, rewards, and nagging to get them to do their homework or study are only making things worse. Plus, I'll walk you through Dr. Adam Price's (author of "He's Not Lazy") proven 8-step framework for helping unmotivated teens develop internal drive. Listen to learn how to motivate your teenager without destroying your parent-teen relationship. You can watch this episode on YouTube as well! Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

In this episode, I explain how you may be unwittingly overparenting (aka, helicopter parenting) your teen—and why doing too much for or controlling your teenager actually sets them up for failure as a young adult. I'll explain what helicopter parenting really looks like and the psychological damage it causes to our teens, young adults, or college-age kids. You'll also learn practical strategies to stop overparenting, reduce parent-teen conflict, and raise confident teenagers who can handle life's challenges. You can watch this episode on YouTube as well! Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

It seems reasonable and logical that drug testing your teenager at home could keep them safe or at least keep them accountable. However, the opposite is actually true. Today I discuss the damage we cause when we drug test our teens at home and why drug testing is simply not practical and isn't the solution you may think it is. I'll also explain what you should do instead if you want to decrease the likelihood of your teen participating in risky behaviors. This episode ( here on YouTube ) will be helpful for you whether substances are an issue with your teen or not. The general principals I talk about can be applied to any similar situation. Listen to episode 178 (having a conversation with your teen about their substance use) Listen to episode 183 and 184 on the CRAFT Method Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the eighth and final episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. If your teen shuts down around you, keeps things from you, has big emotional reactions to everything you say, or is acting out in risky ways, you probably have a connection problem. In today's episode, I explain exactly what connection means, why it's critical for parenting emotional teens, and how to build it (even when your teenager wants nothing to do with you). Listen and learn science backed strategies to build your connection, strengthen your relationship and gain more influence in your teen's life. You can also watch this series on YouTube . Emotion Coaching episode on YouTube or listen to episode 239 Free parenting guide " Emotion Coaching " Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the seventh episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. If you're dealing with a teenager who seems to push back against everything you say, punishment or consequences aren’t the answer and will probably make things worse. In this episode, I'll explain why traditional discipline backfires with teenagers and what actually works instead. You'll learn why punishment creates rebellion in teens and what to do instead. You can end the constant power struggles by learning how to support your teen’s autonomy while staying connected and improving their behavior. You can also watch this series on YouTube . Check out episodes 14 and 91 for more about backing up and allowing natural consequences. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the sixth episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. Do you feel helpless in the face of your teen's emotional meltdowns? Today, I'll teach you a scientifically proven technique for helping your teen actually calm down. It's called emotion coaching and it will transform how you handle your teenager's big feelings and emotional outbursts. We're going to discuss the 10 steps I believe are crucial for you to get this right and see major change in your teen. You can also watch this series on YouTube . Download the free parenting guide: " Emotional Awareness Strategies " Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the fifth episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. Want to stop the power struggles with your teen? The secret isn't changing them—it's changing YOU. In this episode, discover how your thoughts, emotions, and reactions directly influence your teenager's behavior. I'll show you how to reappraise situations, manage stress, and create the space you need to respond thoughtfully instead of emotionally. You can also watch this series on YouTube . And be sure to listen to the following helpful episodes as well: Episodes 30 , 102 , 120 , and 127 Download the free parenting guide: " Emotional Awareness Strategies " Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the fourth episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. (Previous episodes in the series: 234 , 235 , and 236 ) If you're constantly battling with your teenager and their behavior seems to be getting worse instead of better, the problem might not be your teen—it might be your approach. In today's episode I'll explain why supporting your teen's autonomy is the key to reducing conflict, staying connected, and actually improving their behavior in the long run. I'll give you 8 actionable strategies to support their autonomy while also keeping them safe...including what to do instead of punishing them. You can also watch this series on YouTube . And be sure to listen to the following helpful episodes as well: Episodes 15 16 22 94 and 148 Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the third episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. (Previous episodes in the series: 234 and 235 ) Why do teens do such “stupid” things? Why do they take such risks? In this episode I explain the science behind why your teenager does dangerous, stupid, or reckless things—from driving too fast to sneaking out to experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Learn how your teen's reward system and "social system" of their brain are turbocharged during adolescence, making them willing to take risks with friends that they'd never take alone. I'll explore why lecturing your teen about risks doesn't work, and instead share proven strategies that actually help teens avoid dangerous situations. You can also watch this series on YouTube . 4-part audio podcast series on Connection: Episodes 104 , 106 , 108 , and 110 Episode 95 on Emotion Coaching Free guide, " Emotion Coaching " Episode 114 on Vaping Refusal Skills (applicable to many behaviors-be sure to check out the resources at the bottom of this page) Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the second episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. (The first episode in the series: 234 ) If you're struggling with your teen's anger, emotional outbursts, and irrational behavior, this episode will help you understand and manage better. I'll explain the neuroscience behind your teenager's emotionally driven misbehavior...including how your teen's overactive amygdala (the brain's threat detector) and underdeveloped prefrontal cortex create the perfect storm for emotional dysregulation, impulsive reactions, and daily meltdowns. By the end of this episode you'll have more compassion and empathy for what you're teen's going through so that you can manage your own emotional reactions to their behavior. You can also watch this series on YouTube . Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here Download my free guide, " The Challenging Adolescent Brain " "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! I drop new episodes every Tuesday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. Thanks so much for listening! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Today is the first episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. I'm revisiting this series that I first published back in episodes 130 through 137. I'll be walking you through the basics that we cover in my course, The Field Guide for Teens , that you get inside Parent Camp . This is the framework I formulated over thousands of hours of research , which has helped change the relationship between so many parents and their teens. If you need help getting back to the basics and renewing your determination to change things with your teen, then jump into this series today and stay tuned for the rest over the next several weeks. You can also watch this series on YouTube . Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here Download my free guide, " The Challenging Adolescent Brain " "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! I drop new episodes every Tuesday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. Thanks so much for listening! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

I made some critical mistakes with our teenage son when we were struggling with his behavior issues. Some of us are so deeply entrenched in certain parenting strategies that we don't even recognize they're not effective (and may actually be making things worse). Life is so busy that we're usually in "reaction" mode and have little time to think in advance or look for a better way to do things. In today's episode, I'll help you understand at least some of the mistakes that you should avoid at all costs. From not fully understanding their behavior...to thinking "consequences" will do the trick, these are some of the most common mistakes parents make while raising teenagers. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. Thanks so much for listening! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Are you struggling with difficult teen behavior, constant conflict, and feeling like nothing you do actually works? In today's episode I explain that the secret to better teen behavior isn't administering the right consequences or enforcing stricter rules—it's developing your own emotional regulation skills. Your emotions and your emotional reactions directly impact your teenager's behavior and mental health. Listen to the episode to learn the science-backed techniques that will help you become more emotionally aware and regulated. Mastering your emotional world is the parenting skill that changes everything. Grab my free Emotional Awareness Strategies guide to start implementing these techniques immediately. Read the related Substack , Your Mindset and Your Teen's Behavior , dated 9-23-25. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. Thanks so much for listening! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

Are smartphones and social media really destroying teen mental health, or are we panicking as we have many times in the past? From novels, radio, and comic books, to TV violence, and violent video games...they've all been blamed for corrupting teenage minds and harming their mental health. Listen to today's episode to understand why the current research on teen mental health, smart phones, and social media is far from definitive and discover a more balanced approach to helping your teenager navigate their digital world safely. Read the related Substack , A Different Take on Teen Screentime , dated 9-16-25. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. Thanks so much for listening! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...

A calm, structured, predictable home life is as important for teens and tweens as it is for children. Scientific research shows that the opposite will have a negative effect on adolescent's mental health and overall wellbeing and could lead to behavioral issues. In today's episode I talk about 5 ways you can interject more calm into your home with teens to help alleviate their stress (and yours) and improve their chances of avoiding negative outcomes. These tips will not only help reign in the chaos but will improve the relationship with your kids and teens. Read the related Substack , Creating a Low-Stress Home for Teen Mental Health , dated 9-9-25. Show Notes and Transcript Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here , to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents! I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. Thanks so much for listening! 3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me. Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.) The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50! Check out the podcast on YouTube ! Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read ...