Parenting can often feel like walking down a street filled with unexpected challenges, and this week, I explore how we can guide our kids—and ourselves—through these moments with patience and understanding, using Portia Nelson's poem Autobiography in Five Short Chapters as a starting point. I'll also talk about common setbacks your child might face as they develop and share simple strategies—like breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual reminders, and encouraging accountability—to help them grow. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with actionable strategies to guide your child's development and build a more supportive, understanding relationship.

Parenting is full of decisions that don’t have easy answers. In this solo episode, I explore the concept of "both-and thinking," an approach that helps parents embrace the gray areas and find solutions that balance boundaries with compassion. From navigating teenage independence to tackling life’s unexpected hurdles, this mindset offers a way to honor multiple truths at once. Join me as I share real-life examples and actionable strategies to help you build stronger, more flexible relationships with your kids.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a challenge many parents face: What do you do when your teenage daughter starts withdrawing? Whether she’s shutting the door, spending more time alone, or pulling away from the connection you once shared, it can be confusing and worrisome. I’ll explore how to distinguish between typical adolescent behavior and potential signs of depression, share practical strategies for reconnecting, and offer tips for fostering meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface. From navigating sibling rivalry and addressing false narratives to planning individual dates and using alternative communication methods like texting, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you support your teen while respecting her growing need for independence. Tune in to learn how to rebuild connection and navigate this normal yet challenging stage of parenting.