People tell us that constant push back is normal for teenagers and parents need to be grateful because it means they’re growing up. But this push back can leave parents feeling disconnected from their teen. And what happens when the pushback takes the form of breaking curfew, failing exams, and talking back, or constantly butting heads? We can feel like we’re living in a constant [...]
Is your teen trampling over your last nerve? Do you get tired of constantly feeling like the disciplinarian, where your relationship with your teen gets more strained by the day? Dr. Karin Jakubowski knows how that feels, and she joins Mighty Parenting podcast host Sandy Fowler in discussing how to deal with challenging behaviors in our teens. We learn how to stay calm, how to be patient, how[...]
Angry outbursts, tears, and difficult behavior can be the hallmark of the teen years. We can also see these behaviors in our emotionally sensitive child as they learn to navigate the flood of emotions that overwhelms them. Matis Miller is an expert in dialectic behavior therapy and the author of The Uncontrollable Child. He uses DBT as a base for helping parents learn how to navigate these [...]
Alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are prevalent in today’s society. They’re present and easy for kids to access. Regardless of where you live or your economic situation, your child will be exposed. So how can you prepare your teen or young adult to avoid use and abuse? Is it better to let them have some exposure at home, in a safe environment? What can parents do-that actually works-to [...]
Kids arguing, not cutting each other slack, or ignoring each other can really push parents’ buttons. This isn’t the dream we had when we brought home that second little bundle of joy. We imagined our kids growing up together and having strong sibling relationships. We imagined them playing together and supporting each other throughout life. But sibling relationships aren’t always like that.[...]
When we’re waiting for our little bundles of joy to show up in our lives we dream; we dream about holding them, spending time with them, and enjoying a great relationship when they’re all grown up. We don’t dream about teens lying to parents, manipulating, arguing, or teens talking back. These are some of the more challenging behavior problems we encounter with our teenagers and they’re [...]
Teens do many things that baffle parents. We shake our heads and wonder why they do the things they do. But when they engage in risky behavior it scares us. When parents are scared we can over react or take a stance that makes things worse. Find out why our teenagers engage in risky behavior. Learn methods of dealing with those situations as well as the anxiety that is plaguing teens today. Mighty[...]
Have you ever caught yourself telling your teenager they are being selfish? It may be time you followed their lead. It turns out being selfish is good. Actually, it's essential if you're going to be a great parent. Find out why we need to be selfish, what that looks like, and how it can improve our parenting. Sandy Fowler interviews Dr. Laura Dabney to understand the nuances of selfishness and how[...]
Part of a parent’s job is to teach our kids, model appropriate behavior, and instill character. But what’s the most effective way to shape teen behavior? On today’s Mighty Parenting podcast we are looking at punishment vs discipline vs problem solving. Judy Davis and Sandy Fowler get insights and information from family coach Cindy Kaplan on the true differences among these 3 options and [...]