Spring Break didn’t go quite as planned—and in the midst of road trip chaos, teen drama, and an injury that kept me off my snowboard, I found myself spiraling into that familiar place of parental overwhelm. But something shifted. A simple nightly habit, inspired by a book, turned our whole trip around—and reminded me of the quiet power we have to reset our mindset, connect with our kids, and trust the journey (even when it’s messy). If you’re navigating the wild waves of raising teens, this one’s for you.

Ever feel like parenting your teen is like trying to hug a cactus? Between the eye-rolls, dramatic sighs, and constant resistance, February nearly did me in. But here’s what I’ve learned—it’s not just attitude, it’s counter will: a normal (but exhausting) part of adolescent development. Understanding this one concept completely shifted how I show up in tough moments.

Let’s take a deep breath—because we’re going there: talking to our kids about sexuality, consent, relationships, and everything in between. If you grew up with awkward (or nonexistent) conversations on these topics, you're not alone—and you're exactly who this is for. In a culture that’s louder than ever about sex, it’s time we become the trusted voice in our teens’ lives.

If raising your daughter feels like a rollercoaster of snuggles one minute and slammed doors the next, you are not alone. The tween and teen years are tough—for both of you. Let’s ditch the guilt and guesswork—because “What just happened?!” doesn’t have to be your daily mantra.

What are some things you can add to your relationship with your tween or teen that will help sustain you through those sticky parenting moments?