Fighting can create a whole lot of internal chaos.
Of course it can. Aside from the most obvious frustrations of not feeling heard, respected, or understood, it can go even deeper than that. Fighting can cause major catastrophic thinking; taking us down a road of speculating future worst-case scenarios. It can make us feel unsafe or untrusting.
Your teen made a mistake—now what? Before you panic or punish, here’s how to respond with calm, connection, and curiosity (instead of shame).
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?
We’re raising kids in a time when we hear that we need to meet our children with more empathy, validation, and steadiness. But at the same time, we also live in a time where disrespect, back-talk, and defiance are out of control in so many homes. So, what’s the balance?
That’s really what parenting can feel like. Seemingly nonstop little fires with the hopes of renewed growth following right behind. And trust me, that new growth isn’t always beautiful or obvious, but it is there.
What can we do as parents to stay present and keep that connection strong on our end?
As parents, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our children. When we create that distance from them, it gives us permission to see our kiddos more clearly without getting caught up in the web of their emotions, needs, moods, quirks, and pains. I invite you to check yourself
I have had a shitty mom week.. and I think it boils down to the transition into our summer schedule.
Recently, I had a strong urge for a family ski trip... Of course, after only half an hour into the car ride, I looked into the review mirror and saw everyone already on their screens and in their own worlds. I knew right then that this trip wasn’t going to go according to my agenda.
Fear, worry and massive feelings of attachment to what we want for our kids will take over at times - how do we handle it?
“I reminded myself every single day that you two needed me, whether or not you knew it. That thought would get me through, even on the roughest days.”
I'm focusing on the dads and all those who are partnered or co-parenting.
No father should have to tackle the confusion alone.
The battle of two wills.
3 small but powerful things to help you stay grounded and present, resulting in deeper connection.
Connection can show up in a million and one different ways and is most certainly not a one-size fits all type of thing. And here’s the secret pathway to building that connection…
