Connect With Your Teens | Conversation Starters, Parenting Tips, Screen Time, Build Connection, Communication Skills

What if your teen pushing you away… isn’t rejection at all? What if it’s actually a sign they still want connection—with you? When your teen is argumentative, emotional, or shutting you out, it’s easy to believe the connection is gone. Many moms start to feel like they’re losing their influence—or that their teen simply doesn’t care anymore. But what if that behavior isn’t disconnection… it’s a cry for connection? In this episode, we’re reframing what you’re seeing so you can understand what your teen is really asking for beneath their behavior—and begin to build connection again with confidence and clarity. You’ll Learn The difference between a broken connection and a fractured one 5 surprising signs your teen still wants connection What your teen is really asking for beneath attitude or shutdown A simple shift that will strengthen your communication skills instantly If you’ve been wondering how to reconnect or questioning if your teen still needs you… this episode will give you hope—and a new way to see what’s really happening. Do you want weekly encouragement, parenting tips, and communication skills to strengthen you relationships straight to your in box? Then click the link to join my Connect With Your Teens Insider list today!  Become an Insider here: Weekly Newsletter Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group Would you like inspiring worship music to anchor you in your journey? 🎧You can get my Anchoring Spotify Playlist here:: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist ✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

What if the hardest moments in conversations with your teen…aren’t something to fix—but something to step into? That tension you feel…that fear rising up inside of you…what if it’s not the problem? What if it’s actually the place God wants to meet you—and begin transforming how you show up in parenting teens and relationships? In this episode, we’re talking about the internal wrestle so many moms experience…and how truth-telling—not fixing—is where freedom begins. If you’ve ever: Felt fear or anxiety rise in conversations with your teen Worried about saying the wrong thing or creating distance Tried to “handle it right” but still felt disconnected This episode will help you see those moments differently, so you can build connection and respond from a place of truth—not fear. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why fear shows up in conversations with your teen How the “internal wrestle” is actually an invitation from God What Jacob’s story reveals about identity and transformation The simple question that can open the door to transformation How to begin responding from your identity in Christ instead of fear You don’t have to get it perfect. You can simply stay in the present—and be willing to tell the truth. 💬 If this podcast has encouraged or helped you would you take 30 seconds to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Your review helps more moms see the podcast and get support. Click here to review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296 💛 Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens ✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com  

Have you ever noticed your teen starts opening up…and somehow, the conversation shuts down? You’re trying to help. You’re trying to guide. But instead of getting closer… they pull away. What if the problem isn’t what you’re saying—but how quickly you’re trying to fix it? In this episode, I’m sharing one simple communication skill that can completely change the way your teen responds to you—helping them feel safe, understood, and actually want to keep talking. This is the shift that builds trust… one conversation at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why teens shut down when we move too quickly to solutions The listening mistake most moms don’t realize they’re making How summarizing creates safety and deeper connection What to say so it doesn’t feel awkward or scripted A simple way to start using this today If your teen has been distant, quiet, or hard to reach lately—this episode will show you where to start. 🎧 Press play and learn the skill that opens real conversation. ✨ Want support for applying this in real life? I’m hosting a free, private monthly support group for moms of teens — live on Zoom. It’s a safe space to come as you are, talk through what’s been hard, and get support around communication and connection. We’re kicking it off on Wednesday, March 25th at 10 AM MST. You’ll need to register to join. 👉 Save your seat here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup Resources: 💌 Want weekly encouragement and communication tips straight to your inbox?  Sign up for the newsletter and get practical tips, stories of how this works in real life & hope sent to you every week. Weekly Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunication ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Have you ever put thought into how you were going to respond to your teen… and the conversation still didn’t go the way you expected? You’re trying to stay calm. You’re thinking about what to say. And still… something feels off. In this short bonus episode, we’re talking about why communication with your teenager can feel harder than expected — even when your heart is in the right place — and the small shift that can begin building connection again. If you’ve been navigating tension, silence, or conversations that don’t go very deep, this episode will help you see what may be happening underneath it — and how to begin responding differently in a way that strengthens your relationship. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why conversations with your teen can feel off even when you’re trying What may be creating disconnection in communication A simple shift that helps build trust and connection ✨Ready for more support? If you’ve been wanting better communication with your teen but aren’t sure what to change, this will give you a place to start. If you’re listening and wishing you had support with this right now, you’re invited to join my free Connect With Your Teens Monthly Support Group — a simple space to talk through real-life conversations and move toward connection. Register 👉 https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter ✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen thinking… “Why did I say that?” or “I think I just made that worse…” You love your teen. You want to guide them, help them, and stay connected. But sometimes, in the moment, your response comes out of frustration, fear, or pressure—and it leaves both of you feeling more disconnected. What if the problem isn’t your communication skills… but what you’re anchored to in the moment? In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, Terri’s sharing 5 powerful scriptures you can use to anchor your identity in Christ so you can communicate with more peace, clarity, and confidence—and begin to build connection with your teen in a way that actually invites them to open up. This isn’t about saying the perfect thing. It’s about becoming anchored before you respond. In this episode, you’ll learn: How anchoring your identity in Christ strengthens your communication skills Why fear, guilt, and frustration can quickly disrupt connection with your teen 5 scriptures to help you feel steady and calm in difficult conversations How to respond in a way that builds connection instead of creating distance If you’ve been feeling frustrated, reactive, or unsure how to respond in conversations with your teen, this episode will give you a simple, faith-anchored place to start. Ready for more personal support?  On a personalized Communication Coaching Call, we’ll gently uncover what may be blocking connection with your teen and help you take simple, practical steps forward so you can begin responding differently right away. You can learn more and book your session here: connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching Connection with your teen doesn’t come from perfect communication. It grows when you’re anchored—and they feel safe to be heard. 💛 Need ongoing support?  Join my free monthly support group for moms of teens — a safe, faith-led space for guidance, connection, and encouragement. Learn more here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup 💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💬 Want to help more moms like you get the support they’ve been praying for? Leave a review so they can find this podcast and renewed hope for their relationship: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast  

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen thinking… “Why did I say that?” “I should have handled that better.” “Maybe I messed this up.” That quiet voice of mom guilt can creep in quickly. And while it often comes from love and a deep desire to guide your child well, it can quietly shape the way we communicate with our teens. Sometimes guilt leads us to over-explain, over-advise, or walk on eggshells in conversations. We try harder, talk more, and push for solutions—only to find our teen shutting down or pulling away. In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, we talk about how mom guilt can cloud our communication skills and unintentionally create pressure in conversations. You’ll learn simple shifts that help you communicate from peace and confidence instead of fear—so you can build connection and create space where your teen feels safe to talk. In this episode, you’ll learn: How mom guilt quietly shapes conversations with your teen Five ways guilt can unintentionally block connection Simple communication shifts that help your teen feel heard and understood Why listening first often opens the door to deeper conversations ✨ Ready to begin healing your relationship with your teen? Schedule a Communication Coaching Call with me-we’ll uncover what may be blocking connection in your relationships and map out practical next steps so you can walk forward with the ability to respond with clarity, peace, and confidence. 👉connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching Connection with your teen doesn’t grow out of guilt. It grows when they feel safe to talk—and safe to be heard. Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Grab your Anchoring Spotify Playlist here for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen thinking, “I was trying to encourage them… so why did they shut down?” You care deeply. You’re trying to listen, understand, and support your teen. But sometimes conversations still end in silence, distance, or frustration. In this episode, we talk about three common communication patterns many loving moms use that sound supportive and relatable on the surface… but can unintentionally leave a teen feeling unheard or cause them to stop talking. These patterns often come from a good place — wanting to comfort, relate, or encourage your child when they’re hurting. But when we respond this way, they can shift the focus away from your teen’s own words and experience instead of helping them feel understood.  You’ll discover how these subtle ways we try to show love and support can block connection — and how simple shifts in your communication skills can help your child feel understood and safe continuing the conversation. You’ll learn: The 3 communication patterns that can unintentionally block connection Why encouragement, reassurance, or sharing your own story can sometimes backfire How to recognize when a conversation shifts away from your teen’s experience One simple awareness step that can begin opening the door to deeper conversations If you’ve ever wondered why your teen shuts down even when you’re trying to help, this episode will give you practical communication strategies to help your teen feel safer talking and strengthen your relationship. 🎧 Ready for breakthrough with your teen? If today’s conversation encouraged you and you’re realizing you’d like some personal support navigating communication with your teen, you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can learn more about my 1-hour communication coaching call here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💬 If you learned something from this episode or were encouraged to deepen your connection with your teen, I'd love it if you'd take thirty seconds to leave a review so more moms can find the support they’ve been praying for. https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

What if the communication tools you’ve been taught… aren’t actually enough to build connection and real trust with your teen? Many moms learn communication skills like active listening or conflict resolution, yet conversations at home can still feel tense, exhausting, or disconnected. So what’s missing? In this special episode of Connect With Your Teens, I’m joined by someone who deeply shaped my own understanding of communication and relationships—my mentor Nancy Demmitt. Nancy and her husband Dallas spent decades counseling couples and families. But along the way, they discovered something surprising: communication skills alone weren’t enough to transform relationships. Real change came when communication became anchored in something deeper—our identity in Christ, personal responsibility, and a posture of grace. In this conversation, Nancy shares the story behind the communication approach that became the foundation for my own work helping moms build connection and trust with their teens. You’ll Learn Why traditional communication skills often fail to create lasting connection The deeper foundation that transforms family communication How anchoring in Christ changes the way we respond during conflict Why taking responsibility for our own reactions is key to healthier conversations A simple story from Nancy’s parenting years that shows the power of listening for understanding If you’re parenting teens and longing for calmer conversations, deeper trust, and a stronger relationship with your teen, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective on communication. Sometimes the biggest shift in our families begins when we stop trying to control the conversation and start anchoring ourselves first. Ready for more support? If you’re listening and thinking, “I want this kind of connection with my teen… but I’m not sure how to get there,” you don’t have to figure it out alone. My 1-hour Communication Coaching Calls are a safe place to pause, be heard, and get clear about what’s happening in your relationship. Together we look at what may be blocking connection and walk through simple, Spirit-led ways to rebuild trust and peace in your relationship with your teen. 👉 Book your coaching session here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching 📖 If you’d like to get a copy of Nancy and Dallas Demmitt’s book, “Can You Hear Me Now?,” you can find it here: Amazon: https://a.co/d/05yMKU9H Or Entrust Source (latest cover): https://www.entrustsource.com/product/can-you-hear-me-now/ Related Episode:  54 - Is This Silent Parenting Habit Stealing Your Health and Connection? Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

You love your teen. You want connection. You want peace in your conversations. You want to build trust, not tension. So why does it still feel hard? What if the struggle isn’t just communication skills… but the pace your family has been living at? In this honest, heart-to-heart episode of Connect With Your Teens, we’re talking about a silent parenting habit that quietly affects your health, your emotional and spiritual well-being, and your ability to build connection with your teenager.  You’re doing your best. You’re giving opportunities. You’re managing school, sports, activities, work, and responsibilities. But this habit may be shaping your family more than you realize — and it could be impacting your patience, your nervous system, and your communication. When you’re constantly running, meaningful conversations feel harder. Emotional depth requires margin. Anchored communication requires calm. And when moms are stretched thin, even the best parenting tips can feel impossible to apply. You’ll learn: How busyness becomes a hidden cause of family disconnection Why emotional conversations require slowness to grow How to recognize when you’re operating in survival mode Simple, Spirit-led shifts that help you build connection through calm, anchored communication skills And if you’re listening today and thinking, “I want connection. I want peace in our conversations. I don’t want to keep guessing what to say,” you don’t have to figure that out alone.  My 1:1 Communication Coaching Session is a safe place to pause, pray, and get clear on how to move forward effectively so you can rebuild trust with your teen in a Spirit-led, practical way. You can book your 1-hour session at https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist 💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

“I want you to know where I’m coming from — not because I’m trying to control you, but because I love you. And I’m going to love you no matter what you decide.” What if that’s how your next hard conversation ended? In this final episode of the series, you won’t just learn the framework — you’ll hear it. Because knowing communication skills that build connection is one thing. Hearing what they actually sound like in real life is another. Today, Terri walks you through real anchored conversations — including a phone boundary discussion and a high-stakes situation involving a boyfriend sleepover. You’ll hear how tone, posture, and ownership shift a conversation from control to collaboration. In this episode, you’ll learn: What anchored talking sounds like in real conversations How to address screen time without escalating conflict How to express concern without control How to use “I want” statements to build trust This is where theory becomes practice. ✨ Ready to stop repeating the same conflict cycles? Book a Communication Coaching Call and we’ll map out one real conversation you’re facing — step-by-step — so you can build connection instead of tension. 👉 https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

You’ve said the hard thing. You’ve shared your concerns. You’ve owned your feelings. But the conversation still feels unfinished. Why? Because most of us were never taught the communication skills needed to have “the talk” in a way that truly builds connection instead of distance. In this third episode of the series, we walk through Step 7 — the next piece that shifts your “we need to talk” moment from correction to collaboration. Instead of demanding change, you’ll learn how to express what you want in a way that invites your teen into partnership. And that’s where grace enters. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why traditional confrontation often creates compliance without connection How to move from problem-focused to possibility-focused communication What it sounds like to express “I want” without control or pressure How casting vision builds trust and emotional safety A powerful biblical example of appealing instead of commanding This is where anchored communication becomes transformational. ✨ Ready to begin healing your relationship? Schedule a Communication Coaching Call with me—we’ll talk through where you’re feeling stuck and what it could look like to finally start creating lasting connection with your teen as you partner with God in the journey.  👉 https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist 💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

You’ve been replaying the conversation in your head for days. You care deeply. You see things that concern you. You want to build trust, not create distance. But every time you try to bring it up, your teen shuts down… gets defensive… or walks away. And suddenly “we need to talk” turns into conflict instead of connection. In Part 2 of this 3-part series, I’m giving you the exact words and simple structure to help you build connection, strengthen your communication skills, and speak your heart in a way your teen can actually receive. Because parenting teens isn’t just about what you say — it’s about how you say it. If you’re a Christian mom who wants practical parenting tips rooted in identity and wisdom — this episode will show you how to move from reaction to intentional conversation starters that create safety instead of shutdown. In This Episode You’ll Learn: The 3 biggest mistakes moms make when confronting hard topics How to use “I see / I hear” instead of leading with judgment How to share your thoughts without presenting them as facts How to express real emotions in a way that softens your teen instead of triggering them A simple conversation structure that helps your teen feel heard, not attacked And if you're ready for more support and connect with other moms, join our private How to Connect With Your Teen Facebook group. This is where we’re building community, sharing wins, and helping each other navigate hard conversations in a way that builds connection and trust. When you join, you’ll receive a free set of conversation starters you can use right away. Click here to join:  Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group More Resources:  💌 Want weekly encouragement and communication tips straight to your inbox? Sign up for the newsletter and get practical tips, stories of how this works in real life & hope sent to you every week. Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Every mom knows that moment—you say "we need to talk" and watch your teen immediately shut down, get defensive, or walk away. You enter these conversations with the best intentions, wanting to address their behavior and restore peace. But the way most of us were taught to handle conflict is just a bandaid to a deeper issue, and it ends up creating more distance. Have you been listening more? Reflecting back what you’re hearing your teen say? Inviting them to share more? Then you’ve been laying a foundation of connection. Now how do you talk so they’ll listen?  Stay tuned. In this first episode of a three-part series on parenting teens we’re talking about how we can build connection through the words we speak even in conflict. Terri will be sharing a game-changing framework that’s transformed how she communicates with her kids.  What You'll Learn: The #1 reason your teen shuts down when you try to have hard conversations (and how to fix it) How to choose connection as your goal instead of confrontation The power of truth-telling with yourself before speaking to your teen Why anchoring in Christ's peace is the secret to transforming your communication skills Before you go, if this episode helped you, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes just a minute and it means the world to me—plus it helps other moms find their way to this community. Thank you for being here.  Leave a on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

What if the way you see and love your teenager could mirror the moment you first felt fully loved and fully accepted by God?  In this episode, Terri shares an experience during her kids' teen years but didn't have the language for at the time. Through prayer and reflection, God showed her a deeper truth about acceptance, love, and how to build God breathed connection with our teens—no agenda, no strings attached.  If you've been searching for parenting tips that go beyond managing behavior and outcomes to creating bridges to your teen's heart, this episode will shine light on how you can do this from your own experiences with God. Stay with me—this isn't another strategy. It's a heart transformation. What You'll Learn: How to love your teen the way God first loved you—with no strings attached   Why your teen can sense your agenda (and what to do instead)   A reflective exercise to reconnect with your own teen years and build connection   How God's acceptance of you can transform your parenting approach   Want simple, practical ways to start connecting with your teen today?  Download my Building Connection Beyond Screen TimeInside—a free guide with 15 conversation starters and parenting tips to help you show up with no-agenda love and build real connection. Download here: connectwithyourteens.com/build-connection-screentime Want more support? 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved, adored, and delighted in: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

Struggling to communicate with your teen? Feel like every conversation ends in frustration, conflict, or silence? What if the breakthrough you're looking for has nothing to do with finding the perfect words—and everything to do with what you do before you open your mouth? In this episode, we're diving into the #1 sign that your communication skills are about to start transforming your relationship with your teen.  We'll unpack the story of David in 1 Samuel 30—when everything fell apart and he was under crushing pressure (sound familiar?)—and discover what he did that changed everything. Spoiler: He didn't try to fix the problem first. What you’ll learn: Why trying to "fix" the conversation is keeping you stuck The 3-step framework to communicate with confidence and peace How to let go of the agenda and invite the Holy Spirit into your conversations Ready to let go of the weight and step into breakthrough? Here’s practical help starting these conversations? Grab the free guide 'Building Connection Beyond Screen Time' with 15 easy conversation starters you can use today:  https://connectwithyourteens.com/build-connection-screentime 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

If you've ever felt like the last person your teen wants to talk to, this episode is for you.  We're going beneath the surface to understand what's really happening in your teen's brain and heart when they choose the screen over real conversation. You'll discover why they're willing to risk the drama and pain of social media—and what that reveals about what they're actually searching for. More importantly, you'll learn how to respond with compassion and strategy instead of control. We'll talk about how to build connection that makes them *want* to put the phone down and open up to you—without forcing it or feeling like you need to have all the answers. This isn't about managing screen time. It's about becoming the safe place they choose to come to. If you're ready to stop reacting out of fear and start connecting with confidence, this episode will show you how. What You'll Learn: What's really driving your teen to their phone (it's not what you think) Why the risk of social media feels safer to them than talking to you Communication skills that open doors instead of shutting them down Parenting tips for creating connection that feels safe, not threatening Conversation starters that invite them in without pressure Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist 💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

If you've ever felt like you're at your wit's end with your teen—constantly worrying, trying to control, but only pushing them further away—this episode is for you. Today, I'm sitting down with a mom (we'll call her Jessica) who was exactly where you are. She was anxious, exhausted, and desperate for connection with her daughter who was shutting down. But through anchoring in God's love, practicing simple communication skills, and surrendering control, everything changed. Her daughter went from shutting down to opening up. Toxic relationships fell away. Peace replaced fear. And her entire family was transformed—including her marriage. In this episode, you'll hear: ✅ How Jessica went from reactive and controlling to calm and connected   ✅ The power of using conversation starters and truly listening without fixing   ✅ How anchoring in God's love as His daughter changed her entire approach to parenting   ✅ Why surrendering control actually created space for God to work in her daughter's life   ✅ How building connection with her teen impacted her marriage and entire family dynamic   ✅ Practical parenting tips for moms who feel stuck, anxious, or disconnected If you're wondering if it's too late or if change is even possible—this conversation will give you hope. Ready to experience this kind of transformation yourself? Join me for a FREE live Connect With Your Teen workshop on Monday, January 27th. In just one hour, I'll walk you through the exact steps Jessica used to go from constant worry to deep connection with her older teens. 👉 Register today: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop Resources & Links  🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Would you take 60 seconds to leave a Review so more moms can find the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

If you've ever walked away from a conversation with your teen wondering, "What did I just do wrong?"—this episode is for you.  The silence. The tension. The one-word answers. The distance you're feeling isn't a failure… and it does not need to be permanent. You're not a bad mom and you're not failing.  You just need a different approach to build connection in these teen years. In this bonus episode, I'm inviting you to join me for the FREE Connect With Your Teen Workshop on January 27th—a live, 1-hour hands-on training where we'll break down what's keeping you from the connection you desire and what to do instead so your teen starts to open up. Here's what you'll learn: ✅ Why your current approach isn't working—and how to stop the cycle of disconnection, silence, and shut down ✅ Why your teen pulls away when you try to connect—and how to create conversations where they feel safe enough to talk ✅ Communication skills that work in real life (not just in theory or perfect circumstances) ✅ Faith-based conversation starters anchored in Christ that create real transformation—not tips and tricks that leave you confused You'll walk away with tools you can use that very same day to stop feeling dismissed, ignored, or like you're losing your child. If you're ready to stop feeling stuck and start building real connection with your teen, this workshop is for you. Register here: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop Let's make 2026 the year your relationship transforms. Resources & Links  🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Have you ever felt paralyzed as a mom? Like you’re walking on eggshells…Replaying conversations at night…Overthinking every word because you’re afraid of making things worse. When the noise in your head gets this loud, it can feel impossible to hear God’s voice — or know how to move forward with your teen. In this episode, I share a deeply personal moment that brought me face-to-face with that paralysis — and how God met me there. This conversation is about learning how to quiet noise, build connection, and show up with peace in your communication. You'll learn: Why fear and overthinking block clarity and communication skills How internal noise makes connection feel impossible Why building connection starts inside you, not with fixing your teen How peace — not control — creates safety and openness Mom, if you feel stuck right now, you are not failing. You’re being invited into freedom — and God is still speaking, even through the noise. ✨ Join my Free Live Workshop – January 27th Learn how to stop walking on eggshells and reconnect in just 10 minutes a day and become the calm, safe presence your teen needs. 👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop Want more support? 🤍 Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌 Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

What if your teen isn’t drifting away for good—but waiting to see if it’s safe to come back? If you’ve been carrying the fear that your teen is pulling away, this episode offers a hopeful and grounding reframe. Often, what looks like distance or silence isn’t rejection at all. It’s waiting. Waiting to see how you show up. Waiting to see if your presence feels calm, steady, and safe enough to trust again. In this episode, I walk you through a powerful real-life story of a mom who stopped trying to fix her teen and instead shifted how she showed up. When fear and anxiety no longer led her communication and she began using the listening skills we’ve talked about something changed. Her daughter began seeking her out—not because she had the perfect words, but because connecting with her mom finally felt safe. We’ll talk about why building connection with teens isn’t about saying the right thing perfectly all the time, but about practicing communication skills that flow from who you are in Christ so that the way you relate and communicate reflects peace instead of pressure.  You’ll learn how fear subtly shapes our communication styles, how that impacts trust, what truly helps teens open up again, and a simple next step to start showing up confidently, steadily, and anchored in Him. In this episode, you’ll learn: What your teen may truly be waiting for beneath the distance How your presence impacts trust more than your parenting tips Why emotional safety matters more than perfect communication A simple, practical next step to help you show up calm and grounded If you’re a mom parenting teens and longing to rebuild trust, improve communication skills, and stop feeling like one wrong move could make things worse, this episode will remind you of something important: you already have what your teen needs. Christ lives in you, and when you show up anchored in Him, your teen feels it. This truth will help you see your teen—and yourself—through a new lens, and give you hope for what’s still possible. 🚨Ready to become the mom your teen actually wants to talk to? Join me for a live FREE Connect with Your Teen Workshop on January 27th at 7pm MST, where we’ll talk honestly about how to reconnect with your teen and begin building trust in a safe and loving way.  Registering gets you a chance to win door prizes!  Register here: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop Want more support? 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter ✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN 💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast