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

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

New year, same struggles with your teen? I get it. But what if this year could be different—not because you try harder, but because you align with what God is already doing? Maybe you've been tiptoeing around your own home, hoping today won't be the day something sets them off. You ask a simple question and get shut down with one word. Or worse—an eye roll and a slammed door. And you start thinking, "Is this just how it's going to be now?" Here's the truth, Mom: Connection is still possible. Even when it feels impossible. In this episode, I'm sharing 4 powerful conversation starters that will help you stop striving and start connecting His way. These aren't just parenting tips—they're questions that will help you partner with God to create real, lasting connection with your teen. What if God’s plan and the breakthrough you've been praying for starts with asking the right questions? What You'll Learn: Why New Year's resolutions often fail—and what to focus on instead   The thought reversal that changes everything: It's not about getting your teen to open up—it's about creating safety where they want to   4 conversation starters to help you build your connection plan with God's guidance One intentional action you can take this week to start building trust in 10 minutes a day   Ready to Stop Walking on Eggshells and Start Connecting? Join me for a FREE live workshop on January 27th: Connect With Your Teen: Build Trust in 10 Minutes a Day and Stop Walking on Eggshells.  In just one hour, I'll walk you through simple, practical tools rooted in faith that actually work. You'll learn how to stop the cycle of tension, create safety so your teen wants to open up, and rebuild trust even if things feel really broken right now. 🔗 Reserve your free spot: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop Let's do this together so you can enjoy your relationship with your child again. 💛 Resources & Links ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬Would you take 1 minute and leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for? Here’s the link to the show:: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Are you tired of striving and longing to parent from peace—showing up present, grounded, and emotionally available for your teen? “Shalom shalom, mom.” As a Christian mom, the new year can bring pressure, worry, and a quiet fear of losing connection with your teen. But God’s promise in Isaiah 26:3 offers something different: perfect peace that doesn’t depend on your circumstances—or your teen changing. In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, we explore the biblical meaning of shalom shalom and how God guards your mind and imagination when you stay anchored in Him. You’ll learn how resting in God’s peace supports faith-based parenting and helps you build connection with your teen from a place of calm instead of control. You’ll also be invited to slow down and experience His peace together, allowing God to release the weight you’ve been carrying and realign your heart with His rest as you step into the new year. On January 27, I’m hosting a free, live workshop where we’ll go deeper into how you can walk in and communicate in peace with your child. It’s called Connect With Your Teen: Build Trust in 10 Minutes a Day and Stop Walking on Eggshells. If your home has felt tense or disconnected, this could be your fresh start for the year. Registration opens soon—check the show notes for the link. 💛 Take a breath. Find a quiet moment. Let’s step into the new year anchored in God’s perfect peace. Want more support? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: 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. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

What do you do when your teen brings up a political, social, or faith-related issue that clashes with everything you believe?   If your heart races, your guard goes up, or you feel the urge to correct, defend, or shut it down—you’re not alone, Mom. But those moments don’t have to lead to distance or disconnection. In this episode, we continue our series on questions that create connection, build trust,  and emotional safety—even during charged or controversial conversations. You’ll learn how to stay anchored in your identity, communication skills that empower you to listen without needing to agree, and respond in a way that keeps the door open instead of slamming it shut. These questions work whether the topic is faith, politics, dating, social issues, college decisions, or anything that feels high-stakes and emotionally loaded. If conversations in your home feel tense or you’re walking on eggshells, I want to personally invite you to my free live workshop this January: Connect With Your Teen: Build Trust in 10 Minutes a Day and Stop Walking on Eggshells. In just one hour, you’ll learn simple, faith-based tools to rebuild trust, spark real conversations, and bring peace back into your home. The registration link will be shared soon! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Three powerful, connection-building questions that deepen trust during hard conversations How to listen without debating, correcting, or abandoning your values What it looks like to create emotional safety—even over text messages How curiosity opens doors that control and correction close Latest Series Related Episodes: 38: 3 Ways to Find Hope for Your Teen Relationship This Christmas (Even If You Feel Hopeless) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000739384997 39: When Your Teen Stops Believing: How to Keep the Door Open Instead of Pushing Them Away https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000740887996 40: 3 Questions That Build Connection When Faith Divides Your Family (Part 1) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000741784200 Want More Support? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com ✨ Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how 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. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast  

What if listening — not defending — is what actually keeps the door open with your teen? How do you stay grounded when your teen questions everything you’ve taught them about God? Is it possible to build trust and influence without agreeing or convincing? When your teen starts questioning God, faith, or church, it can feel like the ground drops out from under you. Suddenly, every conversation feels loaded… and you’re not sure whether to speak up, stay silent, or pray harder and hope for the best. In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful conversation starters that help you build connection and trust with your teen — even when faith feels like the thing dividing your family. These questions are designed to help you stay grounded, curious, and emotionally safe so your teen feels heard instead of preached at or pressured. If you’re parenting teens and longing for better family communication around faith, this episode will help you move from fear and panic to peace and confidence — without arguments, lectures, or walking on eggshells. And Mom, if you’re thinking, “I need help having these conversations with my teen,” I want to invite you to join my free Facebook community. Each month, I host live Q&A coaching calls where you can get support, ask questions, and connect with other moms walking this same road. 👉 Join us here: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group In this episode, you’ll learn: How to respond to faith questions in a way that builds connection instead of creating distance Three simple, Spirit-led questions that invite your teen to open up and say more Why emotional safety matters more than having the “right” answers How curiosity can preserve trust and long-term influence with your teen Want more support? ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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

When faith becomes a tense topic with your teen, it’s easy to assume they’re “rebellious,” uninterested, or shutting God out. But for so many moms, the real shift happens when they begin to see their own fears, pressure, or anxiety around spiritual conversations — and choose a new way to communicate about God in a way that feels safe, respectful, and genuinely connecting. In this episode, we look at how moms can engage in conversations about God without triggering arguments, shutdowns, or eye rolls. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I talk about God without pushing my teen away?” or “Why does every spiritual conversation turn into an argument or debate?” — this episode will give you clarity, peace, and hope. Because meaningful faith conversations aren’t built through pressure… they’re built through safety, curiosity, and the Holy Spirit working through your presence. If you’re navigating this with your own teen, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join our Facebook group, hop onto a live Q&A, and let’s talk through your specific situation together. I’m here to listen, support you, and help you find the next right step. You’re not alone in this. What You’ll Learn Why spiritual conversations often trigger teens — and the simple shift that helps them stay open How to approach faith from connection rather than fear, pressure, or urgency How your identity in Christ transforms the way your teen receives you A practical way to rebuild trust when faith conversations have felt tense or shut down Related Episodes: 3 - Stop Walking on Eggshells: 6  Secrets to Confidently Connect with Your Teen (Part 1) https://bit.ly/StopWalkingonEggshellsPart1 Resources and Links: ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296) Anchoring Spotify Playlist to bring peace in the journey: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN

Welcome back to Connect With Your Teens! Today’s episode kicks off a brand-new holiday series designed to help moms walk through December with hope, peace, and confidence — even if Thanksgiving left you feeling discouraged or disconnected from your teen. If you walked into Thanksgiving hoping for warmth, connection, laughter, and maybe one of those rare moments where your teen chooses to be around you… but instead you ended the day feeling dismissed, drained, or hurt — you’re not alone. And now that Christmas is coming, you might already feel that knot of worry rising in your chest: “What if it’s the same? What if it’s worse? What if I can’t fix this?” If you want a jump start — a simple way to start building connection and rebuilding trust this week — join me for the free live Connect With Your Teen Workshop: Build trust in 10 minutes a day. Stop walking on eggshells this week! ✨ Thursday, December 4th at 1:00 PM MST ✨ Sign up here: https://bit.ly/connectwithyourteenworkshop In this episode, we look at: Why fear tries to hijack your parenting How trying to fix or manage everything actually pushes your teen further away What Scripture and the story of Naomi, Ruth & Boaz reveal about hope when everything feels lost A powerful story about a mom who heard God’s peace in the middle of fear Three simple spiritual steps to restore hope and soften your heart before Christmas You’ll walk away knowing how to prepare for the coming weeks with a grounded heart, fresh hope, and a posture that invites connection — not conflict. Scriptures and References in this episode: Ruth 1:13 – Naomi’s grief and belief that God’s hand was against her 1 Peter 5:7 (TPT) – “Pour out all your worries…” Isaiah 61:1 – He binds up the brokenhearted Acts 17:28 – “In Him we live and move and have our being” Romans 15:13 – The God of hope filling us with joy and peace Worship song: David Crowder singing “Every Move I Make” by David Ruis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW4Dv7Ak4Uc Want more support? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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

Thanksgiving is here… and if you’re like most moms, you’re feeling a mix of gratitude, exhaustion, pressure, and hope. You want connection with your teen, you want peace in your home, and you want to enjoy the holiday you’ve worked so hard to prepare — but the expectations threaten to steal your joy before the turkey even goes in the oven. In this episode, Terri shares a powerful shift that changed her entire holiday experience: ✨ Trading expectations for expectancy — expectancy of what God is doing in you, in your teen, and in your home. You’ll walk away with five practical, mom-tested rhythms that help you shift from overwhelm to overflow and open the door for deeper connection with your teen — even if the day gets messy, emotional, or chaotic. You don’t need a perfect Thanksgiving. You just need a peaceful heart. Let’s build that together. 💛 Want more support? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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

What if the #1 sign you’re actually a great mom has nothing to do with your teen’s behavior? If you’ve been lying awake at night replaying conversations, wondering what you did wrong or why your teen seems more distant…this episode will lift a weight off your shoulders. Inside, Terri reveals the hidden patterns that quietly create disconnection—and the one identity shift that helps you show up with confidence, peace, and clarity. ✨ If you’re ready to break out of these patterns for good, create the kind of relationship with you desire, I’d love you to join me in the Connect With Your Teen Roadmap group coaching program. This is where moms learn to rebuild trust, communicate with confidence, and form a connection that lasts. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/cwytroadmap What You’ll Learn: → How to recognize when you’re measuring your worth by your teen’s behavior → Why identity—not performance—is the foundation for connection → How hidden communication patterns quietly push teens away → The mind renewing shift that helps you respond with clarity instead of fear → How to step into calm, anchored, Christ-centered communication—even when your teen is struggling Want more support? ✨Join the Connect With Your Teen Roadmap: https://bit.ly/cwytroadmap ✨Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Grab the Anchoring Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN ✨Reach on on Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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

What if your teen isn’t lying to be defiant — but because they don’t feel safe telling you the truth? In this Episode, my daughter, Sharaya and I have an honest conversation about what’s underneath teen lies — fear, shame, self-protection, and a longing to be understood. How creating a safe space transforms teen honesty. You’ll hear moments from our own story, including the choices we made as parents that rebuilt trust after painful breakdowns, and the small shifts that helped our daughter feel safe enough to be honest again. Trust isn’t built with your child through punishment — it’s built through understanding and safety. If you’re ready to go deeper in building lasting connection in your relationships — I’m hosting a FREE workshop on November 17th.  This is the hour every mom needs if you’re tired of walking on eggshells or feeling shut out of your teen’s heart. You’ll learn how to rebuild trust, stop the cycle of silence, and restore meaningful connection… even if things feel tense right now. Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/connectwithyourteenworkshop What You’ll Learn In This Episode: Why teens lie even when it seems “illogical” How to respond in a way that builds trust rather than panic, punishment, or fear Why “tell me more” can open a door your teen thought was locked What helped us repair connection after moments we got it wrong Resources:  ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨Grab the link to our Anchoring Song Playlist on Spotify. These are songs that will help you pause, breathe, and reset when your emotions start to rise. https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💛Leave a Review so 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 caught your teen lying and wondered, “Why would they do that?” — this episode is for you. In part one of a heartfelt conversation with my daughter Sharaya, we unpack what’s really going on when your teen lies. It’s not about rebellion—it’s often about fear, shame, or self-protection. Together, we explore the hidden reasons behind teen dishonesty and what you can do to build connection and trust instead of tension. If you’ve been walking on eggshells or feeling shut out, this episode will help you see your teen’s behavior through a new lens and open the door to deeper connection. 💛 ✨ Want to learn how to rebuild trust in just 10 minutes a day? ✨ Join me for the free Connect With Your Teen Workshop and learn how to rebuild trust in just 10 minutes a day? It’s November 17th at 10 AM MST live on Zoom. You’ll discover how to stop walking on eggshells and start building a relationship rooted in trust and safety—without guilt, fear, or frustration. 👉 Save your seat here: https://bit.ly/connectwithyourteenworkshop In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why fear of punishment and loss of control often drive teens to lie -How to respond in a way that builds emotional safety and invites honesty -Simple ways to shift from correction to connection—starting today And don’t miss the end of this episode where I share something real — a moment I missed during this interview and what God reminded me afterward. It’s an encouraging reminder that we’re all in process — and that grace is the bridge between where we are and the connection we’re rebuilding. Resources & Links ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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

Are you constantly second-guessing every word you say—desperately trying to find the “right” way to communicate—but still ending up with tension? Do you feel like you’re pouring your heart and soul into connecting with your teen, only to feel like you’re hitting a brick wall? If you’re a mom who loves her teen deeply but feels stuck in a cycle of conflict, you might be missing the quiet, powerful signs that connection is actually happening. In this episode, Terri unpacks 5 Signs You’re Escaping the Conflict Trap and Rebuilding Trust with Your Teen—and she’ll help you shift the one core belief that keeps you stuck in “fix-it” mode. You’ll discover how to stop measuring success by your teen’s behavior and start noticing the subtle, Spirit-led shifts that are happening in your heart as you learn to listen, stay curious, and build safety through connection. 🌟 If you’re ready to make lasting changes in your relationships join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop. I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day—without guilt or pressure. 🙌 Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen! On This Edpisode You’ll Learn: The flawed belief that keeps moms trapped in the cycle of conflict How to move from a “Fix-It” mindset to a “Curiosity” mindset Why advice-giving can sabotage connection (and what to do instead) The 5 key signs that your communication is transforming Resources: ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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  

Ever feel like your teen’s eye roll says everything — and none of it’s good? Maybe you’ve tried to connect, but every conversation ends in silence, sarcasm, or shutdown. The truth is, those surface reactions are just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath that attitude or one-word answer is something deeper — something your teen often doesn’t have the words to express. In this episode, I’ll walk you through three powerful steps to move past those surface behaviors and reach your teen’s heart — so you can respond with understanding instead of reactivity. You’ll learn how to shift from frustration to connection, and discover how to communicate in a way that builds trust and emotional safety — even in the middle of an eye roll. In this episode you’ll learn: How to recognize what’s really behind your teen’s surface reactions Three steps to help you connect instead of react: Remember & Discover, Invite & Listen, and Capture Feedback The one mindset shift that opens your teen’s heart (and helps you stay calm when they’re not) Why listening like God does is the most powerful communication strategy you’ll ever use 🌟 Join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop. I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day—without guilt or pressure. 🙌 Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen! 🔗 Sign up now: https://connectwithyourteens.com/opt-in-free-workshop-waitlist-638960-3652 🌟 Want more support? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and event updates: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review — Your words help other moms find this podcast and the hope they’ve been praying for: Apple Podcasts

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to slip into “fix-it” mode when your teen shuts down or rolls their eyes? You want connection, but fear takes over — fear they’ll pull away, make poor choices, or that you’re not doing enough. In this episode, Terri helps you uncover the real reason behind that reaction and how it’s connected to your identity as a mom. Through Psalm 139, you’ll discover what it means to be fully known, loved, and seen by God — and how this truth becomes the anchor that steadies you in every conversation with your teen. You’ll learn how being grounded in God’s view of you transforms your words, your tone, and your ability to create emotional safety that invites your teen to open up again. What You’ll Discover: Why your communication style often reflects how you see yourself How fear quietly shapes your words and reactions with your teen The 5 anchoring truths from Psalm 139 that re-center your heart How to respond with calm confidence instead of control Join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop. I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day-without guilt or pressure. 🙌 Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen! 🔗 Sign up now: https://connectwithyourteens.com/opt-in-free-workshop-waitlist-638960-3652 💬 WANT MORE SUPPORT? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💛 Leave a Review: If these episodes gave you hope or a new perspective, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the encouragement they’ve been praying for. → Connect With Your Teens on Apple Podcasts

Have you ever felt like your teen has become a stranger? That the distance between you grows every time you open your mouth? In this episode, we dig into the hidden weight of regret and grief many moms carry—and how that weight can actually be a pathway to rebuilding connection. We’ll cover two additional types of grief many moms experience, reveal the freedom in forgiveness through Scripture, and walk through 5 practical steps you can begin using right now to rebuild trust and closeness with your teen. Have you ever felt like your teen has become a stranger? That the distance between you grows every time you open your mouth? In this episode, we dig into the hidden weight of regret and grief many moms carry—and how that weight can actually be a pathway to rebuilding connection. We’ll cover two additional types of grief many moms experience, reveal the freedom in forgiveness through Scripture, and walk through 5 practical steps you can begin using right now to rebuild trust and closeness with your teen. Join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop. I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day-without guilt or pressure. 🙌 Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen! 🔗 Sign up now: https://connectwithyourteens.com/opt-in-free-workshop-waitlist-638960-3652 Resources and links: ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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

Has your teenager pulled away and you’re left wondering what happened to the close, easy connection you once had? In this heartfelt episode, we’ll talk about the often-unspoken grief that comes with parenting teens — the sadness, confusion, and sense of loss when your child grows more distant. It’s part one of a two part series that will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the distance and how those feelings can become the starting point for rebuilding connection and trust. You’ll learn: 1- The first 3 most common types of grief moms of teens experience 2- Why acknowledging your emotions isn’t weakness—it’s the first step toward rebuilding trust 3- How to begin processing the loss so you can move forward in love and connection If you’ve ever looked at your teen and thought, “I just want us to be close again,” this episode will meet you right where you are. One Thing to do this week: Before next week’s episode, take 10 quiet minutes to journal: “What I miss most about our relationship is…” “The connection I dream of having with my teen looks like…” “When I think about these changes, I feel…” ✨ Part 2 next week we’ll discover two other types of grief and reveal how to move from grief to growth and begin rebuilding connection in a new way. Other Helpful Episodes: 🎧 EP 28: Has Family Time Turned Into Screen Time? 3 Ways to Reclaim Meaningful Connection 🎧 EP 21: When You Feel Like Nothing’s Working with Your Teen — Start Here Want more support:  ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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

Does your “family time” feel like everyone’s just sitting together but living in separate digital worlds? Have screen-time battles left you feeling more disconnected from your teen than ever? What if reclaiming connection didn’t require more rules? If your family room feels more like a collection of people staring at separate screens than a place of connection, there’s hope for change without the constant conflict. In today’s episode, Terri shares three practical (and peaceful) ways to reclaim time with your family that build connection instead of creating power struggles. You’ll learn how to shift the focus from controlling your teen’s screen use to creating meaningful moments of presence, curiosity, and trust—because true connection isn’t built by taking things away, but by intentionally creating something better together. You’ll discover how to: 💛 Create “Micro Moments” that open space for real connection 💛 Shift from pressure-filled “family time” to natural togetherness 💛 Lead with curiosity—not criticism—when your teen’s glued to their device By the end, you’ll have simple, effective ways to strengthen your relationship and make time together something your teen actually looks forward to. Resources Mentioned: ✔️ EP 14: How One Couple Used Music To Build Connection With a Teen (Greg & Kim McInturff’s story) Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000722896181 ✔️ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: 💌 https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensInsider — Get weekly encouragement and practical tips to strengthen communication with your teen. ✔️ Join the Private Facebook Community: 💬 https://bit.ly/HowToConnectWithYourTeen — A safe space for moms learning how to communicate with their kids and encourage one another through it all. Once a month, Terri hosts a private Live Q&A Zoom call for members. The October 2025 one will focus on navigating hard, polarizing conversations with grace and connection. 💛 If this episode encouraged you or gave you hope for your relationships, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen here on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296

When was the last time your well-meaning questions turned your teen into a brick wall? If you’re tired of watching your teen shut down, walk away, or give one-word answers, you’re not alone. In today’s episode, we’re uncovering why the way you ask can actually create more distance—and how one simple shift can open the door to real connection. Every mom wants to know what’s happening in their teen’s life, but even with the best intentions, sometimes our approach makes them pull away instead of draw near. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why questions make your teen go silent ✔️ Three key shifts that turn questions into safe invitations ✔️ A simple approach that transforms conversation into connection If you’ve been longing for deeper conversations with your teen, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical steps you need to create conversations your teen actually wants to have. Resources & Links: ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review so 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