Let Your Middle Schooler Do the Back-to-School Shopping
The supply list is about to land in your inbox. In most houses it gets read, it gets bought, and the kid is handed a fully packed backpack on day one. Here's what that quietly costs — and how to hand the whole thing over in the three weeks you have left.
Raising an Independent Teen: What Independence Day Can Teach Us About Letting Go
It's Independence Day — and while we're celebrating freedom, here's a question worth sitting with: how independent is your teen, actually? Not "can they light a sparkler without supervision." Do they manage their own time? Follow through without six reminders? Handle disappointment without falling apart? If the honest answer is "not really yet," you're in good company. Real independence isn't a milestone teens hit one day — it's a set of skills. And skills can be taught.
The End is Near: How to Help Your Teen Finish the Year Without Falling Apart
Your teen didn't give up — they ran out of gas. After 25 years coaching teens, here's what the spring slump really is, and five things that actually help.
If Your Teen's Grades Are a Mess at the End of the Year — Here’s Exactly What to Do About It
The end of the semester is here and your teenager’s grades aren’t where they need to be — but it’s not too late. With a clear plan, the right priorities, and a little teamwork, there’s still time to finish strong. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your teen tackle missing work, focus on what matters most, and build skills they’ll actually carry into next year.
The #1 Mistake Parents Make with NeuroDiverse Teens (And What to Do Instead)
If you're parenting a teenager with executive functioning challenges, chances are you've fallen into one of two camps — the parent who takes over and does everything, or the one who tells their teen exactly what to do and gets frustrated when it doesn't work. Neither approach is wrong, but neither is setting your teen up for real independence. The good news? There's a sweet spot in the middle — and it starts with thinking like a coach.
It’s Not Laziness, It’s Executive Functioning (part 2)
Many parents worry their teen is lazy—but often the real issue is executive functioning. When teens struggle with organization, time management, or follow-through, it’s not about intelligence or motivation. Understanding the difference can completely change how you support your teen.
It’s Not Laziness — It’s Executive Functioning
If your teen is bright but struggles with homework, organization, or follow-through, it may not be laziness. Executive functioning skills play a huge role in how students manage school and life.
What Is Executive Functioning? Your Brain’s Management System Explained
Executive functioning challenges can make school and life feel overwhelming — even for bright, capable teens. This post explains executive functioning in simple terms, explores why EF struggles aren’t about effort or intelligence, and offers reassurance that these skills can improve.
3 Dos and Don’ts with Teens When You’re Going Through a Divorce
Divorce can take a toll on everyone in the family…especially teenagers. There’s not a right or wrong way to go through a divorce; everyone is different. However, there are some key Dos & Don’ts to keep in mind that will support your teenager and they navigate this new reality and the emotions that go along with it.
It’s Happening! 5 Ways to Support Your Teen Emotionally and Mentally for the Upcoming School Year
The end of summer can stir up a mix of emotions for teens—and for parents. Excitement, anxiety, dread, hope, and everything in between. Teens spend time wondering: Will my teachers be nice? Are my friends in my classes? Is it going to be hard? And so much more! As backpacks get packed and alarms start ringing, many teens struggle not just with logistics but with the emotional weight of starting a new school year.
The good news? With a little intention and support, you can help your teen walk into the school year feeling steady, confident, and equipped to handle what’s ahead.
Read this blog for five simple but powerful ways to support your teen’s emotional and mental readiness for the school year
5 Summer Chores Every Teen Can Be Doing (and Why It Matters)
Want your teen to build responsibility, contribute to the household, and stay active this summer? Then look no further! Summer is a great time for teens to contribute and learn valuable life skills, without the pressure of school.
Not to mention, chores are a right of passage. They’re your teen’s first job, their first responsibility. It’s also an easy way for them to prove that they’re ready for bigger challenges, like driving or getting an actual job outside the home.
And if we’re saying it straight — you deserve a little help around the house too!
This post provides 5 meaningful chores your teen can take on this summer to boost their confidence and independence
🇺🇸 Want to Connect with Your Teen This 4th of July Weekend in a Fun Way?
Connecting with your teen can be about being silly and making new traditions. Check out these 4 ideas for some out of the box fun this holiday weekend!
Unlocking the Teen Code: 5 strategies to talk with teens that build trust and connection
Talking to teenagers can sometimes feel like a walk across a minefield: you feel like you have to tiptoe, you never know if there will be an explosion, and you’re never fully sure if you’re in the clear!
Although it might not always seem easy, talking with teens doesn’t always have to be hard!
Here are 5 conversation strategies that shift the tone from resistance to real talk.
Create a Great Summer with your Teen
Summer doesn’t have to be a battle with your teen. Here are 4 strategies to create more connection, fun, and responsibility this season.