How Parents Can Create an Extraordinary 2026 for Their Teen or Young Adult
How Parents Can Create an Extraordinary 2026 (Episode Summary)
The start of a new year often brings pressure for parents to “get it right” — better routines, better motivation, better outcomes for their teens and young adults. In this episode of the Extraordinary Purpose Podcast, Chris and Erin Verdis share a grounded, practical framework for creating an extraordinary 2026 without overwhelm, perfectionism, or burnout.
Rather than focusing on resolutions or forcing change, this conversation invites parents to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters: clarity, values, identity, and intentional daily rituals. You’ll learn why motivation doesn’t come first, how family culture directly shapes confidence and direction, and why small, consistent shifts create more lasting momentum than big goals that fade by February.
This episode is especially powerful for parents of teens and young adults who feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to best support their child’s next chapter. Chris and Erin explain how parents can lead by example — modeling purpose, curiosity, emotional regulation, and self-trust — so growth becomes natural rather than forced.
If you want less conflict, more confidence, and a clearer path forward for your family in 2026, this episode offers a simple framework that actually works.
Creating an Extraordinary 2026 Starts With You
Chris: What’s up, everyone — welcome back to the Extraordinary Purpose Podcast. We’re back for 2026, and honestly, it feels really good to say that.
Erin: It really does. We were laughing before hitting record because it feels like we haven’t recorded in forever — but we’re excited, and this episode feels like the perfect way to start the year.
Why the Start of a New Year Feels So Heavy for Parents
The beginning of a new year carries a lot of energy… and a lot of pressure.
Parents tell us all the time:
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“I want this year to be different.”
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“I want less conflict at home.”
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“I want my teen or young adult to be motivated and confident.”
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“I don’t want to repeat the same patterns.”
The problem?
Most parents jump straight into doing — new rules, new expectations, new goals — without first getting clear on the foundation.
Why Motivation Alone Doesn’t Create Change
The Biggest Myth Parents Believe About Motivation
One of the biggest myths in parenting teens and young adults is that motivation comes first.
It doesn’t.
What Actually Drives Motivation in Teens and Young Adults
Motivation is usually the result of:
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Clarity
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Identity
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Environment
—not pressure, consequences, or lectures.
This is something we see every day in our work with families through:
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Life coaching for teens, focused on confidence, identity, and emotional awareness
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Young adult coaching, helping emerging adults build direction, ownership, and purpose
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Parent coaching, teaching parents how to lead calmly instead of reacting emotionally
When parents focus only on outcomes — grades, jobs, productivity — without addressing what’s happening underneath, frustration grows on both sides.
The Simple Framework That Turns Vision Into Momentum
Creating an extraordinary year doesn’t require a massive overhaul.
It requires alignment.
Here’s the framework we walk families through.
Vision: How Do You Want This Year to Feel?
Before setting goals, we encourage parents to pause and ask:
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How do I want to show up as a parent this year?
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What kind of energy do I want in our home?
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What actually matters most in this season?
When parents gain clarity here, decisions become simpler — and leadership becomes steadier.
Identity: Who Are You Becoming as a Parent?
Teens and young adults don’t follow lectures — they follow examples.
When parents actively work on:
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Emotional regulation
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Healthy boundaries
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Self-trust
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Purpose and meaning
Their kids feel safer doing the same.
This is why identity work is foundational in both our teen coaching and young adult coaching programs. Confidence grows when identity is supported — not forced.
Daily Rituals: Small Actions Create Real Momentum
This is where change becomes sustainable.
Daily rituals turn intention into lived experience. Simple practices like:
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Morning intention setting
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Evening reflection or check-ins
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Weekly family conversations
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Personal journaling
These small, consistent actions create stability — and stability builds confidence.
Momentum doesn’t come from doing more.
It comes from doing what matters consistently.
Why This Matters So Much for Teens and Young Adults
Why So Many Teens and Young Adults Feel Stuck Right Now
Most teens and young adults aren’t lazy, unmotivated, or broken.
They’re overwhelmed.
They’re unsure who they are.
They don’t trust themselves yet.
That’s why our life coaching for teens focuses on identity before achievement, and our young adult coaching emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and personal ownership.
How Parent Leadership Shapes Confidence and Direction
When parents shift from controlling outcomes to intentionally shaping the environment, everything begins to change.
Listen to the Full Episode 🎧
Want to hear the full conversation and go deeper into this framework?
👉 Listen to the full episode of the Extraordinary Purpose Podcast here:
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How We Support Families Moving Forward
If you’re ready to make 2026 different — not just busy — we support families through:
Coaching Support for Teens, Young Adults, and Parents
You don’t have to figure this out alone — and you don’t have to wait for a breaking point to get support.
Learn More About Our Revolutionary Coaching Program for Teens & Young Adults!
