By Erin Verdis & Chris Adang — Extraordinary Purpose: Life Coaching for Teens, Young Adults & Parents in Ann Arbor, MI

Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lucy Ann Lance on the Lucy Ann Lance Show, where we talked openly about why today’s young people are struggling, what’s causing the overwhelm, and how parents can create a family culture that helps their kids thrive.

This article breaks down the biggest insights from the interview and offers heartfelt, practical strategies you can start using right away at home.

Why Teens and Young Adults Are So Overwhelmed Today

Today’s young people are navigating pressures that didn’t exist even 10 years ago. During the interview, we explained several factors contributing to the rise in:

• low motivation

• anxiety and self-doubt

• procrastination

• disconnection

• fear of the future

Young people are bombarded with nonstop noise — social media, academic pressure, a 24/7 stream of comparison, and an endless list of expectations. The result?
Their executive functioning systems are overloaded long before they begin their day.

Fear of Failure and a Pressure to “Perform”

Many teens believe they must already know who they are, what career they want, and how to be successful — which leaves them feeling stuck, anxious, or paralyzed.

The Loss of Real-World Practice

Opportunities that used to build confidence — calling a teacher, scheduling appointments, managing their time, working through mistakes — aren’t happening as naturally anymore.

This creates a gap between what teens want to do and what they feel capable of doing.

The Role Family Culture Plays in Motivation, Confidence & Emotional Regulation

One of the biggest themes we discussed is something most parents don’t realize:

Your family culture either amplifies your teen’s overwhelm… or becomes the anchor that helps them thrive.

Family culture is shaped by:

• your tone

• your emotional regulation

• your daily habits and rituals

• how you communicate

• the behaviors you model

• the energy inside the home

And it all matters.

We shared how the Extraordinary Purpose Coaching Model teaches families to shift from pressure → presence, from reactivity → leadership, and from fear → clarity.

When parents lead with calm structure, emotional steadiness, and intentional habits, teens naturally begin to adopt those same patterns.

What Actually Motivates Teens (and What Doesn’t)

Motivation isn’t built through:

• lectures

• consequences

• checking grades obsessively

• pressure

• micromanaging

• “Why aren’t you trying harder?” conversations

Those approaches break trust and shut down communication.

The real drivers of motivation are:

• feeling safe

• feeling understood

• having structure that doesn’t overwhelm

• believing in themselves

• seeing small, consistent progress

• having a parent who models the behaviors they’re teaching

When these pieces are in place, a teen or young adult’s confidence starts to rise — and with it, motivation.

Practical Steps Parents Can Start Using Today

During the interview, we shared several actionable tools that help families reset their home environment and reduce stress.

1. Create Simple, Repeatable Daily Rituals

Morning grounding… phone-free meals… 5-minute evening check-ins…
Small rituals build emotional stability and predictability.

2. Model the Habits You Want to See

When you show consistency, resilience, and calm leadership, your teen learns those skills — not because you told them to, but because you embodied them.

3. Shift from Fixing → Curiosity

Replace “Why aren’t you doing this?”
with “What feels hard about this right now?”

This opens the door to connection and reduces defensiveness.

4. Build Emotional Awareness Through Reflection

Questions like:

• “What’s one thing that felt heavy today?”

• “What’s one thing you’re proud of?”

• “Where did you feel stuck?”
  help teens build self-understanding.

5. Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes

Young people thrive when they feel seen as capable, resilient, and full of potential — not defined by grades, productivity, or timelines.

Listen to the Full Interview on the Lucy Ann Lance Show

It’s one of our most heartfelt conversations — real, practical, and full of hope for parents who want to better understand and support their teen or young adult.

👉 Listen to the full Lucy Ann Lance Radio Interview 

Final Thoughts — You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

If your teen or young adult is overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unsure of their direction, it doesn’t mean they’re not capable — it means they need tools, support, and structure that match the world they’re growing up in.

You’re doing an incredible job by seeking guidance and showing up with love, curiosity, and leadership. We are honored to support your family in this journey.

If you feel called to help your teen or young adult build confidence, motivation, and purpose, we’re here for you.