Approaching Tough Conversations with Your Teen or Young Adult
In this raw and powerful solo episode, Erin opens up about one of the most personal and challenging aspects of parenting: navigating difficult conversations with teens and young adults. Drawing from her own recent experience with her teenage son, River, Erin shares how she chose to respond rather than react after discovering troubling behaviors involving vaping, weed, and alcohol. With honesty, vulnerability, and heart, Erin discusses: How parenting adolescents can shake your confidence The impact of generational shifts in parenting styles Why grounding and punishment don’t always teach the lessons we hope they will The importance of staying rooted in your values—and helping your teen connect with theirs What it means to model mature, emotionally intelligent behavior as a parent Why your calm response can be more powerful than an emotional reaction Whether you're in the thick of raising a teenager or simply preparing for what's to come, this episode offers a deeply empathetic and empowering approach to parenting through life’s most complicated moments. 🔹 Key Takeaways Pause Before You React: Take the time to sit with your emotions, reflect, and align with your values before addressing tough issues with your teen. Ask Value-Based Questions: Help teens define what matters most to them and explore whether their actions align with those values. Model the Behavior You Want to See: Responding with calm, grounded energy teaches emotional regulation and mature communication. Avoid the Extremes: Today’s parenting culture can sometimes swing too far into permissiveness. Strike a balance between being empathetic and setting clear boundaries. Keep Planting Seeds: Even if your teen doesn’t immediately change, your conversations and calm presence will leave a lasting impression. 🔹 Erin’s Message to Parents "You are not alone. Parenting teens is hard—but you don’t have to do it in isolation. These conversations matter, even when they’re uncomfortable. What you’re doing now is laying the groundwork for who your kids become."
