Teen Savvy Coaching
Helping teens and the adults who care for them to thrive
When it comes to parenting teens, few things raise the stress level faster than figuring out how to prepare teens for medical procedures. It could be the dread of hearing, “You’re getting a shot today.” Or the full-on refusal to swallow that chalky bubblegum-tasting medicine. Or it might be something bigger—like chronic fatigue, post-concussion recovery, …
If you’ve ever felt like the peanut butter squished between two very emotionally complex slices of bread—your teen on one side and your parent(s) on the other—congrats. You’re living the sandwich generation life. In our latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Parenting While Being Parented, Melissa and I dig into the emotional complexity of raising …
As parents, we all want our teens to succeed and build life skills, but the road to success isn’t always about academic achievement or winning trophies. One of the most valuable places for teens to build important life lessons is through youth sports. Whether they’re playing competitive soccer, gymnastics, or even participating in recreational team …
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re starting it with some real talk—and real myth-busting—about teen mental health. 🎤 In the newest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, I team up with my co-host, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Wellner, to break down three of the most common (and dangerous) misconceptions we hear from …
If you’ve ever seen your teen react like a startled horse when asked about missing homework, you’re not alone. Teens and horses have more in common than you’d think—and when parents gain insights and understanding those reactions can help build stronger communication. In our latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we’re exploring what horses—yes, actual …
Spoiler alert: Your teen probably isn’t going to sit cross-legged in a playroom and build castles in a sand tray in play therapy. But what if the principles behind play therapy could still help you understand, connect with, and support your teen—especially when they’re struggling to express what’s going on inside? In the latest episode …
Parenting is never a one-size-fits-all journey, and when you’re raising a child on the autism spectrum, the path can feel even more complex. From navigating school accommodations to understanding sensory needs, parenting a child with autism requires patience, advocacy, and a whole lot of love. In the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we sit …
Parenting Transitions: Why Support Matters from Birth to the Teen Years Bringing home a baby is life-changing—but so is navigating the teen years. If you’ve ever wished for a parenting coach to guide you through the ups and downs of adolescence, you’re not alone. On this week’s Parenting Shrink Wrapped podcast, we’re joined by pre …
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your tween and thinking, Who even are you right now?, you’re not alone. Middle schoolers can be dramatic, unpredictable, and—let’s be honest—a little rude sometimes. But does that mean you’re raising a “difficult” teen? Probably not. In our latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we tackled a real-life …
Divorce is one of the most challenging transitions a family can go through. But here’s the truth: how you handle it makes all the difference—especially for your kids. Not every divorce has to be a drawn-out battle filled with bitterness and legal drama. There is a better way. In our latest Parenting Shrink Wrapped episode, …
When you think about play, do you picture a bunch of kids running around, laughing, and making a mess? Maybe a game of tag, a pile of Legos, or an intense round of hide-and-seek? What if I told you that you need play just as much as your kids, especially as a busy, overworked, slightly …
Parenting is tough, but if you often feel overwhelmed by the noise, chaos, and emotions of raising kids, you might be a highly sensitive person (HSP). Highly sensitive parents process emotions deeply, feel overstimulated more easily, and can struggle to manage their energy while supporting their children. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! At …
In today’s world, food and body image are more complicated than ever. Between social media, celebrity diets, and the latest wellness trends, teens are bombarded with mixed messages about food and health. How can parents help their kids develop a positive relationship with eating—without falling into the traps of diet culture? On the latest episode …
Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions—especially for kids. Whether it’s across town or across the country, a move can stir up big emotions, disrupt routines, and create unexpected challenges. Even when a move is exciting, it often comes with stress and uncertainty for the whole family. In the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, …
Remember when “going steady” was a thing? Today’s teens use phrases like “talking,” “situationships,” and “soft-launching” their relationships. When it comes to teen love and healthy teen relationships, if you feel like you need a translator, you’re not alone! On the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and I explore the ins …
It’s not just parents who need to understand the difference between punishing and disciplining teens and tweens. It was a crummy day here in Maryland last Friday—cold, grey, and drizzling. My Mazda was covered in muddy truck tire spray from the highway. As I drove, I noticed that my right windshield wiper was coming apart. …
A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Mental Health Care for Kids and Teens Finding the right mental health care for your child or teen can feel overwhelming. With so many different professionals, options, and systems to navigate, it’s no wonder parents feel lost. But the good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on …
Understanding Child and Adolescent Anxiety: When to Worry Anxiety is on the rise among kids and teens, and as parents, it can be tough to know when to step in. While some anxiety is a normal and even healthy response to life’s challenges, excessive or impairing anxiety is a different story. In the latest episode …
Parenting teens is no small feat. Between school stress, extracurriculars, and the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, it’s easy for parents to fall into the trap of putting their own needs last. But here’s the hard truth: neglecting your self-care isn’t just unsustainable—it’s also detrimental to your ability to parent effectively. In the latest episode of …
I’d like to introduce a key parenting strategy to connect with your teen. I teach this to all of my coaching clients: “Join before you shift.” When it comes to raising teens, so many of our conversations are what I call “change conversations.” These are the moments when we’re asking our teens to make a …
I went to see Inside Out 2 with my soon-to-be-18-year-old daughter on opening night, and I’m so glad I did. As someone who swims in the waters of all things teen, I’ve been looking forward to the release of this film since I learned it was in creation. If you’re familiar with the original Inside …
The other night my husband and I were reminiscing about our college days, which is when we met. (That I was just a few months older than my youngest is now when I met the guy I’d eventually marry is a tad mind-blowing to me. I mean–I felt so much OLDER than my daughter feels …
Surviving the Summer Tech Vortex Ah, summer! The season of sun, fun, and… a seemingly endless screen time battle with your adolescent–particularly younger adolescents. They’re too old for summer camp and too young for a summer job, so how do you keep them from transforming into screen zombies while you’re at work? Here’s your sanity-saving …
When our kids were younger, we often found ourselves in the role of conductor, orchestrating the rhythms and melodies of our children’s lives. But adolescent development often has teens seeking greater independence, taking new risks, and, eager to find their own baton to lead, The Conductor and the Orchestra I often say that one of the …
