Teen Savvy Coaching
Helping teens and the adults who care for them to thrive
If you’ve ever found yourself snapping at your teen over something small—only to later think, Why did I overreact like that?—you’re not alone. Many parents are carrying emotional baggage from the past that’s quietly influencing how they respond today. That’s where EMDR therapy for parents comes in. This powerful, evidence-based approach helps reprocess unresolved trauma …
This week on Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we’re honoring Father’s Day with a raw, real, and refreshingly unfiltered conversation about fatherhood and grief. Our guests—two dads who aren’t afraid to admit they don’t have it all figured out. They open up about the messy, meaningful, and often emotional journey of raising kids. Our guests are Dr. …
When hormones and mental health are running the show, your household can start to feel like a cross between a teen soap opera and a sleep-deprived group therapy session. Parenting teens is tough—but it gets even trickier when you’re juggling your own mood shifts right alongside theirs. In Episode #26 of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we …
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, …
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 …
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 …
