Teen Savvy Coaching
Helping teens and the adults who care for them to thrive
Teenagers are emotional. That’s normal. Hormones, social pressure, school stress, and growing independence all come with big feelings. But sometimes what looks like “typical teen moodiness” is actually something deeper. Understanding the signs of teen depression can help you step in early and get your child the support they need. On this week’s Parenting Shrink …
If you have a high school senior in your house, there’s a good chance you’re feeling the weight of college applications right alongside them. Essays, deadlines, recommendations, test scores—it’s enough to make even the most organized family feel like they’re living inside a pressure cooker. But here’s the truth most parents don’t realize: applying to …
As parents of teens, we know this stage of life brings new opportunities—and new responsibilities. One big milestone that often comes up? Babysitting. Whether your teen is eager to start earning money, gaining independence, or just helping out neighbors and family friends, it’s natural to wonder if they’re truly ready. In this week’s episode of …
Back-to-school tips for elementary kids can make the difference between a smooth transition and weeks of stress—for both children and parents. In our latest Parenting Shrink Wrapped episode, Melissa and I sat down with child therapist and school counselor Jennifer Ruef to talk about what really happens in the elementary years, from kindergarten all the …
If parenting triggers—like finding laundry on the floor, a missed homework assignment, or a teenager’s “I got it” shrug—ever make you lose your cool, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and I unpack what’s really going on when minor parenting moments become major meltdowns. Spoiler: it’s usually not about …
Understanding what ADHD kids wish their parents knew is the key to unlocking more compassion and more connection. Helping to have fewer power struggles. With Part 2 of our ADHD series on the Parenting Shrink Wrapped podcast, we dig into the real-life parenting challenges that come with raising neurodivergent kids. We discuss how a few …
ADHD in kids is one of the most commonly discussed—and commonly misunderstood—diagnoses in parenting today. If your mental image of ADHD involves a fidgety, blurting, can’t-sit-still kind of kid, you’re not wrong… but you’re not seeing the whole picture. In the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, child psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Wellner and I take …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
