Do you feel like you're losing connection with your teen—or worse, already have? You're not alone… but it doesn't have to be that way.
In this powerful and honest episode, we share 6 strategic parenting techniques that have helped us raise mature, respectful, and emotionally healthy teens—without control, punishment, or endless conflict.
If you're frustrated by moodiness, defiance, secretive behavior, or a lack of trust in your relationship with your teen, it might be because you're parenting on autopilot… using strategies that just don’t work anymore.
We unpack the REAL reasons why teens rebel, resist, or retreat—and why many parenting tactics like strict rules, forced obedience, or excessive control backfire (sometimes in heartbreaking ways).
You'll learn how to:
Recognize the warning signs of disconnection before they become rebellion
Build emotional capital and trust with your teen—without being permissive
Encourage better choices without controlling their every move
Avoid the #1 parenting myth that leads to resentment and disrespect
Use strategy and vision to create a strong, lifelong bond
Empower your kids to make good decisions because they want to, not because they have to
Whether you’re deep in the teen years or just getting started, these techniques will help you raise responsible, confident, and connected kids—and build a family culture of mutual respect, freedom, and fun.
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Emotional connection must come before correction
✅ Control breeds secrecy; trust builds honesty
✅ Strictness often leads to rebellion—not obedience
✅ Earned respect is the foundation of influence
✅ Teens thrive with autonomy, strategy, and support
✅ Nutrition, sleep, and screen time massively impact behavior
✅ Your parenting strategy must evolve with your child
🕰️ CHAPTERS
00:00 Challenging Negative Stereotypes: Teenagers Are Not Troublesome
02:41 Building an Emotional Bond with Your Teenagers
03:09 The Impact of Sleep and Nutrition on Teenagers' Behavior
05:01 The Pitfalls of Controlling Parenting Styles
22:42 The Impact of Social Media and Video Games
💬 MEMORABLE QUOTES
🗣 “You can’t fix your parenting without fixing your relationship.”
🗣 “The strictest parents often have the most rebellious kids.”
🗣 “If you’re controlling your child, they’re not learning to control themselves.”
🗣 “Respect isn’t automatic—it must be earned.”
🗣 “Your kids don’t owe you obedience. You owe them leadership.”
🗣 “Stop asking ‘should this work’ and start asking ‘does this work?’”
Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL_J-aSKZfs&list=PLy_YSoZnpiQyx7DUYuapwWWBHPl_DKiGQ
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com