Hope For Parents With Struggling Teens

Brandon explores one of the most common traps in therapy and personal growth—the seduction of "why." It feels cathartic to connect the dots between past experiences and present struggles, but he challenges the idea that understanding alone leads to healing. Drawing from clinical insights and real client experiences, Brandon explains how getting stuck in a rediscovery loop can stall true progress. Insight can offer hope, b...

Brandon assesses what it means to lead your family without losing yourself in the process. He challenges the traditional view of parental leadership as control, offering instead a grounded, emotionally intelligent approach rooted in humility and discernment. Brandon explores the difference between emotional leadership and emotional control, emphasizing that leadership isn't about reacting from fear or ego but about staying ste...

Brandon sheds light on the power of personal responsibility in healing from trauma, adversity, and mental health struggles. He introduces the idea that just because these challenges aren’t our fault, they are still ours to manage. Through real-life examples, he examines how unprocessed pain can impact parenting, relationships, and self-worth, often leading to cycles of codependency, entitlement, and resentment. He emphasizes that t...

Brandon uncovers the complexities of parenting when styles clash, exploring the tension between nurturing and structured approaches and how these differences create friction between parents and impact their children’s development. Through real-life examples, he highlights the importance of consistency, communication, and emotional regulation—both in how parents engage with their kids and navigate conflict with each other. He emphas...

Brandon discusses the power of detaching emotionally from the chaos and compartmentalizing stress. He explores how parenting a strong-willed child can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Brandon explains why some kids push emotional buttons to gain control and how parents unknowingly reinforce these behaviors by engaging in arguments. He offers strategies for reclaiming peace at home by setting consistent boundaries and refusing ...

Brandon explores how parents can foster personal agency in their children. He explains how parents often unintentionally enable their children by providing endless resources without clear boundaries, which leads to resentment on both sides. Parents feel frustrated by their child's lack of responsibility, while children become dependent and resistant to change. He emphasizes that boundaries protect emotional health and resource...

Brandon analyzes the real meaning of self-love, challenging the surface-level messages that dominate social media. He breaks down why true self-love requires honesty, self-discipline, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. Through personal insights and real-life examples, he explores how embracing both our strengths and limitations leads to lasting transformation. True self-love isn’t just about feel-good affirmations—it...

Brandon takes a deep dive into the complexities of bullying, challenging the traditional narratives that paint a clear-cut picture of victims and aggressors. He explores how bullying is often a layered issue, influenced by personality dynamics, social skills, and even family patterns. Rather than focusing solely on the damage, Brandon emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and recognizing what’s within one’s ...

Brandon breaks down the importance of building a strong community and network for both parents and children. He explores how family identity, social connections, and resilience are all connected, emphasizing that friendships and networks grow through effort and consistency. Brandon shares insights on navigating social struggles, pushing past rejection, and modeling healthy relationships for children. Whether you're a parent fr...

Brandon tackles the challenge of food refusal and how it impacts family dynamics. He shares strategies for maintaining consistency and setting healthy boundaries around meals, even when faced with complaints or resistance. Brandon emphasizes the importance of involving children in meal planning, cooking, and cleanup to foster a sense of pride and responsibility. By turning mealtime struggles into opportunities for growth, parents c...

Brandon takes a closer look at the popular idea of “bottling things up” and why it doesn’t align with how human emotions work. Emotions aren’t like pressure cookers—they’re far more nuanced. Brandon unpacks how unresolved conflicts, unhealthy patterns, and unspoken boundaries often drive emotional struggles, not simply holding feelings in. He explains how the push to constantly express emotions can sometimes do more harm than good,...

Brandon dissects the delicate balance of saying no to your teens while staying supportive. He breaks down how saying no with compassion and consistency can foster accountability and problem-solving. Brandon highlights how parents can validate their teen’s feelings, even when disagreeing with their choices, by offering support. He emphasizes the value of stepping back to allow teens to learn from their choices—even their failures—wi...

Brandon navigates the delicate balance of trust between parents and teens, focusing on the complexities of teen honesty. He addresses why teens often lie—whether to protect themselves or avoid conflict—and how parents’ reactions can sometimes unintentionally reinforce dishonest behavior. Brandon highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries, being mindful of how questions are asked, and modeling honesty in everyday life. He...

Brandon shares his expertise on addressing school refusal, bullying, and children's deeper social struggles. He emphasizes the distinction between true bullying and everyday adverse life situations. Brandon explores the importance of equipping children with social skills and coping strategies through role-playing, sports, and volunteer opportunities. He also highlights the need for parents to differentiate between enabling avo...

Brandon analyzes the powerful impact sports can have on family dynamics, highlighting both the benefits and the challenges. He examines how youth sports teach invaluable lessons in teamwork, commitment, and physical health, while also addressing the toll excessive involvement can take, such as financial strain and sibling resentment. Brandon explores how the growing obsession with sports has shifted the focus from character-buildin...

Brandon breaks down the complexities of ADHD, exploring what it truly means to live with the condition. With ADHD diagnoses on the rise, he unpacks the challenges of overdiagnosis, overprescription, and the critical importance of meeting accurate diagnostic criteria. Drawing a clear line between everyday struggles with focus and the pervasive, life-impairing realities of ADHD. He also examines the role of ADHD coaches, shedding lig...

Brandon unpacks why teens lie—whether it’s fear, disagreement, or simply wanting to avoid inconvenience—and how parents can respond effectively without taking it personally. Lying is a challenge nearly every parent faces, but it doesn’t have to define your relationship with your teen. He explores practical strategies for navigating dishonesty with curiosity rather than judgment, setting clear boundaries, and fostering an environmen...

Brandon uncovers the journey of addiction recovery and its profound impact on parenting. For parents overcoming addiction, the challenge goes beyond sobriety to confronting the "addict inside" and reclaiming their role as caregivers. This episode offers practical tools to recognize ego-driven behaviors, let go of instant gratification, and redefine the roles of protector and provider. He highlights the unique responsibili...

Brandon examines the often-underestimated power of purpose in mental health and personal growth, showing how even small, daily actions can become transformative steps toward healing. For many, finding purpose can be challenging when facing depression, anxiety, or low motivation, yet these small steps can help shift us from a self-focused mindset to one of connection and contribution. He also addresses the pitfalls of today’s "...