🎮 How to Connect with Your Gamer Teen (Without Pushing Them Away)
Do you feel like your teen is slipping away—and gaming is the wall between you?
You’re not alone. Whether you're unschooling or just trying to build a healthier relationship with your teen, this episode will help parents reframe what gaming means and how your reactions might be unintentionally creating more distance.
In this episode of the Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast, Sue Patterson (unschooling coach, mom of 3 grown unschoolers, and author of Homeschooled Teens) explores:
- Why “roommate mode” isn’t disconnection—it’s maturity.
- How presence without pressure can rebuild trust.
- Ways parents accidentally sabotage connection (even with good intentions).
- How gaming can be a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper relationships.
- 5 questions you can start asking today to connect with your gamer teen.
Whether you unschool or not, this conversation will show you how simple shifts in language and presence can spark meaningful moments—without forcing anything or hovering awkwardly.
đź’¬ Grab the free PDF: Tips for Healthier Tech Interactions with Kids
https://unschooling-mom2mom.ck.page/55b73066c7
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https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/creating-confidence-membership
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Join Sue’s email list for podcast updates, YouTube extras, and unschooling tools that actually work.
đź“Ś Chapters
0:00 Why It Feels Like You’re Losing Connection
1:49 Welcome
2:37 Unschooling Resources
3:09 What “Roommate Mode” Really Means
4:09 Was It Ever True Connection During Curriculum?
5:12 Presence Without Pressure
6:06 Using Gaming as a Bridge
7:56 Membership for Parents of Teens
9:19 Free PDF
10:00 Parenting in a New Way—Letting Connection Evolve
✨ Subscribe + Rate if this helped!
 And remember, connection isn’t lost—it’s just changing form.
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As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
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