Episodes

  • 250. Parent Coaching for Overwhelmed Parents of Tweens and Teens: 3 Ways to Reduce Conflict

    250. Parent Coaching for Overwhelmed Parents of Tweens and Teens: 3 Ways to Reduce Conflict
    Apr 2 2026

    Are you parenting a tween or teen and feeling like everything has become more intense, more emotional, and more exhausting? You are not alone. In this episode, Tess Connolly talks directly to overwhelmed parents who are trying to manage conflict, set boundaries, navigate screen time, and stay connected to their child without losing themselves in the process.

    The tween and teen years can leave even thoughtful, loving parents feeling depleted. When your child is moody, reactive, pushing limits, or arguing more often, it is easy to assume something is wrong. But often, these behaviors are part of normal development, and understanding that can change how you respond at home.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • Why understanding normal tween and teen development can reduce parenting overwhelm
    • How to lower conflict at home by focusing on one issue at a time
    • Why clear agreements around screen time, chores, and money can help everyone feel more grounded
    • How small daily resets and moments of connection can support both you and your child
    • How parent coaching can help overwhelmed parents of tweens and teens feel more calm, clear, and confident

    If this episode resonated with you, join the family through the link in the show notes for more support, encouragement, and parenting tools.

    And if you are ready for personalized help, book a 45-minute Reset Call. Tess offers parent coaching for overwhelmed parents of tweens and teens who want to reduce conflict, set better boundaries, create stronger agreements, and build more connection at home.

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

    #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    12 mins
  • 249. Teen Attitude Problems: 3 Simple Ways to Handle Teen Disrespect and Pushback

    249. Teen Attitude Problems: 3 Simple Ways to Handle Teen Disrespect and Pushback
    Mar 31 2026

    Are you dealing with teen attitude problems at home right now?

    The eye rolling.

    The sarcasm.

    The “Why do you care so much?” responses.

    If your teen’s attitude seems to be escalating conflict in your house, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean your parenting is failing.

    Teen pushback is actually a normal developmental stage, but how you respond to it can either escalate the tension or strengthen your relationship.

    In this episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW and parent coach, explains why teen attitude often appears during the tween and teen years and how parents can respond in ways that maintain leadership without turning every moment into a power struggle.

    Research shows that conflict between parents and teens tends to peak between ages 12–15, and most disagreements revolve around everyday issues like homework, chores, curfews, and screen time.

    Understanding what’s really happening during these moments can help you respond in ways that reduce conflict and build connection.

    In this episode you’ll learn:

    • Why teen attitude problems are often about independence and stress—not disrespect
    • A simple two-sentence boundary technique that prevents long lectures
    • How to slow down conflict in the moment so small disagreements don’t turn into big fights

    These strategies can help you stay calm, maintain leadership, and guide your teen through the challenging moments that come with adolescence.

    If you want more tools for navigating the tween and teen years, make sure to join the family by clicking the link in the show notes.

    When you sign up for Tess’s bi-weekly parenting newsletter, you’ll also receive her Tech Reset Agreement, a practical framework families use to reset screen-time struggles and improve communication at home.

    And if this episode helped you, consider sharing it with another parent who may be dealing with teen attitude problems too.

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

    #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    11 mins
  • 248. How to Talk to Teenagers So They Actually Listen

    248. How to Talk to Teenagers So They Actually Listen
    Mar 26 2026
    Trying to talk to your teenager and getting eye rolls, silence, or one-word answers?If conversations with your tween or teen feel harder lately, you’re not imagining it. Research shows that parent-teen conflict tends to peak during early adolescence, especially around everyday topics like chores, homework, and screen time.But here’s the important thing most parents miss.The issue usually isn’t that teens refuse to talk.It’s that the way we talk to them needs to evolve as they grow.In this episode of The Single Parenting Reset, Tess Connolly, LCSW, explains how communication with teens shifts during adolescence and why traditional “because I said so” parenting stops working.Teenagers are developing independence, reasoning skills, and a strong radar for authenticity. When conversations feel controlling, vague, or dismissive, teens often shut down or push back.But when parents shift toward honest, respectful communication, something powerful happens: teens are far more likely to stay engaged in the relationship.In this episode you’ll learn:Why honesty and direct communication works better with teens than controlWhy explaining the “why” behind your boundaries increases cooperationHow giving teens the benefit of the doubt can open the door to better conversationsWhy strong parent-teen communication is linked to better emotional wellbeing and confidence in adolescentsIf you’ve ever wondered how to talk to teenagers without constant conflict, this episode gives you practical shifts that make communication easier and more effective.If you found this episode helpful, forward it to another parent who might need it.And if you want more tools for parenting tweens and teens, join the family to receive my bi-weekly parenting newsletter.You’ll get practical guidance on:screen time battlesteen behavior and boundariesimproving parent-teen communicationbuilding stronger connection in your home⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.#singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    11 mins
  • 247. Tween and Teen Screen Time: What Parents Need to Know About Healthy Use, Red Flags, and AI

    247. Tween and Teen Screen Time: What Parents Need to Know About Healthy Use, Red Flags, and AI
    Mar 24 2026

    Is your tween or teen’s screen time healthy, or is it becoming a real problem?

    Parents ask this all the time, and the answer is not as simple as counting hours. In this episode, Tess Connolly talks with physician and digital wellbeing expert Dr. Sajita Setia about what actually matters when it comes to tween and teen screen time, digital health, sleep, social connection, red flags, and AI.

    This conversation goes beyond the usual “how many hours is too much?” debate. Tess and Dr. Setia break down how parents can tell the difference between healthy device use and harmful patterns, what warning signs to watch for, why sleep is one of the biggest overlooked factors, and how AI is already changing childhood and adolescence.

    They also discuss the difference between “bloom scrolling” and “doom scrolling,” why devices in bedrooms are such a problem, and what parents can do right now to build more connection instead of more conflict.

    If you are parenting a tween or teen and feeling behind, overwhelmed, or worried about screen time, this episode will help you:

    1. understand what healthy screen use actually looks like
    2. spot early red flags around problematic use
    3. protect your child’s sleep, mood, and mental health
    4. think more clearly about AI and kids
    5. feel more confident setting limits without constant power struggles

    Listen in, then share this episode with another parent who is trying to figure out how to navigate phones, social media, gaming, and AI with their child.

    If this conversation resonates, make sure you’re on my email list for more support around parenting tweens and teens, screen time, connection, and emotional health.

    Learn more about Dr. Sajita Setia and her work at https://sajitasetia.com/

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

    #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    40 mins
  • 246. Why Tweens Push Back: What Parents Often Misunderstand

    246. Why Tweens Push Back: What Parents Often Misunderstand
    Mar 19 2026

    Why does your once cooperative child suddenly argue about everything?

    If you're parenting a tween, you may be noticing more attitude, pushback, and emotional reactions. Many parents interpret this behavior as disrespect or defiance, but developmental research suggests something very different is happening.

    During the tween years (roughly ages 9–13), children begin developing stronger independent thinking and identity formation. This natural stage of development often leads to increased questioning of rules, negotiation attempts, and emotional intensity.

    In this episode, Tess Connolly explains why tween pushback is a normal part of development and how parents can respond in ways that strengthen connection rather than escalate conflict.

    You’ll learn practical parenting strategies that help you:

    • Reduce power struggles with your tween

    • Respond calmly when your child pushes back

    • Encourage independence while still holding healthy boundaries

    • Improve communication with tweens and early teenagers

    If parenting your tween has started to feel more challenging lately, this episode will help you better understand what’s happening and how to navigate it with confidence.

    Listen now to learn why tweens push back and what parents often misunderstand about this stage of development.

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

    #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    10 mins
  • 245. Parenting Help for Tweens: Homework, Screens, and Attitude—What to Do Tonight

    245. Parenting Help for Tweens: Homework, Screens, and Attitude—What to Do Tonight
    Mar 17 2026

    If your tween turns simple requests into a debate—homework, screens, bedtime, chores—you’re not alone. In this episode, you’ll get parenting help for tweens that’s practical, calm, and usable tonight.

    Tweens (roughly ages 9–12) are in a developmental stage where they’re practicing independence—so pushback, eye rolls, and “I KNOW!” can spike fast. The problem isn’t that you’re doing it wrong—the problem is that most parents don’t have a simple in-the-moment structure to stop escalation before it takes over the whole evening.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll have:

    1. A 3-step reset to stop power struggles before they blow up
    2. A few one-sentence scripts that keep your authority and protect connection
    3. A simple When–Then + Timer structure that reduces arguing
    4. A 10-minute weekly “Reset Meeting” that lowers conflict all week (especially helpful for solo parents)

    ✅ Try the 3-step reset tonight with the next flashpoint (screens, homework, bedtime).

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

    #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    11 mins
  • 244. How To Deal With a Disrespectful Teenager Without Damaging the Relationship

    244. How To Deal With a Disrespectful Teenager Without Damaging the Relationship
    Mar 13 2026

    What do you do when your teenager rolls their eyes, talks back, or gives you attitude — and you want to address it without creating even more conflict?

    If you are parenting a tween or teen, especially on your own, you already know that disrespect can feel exhausting and deeply personal. The more you react in the moment, the more quickly things can spiral into power struggles, shutdowns, and disconnection. This episode helps you take a different approach by looking underneath the behavior and identifying the life skill your child may still be learning.

    In this episode, you’ll learn how to respond to disrespect without losing your calm or your authority.

    You’ll hear practical scripts you can use during everyday moments like eye rolls, rude tone, homework battles, screen time struggles, and conflict at home.

    You’ll also learn how to help your tween or teen build adaptability, responsibility, emotional strength, and respect over time.

    Press play to learn how to handle disrespect in a way that protects connection, strengthens your leadership, and helps your teen build the skills they need for life.

    45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

    #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    17 mins
  • 243. How to Stop Power Struggles With Your Teen

    243. How to Stop Power Struggles With Your Teen
    Mar 10 2026

    Why does one simple request, like putting the phone away for dinner, turn into a full-blown argument with your teen?

    If you are parenting a tween or teen on your own, everyday moments like screen time, chores, or bedtime can quickly become emotionally exhausting. This episode helps you understand why teen pushback happens so fast, why it is often more developmental than personal, and how to respond in a way that lowers tension instead of making the conflict worse.

    Listeners will learn why teen pushback is often a normal sign of growing independence, not a sign of failure or disrespect.

    They will understand how screens and constant digital stimulation can push teens closer to emotional overload.

    They will walk away with a simple, calm response strategy that helps them hold boundaries while protecting connection.

    Play this episode to learn how to stay steady in heated parenting moments so you can reduce conflict, protect your relationship, and lead your teen with more confidence.

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

    #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication
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    8 mins