The Teen Years Toolkit For Moms: Communication Skills to Calm the Chaos

Ever feel like you’ve got the perfect advice for your teen, but the moment you share it, they shut you down with “You don’t understand”?

If you’ve been left frustrated, helpless, or wondering why your teen won’t listen, you’re not alone. This episode explores why your teen resists your solutions and what you can do to foster calm communication instead of constant power struggles.

By listening, you’ll discover:

Do you ever feel frustrated when your teen comes to you with a problem, but then shuts down the moment you share your advice?

You’re not alone. Many moms fall into “fix-it mode,” believing solutions will strengthen the bond—but the truth is, your teen craves understanding, not instructions. In this episode, we explore why advice-giving often backfires and how listening can transform your relationship.

By tuning in, you’ll discover:

Do your mornings with your teen feel like an endless cycle of chaos, frustration, and rushed arguments?

Most advice tells moms to “just think positive,” but when you’re already stressed, your brain calls that out as fake. This episode shows why positivity doesn’t stick in high-stress teen moments and what actually works to stop the morning blow-ups.

By tuning in, you’ll discover:

Do your mornings with your teen feel like a frustrating repeat of the same chaos—just like Groundhog Day?

If your teen rolls out of bed late, scrambles to find their stuff, and leaves you both annoyed before the day has even started, you’re not alone. Many moms feel stuck in this exhausting cycle. But the truth is, you have far more power to shift your mornings than you think.

Do your mornings turn into a battle because your teen just can’t seem to wake up on time?

If you’re tired of starting the day with stress, guilt, or shouting matches, you’re not alone. Many moms struggle with teens who hit snooze, rush out the door, and leave you frustrated before the day has even begun. But what if there was a calmer, more effective way to handle it?

Do you jump in with a quick comeback, text, or lecture—only to regret it minutes later?

In this episode, you’ll discover the difference between reacting and responding, why both have their place, and how to spot the moment when a pause will save you from unnecessary conflict or backpedaling.

When your teen is shut in their room after seeing friends hang out without them, do you rush in to comfort—or to fix?

In this “Coach Me Through This” episode, you’ll hear how a real mom worked through her own reactions before speaking to her excluded teen—and why this inner work changed the conversation completely.

When your teen sees friends hanging out without them on social media, do you feel the urge to fix it—or to say “just let it go”?

In this episode, you’ll learn why exclusion can hit teens (and parents) so deeply, how social media magnifies that pain, and why your own emotions matter just as much as theirs in these moments.

Ever feel like every conversation with your teen turns into a power struggle?

When you’re caught in frustration, fear, or judgment, it’s almost impossible to hear your teen clearly—let alone respond calmly. This episode shows you how to use the “Perspective Goggles” tool to instantly shift your mindset, lower reactivity, and see the full picture, even in heated moments.

Is your teen refusing to go back to school—and you're torn between pushing them and preserving your relationship?

If you've tried everything from consequences to calm conversations and nothing’s working, this episode helps you see the problem in a whole new way. Discover why the urge to “fix” your teen’s mindset may be backfiring, and how shifting your internal approach can open up the exact connection you’ve been craving.

Does your teen hate school—and you're stuck between yelling, worrying, and wondering what it says about your parenting?

If back-to-school season brings dread and power struggles instead of structure, you’re not alone. In this episode, Jessica opens up about her own experience with a teen who rejected the entire idea of school and offers mindset shifts that will help you stop spiralling and start connecting—without micromanaging or guilt-tripping your kid.

Are you constantly stuck in “what if” thoughts about your teen going off to college—and feeling overwhelmed by fear?

This week’s tool, The Fear Flipper, will teach you how to recognize those fear-based thoughts and ask your brain better questions—ones that lead to clarity instead of chaos. If you’ve been stuck in a loop of anxiety, this episode will give you the exact mindset tool to break free.

Is your teen heading off to college soon—and you’re wondering why it feels like your heart is breaking?

When your child steps into independence, it can feel like you’re losing a part of yourself. This episode is your personal coaching session to help you untangle the overwhelming thoughts and emotions that come with this huge transition—and learn how to let go without falling apart.

Is your heart already breaking at the thought of your teen heading to college—and you’re wondering how you’ll survive the goodbye?

While we obsess over packing lists and dorm essentials, what most moms miss is how emotionally unprepared they are to handle the quiet, the fear, and the identity shift that comes with this life milestone. This episode is your guide to making space for all those big feelings—and coming out the other side with more peace and self-compassion.

Do you find yourself spiralling into worst-case scenarios when your teen doesn’t text back or something feels off?

In today’s episode, Jessica introduces a deceptively simple coaching tool called the Fear vs. Fact Finder—a game-changing practice that helps parents separate emotional overwhelm from grounded reality. If you’re tired of letting anxiety lead the way in tough parenting moments, this episode is your new go-to.

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Are your teen’s summer thrill-seeking adventures sending your anxiety into overdrive?

If your teen’s cliff jumping, dirt biking, or spontaneous road trip ideas trigger a full-body “NOPE” reaction, you’re not alone — and you’re not a bad parent. In this episode, we unpack why teens are wired for risk and how moms can respond with calm confidence instead of panic.

Does it feel like family vacations with your teen aren’t what they used to be—and you’re left wondering if they’re ruining the trip or if something else is going on?

If you’ve ever packed your bags hoping for reconnection and joy, only to be met with eye rolls and headphones, you’re not alone. This episode introduces a powerful mindset tool—the Vacation Expectation Reframe—to help you navigate this phase without resentment or emotional exhaustion.

Do your once-excited kids now groan at the idea of a family vacation—and bring more eye rolls and phones than smiles?

If summer break has started to feel more like a power struggle than a peaceful getaway, you're not alone. This episode unpacks why your teen's attitude toward family trips has shifted, and how you can adapt your mindset (and expectations) to reduce friction and reconnect—without losing your mind in the process.

Do you feel like your emotions are running the show—especially in tense moments with your teen?

In this episode, Jessica Stewart reveals the Emotional Energy Meter—a practical tool to help you name, understand, and feel your emotions instead of escaping or burying them. Learn how emotional awareness impacts your energy, your communication, and how your teen learns to handle their emotions by watching you.

Are you avoiding “the talk” with your teen because it feels awkward, overwhelming, or just too uncomfortable to start?

Are you avoiding “the talk” with your teen because it feels awkward, overwhelming, or just too uncomfortable to start?

You're not alone—most moms hesitate to talk about sex, consent, and relationships with their teens, worried it might encourage the very behaviour they’re hoping to prevent. But silence doesn’t protect them—it only leaves them vulnerable to misinformation from peers, media, and the internet

Are you constantly putting your teen’s needs before your own—only to end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and reactive?

This episode dives into why so many moms ignore the advice to “put your oxygen mask on first” and how that silent resistance leads to burnout, guilt, and emotional spirals during the most critical parenting years.

Are you constantly trying to “fix” your teen’s mental health—only to feel more helpless, disconnected, and overwhelmed?

In this deeply personal milestone episode, Jessica shares her emotional journey through her son's OCD diagnosis and what she learned the hard way about supporting a teenager through mental health struggles. If you've ever felt powerless or like you're doing everything wrong, this episode will bring clarity and calm.

Still trying to parent your teen the same way you did when they were little—and wondering why it's not working anymore?

In this short but powerful episode, you'll learn why your default parenting habits might be causing the very pushback and emotional chaos you're trying to avoid. Your teen is operating on a new system—and it's time your parenting upgraded too.

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, "It was so much easier when they were younger…” or “Why do I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing anymore?” You're not alone—and there’s a powerful reason for that shift.

Raising a teenager requires a completely different parenting approach than the one you used when they were little. And while you may know they’re changing, emotionally adapting to this new stage is a whole different story. If you're feeling disoriented, disconnected, or stuck in old habits, this episode will help you understand why—and how to move forwar...

Ever feel like your teen says one thing and you're instantly triggered? What if the key to calm parenting was as simple as pressing a pause button?

As a mom of a teenager, it's easy to slip into reactive mode—snapping, lecturing, or yelling before you even realize what happened. But what if you had a moment to breathe, reflect, and choose how to respond? This episode reveals the science behind why it's so hard to pause—and how mastering this single habit can change the way you parent forever.

Ever felt like you're failing at parenting—especially during your teen’s most difficult moments?

If you’ve ever lost your cool, blamed yourself for your teen’s struggles, or believed everyone else has it figured out, this episode is your lifeline. The pressure to be a “perfect parent” during the teen years can leave you feeling defeated, but what if those feelings are misleading—and even a sign that you're actually doing something right?

Do you feel dread every time you ask your teen to do something—because you know the complaints are coming?

You’re not alone. Many moms of teens struggle with feeling rejected, frustrated, or exhausted by constant pushback. This episode introduces a simple yet powerful tool you can use before these tough moments to reduce conflict and stay calm.

What do you do when you find out your teen is vaping—even when you're a health expert who thought it could never happen to your kid?

If you’ve ever believed that talking to your teen about vaping would be enough to stop them, this episode will challenge that belief. Jessica, a respiratory therapist and certified tobacco educator, shares the shocking moment she discovered her own son was vaping—and how she responded without yelling, spiraling, or shutting down communication.

Are you constantly on edge, irritated with your teen, or feeling sad and can’t quite explain why?

In this episode, you’ll discover how a surprising but common emotional experience—grief—often shows up for moms as their teens grow up and become more independent. By naming and understanding this grief, you’ll uncover how it’s impacting your emotional responses and relationships.

Have you ever felt uneasy — or even jealous — about the friends or partners your teen is suddenly spending more time with?

It’s not just about “bad influence” — it’s about the shift in your role as a parent during a time when peers start having more sway. If you’ve ever felt powerless, disrespected, or pushed aside, this episode will help you navigate that tough emotional terrain without damaging your relationship with your teen.

Do you constantly worry about your teenager’s future—grades, behavior, or even if they’ll be okay without you reminding them?

If you're a mom who finds yourself stuck in anxious loops, thinking that worrying is just part of being a "good parent," this episode will shift your mindset. We explore how worry shows up in parenting, why it feels necessary, and how to stop letting it run your day.

Tired of constant battles over screen time? Wondering how to talk to your teen about phones and social media without getting eye rolls or slammed doors?

Smartphones are here to stay—and so is your teen’s connection to them. But navigating this digital world doesn’t have to mean power struggles and resentment. In this episode, you’ll learn how to shift from controlling your teen’s tech habits to collaborating with them—so you both feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Do you ever wish you could stay calm in the moment — especially when your teen triggers you again with the same old behaviour?

If you find yourself constantly reacting with frustration, guilt, or anger in tough parenting moments, you're not alone — and there’s a better way. In this episode, Jessica Stewart introduces a powerful 4-step Thinking Plan Blueprint that helps you mentally prepare for triggering situations with your teen, so you can respond with clarity and calm.

Are you dreading “the talk” with your teen about drinking—and afraid you’ll either blow up or be ignored?

This episode is your guide to having real, honest conversations with your teen about alcohol without turning it into a lecture or losing the connection. Whether you're team abstinence, harm reduction, or just terrified of saying the wrong thing, this discussion will ground you with neuroscience, strategies, and real-life examples to help you feel more prepared.

Do your eyes light up when your teenager walks into the room—or do you brace for drama?

If you're feeling disconnected from your teen, stuck in a cycle of power struggles, or unsure how to rebuild the closeness you once had, this episode gives you a refreshingly simple (yet wildly effective) tool to shift your energy and theirs—in seconds.

Have you ever yelled at your teenager and instantly felt like you ruined everything?

If you’ve ever spiraled into guilt after a blow-up with your teen, you’re not alone—and the good news is, all is not lost. In fact, repairing the connection afterward can make your relationship stronger than it was before. This episode breaks down exactly how.

Are you tired of feeling like your teen’s moods control the entire energy of your household?

When parenting teens, it's easy to feel powerless and reactive—especially when your teenager seems to spiral and drag you into their emotional chaos. In this episode, Jessica shares the life-changing tool called the emotional self regulator that gives you back control—not over your teen, but over your own peace of mind.

Do you feel personally attacked when your teen snaps at you, rolls their eyes, or talks back with an attitude?

You’re not alone — but what if I told you that what feels like defiance might actually be normal, healthy behaviour for a developing teen brain? This episode dives into the misunderstood science and psychology behind teenage “rudeness” and why your emotional response is just as important to manage as theirs.

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a cycle of constantly fixing your teen's problems—only to end up feeling burnt out, unappreciated, or disconnected?

Many well-meaning moms try to help their teens by solving every issue that arises—but this habit can unintentionally send the message that we don’t trust them to figure things out themselves. If you’re craving a more connected relationship with your teen without the emotional exhaustion, this episode introduces a transformative shift in your parenting approach.

Are you struggling to figure out what to say (or not say) when your teenager comes home overwhelmed with emotions?

Many moms feel instinctively responsible for "fixing" their teen’s bad days — but this approach can unintentionally cause disconnection. In this episode, Jessica Stewart explains why your fear of your teen’s big feelings is completely normal, why trying to "make it better" often backfires, and how doing less can actually deepen your relationship.