Do you ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells with your teen—afraid to say the wrong thing or get shut out altogether? There’s a better way.

In this episode, we’re picking up where we left off in Part 1—and diving into the next three connection-building shifts that will help you move from tension and second-guessing…to trust, peace, and confidence. I’m even throwing in a bonus secret that might surprise you—but will encourage you.

I’ll take you behind the scenes into one of the most powerful turning points I experienced as a mom with my daughter—and how learning to pause, listen, and respond differently opened the door to healing, trust, and real relationship.

You’ll walk away with simple ways to:

• Stop reacting to behavior and start connecting with the heart underneath
• Invite your teen to open up—without pressure, judgment, or forcing the moment
• Stay consistent in how you show up (even when it feels like nothing’s changing)
• Recognize and celebrate the wins that matter most—those Spirit-led moments of breakthrough and closeness

Whether your teen is pulling away or just tough to read, these principles will help you connect without control—and begin building the legacy of love and relationship you long for.

Homework / Reflection

✔️ Invite Them to Say More

Next time your teen gives a short answer, attitude, or even silence—pause. Instead of reacting, say something like:

“That sounds rough… tell me more?” or “I’m listening—would you say more?”

Then Listen. Let your calm and focused presence speak louder than words.

✔️ Practice Curious Listening When They Initiate

If they start talking (even briefly), resist the urge to fix or finish their sentence. Just invite more. And when they’re done, say: “Thanks for sharing.”

That’s it. No lectures. No sighs. Just space, safety, and gratitude. You’re building a foundation of trust through your connection one listening moment at a time.

Rejoicing in Hope,

Terri

Want to stay connected?

I’d love to walk with you in creating your legacy of connection—

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider and get my weekly newsletter for encouragement and more: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Are you constantly overthinking what to say to your teen—worried that one wrong word will spark another conflict? Do you second-guess every text, every tone, every conversation—wondering if you’re doing it “right”? Have you felt like your worth as a mom rises and falls with your teen’s behavior?

In this episode, we’re going deep into the first 3 secrets to stop walking on eggshells and start showing up with Spirit-led confidence and peace. These are practical, grace-filled shifts that help you reconnect with your teen—not from fear or pressure, but from your God-given identity as a mom who is already fully loved and equipped by God.

You’ll learn:

✨ How to create a safe space that builds trust with your teen

📵 Why unplugging (for YOU—not forcing them) is a powerful first step toward connection

🕊️ How to shift from anxiety to anchored peace when you remember who you are in Christ

Plus, I’ll share my own story of trying to “perform” my way into God’s love—and how that mindset spilled into my parenting. We’ll break down the “He loves me, He loves me not” lie and discover what it looks like to lead your home from a place of knowing: You are already chosen.

Grab a pen and notebook and your favorite latte—we’re rebuilding connection, one Spirit-led moment at a time.

✔️ Spend 5 quiet minutes with God—no performance, just presence.

Ask Him to show you how deeply loved you are, right now. Meditate on Psalm 139:1-18.

✔️ Reflect on a recent moment when you walked on eggshells.

Maybe you overthought a text, held your breath before bringing up a topic, or felt like you failed as a mom.

Then ask: “Lord, what do You want me to know about that moment?”

Write down what you hear Him say. If can’t write it down right now, ask Him to hold it in your heart until you can. Let His truth quiet your self-doubt. His voice is always kinder than your inner critic and offers the peace you need to approach your next interaction with calm and confidence. 

Terri

Want to stay connected?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider and get my weekly newsletter for encouragement and more: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Are you doing “all the right things” to raise your teens but still ending up in power struggles, silence, or distance?

In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, I’m sharing my story—how I went from feeling shut out and dismissed as a mom to building deep, lasting connections with my teens and my husband.

You’ll hear how my relationships with my teens were transformed and how the pain and struggle we went through as a family became the turning point where healing began. 

I’ll also talk about how God led me to create this podcast to pour into YOU. I’m here to help guide moms of teenagers to build strong relationships, communicate with confidence, and become a safe, trusted voice in their teens’ lives. 

I pray this blesses and encourages you.

Rejoicing in Hope,

Terri

*Special thanks to my mentor, Nancy Demmitt, and her husband, Dr. Dallas Demmitt, for pouring their lives and work into our family. Their support and training helped transform the way I relate to my teens and laid the foundation for the message I now share with other moms.

Want to stay connected?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider and get my weekly newsletter for encouragement and more: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Are you walking on eggshells, unsure how to talk to your teen without tension or pushback? Do your conversations feel more like nagging than real connection? Is your teen shut down, distracted, or glued to a screen… while you're desperate to build trust and keep your relationship strong?

You are not alone—there is hope!

If you’re longing for honest conversations, stronger connection, and a peaceful relationship—without constant conflict or shutting down—this podcast is for you. You’ll hear faith-filled encouragement, real talk, and simple strategies to help you become the calm; confident mom your teen feels safe opening up to—without pressure, guilt, or control.

Aloha, I’m Terri, a wife, mom, Tutu, and Christ-centered communication coach. Through my years as a social worker, ministry leader, and homeschool mom, I’ve seen firsthand how complex family dynamics can be—and how communication often breaks down in the moments that matter most. Left unaddressed, that breakdown can create lasting hurt and disconnection—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

This is exactly why I created this podcast! For the past 16 years, I’ve helped parents develop faith-based communication strategies that build trust, restore connection, and strengthen relationships. Connect With Your Teens exists to help Christian moms build deeper connections with their teens by replacing frustration and miscommunication with tools that foster peace, trust, and lasting connection.

In this trailer episode, I’ll share the heart behind this show, who it’s for, and how it can support you in building trust and connection with your teen—even in the middle of phone distractions, shutdowns, and tough conversations.

Whether your teen is drifting, distracted, or just hard to reach, there is hope. You're not alone in this journey—and together, we'll learn how to navigate these teen years with grace, wisdom, and the kind of calm, steady presence that draws our teens closer.

Now, go grab a latte or your favorite cup of tea and let's get to the heart of it!

Rejoicing in Hope,

Terri

Want to stay connected?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider and get my weekly newsletter for encouragement and more: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Do you ever feel yourself shift in a conversation with your teen…like you were calm one moment—and suddenly you’re reacting? Maybe they roll their eyes…shut down…or go back to their phone…And something in you tightens.

That moment? 

It’s not random.

And it’s not just about communication skills.

In Part 3 of this series, I’m walking you through a simple, faith-anchored process to recognize what’s happening in those moments, uncover the lie underneath it, and begin replacing it with truth—so you can build connection and actually live this out in your real conversations as you are parenting teens.

• How to recognize when you’re becoming unanchored in conversations
• A simple 3-step process to uncover the lies driving your reactions
• How to identify the root behind recurring communication patterns
• How to begin replacing lies with truth through a simple, Spirit-led process

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “Why did I react like that?” This episode will help you slow that moment down, see what’s underneath it, and begin responding from peace instead of pressure.

✨If this episode is helping you see what’s underneath your reactions…and you want support walking this out in your real conversations—I want to invite you to book a 1:1 Communication Coaching Call.

It’s personalized to you and your family, and you get to bring up what's really going on right now…and we’ll uncover what’s happening underneath—the lies, the patterns that may be affecting your relationship…and what it could look like to respond differently, from a place of peace.

👉 Book your session: https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

More Resources:

💛 Looking for a supportive space to process this with other moms? 

Join the Connect With Your Teens Support Group. You don’t have to do this alone.

📅 April 22nd at 10 AM MST

👉 Save your seat here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup

💌 Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box?

Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

🤍 Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? 

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Related Episodes:

65 - 3 Lies That Sabotage Communication With Your Teen (Part 1)

66 - 2 More Lies Sabotaging Communication With Your Teen (Part 2)

Have you ever been in a conversation with your teen…and suddenly it feels like more is at stake than just the conversation?

Like their reaction means something about you…or if you don’t handle it right, you might lose connection?

That pressure you feel in those moments…isn’t random. And it’s not just about your communication skills.

In Part 2 of this series, we uncover two more lies that quietly shape how you show up with your teen—and how they impact your ability to build connection and navigate conflict.

Because when identity and urgency are driving your responses…even your best intentions can create pressure instead of connection.

You'll learn:

• The lie that ties your teen’s behavior to your worth as a mom

• Why urgency in conversations often comes from fear—not connection

• How identity pressure and fear of losing connection shape your reactions

• One simple question to help you shift from pressure to presence

If you’ve ever felt that pressure rise up in conversations…or walked away feeling like something deeper was going on—this episode will help you see it more clearly and begin responding from a place of peace instead of pressure.

If this episode had you thinking, “Okay… I can see this in me…” and you’re not quite sure what to do with it yet—that’s exactly where I can support you.

In a 1:1 Communication Coaching Call, we take what you’re navigating right now…and gently walk through what’s happening underneath—the lies, the patterns…and what it could look like to respond differently from a place of peace.

So you’re not just understanding this…you’re actually living it out in your conversations.

👉 You can book your call at https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? 

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box?

Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen thinking…

“Why did I say that?” or “I think I just made that worse…”

You love your teen. You want to guide them, help them, and stay connected. But sometimes, in the moment, your response comes out of frustration, fear, or pressure—and it leaves both of you feeling more disconnected.

What if the problem isn’t your communication skills… but what you’re anchored to in the moment?

In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, Terri’s sharing 5 powerful scriptures you can use to anchor your identity in Christ so you can communicate with more peace, clarity, and confidence—and begin to build connection with your teen in a way that actually invites them to open up.

This isn’t about saying the perfect thing. It’s about becoming anchored before you respond.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How anchoring your identity in Christ strengthens your communication skills
• Why fear, guilt, and frustration can quickly disrupt connection with your teen
• 5 scriptures to help you feel steady and calm in difficult conversations
• How to respond in a way that builds connection instead of creating distance

If you’ve been feeling frustrated, reactive, or unsure how to respond in conversations with your teen, this episode will give you a simple, faith-anchored place to start.

Ready for more personal support? 

On a personalized Communication Coaching Call, we’ll gently uncover what may be blocking connection with your teen and help you take simple, practical steps forward so you can begin responding differently right away.

You can learn more and book your session here: connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Connection with your teen doesn’t come from perfect communication. It grows when you’re anchored—and they feel safe to be heard.

💛 Need ongoing support? 

Join my free monthly support group for moms of teens — a safe, faith-led space for guidance, connection, and encouragement. Learn more here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup

💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box?

Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? 

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💬 Want to help more moms like you get the support they’ve been praying for?

Leave a review so they can find this podcast and renewed hope for their relationship: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen thinking…

“Why did I say that?”

“I should have handled that better.”

“Maybe I messed this up.”

That quiet voice of mom guilt can creep in quickly. And while it often comes from love and a deep desire to guide your child well, it can quietly shape the way we communicate with our teens.

Sometimes guilt leads us to over-explain, over-advise, or walk on eggshells in conversations. We try harder, talk more, and push for solutions—only to find our teen shutting down or pulling away.

In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, we talk about how mom guilt can cloud our communication skills and unintentionally create pressure in conversations. You’ll learn simple shifts that help you communicate from peace and confidence instead of fear—so you can build connection and create space where your teen feels safe to talk.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How mom guilt quietly shapes conversations with your teen
• Five ways guilt can unintentionally block connection
• Simple communication shifts that help your teen feel heard and understood
• Why listening first often opens the door to deeper conversations

✨ Ready to begin healing your relationship with your teen?

Schedule a Communication Coaching Call with me-we’ll uncover what may be blocking connection in your relationships and map out practical next steps so you can walk forward with the ability to respond with clarity, peace, and confidence.

👉connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Connection with your teen doesn’t grow out of guilt. It grows when they feel safe to talk—and safe to be heard.

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

🎧Grab your Anchoring Spotify Playlist here for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen thinking, “I was trying to encourage them… so why did they shut down?”

You care deeply. You’re trying to listen, understand, and support your teen. But sometimes conversations still end in silence, distance, or frustration.

In this episode, we talk about three common communication patterns many loving moms use that sound supportive and relatable on the surface… but can unintentionally leave a teen feeling unheard or cause them to stop talking.

These patterns often come from a good place — wanting to comfort, relate, or encourage your child when they’re hurting. But when we respond this way, they can shift the focus away from your teen’s own words and experience instead of helping them feel understood. 

You’ll discover how these subtle ways we try to show love and support can block connection — and how simple shifts in your communication skills can help your child feel understood and safe continuing the conversation.

• The 3 communication patterns that can unintentionally block connection
• Why encouragement, reassurance, or sharing your own story can sometimes backfire
• How to recognize when a conversation shifts away from your teen’s experience
• One simple awareness step that can begin opening the door to deeper conversations

If you’ve ever wondered why your teen shuts down even when you’re trying to help, this episode will give you practical communication strategies to help your teen feel safer talking and strengthen your relationship.

If today’s conversation encouraged you and you’re realizing you’d like some personal support navigating communication with your teen, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

You can learn more about my 1-hour communication coaching call here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💬 If you learned something from this episode or were encouraged to deepen your connection with your teen, I'd love it if you'd take thirty seconds to leave a review so more moms can find the support they’ve been praying for. https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

What if the communication tools you’ve been taught… aren’t actually enough to build connection and real trust with your teen?

Many moms learn communication skills like active listening or conflict resolution, yet conversations at home can still feel tense, exhausting, or disconnected.

So what’s missing?

In this special episode of Connect With Your Teens, I’m joined by someone who deeply shaped my own understanding of communication and relationships—my mentor Nancy Demmitt.

Nancy and her husband Dallas spent decades counseling couples and families. But along the way, they discovered something surprising: communication skills alone weren’t enough to transform relationships. Real change came when communication became anchored in something deeper—our identity in Christ, personal responsibility, and a posture of grace.

In this conversation, Nancy shares the story behind the communication approach that became the foundation for my own work helping moms build connection and trust with their teens.

• Why traditional communication skills often fail to create lasting connection
• The deeper foundation that transforms family communication
• How anchoring in Christ changes the way we respond during conflict
• Why taking responsibility for our own reactions is key to healthier conversations
• A simple story from Nancy’s parenting years that shows the power of listening for understanding

If you’re parenting teens and longing for calmer conversations, deeper trust, and a stronger relationship with your teen, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective on communication.

Sometimes the biggest shift in our families begins when we stop trying to control the conversation and start anchoring ourselves first.

Ready for more support?

If you’re listening and thinking, “I want this kind of connection with my teen… but I’m not sure how to get there,” you don’t have to figure it out alone.

My 1-hour Communication Coaching Calls are a safe place to pause, be heard, and get clear about what’s happening in your relationship. Together we look at what may be blocking connection and walk through simple, Spirit-led ways to rebuild trust and peace in your relationship with your teen.

👉 Book your coaching session here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

📖 If you’d like to get a copy of Nancy and Dallas Demmitt’s book, “Can You Hear Me Now?,” you can find it here:

Amazon: https://a.co/d/05yMKU9H Or Entrust Source (latest cover): https://www.entrustsource.com/product/can-you-hear-me-now/

Related Episode: 

54 - Is This Silent Parenting Habit Stealing Your Health and Connection?

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

You love your teen. You want connection. You want peace in your conversations. You want to build trust, not tension. So why does it still feel hard?

What if the struggle isn’t just communication skills… but the pace your family has been living at?

In this honest, heart-to-heart episode of Connect With Your Teens, we’re talking about a silent parenting habit that quietly affects your health, your emotional and spiritual well-being, and your ability to build connection with your teenager. 

You’re doing your best. You’re giving opportunities. You’re managing school, sports, activities, work, and responsibilities. But this habit may be shaping your family more than you realize — and it could be impacting your patience, your nervous system, and your communication.

When you’re constantly running, meaningful conversations feel harder. Emotional depth requires margin. Anchored communication requires calm. And when moms are stretched thin, even the best parenting tips can feel impossible to apply.

You’ll learn:

• How busyness becomes a hidden cause of family disconnection
• Why emotional conversations require slowness to grow
• How to recognize when you’re operating in survival mode
• Simple, Spirit-led shifts that help you build connection through calm, anchored communication skills

And if you’re listening today and thinking, “I want connection. I want peace in our conversations. I don’t want to keep guessing what to say,” you don’t have to figure that out alone. 

My 1:1 Communication Coaching Session is a safe place to pause, pray, and get clear on how to move forward effectively so you can rebuild trust with your teen in a Spirit-led, practical way. You can book your 1-hour session at https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

“I want you to know where I’m coming from — not because I’m trying to control you, but because I love you. And I’m going to love you no matter what you decide.”

What if that’s how your next hard conversation ended?

In this final episode of the series, you won’t just learn the framework — you’ll hear it. Because knowing communication skills that build connection is one thing. Hearing what they actually sound like in real life is another.

Today, Terri walks you through real anchored conversations — including a phone boundary discussion and a high-stakes situation involving a boyfriend sleepover. You’ll hear how tone, posture, and ownership shift a conversation from control to collaboration.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What anchored talking sounds like in real conversations
• How to address screen time without escalating conflict
• How to express concern without control
• How to use “I want” statements to build trust

This is where theory becomes practice.

✨ Ready to stop repeating the same conflict cycles?

Book a Communication Coaching Call and we’ll map out one real conversation you’re facing — step-by-step — so you can build connection instead of tension.

👉 https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

You’ve said the hard thing. You’ve shared your concerns. You’ve owned your feelings. But the conversation still feels unfinished. Why? Because most of us were never taught the communication skills needed to have “the talk” in a way that truly builds connection instead of distance.

In this third episode of the series, we walk through Step 7 — the next piece that shifts your “we need to talk” moment from correction to collaboration. Instead of demanding change, you’ll learn how to express what you want in a way that invites your teen into partnership. And that’s where grace enters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why traditional confrontation often creates compliance without connection
• How to move from problem-focused to possibility-focused communication
• What it sounds like to express “I want” without control or pressure
• How casting vision builds trust and emotional safety
• A powerful biblical example of appealing instead of commanding

This is where anchored communication becomes transformational.

✨ Ready to begin healing your relationship?

Schedule a Communication Coaching Call with me—we’ll talk through where you’re feeling stuck and what it could look like to finally start creating lasting connection with your teen as you partner with God in the journey. 

👉 https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

You’ve been replaying the conversation in your head for days. You care deeply. You see things that concern you. You want to build trust, not create distance. But every time you try to bring it up, your teen shuts down… gets defensive… or walks away.

And suddenly “we need to talk” turns into conflict instead of connection.

In Part 2 of this 3-part series, I’m giving you the exact words and simple structure to help you build connection, strengthen your communication skills, and speak your heart in a way your teen can actually receive. Because parenting teens isn’t just about what you say — it’s about how you say it.

If you’re a Christian mom who wants practical parenting tips rooted in identity and wisdom — this episode will show you how to move from reaction to intentional conversation starters that create safety instead of shutdown.

• The 3 biggest mistakes moms make when confronting hard topics
• How to use “I see / I hear” instead of leading with judgment
• How to share your thoughts without presenting them as facts
• How to express real emotions in a way that softens your teen instead of triggering them
• A simple conversation structure that helps your teen feel heard, not attacked

And if you're ready for more support and connect with other moms, join our private How to Connect With Your Teen Facebook group. This is where we’re building community, sharing wins, and helping each other navigate hard conversations in a way that builds connection and trust. When you join, you’ll receive a free set of conversation starters you can use right away.

Click here to join:  Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

More Resources: 

💌 Want weekly encouragement and communication tips straight to your inbox? Sign up for the newsletter and get practical tips, stories of how this works in real life & hope sent to you every week. Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Every mom knows that moment—you say "we need to talk" and watch your teen immediately shut down, get defensive, or walk away. You enter these conversations with the best intentions, wanting to address their behavior and restore peace. But the way most of us were taught to handle conflict is just a bandaid to a deeper issue, and it ends up creating more distance.

Have you been listening more? Reflecting back what you’re hearing your teen say? Inviting them to share more? Then you’ve been laying a foundation of connection. Now how do you talk so they’ll listen? 

Stay tuned. In this first episode of a three-part series on parenting teens we’re talking about how we can build connection through the words we speak even in conflict. Terri will be sharing a game-changing framework that’s transformed how she communicates with her kids. 

What You'll Learn:

• The #1 reason your teen shuts down when you try to have hard conversations (and how to fix it)
• How to choose connection as your goal instead of confrontation
• The power of truth-telling with yourself before speaking to your teen
• Why anchoring in Christ's peace is the secret to transforming your communication skills

Before you go, if this episode helped you, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes just a minute and it means the world to me—plus it helps other moms find their way to this community. Thank you for being here. 

Leave a on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

What if the way you see and love your teenager could mirror the moment you first felt fully loved and fully accepted by God? 

In this episode, Terri shares an experience during her kids' teen years but didn't have the language for at the time. Through prayer and reflection, God showed her a deeper truth about acceptance, love, and how to build God breathed connection with our teens—no agenda, no strings attached. 

If you've been searching for parenting tips that go beyond managing behavior and outcomes to creating bridges to your teen's heart, this episode will shine light on how you can do this from your own experiences with God. Stay with me—this isn't another strategy. It's a heart transformation.

What You'll Learn:

• How to love your teen the way God first loved you—with no strings attached  
• Why your teen can sense your agenda (and what to do instead)  
• A reflective exercise to reconnect with your own teen years and build connection  
• How God's acceptance of you can transform your parenting approach  

Want simple, practical ways to start connecting with your teen today? 

Download my Building Connection Beyond Screen TimeInside—a free guide with 15 conversation starters and parenting tips to help you show up with no-agenda love and build real connection.

Download here: connectwithyourteens.com/build-connection-screentime

Want more support?

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved, adored, and delighted in: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

Do you ever walk away from a conversation with your teen thinking…“That’s not how I wanted that to go…”

You tried to stay calm. You chose your words carefully. You were intentional…And somehow, it still felt tense, disconnected, or off.

What if it’s not just about what you’re saying…but what’s driving you underneath the conversation?

In this episode, we begin a powerful 2-part series uncovering the hidden lies that shape how you show up with your teen—and how they impact your communication skills and ability to build connection.

Because it’s not just about better conversation starters…it’s about what’s happening in your heart in the moment.

• The core lie many moms carry—and how it creates pressure in conversations
• How control and correction are often rooted in something deeper
• The connection between the false identities we take on and disconnection
• One simple awareness shift to help you respond from peace instead of pressure

If you’ve been trying to communicate well…but still feel like something is missing in your connection—this episode will help you see what’s really happening and begin shifting toward more peaceful, connected conversations with your teen.

Ready for more clarity and connection in your conversations?

If you’re listening and thinking, “I see this… but I don’t know how to change it in the moment,” you don’t have to figure it out alone.

In a 1-hour Communication Coaching Call, we’ll walk through what’s really happening in your relationship and map out exactly what to say in your next conversation—anchored in truth, not pressure.

👉 Book your session here:

https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

More Resources:

💬 Want to help more moms like you get the support they’ve been praying for? 

Leave a review so they can find this podcast and renewed hope for their relationship: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? 

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box?

Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Struggling to communicate with your teen? Feel like every conversation ends in frustration, conflict, or silence?

What if the breakthrough you're looking for has nothing to do with finding the perfect words—and everything to do with what you do before you open your mouth? In this episode, we're diving into the #1 sign that your communication skills are about to start transforming your relationship with your teen. 

We'll unpack the story of David in 1 Samuel 30—when everything fell apart and he was under crushing pressure (sound familiar?)—and discover what he did that changed everything. Spoiler: He didn't try to fix the problem first.

What you’ll learn:

• Why trying to "fix" the conversation is keeping you stuck
• The 3-step framework to communicate with confidence and peace
• How to let go of the agenda and invite the Holy Spirit into your conversations

Ready to let go of the weight and step into breakthrough? Here’s practical help starting these conversations? Grab the free guide 'Building Connection Beyond Screen Time' with 15 easy conversation starters you can use today: 

https://connectwithyourteens.com/build-connection-screentime

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

If you've ever felt like the last person your teen wants to talk to, this episode is for you. 

We're going beneath the surface to understand what's really happening in your teen's brain and heart when they choose the screen over real conversation. You'll discover why they're willing to risk the drama and pain of social media—and what that reveals about what they're actually searching for.

More importantly, you'll learn how to respond with compassion and strategy instead of control. We'll talk about how to build connection that makes them *want* to put the phone down and open up to you—without forcing it or feeling like you need to have all the answers.

This isn't about managing screen time. It's about becoming the safe place they choose to come to. If you're ready to stop reacting out of fear and start connecting with confidence, this episode will show you how.

What You'll Learn:

• What's really driving your teen to their phone (it's not what you think)
• Why the risk of social media feels safer to them than talking to you
• Communication skills that open doors instead of shutting them down
• Parenting tips for creating connection that feels safe, not threatening
• Conversation starters that invite them in without pressure

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved: https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

If you've ever felt like you're at your wit's end with your teen—constantly worrying, trying to control, but only pushing them further away—this episode is for you.

Today, I'm sitting down with a mom (we'll call her Jessica) who was exactly where you are. She was anxious, exhausted, and desperate for connection with her daughter who was shutting down. But through anchoring in God's love, practicing simple communication skills, and surrendering control, everything changed.

Her daughter went from shutting down to opening up. Toxic relationships fell away. Peace replaced fear. And her entire family was transformed—including her marriage.

In this episode, you'll hear:

✅ How Jessica went from reactive and controlling to calm and connected  

✅ The power of using conversation starters and truly listening without fixing  

✅ How anchoring in God's love as His daughter changed her entire approach to parenting  

✅ Why surrendering control actually created space for God to work in her daughter's life  

✅ How building connection with her teen impacted her marriage and entire family dynamic  

✅ Practical parenting tips for moms who feel stuck, anxious, or disconnected

If you're wondering if it's too late or if change is even possible—this conversation will give you hope.

Ready to experience this kind of transformation yourself?

Join me for a FREE live Connect With Your Teen workshop on Monday, January 27th. In just one hour, I'll walk you through the exact steps Jessica used to go from constant worry to deep connection with her older teens.

👉 Register today: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Would you take 60 seconds to leave a Review so more moms can find the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

If you've ever walked away from a conversation with your teen wondering, "What did I just do wrong?"—this episode is for you. 

The silence. The tension. The one-word answers. The distance you're feeling isn't a failure… and it does not need to be permanent.

You're not a bad mom and you're not failing. 

You just need a different approach to build connection in these teen years.

In this bonus episode, I'm inviting you to join me for the FREE Connect With Your Teen Workshop on January 27th—a live, 1-hour hands-on training where we'll break down what's keeping you from the connection you desire and what to do instead so your teen starts to open up.

Here's what you'll learn:

✅ Why your current approach isn't working—and how to stop the cycle of disconnection, silence, and shut down

✅ Why your teen pulls away when you try to connect—and how to create conversations where they feel safe enough to talk

✅ Communication skills that work in real life (not just in theory or perfect circumstances)

✅ Faith-based conversation starters anchored in Christ that create real transformation—not tips and tricks that leave you confused

You'll walk away with tools you can use that very same day to stop feeling dismissed, ignored, or like you're losing your child.

If you're ready to stop feeling stuck and start building real connection with your teen, this workshop is for you.

Register here: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop

Let's make 2026 the year your relationship transforms.

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Have you ever felt paralyzed as a mom? Like you’re walking on eggshells…Replaying conversations at night…Overthinking every word because you’re afraid of making things worse.

When the noise in your head gets this loud, it can feel impossible to hear God’s voice — or know how to move forward with your teen.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal moment that brought me face-to-face with that paralysis — and how God met me there. This conversation is about learning how to quiet noise, build connection, and show up with peace in your communication.

You'll learn:

• Why fear and overthinking block clarity and communication skills
• How internal noise makes connection feel impossible
• Why building connection starts inside you, not with fixing your teen
• How peace — not control — creates safety and openness

Mom, if you feel stuck right now, you are not failing. You’re being invited into freedom — and God is still speaking, even through the noise.

✨ Join my Free Live Workshop – January 27th

Learn how to stop walking on eggshells and reconnect in just 10 minutes a day and become the calm, safe presence your teen needs.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop

Want more support?

🤍 Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌 Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

What if your teen isn’t drifting away for good—but waiting to see if it’s safe to come back?

If you’ve been carrying the fear that your teen is pulling away, this episode offers a hopeful and grounding reframe. Often, what looks like distance or silence isn’t rejection at all. It’s waiting. Waiting to see how you show up. Waiting to see if your presence feels calm, steady, and safe enough to trust again.

In this episode, I walk you through a powerful real-life story of a mom who stopped trying to fix her teen and instead shifted how she showed up. When fear and anxiety no longer led her communication and she began using the listening skills we’ve talked about something changed. Her daughter began seeking her out—not because she had the perfect words, but because connecting with her mom finally felt safe.

We’ll talk about why building connection with teens isn’t about saying the right thing perfectly all the time, but about practicing communication skills that flow from who you are in Christ so that the way you relate and communicate reflects peace instead of pressure. 

You’ll learn how fear subtly shapes our communication styles, how that impacts trust, what truly helps teens open up again, and a simple next step to start showing up confidently, steadily, and anchored in Him.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What your teen may truly be waiting for beneath the distance

• How your presence impacts trust more than your parenting tips

• Why emotional safety matters more than perfect communication

• A simple, practical next step to help you show up calm and grounded

If you’re a mom parenting teens and longing to rebuild trust, improve communication skills, and stop feeling like one wrong move could make things worse, this episode will remind you of something important: you already have what your teen needs. Christ lives in you, and when you show up anchored in Him, your teen feels it. This truth will help you see your teen—and yourself—through a new lens, and give you hope for what’s still possible.

🚨Ready to become the mom your teen actually wants to talk to?

Join me for a live FREE Connect with Your Teen Workshop on January 27th at 7pm MST, where we’ll talk honestly about how to reconnect with your teen and begin building trust in a safe and loving way. 

Registering gets you a chance to win door prizes! 

Register here: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox? Weekly Newsletter

✨Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

🎧Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN

💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

New year, same struggles with your teen? I get it. But what if this year could be different—not because you try harder, but because you align with what God is already doing?

Maybe you've been tiptoeing around your own home, hoping today won't be the day something sets them off. You ask a simple question and get shut down with one word. Or worse—an eye roll and a slammed door. And you start thinking, "Is this just how it's going to be now?"

Here's the truth, Mom: Connection is still possible. Even when it feels impossible.

In this episode, I'm sharing 4 powerful conversation starters that will help you stop striving and start connecting His way. These aren't just parenting tips—they're questions that will help you partner with God to create real, lasting connection with your teen.

What if God’s plan and the breakthrough you've been praying for starts with asking the right questions?

What You'll Learn:

Why New Year's resolutions often fail—and what to focus on instead  

• The thought reversal that changes everything: It's not about getting your teen to open up—it's about creating safety where they want to  
• 4 conversation starters to help you build your connection plan with God's guidance
• One intentional action you can take this week to start building trust in 10 minutes a day  

Ready to Stop Walking on Eggshells and Start Connecting?

Join me for a FREE live workshop on January 27th: Connect With Your Teen: Build Trust in 10 Minutes a Day and Stop Walking on Eggshells. 

In just one hour, I'll walk you through simple, practical tools rooted in faith that actually work. You'll learn how to stop the cycle of tension, create safety so your teen wants to open up, and rebuild trust even if things feel really broken right now.

🔗 Reserve your free spot: https://bit.ly/opt-in-cwyt-workshop

Let's do this together so you can enjoy your relationship with your child again. 💛

Resources & Links

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬Would you take 1 minute and leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for? Here’s the link to the show:: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Are you tired of striving and longing to parent from peace—showing up present, grounded, and emotionally available for your teen?

“Shalom shalom, mom.”

As a Christian mom, the new year can bring pressure, worry, and a quiet fear of losing connection with your teen. But God’s promise in Isaiah 26:3 offers something different: perfect peace that doesn’t depend on your circumstances—or your teen changing.

In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, we explore the biblical meaning of shalom shalom and how God guards your mind and imagination when you stay anchored in Him. You’ll learn how resting in God’s peace supports faith-based parenting and helps you build connection with your teen from a place of calm instead of control.

You’ll also be invited to slow down and experience His peace together, allowing God to release the weight you’ve been carrying and realign your heart with His rest as you step into the new year.

On January 27, I’m hosting a free, live workshop where we’ll go deeper into how you can walk in and communicate in peace with your child. It’s called Connect With Your Teen: Build Trust in 10 Minutes a Day and Stop Walking on Eggshells. If your home has felt tense or disconnected, this could be your fresh start for the year. Registration opens soon—check the show notes for the link.

💛 Take a breath. Find a quiet moment.

Let’s step into the new year anchored in God’s perfect peace.

Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

✨ Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how much you're loved:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN

💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

What do you do when your teen brings up a political, social, or faith-related issue that clashes with everything you believe?  

If your heart races, your guard goes up, or you feel the urge to correct, defend, or shut it down—you’re not alone, Mom. But those moments don’t have to lead to distance or disconnection.

In this episode, we continue our series on questions that create connection, build trust,  and emotional safety—even during charged or controversial conversations. You’ll learn how to stay anchored in your identity, communication skills that empower you to listen without needing to agree, and respond in a way that keeps the door open instead of slamming it shut. These questions work whether the topic is faith, politics, dating, social issues, college decisions, or anything that feels high-stakes and emotionally loaded.

If conversations in your home feel tense or you’re walking on eggshells, I want to personally invite you to my free live workshop this January: Connect With Your Teen: Build Trust in 10 Minutes a Day and Stop Walking on Eggshells.

In just one hour, you’ll learn simple, faith-based tools to rebuild trust, spark real conversations, and bring peace back into your home.

The registration link will be shared soon!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Three powerful, connection-building questions that deepen trust during hard conversations
• How to listen without debating, correcting, or abandoning your values
• What it looks like to create emotional safety—even over text messages
• How curiosity opens doors that control and correction close

Latest Series Related Episodes:

38: 3 Ways to Find Hope for Your Teen Relationship This Christmas (Even If You Feel Hopeless)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000739384997

39: When Your Teen Stops Believing: How to Keep the Door Open Instead of Pushing Them Away

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000740887996

40: 3 Questions That Build Connection When Faith Divides Your Family (Part 1)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000741784200

Want More Support?

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

✨ Anchoring Spotify Playlist for encouragement in who you are and how you're loved:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN

💬 I’d love it if you’d leave a Review so more moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

What if listening — not defending — is what actually keeps the door open with your teen? How do you stay grounded when your teen questions everything you’ve taught them about God? Is it possible to build trust and influence without agreeing or convincing?

When your teen starts questioning God, faith, or church, it can feel like the ground drops out from under you. Suddenly, every conversation feels loaded… and you’re not sure whether to speak up, stay silent, or pray harder and hope for the best.

In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful conversation starters that help you build connection and trust with your teen — even when faith feels like the thing dividing your family. These questions are designed to help you stay grounded, curious, and emotionally safe so your teen feels heard instead of preached at or pressured.

If you’re parenting teens and longing for better family communication around faith, this episode will help you move from fear and panic to peace and confidence — without arguments, lectures, or walking on eggshells.

And Mom, if you’re thinking, “I need help having these conversations with my teen,” I want to invite you to join my free Facebook community. Each month, I host live Q&A coaching calls where you can get support, ask questions, and connect with other moms walking this same road.

👉 Join us here: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to respond to faith questions in a way that builds connection instead of creating distance
• Three simple, Spirit-led questions that invite your teen to open up and say more
• Why emotional safety matters more than having the “right” answers
• How curiosity can preserve trust and long-term influence with your teen

Want more support?

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

What if the reason your teen shuts down…isn’t because they don’t want to talk—but because they don’t feel understood?

So many moms feel stuck in constant conflict, walking on eggshells, or unsure how to communicate without it turning into an argument.

In this episode, we’re talking about one powerful shift in communication skills that can help you stop arguing with your teen, build connection, and begin to move through conflict in a completely different way.

Because your teen’s perspective may not match your intention—but it feels real to them. And how you respond in that moment… changes everything.

• Why your teen’s perspective matters (even when it feels wrong)
• How to respond in conflict without shutting the conversation down
• A simple way to improve family communication and build trust
• What to say so your teen feels safe, respected, and open to talking

If you’ve been wondering how to communicate better, reduce conflict, and create more open conversations with your teen—this episode will give you a simple, practical place to start.

If you’re listening and thinking, “I want this kind of connection with my teen—but I’m not sure how to get there,” you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

My 1:1 Communication Coaching Calls are a place to pause, be heard, and get clear on what’s really going on in your relationship—so you can move forward with confidence and know what to say next.

👉 Book your coaching call here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

#50 - From “We Need to Talk” to Honest Conversations That Build Connection (Part 1)

#51 - From “We Need to Talk” to Speaking Your Heart So They Receive It (Part 2)

#52 - From “We Need to Talk” to Restoring Connection With Grace (Part 3)

#53 - From “We Need to Talk” to Real Conversations That Build Connection (Part 4)

More Resources:

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? 

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

Would you like inspiring worship music to anchor you in your journey?

🎧This is a collection of songs that have brought me peace, encouragement when I needed it most and helped my anchor my heart in Christ. You can go straight to this link get my Anchoring Spotify Playlist (no sign up required): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=WZ8bE23YQfWdY5lbBM_2pA&nd=1&dlsi=e9c329d0073a4b3b

✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

When faith becomes a tense topic with your teen, it’s easy to assume they’re “rebellious,” uninterested, or shutting God out. But for so many moms, the real shift happens when they begin to see their own fears, pressure, or anxiety around spiritual conversations — and choose a new way to communicate about God in a way that feels safe, respectful, and genuinely connecting.

In this episode, we look at how moms can engage in conversations about God without triggering arguments, shutdowns, or eye rolls.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I talk about God without pushing my teen away?” or “Why does every spiritual conversation turn into an argument or debate?” — this episode will give you clarity, peace, and hope.

Because meaningful faith conversations aren’t built through pressure… they’re built through safety, curiosity, and the Holy Spirit working through your presence.

If you’re navigating this with your own teen, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join our Facebook group, hop onto a live Q&A, and let’s talk through your specific situation together. I’m here to listen, support you, and help you find the next right step. You’re not alone in this.

What You’ll Learn

• Why spiritual conversations often trigger teens — and the simple shift that helps them stay open
• How to approach faith from connection rather than fear, pressure, or urgency
• How your identity in Christ transforms the way your teen receives you
• A practical way to rebuild trust when faith conversations have felt tense or shut down

Related Episodes:

3 - Stop Walking on Eggshells: 6  Secrets to Confidently Connect with Your Teen (Part 1) https://bit.ly/StopWalkingonEggshellsPart1

Resources and Links:

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296)

Anchoring Spotify Playlist to bring peace in the journey:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN

Welcome back to Connect With Your Teens! Today’s episode kicks off a brand-new holiday series designed to help moms walk through December with hope, peace, and confidence — even if Thanksgiving left you feeling discouraged or disconnected from your teen.

If you walked into Thanksgiving hoping for warmth, connection, laughter, and maybe one of those rare moments where your teen chooses to be around you… but instead you ended the day feeling dismissed, drained, or hurt — you’re not alone. And now that Christmas is coming, you might already feel that knot of worry rising in your chest:

“What if it’s the same? What if it’s worse? What if I can’t fix this?”

If you want a jump start — a simple way to start building connection and rebuilding trust this week — join me for the free live Connect With Your Teen Workshop: Build trust in 10 minutes a day. Stop walking on eggshells this week!

✨ Thursday, December 4th at 1:00 PM MST

✨ Sign up here: https://bit.ly/connectwithyourteenworkshop

In this episode, we look at:

• Why fear tries to hijack your parenting
• How trying to fix or manage everything actually pushes your teen further away
• What Scripture and the story of Naomi, Ruth & Boaz reveal about hope when everything feels lost
• A powerful story about a mom who heard God’s peace in the middle of fear
• Three simple spiritual steps to restore hope and soften your heart before Christmas

You’ll walk away knowing how to prepare for the coming weeks with a grounded heart, fresh hope, and a posture that invites connection — not conflict.

Scriptures and References in this episode:

• Ruth 1:13 – Naomi’s grief and belief that God’s hand was against her
• 1 Peter 5:7 (TPT) – “Pour out all your worries…”
• Isaiah 61:1 – He binds up the brokenhearted
• Acts 17:28 – “In Him we live and move and have our being”
• Romans 15:13 – The God of hope filling us with joy and peace
• Worship song: David Crowder singing “Every Move I Make” by David Ruis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW4Dv7Ak4Uc

Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Thanksgiving is here… and if you’re like most moms, you’re feeling a mix of gratitude, exhaustion, pressure, and hope. You want connection with your teen, you want peace in your home, and you want to enjoy the holiday you’ve worked so hard to prepare — but the expectations threaten to steal your joy before the turkey even goes in the oven.

In this episode, Terri shares a powerful shift that changed her entire holiday experience:

✨ Trading expectations for expectancy — expectancy of what God is doing in you, in your teen, and in your home.

You’ll walk away with five practical, mom-tested rhythms that help you shift from overwhelm to overflow and open the door for deeper connection with your teen — even if the day gets messy, emotional, or chaotic.

You don’t need a perfect Thanksgiving.

You just need a peaceful heart.

Let’s build that together. 💛

Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

What if the #1 sign you’re actually a great mom has nothing to do with your teen’s behavior?

If you’ve been lying awake at night replaying conversations, wondering what you did wrong or why your teen seems more distant…this episode will lift a weight off your shoulders.

Inside, Terri reveals the hidden patterns that quietly create disconnection—and the one identity shift that helps you show up with confidence, peace, and clarity.

✨ If you’re ready to break out of these patterns for good, create the kind of relationship with you desire, I’d love you to join me in the Connect With Your Teen Roadmap group coaching program. This is where moms learn to rebuild trust, communicate with confidence, and form a connection that lasts. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/cwytroadmap

What You’ll Learn:

→ How to recognize when you’re measuring your worth by your teen’s behavior

→ Why identity—not performance—is the foundation for connection

→ How hidden communication patterns quietly push teens away

→ The mind renewing shift that helps you respond with clarity instead of fear

→ How to step into calm, anchored, Christ-centered communication—even when your teen is struggling

Want more support?

✨Join the Connect With Your Teen Roadmap: https://bit.ly/cwytroadmap

✨Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Grab the Anchoring Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=O7JpUf2GReeybWuLczA5dg&pi=u-259Y2TakRLCN

✨Reach on on Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

What if your teen isn’t lying to be defiant — but because they don’t feel safe telling you the truth?

In this Episode, my daughter, Sharaya and I have an honest conversation about what’s underneath teen lies — fear, shame, self-protection, and a longing to be understood. How creating a safe space transforms teen honesty. You’ll hear moments from our own story, including the choices we made as parents that rebuilt trust after painful breakdowns, and the small shifts that helped our daughter feel safe enough to be honest again. Trust isn’t built with your child through punishment — it’s built through understanding and safety.

If you’re ready to go deeper in building lasting connection in your relationships — I’m hosting a FREE workshop on November 17th. 

This is the hour every mom needs if you’re tired of walking on eggshells or feeling shut out of your teen’s heart. You’ll learn how to rebuild trust, stop the cycle of silence, and restore meaningful connection… even if things feel tense right now.

Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/connectwithyourteenworkshop

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Why teens lie even when it seems “illogical”
• How to respond in a way that builds trust rather than panic, punishment, or fear
• Why “tell me more” can open a door your teen thought was locked
• What helped us repair connection after moments we got it wrong

Resources: 

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨Grab the link to our Anchoring Song Playlist on Spotify. These are songs that will help you pause, breathe, and reset when your emotions start to rise. https://bit.ly/AnchoringPlaylist

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💛Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

If you’ve ever caught your teen lying and wondered, “Why would they do that?” — this episode is for you.

In part one of a heartfelt conversation with my daughter Sharaya, we unpack what’s really going on when your teen lies. It’s not about rebellion—it’s often about fear, shame, or self-protection. Together, we explore the hidden reasons behind teen dishonesty and what you can do to build connection and trust instead of tension. If you’ve been walking on eggshells or feeling shut out, this episode will help you see your teen’s behavior through a new lens and open the door to deeper connection. 💛

✨ Want to learn how to rebuild trust in just 10 minutes a day?

✨ Join me for the free Connect With Your Teen Workshop and learn how to rebuild trust in just 10 minutes a day? It’s November 17th at 10 AM MST live on Zoom.

You’ll discover how to stop walking on eggshells and start building a relationship rooted in trust and safety—without guilt, fear, or frustration.

👉 Save your seat here: https://bit.ly/connectwithyourteenworkshop

In this episode, you’ll learn:

-Why fear of punishment and loss of control often drive teens to lie

-How to respond in a way that builds emotional safety and invites honesty

-Simple ways to shift from correction to connection—starting today

And don’t miss the end of this episode where I share something real — a moment I missed during this interview and what God reminded me afterward.

It’s an encouraging reminder that we’re all in process — and that grace is the bridge between where we are and the connection we’re rebuilding.

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Are you constantly second-guessing every word you say—desperately trying to find the “right” way to communicate—but still ending up with tension?

Do you feel like you’re pouring your heart and soul into connecting with your teen, only to feel like you’re hitting a brick wall?

If you’re a mom who loves her teen deeply but feels stuck in a cycle of conflict, you might be missing the quiet, powerful signs that connection is actually happening.

In this episode, Terri unpacks 5 Signs You’re Escaping the Conflict Trap and Rebuilding Trust with Your Teen—and she’ll help you shift the one core belief that keeps you stuck in “fix-it” mode.

You’ll discover how to stop measuring success by your teen’s behavior and start noticing the subtle, Spirit-led shifts that are happening in your heart as you learn to listen, stay curious, and build safety through connection.

🌟 If you’re ready to make lasting changes in your relationships join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop. I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day—without guilt or pressure. 🙌

Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen!

On This Edpisode You’ll Learn:

• The flawed belief that keeps moms trapped in the cycle of conflict
• How to move from a “Fix-It” mindset to a “Curiosity” mindset
• Why advice-giving can sabotage connection (and what to do instead)
• The 5 key signs that your communication is transforming

Resources:

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Ever feel like your teen’s eye roll says everything — and none of it’s good? Maybe you’ve tried to connect, but every conversation ends in silence, sarcasm, or shutdown. The truth is, those surface reactions are just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath that attitude or one-word answer is something deeper — something your teen often doesn’t have the words to express.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through three powerful steps to move past those surface behaviors and reach your teen’s heart — so you can respond with understanding instead of reactivity. You’ll learn how to shift from frustration to connection, and discover how to communicate in a way that builds trust and emotional safety — even in the middle of an eye roll.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to recognize what’s really behind your teen’s surface reactions
• Three steps to help you connect instead of react: Remember & Discover, Invite & Listen, and Capture Feedback
• The one mindset shift that opens your teen’s heart (and helps you stay calm when they’re not)
• Why listening like God does is the most powerful communication strategy you’ll ever use

🌟 Join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop.

I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day—without guilt or pressure. 🙌

Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen!

🔗 Sign up now: https://connectwithyourteens.com/opt-in-free-workshop-waitlist-638960-3652

🌟 Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and event updates: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review — Your words help other moms find this podcast and the hope they’ve been praying for: Apple Podcasts

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to slip into “fix-it” mode when your teen shuts down or rolls their eyes? You want connection, but fear takes over — fear they’ll pull away, make poor choices, or that you’re not doing enough. In this episode, Terri helps you uncover the real reason behind that reaction and how it’s connected to your identity as a mom.

Through Psalm 139, you’ll discover what it means to be fully known, loved, and seen by God — and how this truth becomes the anchor that steadies you in every conversation with your teen. You’ll learn how being grounded in God’s view of you transforms your words, your tone, and your ability to create emotional safety that invites your teen to open up again.

What You’ll Discover:

• Why your communication style often reflects how you see yourself
• How fear quietly shapes your words and reactions with your teen
• The 5 anchoring truths from Psalm 139 that re-center your heart
• How to respond with calm confidence instead of control

Join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop. I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day-without guilt or pressure. 🙌

Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen!

🔗 Sign up now: https://connectwithyourteens.com/opt-in-free-workshop-waitlist-638960-3652

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💛 Leave a Review:

If these episodes gave you hope or a new perspective, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the encouragement they’ve been praying for.

→ Connect With Your Teens on Apple Podcasts

Have you ever felt like your teen has become a stranger? That the distance between you grows every time you open your mouth?

In this episode, we dig into the hidden weight of regret and grief many moms carry—and how that weight can actually be a pathway to rebuilding connection. We’ll cover two additional types of grief many moms experience, reveal the freedom in forgiveness through Scripture, and walk through 5 practical steps you can begin using right now to rebuild trust and closeness with your teen.

Have you ever felt like your teen has become a stranger? That the distance between you grows every time you open your mouth? In this episode, we dig into the hidden weight of regret and grief many moms carry—and how that weight can actually be a pathway to rebuilding connection. We’ll cover two additional types of grief many moms experience, reveal the freedom in forgiveness through Scripture, and walk through 5 practical steps you can begin using right now to rebuild trust and closeness with your teen.

Join the waitlist for my free “Connect With Your Teen” Workshop. I’ll show you how to create a beautiful connection with your teen in 10 minutes a day-without guilt or pressure. 🙌

Get the clarity, strategy, and tools you need to build trust and connection with your teen!

🔗 Sign up now: https://connectwithyourteens.com/opt-in-free-workshop-waitlist-638960-3652

Resources and links:

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

What happens after your teen finally opens up…

Do things actually change? Or does it go right back to the way it was before?

If you’ve ever had a good conversation with your teen and wondered, “Will this last?”—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, we continue the conversation with Dina Windle, a mom of a teenage daughter, and explore what happened after that first breakthrough moment—and how it began to change their connection.

You’ll hear how one shift in communication skills began to build something deeper—ongoing trust, openness, and connection.

You’ll learn:

• Why one good conversation can lead to lasting change
• How to respond in a way that makes your teen want to come back
• What builds trust over time (not just in the moment)
• How small shifts can strengthen your relationship with your teen

If you’re parenting teens and longing to build connection that lasts beyond one conversation, this episode will give you hope—and a clear way forward.

If you’re listening and thinking, “I want this kind of connection, but I’m not sure how to get there,” this is for you.

You care deeply and want to stay patient, but in the moment it’s hard to stay anchored in who God’s called you to be. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

In my 1-hour Communication Coaching Call, we’ll uncover what’s really happening in your conversations and give you simple, faith-anchored tools to build connection and trust—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Book your call here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? 

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box?

Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

💬 Want to help more moms like you get the support they’ve been praying for? 

Leave a review so they can find this podcast and renewed hope for their relationship: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Has your teenager pulled away and you’re left wondering what happened to the close, easy connection you once had?

In this heartfelt episode, we’ll talk about the often-unspoken grief that comes with parenting teens — the sadness, confusion, and sense of loss when your child grows more distant. It’s part one of a two part series that will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the distance and how those feelings can become the starting point for rebuilding connection and trust.

You’ll learn:

1- The first 3 most common types of grief moms of teens experience

2- Why acknowledging your emotions isn’t weakness—it’s the first step toward rebuilding trust

3- How to begin processing the loss so you can move forward in love and connection

If you’ve ever looked at your teen and thought, “I just want us to be close again,” this episode will meet you right where you are.

One Thing to do this week:

Before next week’s episode, take 10 quiet minutes to journal:

• “What I miss most about our relationship is…”
• “The connection I dream of having with my teen looks like…”
• “When I think about these changes, I feel…”

✨ Part 2 next week we’ll discover two other types of grief and reveal how to move from grief to growth and begin rebuilding connection in a new way.

🎧 EP 28: Has Family Time Turned Into Screen Time? 3 Ways to Reclaim Meaningful Connection

🎧 EP 21: When You Feel Like Nothing’s Working with Your Teen — Start Here

Want more support:

 ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Does your “family time” feel like everyone’s just sitting together but living in separate digital worlds? Have screen-time battles left you feeling more disconnected from your teen than ever? What if reclaiming connection didn’t require more rules?

If your family room feels more like a collection of people staring at separate screens than a place of connection, there’s hope for change without the constant conflict.

In today’s episode, Terri shares three practical (and peaceful) ways to reclaim time with your family that build connection instead of creating power struggles. You’ll learn how to shift the focus from controlling your teen’s screen use to creating meaningful moments of presence, curiosity, and trust—because true connection isn’t built by taking things away, but by intentionally creating something better together.

You’ll discover how to:

💛 Create “Micro Moments” that open space for real connection

💛 Shift from pressure-filled “family time” to natural togetherness

💛 Lead with curiosity—not criticism—when your teen’s glued to their device

By the end, you’ll have simple, effective ways to strengthen your relationship and make time together something your teen actually looks forward to.

Resources Mentioned:

✔️ EP 14: How One Couple Used Music To Build Connection With a Teen (Greg & Kim McInturff’s story) Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296?i=1000722896181

✔️ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider:

💌 https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensInsider — Get weekly encouragement and practical tips to strengthen communication with your teen.

✔️ Join the Private Facebook Community:

💬 https://bit.ly/HowToConnectWithYourTeen — A safe space for moms learning how to communicate with their kids and encourage one another through it all. Once a month, Terri hosts a private Live Q&A Zoom call for members. The October 2025 one will focus on navigating hard, polarizing conversations with grace and connection.

💛 If this episode encouraged you or gave you hope for your relationships, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen here on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296

When was the last time your well-meaning questions turned your teen into a brick wall? If you’re tired of watching your teen shut down, walk away, or give one-word answers, you’re not alone.

In today’s episode, we’re uncovering why the way you ask can actually create more distance—and how one simple shift can open the door to real connection. Every mom wants to know what’s happening in their teen’s life, but even with the best intentions, sometimes our approach makes them pull away instead of draw near.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why questions make your teen go silent

✔️ Three key shifts that turn questions into safe invitations

✔️ A simple approach that transforms conversation into connection

If you’ve been longing for deeper conversations with your teen, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical steps you need to create conversations your teen actually wants to have.

Resources & Links:

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://bit.ly/ConnectWithYourTeensPodcast

Is your teen’s constant pull toward devices and friends leaving you feeling shut out? Do you worry that you’re losing the bond you once had with your child? What if their need for connection is actually God’s design calling out to you? 

Ever feel like your teen is slipping away—spending more time on their phone, retreating to their room, or turning to friends and social media instead of you? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt episode, Terri opens up about why your teen’s connection tank might be running on empty and what you can do to refill it—starting today.

Discover the biblical foundation for connection, the hidden reasons your teen may be seeking it in unhealthy places, and simple, everyday ways you can rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and create the safe space your child is desperately longing for.

Because connection isn’t optional. It’s part of God’s original design—and when you pursue it, you give your teen the gift of being truly seen, known, and loved.

👉 Inside this episode you’ll learn:

• Why connection is essential to your teen’s well-being (and not just “nice to have”).
• How God models connection through His pursuit of us—even when we mess up.
• What today’s teens are saying about their parents, devices, and what they really want most.
• Five practical ways you can start filling your teen’s connection tank today.

💡 If you’ve been praying for a breakthrough in your relationship, this episode will give you hope, encouragement, and a tangible first step.

Resources & Mentions in This Episode:

✨ Youth wellness expert Katey McPherson → https://www.kateymcpherson.com

Connect With Me:

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296

Are you tired of repeating your advice to your teen and getting eye rolls or silence in return?

Do you feel frustrated when your teen seems to tune out even the guidance you know could help them?

Wondering why your well-meaning solutions often push your teen further away instead of connecting them to you?

In this episode, we’re diving into a common communication pattern that keeps teens from truly listening—the one many moms unconsciously repeat without realizing it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of over-explaining, eye rolls, or your teen shutting down, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to shift from being a problem-solver to a gentle guide, so your teen feels respected, heard, and more open to your advice. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tips to strengthen your connection and become the mom your teen naturally turns to for guidance.

💛 Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: Weekly Newsletter

✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review so moms can find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. Listen on Apple Podcasts here or wherever you catch podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296

Ever feel like one wrong word with your teen can flip the whole conversation?

A slammed door, a sarcastic remark, or the dreaded eye roll—and suddenly you’re caught in a storm of emotions. Your heart races, defensiveness rises, and before you know it, you’ve drifted into frustration or silence.

Mom, I know that storm well. And I also know this: you don’t have to be tossed around by it. You can stay steady. You can stay connected.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 keys to better communication so that even when the waves rise, you remain grounded and calm. These are simple but powerful practices that create safety—not just for you, but for your teen too. Because when you’re anchored and steady, your teen actually feels it, and it opens the door for them to listen and engage.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✨ Why anchoring matters when conversations get stormy

✨ How to reset your emotions so you don’t default to fixing, criticizing, or shutting down

✨ 5 practical ways to stay grounded in Christ so your teen feels safe to listen

And as a bonus, I’ve created a Spotify Anchoring Song Playlist—songs that will help you breathe, worship, and reset in the middle of the storm. You can grab it in the show notes.

✔️ 🎶 Get the FREE Spotify Anchoring Song Playlist: https://connectwithyourteens.com/opt-in-ras-anchoring-playlist-638960

✔️ The Pause App by John Eldredge – Apple Store | Google Play

✨ Join the FB Community: https://bit.ly/HowToConnectWithYourTeen

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💛 Leave a Review

If this episode encouraged or gave you hope for your relationships, would you take a minute to leave a written review? Your words and show rating help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. → Leave a review here.

Ever feel like you’re losing connection with your teen? Like every attempt at conversation ends in silence or conflict? Silence at the dinner table, battles over screen time, or constant eye rolls that make you feel invisible in your own home?

Maybe you’ve been carrying sadness or guilt, feeling the weight of distance between you and your child — and wondering if the closeness you once had is gone for good.

But, Mom, what if there’s more? What if this season could be about more than just surviving the teen years? What if the very struggles that feel so heavy right now are not just problems to solve, but doorways — opening into a deeper trust, a stronger bond, and a lasting transformation in your relationship?

I believe that when we as moms reconnect with our teens, we unlock a future that’s different not just for our families, but for generations to come. What we’re talking about could completely shift how you see your role in your teen’s life and the impact your family can have in a world that desperately needs what you’re building.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

✨ Why conflict can be holy ground instead of a battleground

✨ The ripple effect your family’s transformation can have for generations

✨ A vision of your role as a peacemaker, shaping a legacy of love, honor, and reconciliation

✔️ Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💛 Leave a Review

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Have you ever said something you meant as helpful, only to have your teen take it the wrong way? You’re thinking, “I just want them to know I care.” But what they hear is, “You don’t think I can do anything.”

In this episode, we’ll look at why your words sometimes don’t land the way you intend—and 3 key shifts that help your teen feel safe to keep talking instead of walking away.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

✔️ The “identity filter” that shapes how your teen hears every word

✔️ How to move from control to collaboration in daily conversations

✔️ Simple reframes that build trust and connection

If you’re tired of eye-rolls, shutdowns, or conversations that go nowhere, this episode will give you fresh hope and practical ways to connect with your teen’s heart.

💛 Scripture Reference: James 3:5 – “The tongue is a small part of the body, yet it carries great power.”

🎶 Song Mentioned: Speak Life by TobyMac - TobyMac - Speak Life

✔️ Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💬 Leave a Review: If you learned something or were encouraged, would you take 30 seconds to leave a written review? Your words truly help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296

Ever wonder what really makes teens feel seen and valued? In this heartfelt conversation with my daughter Bre, we pull back the curtain on the everyday moments that build lasting connection between parents and teens. From playful interactions to deep discussions, we share both sides of the parent-teen relationship - what works, what doesn't, and why.

This isn't just theory - it's real insight from both a mom and daughter's perspective on how to create the kind of relationship where teens feel safe to open up and parents feel confident to lead with love.

What you'll hear in this episode: 

• How to use play and humor to connect at any age 
• Why affirming identity matters more than praising accomplishments 
• The power of showing up and putting distractions aside 
• How to enter your teen's world through music, interests, and friendships 
• Why asking permission before giving advice builds trust 
• Practical ways to support your teen, even when you disagree

✅ One Thing To Do This Week (Choose One): 

Option 1: Notice & Affirm: 

Take a moment to notice and affirm something about who your teen is, not just what they do. Look for their kindness toward a sibling, creativity in solving a problem, or perseverance in a challenge. Speak it out. Let them know you see them.

Option 2: Practice Intentional Presence: 

Enter their world – Ask your teen to share a favorite song, game, or story from their day and engage with genuine curiosity. Let them feel seen.

Choose whichever option feels most natural to you - both are powerful ways to start building deeper connection today.

Bre’s Podcast Links and Interview with her pastor:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-myself-and-why/id1778954356

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FiT9YvhDF1bPIwXSzABRw?si=d5jmrlLCTSard9L3r3qfDg

Interview on One On One:

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-on-one/id1797863869?i=1000724844022

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qfNuVRrYeIY

Related Episodes:

14 | The Power of Listening: How Young People Find Belonging When We Truly Hear Them With Greg and Kim McInturff (Part 1): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296?i=1000722896181

15 | The Power of Listening: How Young People Find Belonging When We Truly Hear Them With Greg and Kim McInturff (Part 2): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296?i=1000723151231

Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Moms, when your teen pulls back, it can feel discouraging and even scary. But what if behind the silence is a longing to be known?

In this powerful conversation with my daughter Bre, now 35, you’ll hear straight from her heart about her experiences as a teen and young adult — what made it hard to talk openly with us, what shifted when we learned new communication skills, and what she wishes moms understood about holding a safe space.

In her early twenties, she spent four years in youth ministry, so she has a unique view on how teens think and what challenges they face in communicating with parents. 

This episode is full of parenting teens insights that will encourage you to slow down, set aside the agenda, and use gentle conversation starters that build trust instead of shutting it down.

We talk about:

• Why teens often believe the pattern of past reactions more than the parent in front of them
• How “unexpected kindness” made a bigger impact than any correction
• The difference between talking to your child vs. connecting with a person
• The power of invitations: “I’m here to hold your story”
• Why vulnerability as a mom builds trust more than perfection ever could

💡 Questions to reflect on as you listen:

• Do you know what patterns your teen has come to expect from you?
• How do you usually respond when you see your teen holding back?
• What would it look like to lay aside an agenda and enter the conversation with openness?

✔️ Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💛 Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged or gave you hope for your relationships, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296.

What do you do when your teen is angry… emotional… or pushing you away?

Most of us react.

We defend.

We try to fix.

But what if the moment you feel the most tension…is actually your greatest opportunity to build connection?

In this episode, Terri sits down with mom Dina Windle for a real-life conversation about a difficult moment with her daughter—one that could have created more distance, but instead became a turning point in their relationship.

This is part one of a powerful two-part conversation where you’ll hear what it looks like to stay anchored, listen differently, and create the kind of safety that helps your teen open up.

• Why reacting in the moment can shut your teen down
• How staying anchored helps your teen feel safe and heard
• What it looks like to listen without taking things personally
• How connection begins even in the middle of conflict

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with your teen thinking, “Why did that go that way again?” this episode will give you a new way to approach those moments.

Press play and hear what’s possible when connection comes first.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen wondering, “Why did that go that way again?” You don’t have to figure this out alone.

In my 1-hour Communication Coaching Call, we’ll look at what’s really happening beneath the surface and help you move forward with clarity, peace, and a plan to rebuild connection.

👉 https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching

Want more support?

🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? 

Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box?

Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Newsletter

✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach

✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com