"Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree." —Unknown

The most stressful time for moms is middle school, according to a study published in the January issue of Developmental Psychology. As the parent of a teen, I know how hard it can be to sell psychotherapy to your kid. For this reason I offer parent coaching for those times and situations where therapy isn't warranted as much as gaining a few tools for your parenting game, and your sanity! This is a flexible option, tailored to your family's needs. Best of all, your kid stays at home (at least initially) while we work on your action plan!

Do you feel like the only time your teen obeys you is when you get angry and lose control?

If so, let's talk about healthier, easier discipline strategies.

It's easy to get lost with the issue(s) at hand -- the high school senior who's lost motivation to succeed academically, a tech-obsessed kid who's not socializing face-to-face, difficulty with maintaining friendships, or experimentation with drugs or alcohol -- but there is an easier way to deal with conflict. The first step is to regain parental control.

The coaching model I follow is based around the book and program Back to Basics Parenting. This article from PsychologyToday.com explains the model.

The Calm & Connected Kids program is a coaching model that's different from traditional therapy because the parent(s) comes in without their child for the initial appointment. The purpose is to discuss your concerns and come up with a plan for setting clear and consistent rules. This program is right for you if your primary concern is how to change your parenting style to align with your ever-changing teen's changing attitude.  It's about having the tools to set clear, concise and consistent rules -- without resorting to yelling, screaming, threatening to remove the iPad, or revoking privileges until 2018.

Additional focus is on maintaining your connection, supporting her emotional development, and making time for calm and peaceful time together (it is possible!)

This is a flexible model with options to incorporate family therapy and/or 1:1 sessions with your teen, as well.

Most parents understand the importance of setting rules. The difficulty is dealing with the guilt from "losing it" or the desire to raise your child differently from how you were raised. I spend a lot of time talking with parents about their childhood experiences and their ideas around discipline, rules, anger, and the delicate balance between allowing your teen to explore his identity and independence, while ensuring he's compliant with rules at home, at school and in the community.

Parenting a teen is the hardest job in the world.

Let's talk about how to have a more peaceful, connected and healthy relationship with your teen.

The Calm & Connected Kids Coaching program is available in-office, via phone and email support.

Contact me here for more information.