Attention Parents:
Teenagers are my favorite! Seriously!
Let’s connect now.
Why I Coach Families with Teens
Call me crazy, but I have always really enjoyed working with teenagers. They’re a fascinating creation: like a toddler stuck in an almost-adult body, demanding the same respect and independence of an adult but possessing the maturity and skill of a small child. Okay, maybe not all of them, but quite a few. ;-) You probably remember what it was like to be a teen—with hormones surging through your body, unwelcome feelings out the wazoo, responsibility mounting—and feeling helpless in your ability to manage it all. Being a teen in 2021 comes with its own additional set of challenges. And, being a parent of said teen can be incredibly difficult, especially when you just can’t seem to figure out how to get your teen motivated, engaged, or communicating.
As a high school teacher, I get to work with the full spectrum of students—from Ivy League-bound students to those living with an intellectual disability; from All-Conference athletes to students with physical impairments; from joy-filled and happy students to students completely debilitated by anxiety and depression. In all of these situations, I become someone they are willing to trust and engage with because they know I believe in them and that I am for them. And I believe in you, and am for you as well.
Let’s talk about how I can partner with you :)
A Few Resources for You
I have a number of book recommendations for you, to give you an idea of the concepts and strategies we will probably touch on in our coaching sessions. And even if you never choose to move ahead with coaching, these resources will only enhance your understanding of your teen and your ability to connect with them:
Smart But Scattered Teens - This book is written for parents to address Executive Functioning deficits in their teens, which is what makes them seem “scattered.” A must-read for any parent/guardian of a teen!
The Teenage Brain - Full of information presented by a well-renowned neuroscientist, this book is filled with practical guidance and tips for parents/guardians, teachers, and teens on how to understand and manage the teenage brain.
Difficult Conversations - This book changed. my. life. Regardless of the circumstance or relationship, this is a powerful read on how to engage meaningfully and authentically with people in the conversations that matter most.
Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman is the master teacher on Emotional Intelligence, and this book is filled with the brain science and methodology behind it. Study after study demonstrates that the highest predictor of a person’s success in life is not their intellectual intelligence, but their emotional intelligence.
Social Intelligence - Again from Daniel Goleman. This book examines our social connections with other humans and how that plays into our brain’s functioning. If you’re looking to improve your interactions with others (including your teen!) or better understand those around you, this is a great place to start.