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. 🎶 Resources & Links Mentioned ✔️ 🎶 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 🤝 Stay Connected ✨ 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 💬 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

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 happens when you finally push past your biggest fear? In this follow-up episode, I share the powerful story of what happened after I left a trembling message that changed my life—a reunion 55 years in the making. Moms, if you’ve been waiting on the other side of silence, hoping your teen will open up, this episode will encourage you that connection is always worth the risk. You’ll learn: 💛 How fear tells us stories that keep us stuck—and how to move past them 💛 Why connection doesn’t require perfect circumstances 💛 The simple, brave steps that can open your teen’s heart—even in messy, imperfect moments ✨ Related Episodes: 18 – E 18 The Vault: When Fear Blocks Connection With Your Teen And 4 Insights That Will Help You Break The Silence - Listen Here  

What if the deepest connection with your teen is locked behind an iron vault of fear? In this deeply personal episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own story—55 years of silence, a hidden identity, and how fear of rejection nearly kept me from one of life’s most precious connections. If you’ve ever: Felt like you’re walking on eggshells with your teen… Tried to connect, only to be met with silence or resistance… Wondered if fear—yours or theirs—is the real barrier between you… Then this episode will give you hope. Together, we’ll uncover 4 insights about fear and connection that can help you break the silence and open the vault to your teen’s heart. Remember—protection without connection creates distance. But with courage, honesty, and God’s help, you can move past fear into deeper relationship. Resources & Links: ✨ Join the free FB Community: How to Connect with Your Teens and grab your free gift: 6 Conversation Starters That Open Hearts when you join. ✨ 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 💛 If this episode encouraged you, would you take60 seconds to leave a written review? Your words help other moms—who may feel alone—find the hope and encouragement they need.  💬 Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts  *Scroll down to Ratings & Reviews to leave yours  

Moms, have you ever caught your teen in a white lie—or felt that sinking gut feeling that they aren’t telling you the whole truth? It can feel frustrating, even scary, when honesty doesn’t come easily in your relationship. But here’s the thing: lying is rarely just about the lie itself. Behind every dishonest moment is a story—a deeper reason that your teen might be afraid to tell the truth. In this episode, I’ll share three powerful truths that will help you shift from control to connection so you can start building trust, even when lies show up. You’ll discover: ✔️ Why control often creates more distance instead of more honesty ✔️ The hidden fears and struggles behind your teen’s lies ✔️ How your response to small truths can shape future honesty What if honesty in your home became less about fear of consequences and more about safety, curiosity, and grace? That’s the shift we’ll walk through together today. Important Note: If lying feels chronic or the situations are more serious, seek God’s guidance and consider connecting with a licensed counselor, especially if mental health concerns may be involved. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Scriptural Reminder: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24 💛 Moms, you don’t have to parent perfectly to connect deeply. Resources & Next Steps: ✨ 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 💛 If this episode encouraged you, would you take60 seconds to leave a written review? Your words help other moms—who may feel alone—find the hope and encouragement they need.  💬 Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts ***Scroll down to Ratings & Reviews to leave yours

Moms, do you ever walk away from a conversation with your teen feeling like they just don’t respect you? Maybe it’s the eye rolls, the sarcasm, or the silence that leaves you hurt and wondering if things will ever change. Here’s the surprising truth: most of the time, these conflicts aren’t really about respect at all. They’re about something deeper—something that can shift the entire dynamic once you understand it. In this episode, I’ll share a simple but powerful process I call the Listen Capture Feedback Loop—three steps that will help you foster mutual respect, rebuild connection, and open the door for your teen to actually listen in return. If you’ve ever thought, “They don’t hear me, and I don’t know how to reach them,” this episode will give you fresh hope and practical tools to start turning things around. ✨ Resources & Links ✨ 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. → Leave a review here

What began as a small group in Greg and Kim’s living room grew into a safe haven where young people could wrestle with their faith and discover God’s truth through the power of being heard. In this episode, we continue the conversation and go even deeper into what makes listening transformational. 🎧 In Part 2, you’ll hear: Why listening is the key to unlocking hearts closed off by doubt, fear, or past hurt. How to hold space for conversations you don’t have answers to. Practical lessons from Greg and Kim that moms can apply right at home. 👉 Their journey is a beautiful reminder: when we listen with the Spirit’s guidance, we don’t have to fix—we simply create a place where God can speak and heal. ✔️ 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 inspired or encouraged you to listen more, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. → Review Here

What happens when two parents step into the unknown and simply offer listening ears to young people who feel disconnected, lost, or unsure of their faith? In this episode, my good friends, Greg and Kim McInturff, share how a simple invitation turned into five+ years of transformational community for young adults—where their questions were welcomed, doubts were voiced, and hearts were healed. 🎧 In Part 1, you’ll hear: How their college group unexpectedly started. A powerful story of a skeptical student who discovered truth simply by being heard. What it looks like to listen without fear, even when you disagree. 👉 The beauty of their story? It’s not just for group settings—it’s encouragement for every mom, reminding us that the gift of listening creates connection and opens the door for God to move in our homes. ✔️ 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 💛 Leaving us 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. → Review Here

If criticism from your teen—or even from someone you deeply love—shakes your confidence, this episode is for you. You don’t need thicker skin or a perfect track record to have peace in conflict. Instead, I’m sharing a life-changing truth from God’s Word that will anchor your heart no matter what’s said… and when you live from this truth, connection with the people you love becomes effortless. What if the secret to effortless connection with your teen had nothing to do with what you said to them… and everything to do with what you believed about yourself? In this episode, you’ll discover the truth that will free you from self-criticism and make peace possible—even in conflict. One Thing You Can Practice This Week To Live Loved: 💛 Use this simple “Identity Anchor” practice to start your day - Read Psalm 139:1-6 and insert your name to lock in how you are created and loved.  💛Living loved changes the way you communicate and handle criticism 💛Join us in our private Facebook group where in community, there’s grace, compassion, and wisdom waiting for you. Links are below.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: ✔️ 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 inspired you to go deeper into anchoring in Christ, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. → Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Are mornings already turning into a race against the clock? Do your questions about your teen’s new friends shut the conversation down? Have homework talks already blown up into arguments? Back-to-school can be one of the most challenging times for moms and teens—but it can also be a fresh start. If some of your conversations about routines, friendships, or time management haven’t gone well, there’s good news: there’s grace for a do-over. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: 1- Shift from “referee” to “coach” so your teen actually wants to talk with you. 2- Approach 3 common back-to-school conversations—morning routines, friendships, and time management—in a way that builds trust instead of tension. 3- Reset after a rough conversation so your teen knows you’re for them, not against them. You’ll walk away with practical phrases you can start using today—and a fresh perspective that will help you parent from connection, not control. One thing to try this week: Pick one upcoming conversation with your teen and prepare by: Anchoring in God’s truth and asking Him to set your intention for connection. Choosing a question that invites your teen’s perspective. Listening without interrupting or rushing to fix. When you approach your teen like a coach instead of a critic, you open the door for trust, openness, and deeper relationship—not just this school year, but for years to come. ✨ Episode Resources ✨ 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 you or gave you hope for your relationship, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. → Apple Podcasts Review Link

Moms, ever feel invisible when your teen’s on their phone? You ask a question and get a grunt, a hand wave, or maybe nothing at all. It’s easy to feel hurt—or frustrated—when your teen acts like their screen matters more than you. But there’s a better way. In this episode, I’m giving you a simple 3-step connection strategy to use in the moment—one that invites your teen to respond without creating conflict. You’ll walk away with practical steps and a Spirit-led mindset shift to help you move from reacting to reconnecting. 👉 What if technology didn’t have to be the enemy? 👉 What if your tone, timing, and posture could change everything? 👉 What if you stopped pushing and started building the kind of connection they want to respond to? Let’s trade control for connection, and start shaping how your teen shows up in the relationship—without a fight. ✨ Episode Resources ✨ Get the free resource Demolishing Strongholds in Your Thinking when you join our FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/ ✔️ Want more support? ✨ 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 you or gave you hope for your relationship, would you take 60 seconds to leave a 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

Your teen pulls away. Conversation slows. Silence settles in. What now? In this episode, I share the continuation of my personal story with my daughter Bre—how I missed the signs of emotional disconnection during her early teen years and stayed in “support mode” by doing when she needed something deeper: emotional presence. You’ll hear the story of the kitchen table moment that exposed just how disconnected we’d become—and what God began to show me about myself. This wasn’t about fixing my daughter. This was about me shifting from performance-driven parenting to Spirit-led connection—anchored in my identity as God’s daughter. You’ll leave this episode with: An honest look at what causes “good” kids to emotionally withdraw The turning point that shifted everything in my relationship with Bre A simple but powerful phrase you can begin using today to rebuild trust If your teen has emotionally checked out, or if you’re afraid it’s too late to reconnect—this episode will give you both hope and a place to start. ✔️ 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

Have you ever looked around your home—your schedule, your sacrifices—and wondered: Why don’t we feel close? Why does it still feel distant, despite everything I’ve done “right”? In this heartfelt episode, Terri Lee shares a powerful and deeply personal story about her oldest daughter, Bre—and the quiet unraveling that can happen when we spend years doing for our kids, but not truly being with them. From tantrums she didn’t know how to handle, to a homemade coupon book left unused, this episode walks you through the slow realization that presence and emotional availability—not productivity—are what truly build connection. You’ll walk away with: The surprising truth about what your teen’s “disrespect” or withdrawal might really be saying The difference between parenting with love and parenting from connection The moment that changed Terri’s relationship with her daughter forever A journaling prompt and reflection practice you can try this week If you’ve ever whispered, “I gave her everything… so why doesn’t she come to me?”—this episode is for you. ✔️ Reflection Homework: This week, pause in one moment where you’re tempted to manage, fix, or correct—and choose connection instead. ✨ Ask: What would it look like to show up WITH my child instead of just FOR them? 🖊 Journaling Prompt: “What distortion of connection am I ready to surrender, so I can begin showing up with my child instead of just for them?” 💛 Want more support? You don’t have to figure this out alone—come be part of a community of moms walking this road together. ✨ 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 ✨ Follow on Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Leave a Review If this episode gave you hope, would you take a minute to leave a written review? Your words help more moms find the connection they’ve been craving. 📝 Leave a review here

If you’ve noticed your teen shutting down more and more during conversations, and every interaction feels like an uphill battle, this episode is for you. We’re diving into 3 communication patterns that often come from love—but unknowingly push your teen further away. More importantly, I’ll show you how to shift those habits into connection points that help rebuild trust and invite real conversation again. You’ll learn: Why trying to fix things too quickly can undermine your teen’s confidence How questions meant to “check in” can feel like interrogation The hidden cost of frequent correction—and what to say instead A simple mindset shift that helps you become a safe place again ❤️ Your teen doesn’t need you to be perfect—they need you to stay present and anchored. ✨ 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