Today, I'm sitting down with Sonia Suthar, a 19-year-old entrepreneur and the Founder of Cloud 9, who is helping parents understand why teenagers shut down when we're just trying to help, and what we can do instead to build strong, connected relationships with them. She also shares how we can help our teens build confidence from the inside out, so this conversation is one you won't want to miss!

In this episode, we explore what’s really happening beneath teen behavior and why well-meaning parental responses can sometimes create distance instead of connection. Sonia offers powerful insights into how teens interpret boundaries, advice, and even simple questions and how these moments can either strengthen or erode trust.

Whether you’re parenting a teen now or just want to understand them better, this conversation offers real, actionable insights that can help you strengthen connections, trust, and resilience in your family.

We Talk About:

• Why teens shut down and how to respond as a parent
• How to improve parent-teen communication
• The difference between fixing vs. supporting your teen
• How to build teen confidence and emotional resilience
• What teens actually need when they open up
• The “3 H’s” method: Heard, Helped, or Hugged
• How to create a safe space for your teen to share
• Balancing high expectations with emotional support
• How to stop power struggles and build connection
• Practical tools to strengthen your relationship with your teen

If this resonates with you, share this episode with another parent who could use the support, and don’t forget to follow/subscribe for more conversations that help you build deeper, more connected relationships with your teen.

Connect with Sonia & Cloud9:
Website: cloud9go.com
Instagram: @cloud9go
Watch Sonia's Ted talk on YouTube

Come join us for a Free Info Session to learn more about our two wilderness rites of passage trips for teens this summer. Go to youth.guided-passages.com/wilderness to save your seat!