If your teen has ever seemed “off” — quieter than usual, overwhelmed, irritable, or just drifting around the house with zero direction — you’re not imagining it. These dips are incredibly common, and today we’re breaking down exactly why they happen and what you can do to support your teen without pushing too hard or making things worse.

In this episode, we’re talking about the real reasons behind your teen’s sudden mood shifts: underdeveloped executive functioning, unstable routines, hidden stress, emotional overload, and the overwhelm they often can’t put into words. You’ll learn what actually helps (and what doesn’t) when your teen shuts down, snaps, or retreats.

We’ll walk through simple tools you can use today — The 3-Minute Reset, the 10–20 Minute Start Rule, how to gently anchor routines, and the exact phrases that help your teen feel understood instead of judged.

If you’re looking for practical, compassionate ways to support your overwhelmed teen, this episode gives you the scripts, structure, and science-backed insight you need. Parenting the teenage years doesn’t have to feel like guesswork — you just need a few grounded strategies that truly work.

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