• #240 Punishment Creates Teen Rebellion. Do This Instead.
    Nov 18 2025

    Today is the seventh episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series.

    If you're dealing with a teenager who seems to push back against everything you say, punishment or consequences aren’t the answer and will probably make things worse.

    In this episode, I'll explain why traditional discipline backfires with teenagers and what actually works instead.

    You'll learn why punishment creates rebellion in teens and what to do instead. You can end the constant power struggles by learning how to support your teen’s autonomy while staying connected and improving their behavior.

    You can also watch this series on YouTube.

    Check out episodes 14 and 91 for more about backing up and allowing natural consequences.

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!

    Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • #239: Want Your Teen To Actually Calm Down? Do This. (Fundamentals of Parenting Teens Series ep. 6)
    Nov 11 2025

    Today is the sixth episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series.

    Do you feel helpless in the face of your teen's emotional meltdowns?

    Today, I'll teach you a scientifically proven technique for helping your teen actually calm down. It's called emotion coaching and it will transform how you handle your teenager's big feelings and emotional outbursts.

    We're going to discuss the 10 steps I believe are crucial for you to get this right and see major change in your teen.

    You can also watch this series on YouTube.

    Download the free parenting guide: "Emotional Awareness Strategies"

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!

    Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • #238: Want to improve your teen’s behavior? Improve yours. (Fundamentals of Parenting Teens Series ep. 5)
    Nov 4 2025

    Today is the fifth episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series.

    Want to stop the power struggles with your teen? The secret isn't changing them—it's changing YOU. In this episode, discover how your thoughts, emotions, and reactions directly influence your teenager's behavior.

    I'll show you how to reappraise situations, manage stress, and create the space you need to respond thoughtfully instead of emotionally.

    You can also watch this series on YouTube.

    And be sure to listen to the following helpful episodes as well:

    Episodes 30, 102, 120, and 127

    Download the free parenting guide: "Emotional Awareness Strategies"

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!

    Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • #237: Your Teen’s Behavior Isn’t The Problem, It’s Your Approach (Fundamentals of Parenting Teens Series ep. 4)
    Oct 28 2025

    Today is the fourth episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. (Previous episodes in the series: 234, 235, and 236)

    If you're constantly battling with your teenager and their behavior seems to be getting worse instead of better, the problem might not be your teen—it might be your approach.

    In today's episode I'll explain why supporting your teen's autonomy is the key to reducing conflict, staying connected, and actually improving their behavior in the long run.

    I'll give you 8 actionable strategies to support their autonomy while also keeping them safe...including what to do instead of punishing them.

    You can also watch this series on YouTube.

    And be sure to listen to the following helpful episodes as well:

    Episodes 15 16 22 94 and 148

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!

    Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • #236: Why Your Smart Teen Does Risky Things, And How To Help (Fundamentals of Parenting Teens Series ep. 3)
    Oct 21 2025

    Today is the third episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. (Previous episodes in the series: 234 and 235)

    Why do teens do such “stupid” things? Why do they take such risks? In this episode I explain the science behind why your teenager does dangerous, stupid, or reckless things—from driving too fast to sneaking out to experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

    Learn how your teen's reward system and "social system" of their brain are turbocharged during adolescence, making them willing to take risks with friends that they'd never take alone.

    I'll explore why lecturing your teen about risks doesn't work, and instead share proven strategies that actually help teens avoid dangerous situations.

    You can also watch this series on YouTube.

    4-part audio podcast series on Connection:
    Episodes 104, 106, 108, and 110

    Episode 95 on Emotion Coaching

    Free guide, "Emotion Coaching"

    Episode 114 on Vaping Refusal Skills (applicable to many behaviors-be sure to check out the resources at the bottom of this page)

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button,

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • #235: Why your teen’s so angry, anxious, moody, and “mean” (Fundamentals of Parenting Teens Series ep. 2)
    Oct 14 2025

    Today is the second episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. (The first episode in the series: 234)

    If you're struggling with your teen's anger, emotional outbursts, and irrational behavior, this episode will help you understand and manage better.

    I'll explain the neuroscience behind your teenager's emotionally driven misbehavior...including how your teen's overactive amygdala (the brain's threat detector) and underdeveloped prefrontal cortex create the perfect storm for emotional dysregulation, impulsive reactions, and daily meltdowns.

    By the end of this episode you'll have more compassion and empathy for what you're teen's going through so that you can manage your own emotional reactions to their behavior.

    You can also watch this series on YouTube.

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    Download my free guide, "The Challenging Adolescent Brain"

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!

    Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!

    I drop new episodes every Tuesday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app.

    Thanks so much for listening!

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • #234: The Thing You Need To Know About Your Teen's Behavior (Fundamentals of Parenting Teens Series ep. 1)
    Oct 7 2025

    Today is the first episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series. I'm revisiting this series that I first published back in episodes 130 through 137.

    I'll be walking you through the basics that we cover in my course, The Field Guide for Teens, that you get inside Parent Camp. This is the framework I formulated over thousands of hours of research , which has helped change the relationship between so many parents and their teens.

    If you need help getting back to the basics and renewing your determination to change things with your teen, then jump into this series today and stay tuned for the rest over the next several weeks.

    You can also watch this series on YouTube.

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    Download my free guide, "The Challenging Adolescent Brain"

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!

    Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!

    I drop new episodes every Tuesday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app.

    Thanks so much for listening!

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • #233: 5 Parenting Mistakes That Destroy Connection With Our Teens
    Sep 30 2025

    I made some critical mistakes with our teenage son when we were struggling with his behavior issues. Some of us are so deeply entrenched in certain parenting strategies that we don't even recognize they're not effective (and may actually be making things worse).

    Life is so busy that we're usually in "reaction" mode and have little time to think in advance or look for a better way to do things. In today's episode, I'll help you understand at least some of the mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.

    From not fully understanding their behavior...to thinking "consequences" will do the trick, these are some of the most common mistakes parents make while raising teenagers.

    Show Notes and Transcript
    Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener

    ^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.

    Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.

    If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!

    Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!

    I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app.

    Thanks so much for listening!

    The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!

    Check out the podcast on YouTube!

    Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

    Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)

    Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram

    Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack

    Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)

    See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins