Remember writing "hello" to a crush on a school desk? Dating looks nothing like that anymore—and this episode breaks down exactly how it has changed for a generation growing up with a phone in their hand.

Retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and psychotherapist Shea Phinney, MFT, sit down to decode modern teen and preteen dating: the endless texting, the mysterious "situationship," the sting of getting ghosted, and the communication etiquette nobody taught our kids yet.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The difference between the "talking stage," a situationship, and a real relationship.
• The "30-Second Block" — why teens are so quick to cut communication and how to handle it.
• How to handle being ghosted without taking it personally or internalizing the rejection.
• Practical parent tips for monitoring phone use, utilizing carrier controls, and understanding teen acronyms.
• Why self-worth and clear values matter more than any single text thread.
• How teens (and adults) can give themselves grace while "learning how to human."

Whether you are a parent watching your kid navigate their first crush or a teen trying to figure out why the conversation suddenly went to crickets, this one meets you where you are. Merryl and Shea mix real talk with plenty of laughs, honest personal stories, and genuinely useful advice.

The big takeaways? Do not blow up someone's phone when they go quiet. Sprinkle your texts with a little patience. And remember—being ghosted usually says more about the other person than it does about you. You are worthy of being treated well.

Join the conversation: Which part of digital dating trips you up the most—situationships, ghosting, or figuring out the slang? Drop it in the comments so we can tackle it in a future episode.

Subscribe to Breaking Formation for more honest conversations about raising and being young people in the age of social media and AI.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. These are recommendations, not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. If you need support, please seek the help of a qualified medical or mental health professional.

#breakingformation #teendating #situationship #ghosting #parentingteens #digitaldating #teenmentalhealth #onlinedating #parentingtips #adolescenthealth

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the child isn't the problem? When you sit a kid down to talk through their "behavior," and you realize the real story is happening at home?

In this episode of Breaking Formation, we explore parentification, parental mental illness, and the quiet ways teens learn to survive when family dynamics get turned upside down. Hosted by retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and child psychotherapist Shea Phinney, MFT, this conversation goes deep into what it means when kids become the parent—the oldest sibling making sure homework gets done (often called "Eldest Daughter Syndrome"), the teen tiptoeing around a parent's rage, and the child learning to read a room before they've learned to read a book.

Drawing on Shea's years working in child protective services, this episode unpacks how therapists create safety for children, how to help a young person understand that their parent's struggles are not their fault, and what mandated reporting really looks like. Merryl and Shea also open up with personal anecdotes from their own single-parent households, sharing honest, sometimes funny reflections on the moments that shaped them.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE

Parentification and how taking on adult responsibilities affects kids into adulthood.

Misidentified child behavior—when the parent is the bigger problem.

Teens and parental substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and erratic behavior.

Warning signs of a parental mental health crisis.

Confidentiality rules for minors in therapy.

Teen mental health support and where to turn for help.

WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT

If you're a young person navigating a tough home life, you are not alone. Reach out to extended family, a school counselor, or confidential support lines. If something feels uncomfortable, trust your gut. Healing doesn't happen in isolation.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor 24/7.

Alateen: Support for teens affected by a loved one's drinking (al-anon.org/for-alateen).

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 for treatment referral and information.

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION

If this episode resonated with you, hit subscribe so you never miss a mission debrief!

💬 Drop a comment below: What is one boundary you’ve learned to set that has protected your peace?

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingformationpodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. Please contact a qualified healthcare provider if you notice that you or your parent may be struggling.

#BreakingFormation #Parentification #EldestDaughterSyndrome #TeenMentalHealth #FamilyDynamics #Alateen #ParentalMentalIllness #YouthDevelopment #MentalHealthSupport

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are your friendships changing as you grow older? In this episode of Breaking Formation, we dive deep into the evolving nature of friendships and how to figure out who your true friends really are.

Join retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and child psychotherapist Shea Phinney as they explore the complexities of relationships across different stages of life. From the playground to adulthood, friendships flow like water with tides that come and go. Merryl and Shea share relatable stories and expert insights on helping kids and young adults understand their personal values, set healthy boundaries, and figure out who belongs in their inner circle.

Watch the full episode for actionable advice on dealing with changing friend groups, protecting your peace, and learning when to let kids navigate their own relationship battles.

Subscribe to the channel so you never miss a conversation, and let us know your thoughts on true friendship in the comments below.

Table of Contents:

00:00 - Navigating a rapidly changing world

03:02 - The evolving tides of friendships

09:02 - Aligning values and setting boundaries

18:10 - Acquaintances vs. true friends

23:51 - Letting kids figure out their own battles

Connect with Breaking Formation:

Subscribe to our channel on YouTube: Breaking Formation - YouTube for more weekly episodes.

Follow us on social media to join the community conversation.

#BreakingFormation #Friendships #TrueFriends #Relationships #Boundaries

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.