Money has changed. We grew up holding physical cash, but today's youth are navigating a world of invisible digital currency. So, how do we teach them the value of a dollar when they only ever see a screen?

In this episode, retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and psychotherapist Shea Phinney decode the modern financial landscape for teens. The hosts share their own early money memories—from Shea hustling at age 12 to pay for her horse, to Merryl navigating early bank accounts and working at the planetarium. Together, they outline actionable strategies to help parents transition their kids from the "Bank of Mom and Dad" to financial independence.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the psychological disconnect of digital spending.
• Why it is critical to show teenagers the actual household bills.
• Actionable tools for teens, including custodial accounts, high-yield savings, and modern debit cards.
• How to encourage the modern hustle, like reselling online.

If this conversation brought back memories or gave you a new tool for your parenting toolkit, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!

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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

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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

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💬 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

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