Ever wonder what really makes teens feel seen and valued? In this heartfelt conversation with my daughter Bre, we pull back the curtain on the everyday moments that build lasting connection between parents and teens. From playful interactions to deep discussions, we share both sides of the parent-teen relationship - what works, what doesn't, and why.

This isn't just theory - it's real insight from both a mom and daughter's perspective on how to create the kind of relationship where teens feel safe to open up and parents feel confident to lead with love.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• How to use play and humor to connect at any age
• Why affirming identity matters more than praising accomplishments
• The power of showing up and putting distractions aside
• How to enter your teen's world through music, interests, and friendships
• Why asking permission before giving advice builds trust
• Practical ways to support your teen, even when you disagree

✅ One Thing To Do This Week (Choose One):

Option 1: Notice & Affirm:

Take a moment to notice and affirm something about who your teen is, not just what they do. Look for their kindness toward a sibling, creativity in solving a problem, or perseverance in a challenge. Speak it out. Let them know you see them.

Option 2: Practice Intentional Presence:

Enter their world – Ask your teen to share a favorite song, game, or story from their day and engage with genuine curiosity. Let them feel seen.

Choose whichever option feels most natural to you - both are powerful ways to start building deeper connection today.

Bre’s Podcast Links and Interview with her pastor:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-myself-and-why/id1778954356

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FiT9YvhDF1bPIwXSzABRw?si=d5jmrlLCTSard9L3r3qfDg

Interview on One On One:

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-on-one/id1797863869?i=1000724844022

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qfNuVRrYeIY

Related Episodes:

14 | The Power of Listening: How Young People Find Belonging When We Truly Hear Them With Greg and Kim McInturff (Part 1): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296?i=1000722896181

15 | The Power of Listening: How Young People Find Belonging When We Truly Hear Them With Greg and Kim McInturff (Part 2): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296?i=1000723151231

Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

Moms, when your teen pulls back, it can feel discouraging and even scary. But what if behind the silence is a longing to be known?

In this powerful conversation with my daughter Bre, now 35, you’ll hear straight from her heart about her experiences as a teen and young adult — what made it hard to talk openly with us, what shifted when we learned new communication skills, and what she wishes moms understood about holding a safe space.

In her early twenties, she spent four years in youth ministry, so she has a unique view on how teens think and what challenges they face in communicating with parents.

This episode is full of parenting teens insights that will encourage you to slow down, set aside the agenda, and use gentle conversation starters that build trust instead of shutting it down.

We talk about:

• Why teens often believe the pattern of past reactions more than the parent in front of them
• How “unexpected kindness” made a bigger impact than any correction
• The difference between talking to your child vs. connecting with a person
• The power of invitations: “I’m here to hold your story”
• Why vulnerability as a mom builds trust more than perfection ever could

💡 Questions to reflect on as you listen:

• Do you know what patterns your teen has come to expect from you?
• How do you usually respond when you see your teen holding back?
• What would it look like to lay aside an agenda and enter the conversation with openness?

✔️ Want more support?

✨ Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens/

✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider: https://riseabovethesilence.com/opt-in-connect-with-your-teens-insider-newsletter

✨ Instagram: instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach

✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

💛 Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged or gave you hope for your relationships, would you leave a written review? Your words help other moms find this podcast and the support they’ve been praying for. → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-parenting-teens-family/id1826286296.

What happens when you finally push past your biggest fear?

In this follow-up episode, I share the powerful story of what happened after I left a trembling message that changed my life—a reunion 55 years in the making.

Moms, if you’ve been waiting on the other side of silence, hoping your teen will open up, this episode will encourage you that connection is always worth the risk.

You’ll learn:

💛 How fear tells us stories that keep us stuck—and how to move past them

💛 Why connection doesn’t require perfect circumstances

💛 The simple, brave steps that can open your teen’s heart—even in messy, imperfect moments

✨ Related Episodes:

18 – E 18 The Vault: When Fear Blocks Connection With Your Teen And 4 Insights That Will Help You Break The Silence - Listen Here