In this episode of Everyday Therapy, hosts Brett Cushing, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Dr. Karin Ryan, Licensed Psychologist, explore the delicate balance between guiding your teen and giving them space to grow. They share practical insights on modeling healthy behaviors, repairing relationships, teaching responsibility, and navigating tough conversations about everything from social media to substance use.

The discussion highlights both the “big picture” goals of parenting—like preparing teens for adulthood—and the everyday choices that make a lasting difference. You’ll walk away with tangible strategies that are easy to understand (though not always easy to implement!) and reassurance that progress, not perfection, is what matters most.

Tune in to Discover:

• The #1 goal of parenting teens that sets them up for success in adulthood
• Why modeling healthy behaviors—and owning your mistakes—matters more than perfection
• How to repair with your teen when things go wrong
• The balance between protecting your child and giving them independence
• Practical strategies for conversations about substances, social media, and peer pressure
• Why building family identity reduces the power of peer pressure
• How small, daily moments of connection build resilience for your teen

Resources

• Nystrom & Associates Services
• Contact the podcast: Podcast@NystromCounseling.com

Subscribe & Review
If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to Everyday Therapy and leave us a review. It helps others discover the podcast and take the next step toward meaningful mental health support.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Nystrom & Associates