Connection Centered Parenting: The 8-Week Program to Transform Your Relationship with Your Teen

Lesson 1

Understanding Your Teen’s Brain: Why They Think and Act the Way They Do

Teen brain development is happening at an intense pace, shaping their emotional responses, decision-making, and need for independence, while also making it harder for them to grasp long-term consequences. By using clear boundaries, intentional communication, and the A-CUBES model, parents can support their teen’s growth while reducing conflicts and encouraging responsible decision-making.

Lesson 2

Building Stronger Connections: How to Deepen Your Bond with Your Teen

Teens thrive when they feel connected to their parents, but building that connection requires intentional effort and consistent engagement. By making small but meaningful “deposits” into your teen’s emotional bank account—through curiosity, quality time, and respect—you strengthen trust, improve communication, and create a foundation for a lifelong, positive relationship.

Lesson 3

Effective Problem-Solving with Your Teen: How to Guide Without Controlling

Problem-solving with teens requires clear communication, ownership of responsibility, and logical consequences that teach rather than punish. By shifting from control to guidance, parents empower their teens to develop critical thinking skills, accountability, and confidence in handling life’s challenges.

Lesson 4

Deep Validation: Helping Your Teen Feel Heard & Understood

Deep validation is a proven strategy for calming emotionally overwhelmed teens by acknowledging their emotions and reinforcing understanding. By naming their feelings, providing three reasons their emotions make sense, and offering support, parents create a safe space for connection and growth while reducing emotional outbursts.

Lesson 1

Helping Your Teen Navigate Positive Growth:

The 4 Crucial C’s

Teens instinctively work toward connection, capability, a sense of importance, and courage, but when they struggle, they may engage in negative behaviors like attention-seeking or withdrawal. Parents can guide them toward positive self-growth by recognizing these behaviors and reinforcing healthy, constructive ways to meet their needs instead.

Lesson 2

Mastering Clear and Positive Communication with Your Teen

Using iMessages allows parents to express their needs and concerns in a calm, clear, and non-confrontational way, helping teens engage in solutions rather than power struggles. When combined with the ACUBES model, this approach fosters respectful and productive communication, making it easier for parents and teens to navigate challenges together.

Lesson 3

Helping Your Teen Navigate Behavior Change with Support and Structure

Helping teens change behaviors requires patience, clear expectations, and a balance of structure and freedom to foster their independence. By using team-centered language and progressive boundary-setting, parents can encourage self-motivation and resilience, ensuring that teens feel both supported and accountable in their growth.

Lesson 1

 Breaking the Cycle: Understanding and Ending Power Struggles with Your Teen

Power struggles between parents and teens create an endless cycle of reactions, where each person’s behavior triggers the next event. By recognizing this pattern and choosing to step out of it, parents can guide their teens toward more constructive conversations and solutions, reducing conflict and increasing connection.

Lesson 2

The Power of Stepping Back: Using the Therapeutic Apology to End Power Struggles

Power struggles arise when both the parent and teen push against each other, creating an ongoing cycle of conflict. By stepping back and using the **Therapeutic Apology—an intentional, non-defensive approach to taking responsibility and de-escalating tension—**parents can help break the cycle, foster emotional regulation, and guide their teen toward more constructive interactions.

Lesson 3

Empowered Parenting: How to Regain Your Influence Without Power Struggles

Regaining parental power is not about control, but about influence, emotional regulation, and setting firm but flexible boundaries. By choosing battles wisely, understanding your teen’s perspective, and maintaining self-awareness, you create a collaborative environment that allows both you and your teen to thrive.

Lesson 4

Empowering Teens to Solve Problems While Maintaining Parental Support

Problem-solving with teens requires a balanced approach—helping them think through challenges without taking control. By clearly defining responsibilities, setting expectations, and maintaining open communication, parents can foster independence while still providing support and guidance when needed.

Lesson 1

Building Strong, Independent, and Resilient Teens

Teens need both guidance and independence as they develop essential life skills like responsibility, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. Parents can balance structure with autonomy by fostering connection and engagement, ensuring their teen feels both supported and empowered in their journey to adulthood.

Lesson 2

Creating Meaningful Family Time & Lasting Bonds with Teens

Power struggles arise when both the parent and teen push against each other, creating an ongoing cycle of conflict. By stepping back and using the **Therapeutic Apology—an intentional, non-defensive approach to taking responsibility and de-escalating tension—**parents can help break the cycle, foster emotional regulation, and guide their teen toward more constructive interactions.