Speaking

Stop Walking On Eggshells Around Your Moody, Angry, or Manipulative Teen: Effective Strategies for Firm, Dignified, Compassionate Parenting

Parents with headstrong, moody, angry, or manipulative teenagers often have difficulty managing the extreme emotional reactions they get from them when they try to hold them accountable for their behavior. These teens like to “punish” their parents for their firm parenting by becoming angrier, moodier, or giving them the silent treatment. Parents then often begin a pattern of avoiding conflict by backing off their expectations, which is followed by an even greater lapse in responsibility on the part of the teenager.

“The Last Boys Picked”: Supporting Boys Who Don’t Play Sports

Boys who don’t adhere to standard masculine ideals (big, tough, sporty) often find themselves marginalized by peers and targeted by bullies. This talk addresses how parents, educators, coaches, and other youth mentors can help these boys manage the teasing, learn to value their own skills and attributes, and discover settings where they’ll be appreciated for who they are.

Parenting Anxious, Depressed, or Disrespectful Teens

Click to hear a one hour talk for parents of teenagers discussing:

• why teenagers are so anxious and how we can help them
• whether the conventional benchmarks for success are helping us guide our teens, or need updating
• the challenges of expressing compassion for your teen while also holding her accountable for her choices
• dealing with loss of control or loss of connection in your relationship with your teenager
• engendering respectful treatment from your teen
•  remaining credible and relevant to your kids as they become young adults

This talk was originally given to a congregation of parents at All Souls Church, NYC, in April 2015.