Healthy Family Connections Podcast is available on iTunes.
New episodes are published weekly!
How Do You Set Limits With A Depressed Teenager?
In this episode Neil responds to a therapist working with a family with a depressed, non-compliant teenager. The therapist is using Neil’s Parenting Course and wants guidance for how to conduct The Talk when the teenager’s world is so limited. What can they take away when he needs everything for school and even a minimal social life?
Continue reading
Essential Steps To Prevent or Cure Destructive Teen Behavior
In this episode Neil reviews a blog post where a Mom shares her story of turning her painful relationship with her teen daughter around. Neil appreciates her approach yet recognizes that 1) It can be harder than it sounds and why, and 2) Often, destructive teen behavior has to be called out and immediately addressed. Neil explains that like the Mom in the story ending her Control Battle, calling out destructive behavior must be done in a way that is outside of and is part of ending a Parent-Teen Control Battle. Neil shares his powerful method for doing just that.
Continue reading
How Can I Hold My 17 Yr.-Old Accountable?
In this episode Neil responds to a Mom whose previously successful and responsible 17 year-old son is smoking and vaping marijuana and his school performance is going down as well. Neil helps this Mom understand what might be going on with her son given a recent divorce, a pandemic and at-home learning, as well as entering a new stage of development. Neil then provides a healthy way to engage him while maintaining accountability.
Continue reading
My Son’s Probation Officer Is Making Things Worse
In this episode Neil responds to a Mom whose 15 year-old son is on probation for theft and feels undermined by the Probation Officer. Neil explains the importance of helping professionals and agencies in supporting families and healthy family structure. In addition to providing insight into the workings of probation departments, Neil helps this Mom advocate for herself and her needs to provide her son the structure and support he desperately needs.
Continue reading
I Hate You, Get Out, Don’t Touch Me
In this episode Neil responds to a Mom looking for ways to help her 13 year-old raging, cutting daughter. Neil shows Mom how being reasonable with an emotionally out of control daughter is unreasonable and offers Mom four steps to action instead.
Continue readingMy 14 Year Old Daughter Is Giving Up
In this episode Neil responds to a Mom looking for ways to help her depressed 14 year old daughter. Her daughter who used to swim, surf, and socialize has given up on all of that and isolates in her room. She asked for help but refuses the help Mom arranges.
Continue readingMy Shy Wonderful Son, Is Living In His Bed
In this episode Neil responds to a Mom concerned that her shy 16 year old son is spending all his time in bed playing video games. Dad has checked out and Mom is wondering what to do. Neil shows Mom how to reengage her currently disengaged family and along the way, shows Mom how powerful she truly is.
Continue readingHealthy Family Connections Top 10 Most Popular 2020 Episodes
This week, I’ve rounded up the 10 most popular episodes of the Healthy Family Connections podcast from 2020. Check out the questions listeners have asked and the solutions I’ve provided.
Continue readingDoes My Son Have Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
What do you do when you’re constantly battling with your teenager and you suspect they may have a personality disorder? I provide suggestions to help them adopt healthy personality habits.
Continue readingThe Therapist Says To “Back Off.” Should I?
Your therapist recommends “backing off” your teenager. What do you do? Backing off is rarely the answer. I offer advice on what to do instead.
Continue readingIs Better Good Enough?
You’ve done great work with your teen and they’ve shown growth. But there are still some areas that improvement. How can you continue to help them and lead them on the right path? Learn how in this episode.
Continue readingGet Off This Enablement Train
Young adult enablement is an issue many families face. But how can you help when it’s your stepchild who is causing tension with your spouse? I provide some guidance that can help.
Continue reading