Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve

Therese Connolly
  • 5.0 (60)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

Welcome to Single Parenting Reset Show — The go-to podcast for single parents (single moms and single dads) of tweens and teens to reduce screen time, improve communication, and build stronger family connections. Hosted by Tess Connolly, LCSW, a parent and family coach who understands the unique challenges of solo parenting. Each episode offers practical behavioral strategies, confidence-building tools, and real-life support for single parents. You'll get help managing screen time, improving co-parenting dynamics, and building lasting connections with your teens and tweens — one episode at a time. If you're ready to raise emotionally healthy, confident kids while reclaiming your calm as a single parent, you're in the right place.

  1. 2d ago

    Teen Admits Lying? What to Say First

    “Mom, I need to tell you something.” Your teen finally admits that the story they gave you wasn’t true. You wanted honesty. Now you’re upset about what you’re hearing—and ready to announce a consequence. What should you say first? In episode 310 of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW and Parent and Family Coach, shares a practical Quick Reset for responding when your teen tells a difficult truth. You’ll learn how to acknowledge their honesty, hear what happened, and decide on a response that keeps responsibility clear. You can appreciate the admission and still address the behavior. In this episode, you’ll learn: What to say immediately after your teen admits lying. How to acknowledge honesty when you’re still upset. How to take a pause and give a clear time to return. Why listening before deciding can help you understand what needs attention. How to respond to “Then why did I tell you if I’m still in trouble?” How to choose a relevant next step, including a consequence when needed. What to say if your first reaction was a lecture. One sentence to try: “I’m glad you told me. I want to understand what happened before I decide what comes next.” Your reset: Practice that sentence before the next difficult admission. Let your teen finish, then work through the next step. Get the free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit: Seven practical scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan for tense conversations. DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CONFLICT RESET KIT ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Admits Lying? What to Say First

  2. 4d ago

    Teen Lies Again? What to Say and How to Rebuild Trust

    Your teen lied. Again. Now you’re replaying the story, checking details, and wondering what else you might have missed. You want to believe your child, and you also need accurate information about homework, plans, and safety. What can you say that moves the conversation forward? In episode 309 of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW and Parent and Family Coach, walks you through four steps for responding when your teen lies and making a concrete plan to rebuild trust. Using examples about schoolwork and going to a party without permission, you’ll learn how to address the behavior, understand what happened, and keep responsibility clear. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to settle yourself before starting a difficult conversation.What to say when you know your teen gave you inaccurate information.Why a missing assignment in the school portal needs checking before you assume dishonesty.How to ask what made the truth hard to tell.How to make rebuilding trust specific, with clear expectations and a review date.What to do when your teen keeps denying it.How to acknowledge honesty while still addressing the original problem. One sentence to try: “What felt hard about telling me?” Use it after you’ve established what happened. Ask once, listen, and come back to the next step. Your teen needs clear expectations and a way to repair a mistake. Get the free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit: Seven practical scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan for tense conversations. DOWNLOAD THE FREE CONFLICT RESET KIT ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Lies Again? What to Say and How to Rebuild Trust

  3. Oct 22

    Teen Says “In a Minute” but Never Does It? What to Say Next

    "In a minute." Three words that can turn a simple household request into a twenty-minute argument. Your teen may genuinely intend to do the task, but the expectation is vague and the transition from one activity to another may be difficult. Parents want cooperation without endless reminders. Teens need opportunities to practice time management, self-direction, and follow-through. Replace "in a minute" with: "What time can I count on you having that done?" Agree on a specific time, then calmly hold the boundary. Tired of conversations that turn into arguments? Download Tess's free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit, with seven practical communication scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan to help you approach challenging moments differently. DOWNLOAD THE FREE CONFLICT RESET KIT Remember: The relationship is the intervention. ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Says “In a Minute” but Never Does It? What to Say Next

  4. Oct 20

    Teen Won't Listen? What to Do When You've Asked Five Times

    "I've asked you five times!" If you've said those words recently, you're not alone. Whether it's emptying the dishwasher, putting down the phone, getting ready for school, or following through on responsibilities, constantly repeating yourself can leave you feeling frustrated, ignored, and exhausted. But what if asking one more time isn't the solution? In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, explores why repeated reminders often turn into power struggles—and how parents can change the pattern. Rather than focusing on getting teenagers to comply through frustration or louder reminders, Tess shares practical ways to strengthen communication, clarify expectations, and help teens develop responsibility. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why constantly repeating yourself can unintentionally reinforce the very pattern you're trying to change.How to get your teenager's attention before making a request.The difference between vague reminders and clear expectations.How to offer appropriate choices without giving up boundaries.What to say when your teenager still doesn't follow through.Why some teens need additional executive functioning support rather than more reminders.How to move from controlling behavior toward teaching accountability. THE BIG TAKEAWAY The goal isn't to win the argument or get louder. It's to change the pattern. When parents communicate clearly, provide appropriate autonomy, and follow through consistently, they help teenagers practice the skills they'll need for independence. Tired of conversations that turn into arguments? Download Tess's free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit, with seven practical communication scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan to help you approach challenging moments differently. DOWNLOAD THE FREE CONFLICT RESET KIT Remember: The relationship is the intervention. ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Won't Listen? What to Do When You've Asked Five Times

  5. Oct 15

    Teen Missing Assignments? What to Say When They Say “I Did It”

    You checked in about homework. Your teen said it was done. Then you open the grade portal and find missing assignments. Before the conversation turns into another argument, start with one assignment and find out what happened. In episode 306 of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW and Parent and Family Coach, shares a simple way to move from “I did it” to a clear next step. Finishing the work and turning it in involve different steps. Your teen might have saved a completed document without submitting it, left a worksheet in their backpack, or gotten stuck before finishing. You need to understand the situation to choose useful support. You’ll learn: • What to say when the portal and your teen’s account don’t match. • How to ask about the last completed step. • How to check a submission without turning it into an interrogation. • What to say when your teen admits the work isn’t done. • How to make a specific plan and agree on a check-in. • When repeated missing work needs school support. Your Quick Reset: “I’m seeing this marked missing. Walk me through what happened after you worked on it.” The relationship is the intervention. Get the free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit: Seven practical scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan for tense moments. DOWNLOAD THE FREE CONFLICT RESET KIT Follow The Single Parenting Reset Show and share this episode with a parent who could use it. If your teen talks about suicide or self-harm, get immediate help. In the U.S., call or text 988; call 911 for immediate, life-threatening danger. ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Missing Assignments? What to Say When They Say “I Did It”

  6. Oct 13

    Teen Daughter Falls Apart After School? How to Respond

    You ask, “How was school?” Your daughter says, “Fine.” A moment later, a homework reminder turns into tears or an argument. What do you say next? In this episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW and Parent and Family Coach, walks you through the after-school moment when your teen daughter is upset and you’re trying to help. Schoolwork, friendship worries, fatigue, and a busy afternoon can all be part of the picture. Start by making room to understand what is happening for your daughter. You’ll learn: How to make the first few minutes at home easier.What to say when your daughter wants space.How to listen to friendship hurt without immediately taking over.How to respond to “I’m so stupid” after a disappointing quiz.How to set a limit on name-calling and return to responsibilities.How to repair after you’ve raised your voice.When ongoing distress needs additional support. Your reset for today: Try this before the homework questions: “You don’t have to explain right now. I’m here.” The relationship is the intervention. Get the free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit: Seven practical scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan for tense moments. DOWNLOAD THE FREE CONFLICT RESET KIT Follow The Single Parenting Reset Show and share this episode with a parent who could use it. If your teen talks about suicide or self-harm, get immediate help. In the U.S., call or text 988; call 911 for immediate, life-threatening danger. ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Daughter Falls Apart After School? How to Respond

  7. Oct 8

    Teen Says “Everyone Else Keeps Their Phone”? What to Say

    Your teen is supposed to put their phone away. Instead, they say: “Everyone else gets to keep theirs. Why am I the only one?” Suddenly you’re debating what every other parent allows. In Episode 304 of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly offers exact words for that moment. You’ll hear how to acknowledge your teen’s need to stay connected with friends, state the phone boundary clearly, and ask what they’re worried about missing. This Quick Reset follows Episode 303’s overnight phone plan and focuses on the conversation when your teen objects to it. You’ll learn: What to say when your teen calls the phone rule unfairHow to respond when they repeat, “But everyone else gets to”Why the question “What are you worried you’ll miss?” can move the conversation forwardHow to address a group chat or plans with friends within a workable boundaryWhen it makes sense to revisit a rule as your teen gets older You can take your teen’s social life seriously and still be the parent who sets a thoughtful limit. The aim is a conversation you can return to, rather than an argument you must win tonight. For more words you can use when phone conversations get heated, download Tess’s free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit, with seven scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan. ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Says “Everyone Else Keeps Their Phone”? What to Say

  8. Oct 6

    Teen Sneaking Their Phone at Night? How to Reset the Rules

    It's almost midnight. You see the glow of a phone under your teen's blanket—the same phone they agreed to leave on the kitchen charger. You're tired, upset, and wondering whether this is now a fight about trust. In Episode 303 of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly walks through a practical response for tonight and a more useful conversation for tomorrow. She explains why an overnight boundary matters for sleep, how to listen for what's pulling your teen back online, and how to turn a vague rule into a clear agreement. You'll learn: The short sentence to say if you catch your teen with their phone at nightWhy to check for a safety concern before discussing the broken ruleQuestions that get beyond “Why did you lie?”How to agree on a handoff time, charging spot, and morning returnA temporary, related step to take if your teen breaks the agreement againWhen sleep trouble or nighttime anxiety needs more support You don't have to solve the whole problem at midnight. You can protect your teen's sleep, hear what is hard about the rule, and follow through without turning each night into a test of wills. For more words to use when phone conversations get heated, download Tess's free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit, with seven scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan. Follow the show for the next Quick Reset. ⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session. ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses) 📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection. #singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication

    Teen Sneaking Their Phone at Night? How to Reset the Rules
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5
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

Welcome to Single Parenting Reset Show — The go-to podcast for single parents (single moms and single dads) of tweens and teens to reduce screen time, improve communication, and build stronger family connections. Hosted by Tess Connolly, LCSW, a parent and family coach who understands the unique challenges of solo parenting. Each episode offers practical behavioral strategies, confidence-building tools, and real-life support for single parents. You'll get help managing screen time, improving co-parenting dynamics, and building lasting connections with your teens and tweens — one episode at a time. If you're ready to raise emotionally healthy, confident kids while reclaiming your calm as a single parent, you're in the right place.

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