Hope For Parents With Struggling Teens

Brandon Joffe, LCSW
  • 4.9 (16)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

You’ve read the books, followed the advice, and poured your heart into parenting, but your teen still struggles. Whether you're facing defiance, emotional shutdowns, anxiety, depression, or just feeling completely out of answers, you are not alone — and you are not failing. This podcast is your lifeline: real talk, expert insights, and practical tools that actually work. Join us each week for hope, direction, and a reminder that you can rebuild connection, influence, and peace in your home — one step at a time.

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Our Mental Health Culture Isn’t Actually Helping Kids Get Better

    Send us a text In this conversation, Brandon Joffe discusses the current state of mental health culture and its impact on youth. He argues that despite increased awareness and resources, many children are not improving and may even be getting worse. Brandon emphasizes the need for a shift from a culture of validation and comfort to one that prioritizes resilience, competence, and the ability to navigate pain. He critiques the current mental health practices that may inadvertently teach helplessness and emotional dependency, advocating for a more balanced approach that prepares children to handle life's challenges effectively. The mental health culture may be contributing to the problem.Increased awareness has not led to improved outcomes for youth.Teaching helplessness and dependency is counterproductive.Validation feels good, but does not equate to healing.Competence is more important than comfort for long-term success.Parents should help children learn to navigate pain, not eliminate it.Awareness without direction is ineffective in mental health.Building resilience is crucial for emotional health.Children need to learn to manage discomfort and anxiety.A balanced approach in mental health care is essential.For resources, parent groups, and support, visit www.inspiredresolutionscounseling.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health services.

    18 min

  2. OCT 23

    What is a Loving Response?

    Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Brandon Joffe, LCSW, discusses the concept of a 'loving parent response' and how it can be applied in various challenging parenting situations. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries, responding to children's frustrations with love rather than anger, and the distinction between loving and enabling responses. Through real-life examples, he illustrates how parents can navigate difficult emotions and foster healthier family dynamics. Takeaways A loving response as a parent is essential for healthy relationships. Walking alongside your child during their pain is crucial. Frustration can lead to unproductive responses; mindfulness is key. Healthy boundaries help maintain peace in the family. Planting loving seeds takes time and patience. Responding with love doesn't always mean immediate change. In unsafe situations, prioritize safety while expressing love. Enabling behaviors can mask as loving responses but are harmful. It's important to discern between loving and enabling responses. Waiting for the right moment to respond can lead to better outcomes. For resources, parent groups, and support, visit www.inspiredresolutionscounseling.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health services.

    19 min

  3. SEP 29

    The Line Between Explaining and Enabling

    Send us a text In this podcast episode, Brandon Joffe, LCSW, discusses the delicate balance between enabling and teaching children. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries without over-explaining, which can lead to enabling behaviors. Joffe shares insights from his practice, illustrating how constant nagging and explaining can create unhealthy dynamics and codependency. He advises parents to provide clear, concise explanations and to hold firm on boundaries, reducing chaos and fostering healthier relationships. The episode encourages parents to model consistency, health, and emotional steadiness. For resources, parent groups, and support, visit www.inspiredresolutionscounseling.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health services.

    24 min

  4. AUG 25

    Trauma vs. Adversity: Why the Distinction Matters

    Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the nuanced world of trauma and the consequences of mislabeling everyday experiences as traumatic. Join us as we explore how this mischaracterization can affect mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Our expert guests share insights on distinguishing genuine trauma from challenging experiences, offering listeners a clearer understanding of their emotional landscapes. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how language influences our perception of trauma and its impact on our lives.

    29 min

  5. AUG 8

    Parenting and Social Skills: You Don’t Get to Opt Out Without Consequence

    Send us a text In this insightful episode of "Hope for Parents," host Brandon Joffe delves into the profound impact parents have on their children's social development. Through engaging narratives and expert insights, Brandon discusses how parents' social behaviors—whether confident or awkward—serve as powerful models for their kids. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and honest communication in shaping a child's ability to navigate social landscapes. Listeners will hear compelling stories of families who have faced social challenges and the transformative power of embracing change. Brandon encourages parents to reflect on their social legacy and offers practical advice on fostering an environment where children can thrive socially and emotionally. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the importance of modeling healthy socialization and its lasting impact on the next generation.

    30 min

  6. JUL 28

    Giving Kids Too Much Say

    Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Brandon discusses the complexities of parenting in a world where children often have too much say. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining authority without resorting to control, the dangers of empowering children in conflictual situations, and the necessity of consistent parenting to foster emotional safety. Brandon advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes connection and repair over chaos and power struggles. Takeaways: We've sometimes given our kids too much power. Parenting should come from a place of peace, not fear. Defiance reveals deeper issues in parenting and child behavior. Children feel unsafe when they have too much influence. Inconsistent co-parenting creates anxiety and chaos. Authority in parenting means providing a sense of safety and clarity. Repairing relationships after conflict is essential. Children need to be removed from adult roles in decision-making. It's okay to disappoint children; it teaches them resilience. Finding a balance between empathy and leadership is crucial.

    22 min

  7. JUL 21

    The Parenting Void

    Send us a text Brandon walks us through what a parent can do when they’ve seemingly tried everything: reasoning, reward systems, punishments, calm talks, and “I” statements. None of it worked because the child doesn’t believe there is a problem. Brandon explores what happens when a parent runs out of strategies, begins eliminating what isn’t working, and is left with a parenting void. But this isn’t about giving up. It’s about letting go of control and stepping into influence. He reflects on the power of modeling over manipulating and defines the importance of naming truth without blame. Brandon reminds us that parenting is not about fixing our children. It’s about becoming the person we want to be. He encourages parents to fill that parenting void by turning toward their spouse, even when they don’t agree on parenting, and working to reconnect. This episode is for every parent who feels stuck and wonders what to do when nothing seems to work.

    13 min

  8. JUN 25

    Aligning Your Morals and Values

    Send us a text Brandon opens up about the connection between mental health and living in alignment with our morals and values. He explores how our internal compass, shaped by upbringing, experience, and personal beliefs, can either ground us or leave us feeling lost when ignored. Brandon breaks down the difference between morals and values, explains how misalignment can lead to emotional distress, and challenges listeners to reflect on whether they’re living in a way that reflects who they truly want to be. Brandon shares powerful insights on parenting with integrity, modeling alignment for our children, and having meaningful conversations about what matters most. He invites families to create rhythms, routines, and reflections that strengthen identity and purpose. Whether you’re navigating chaos, burnout, or disconnection, this episode offers a gentle but firm reminder: true mental health isn’t just about feeling better, it’s about living better.

    19 min
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4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

You’ve read the books, followed the advice, and poured your heart into parenting, but your teen still struggles. Whether you're facing defiance, emotional shutdowns, anxiety, depression, or just feeling completely out of answers, you are not alone — and you are not failing. This podcast is your lifeline: real talk, expert insights, and practical tools that actually work. Join us each week for hope, direction, and a reminder that you can rebuild connection, influence, and peace in your home — one step at a time.

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