Connect With Your Teens | Conversation Starters, Parenting Tips, Screen Time, Build Connection, Communication Skills

Terri Lee | Christian Parenting Coach, Communication Specialist, & B.A. Social Work
  • 5.0 (87)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Semiweekly

*****TOP 2.0% GLOBAL PODCAST***** The go-to podcast for Christian moms who want deeper connection with their teens. Are you tired of feeling dismissed every time your teen pulls out their phone mid-conversation? Do conversations with your teen feel more like nagging sessions than real connection? Is your teen shut down, distracted, or glued to a screen… while you’re desperate to build trust and keep your relationship strong? I’m so excited you’re here! This podcast will help you move from walking on eggshells to having real, trust-building conversations—without the nagging, misunderstandings or push-back. My mission is to equip you to communicate with tools that replace frustration with understanding, turn tension into trust, and help you become the mom your teen feels safe opening up to. Hi, I’m Terri Lee. A wife, mom, tutu, and communication coach. For years, I thought the key to raising my kids well was teaching the right lessons, taking them to church, and trying to fix their behavior. But instead of building connections it only led to frustration, distance, and feeling like my words didn’t matter. I realized that to have deep, lasting connections—both now and after my kids left home—I needed to change how I communicated. So, I did. I learned to listen without criticism, speak in a way my kids felt safe, and build thriving relationships. Now, I help moms do the same, and I can’t wait to share it with you! If you’re looking for practical ways to talk to your teen, build a relationship based on mutual respect, and get them off their phones long enough to connect—this show is for you. Grab your latte and let’s dive into it. Want to stay connected? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

  1. 2d ago

    95 | How to Build Connection With Your Teen When You Don’t Have More Time | Sarah Colbert

    Do you ever feel like you’d have a better relationship with your teen if you just had more time? Between work, school, sports, appointments, responsibilities, and everything else competing for your attention, it can feel almost impossible to create the kind of meaningful connection you want with your teen. But what if more time isn’t actually what you need? In this episode, I’m talking with Sarah Colbert, host of Balanced Mom Life and mom of three teens, about how busy moms can build connection in the small moments they already have—without adding one more thing to their overflowing schedules. You’ll discover: Why more time may not be the answer to building a stronger relationship with your teen The mistake well-meaning moms can make that unintentionally creates more distance How small, consistent moments can build connection—even when your teen doesn’t respond the way you hoped Why taking care of yourself can help you become more emotionally available and present with your family And I love Sarah’s reminder that we don’t have to get every interaction right. We can continue showing up, planting seeds, and trusting God with what He’s doing in our teens and in our relationships—even when we can’t see the results yet. Listen in, and then share this episode with another busy mom who could use the reminder that building connection doesn’t require finding more hours in her day. I pray this episode blesses you and your family. ~Terri Connect with Sarah Colbert:  Download Sarah’s free Time Audit to get an honest, judgment-free look at where your time is actually going. This simple, fillable worksheet will help you identify where you can create space for what matters most — including finding your way back to you. 👉Go to https://westmetromom.com/resources Podcast - Balanced Mom Life ✨Want some practical help creating more connection and less tension with your teen? 🎉 My next Free Connect With Your Teen Workshop is September 15th! Details are coming soon. We’ll talk about practical, Christ-centered ways to communicate with more confidence, restore connection, and build lasting trust with your teen. Details are coming soon, and I can’t wait to see you there! 💌 Want to be the first to know when registration opens?  Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for workshop updates, weekly encouragement, and practical communication tips delivered to your inbox. 👉Join here: Weekly Insider Newsletter ✨Check out my new website and learn more about how you can build trust and connection with your kids. connectwithyourteens.com 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

  2. Aug 12

    94 | Why Your Teen Gets Defensive So Quickly

    Why does your teen get defensive when you’re only asking a simple question? You ask about homework, driving, friends, or plans—and suddenly your teen is pushing back or accusing you of not trusting them. If you’re parenting teens and wondering why everyday conversations turn into conflict so quickly, there may be more happening beneath the surface than you realize. You’ll learn: • What may really be happening underneath your teen’s defensiveness • Why your natural response may actually increase defensiveness • Simple communication skills that can change the direction of a difficult conversation We’ll even go back to the Garden of Eden for a surprising look at defensiveness and the human heart, and I’ll share a parenting experience that changed how I understood some of my own kids’ reactions. If you want to build trust, improve teen communication, and have more connected conversations, listen in. Because sometimes the issue isn’t really the issue. ✨Are you ready to stop guessing what to say and start feeling more confident in the conversations that matter most? My new website is live! You’ll find all the ways I can help you build stronger communication, trust, and connection with your teen—from private coaching and our monthly Support Group to the Connect With Your Teen Roadmap. 👉Explore your next step at connectwithyourteens.com I pray this episode blesses you. ~Terri ✨ The Connect With Your Teens Roadmap - The step-by-step program that helps you navigate difficult conversations and create more emotional safety so you can build lasting trust and connection with your teen. You’ll learn a complete communication framework that gives you greater confidence in what to say and how to respond—not only with your teen, but in every relationship that matters. Learn more and enroll here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/roadmap ✨ Want to work 1:1 with me? Bring your biggest communication struggle to a 1-hour coaching call and leave with greater clarity, practical next steps, and a personalized plan to help you rebuild connection with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/communication-coaching 💌Would you love weekly encouragement straight to your inbox? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Insider Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 32  - Beyond the Eye Roll: 3 Steps to Reach Your Teen’s Heart 64 - Stop Arguing With Your Teen: Let Them Have Their Perspective 79 - Parenting Teens: 5 Words That Build Trust and Connection Fast

  3. Aug 4

    93 | 3 Communication Habits Keeping You From Building Connection

    You love your teen. So why does it sometimes feel like the harder you try to help, the farther apart you become? Most moms don’t struggle because they don’t care enough.They struggle because the communication habit that feels the most loving can unintentionally create the very distance they’re trying to avoid. In this episode, we’re uncovering one of the biggest reasons conversations break down—not because your intentions are wrong, but because your communication style may be sending a message you never meant to send. You’ll walk away with a fresh way to think about your conversations, practical communication skills you can begin using today, and one simple shift that will help you and your teen experience more understanding, safety, and trust. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why good intentions don’t always build connection. The communication habits many moms naturally fall into without realizing it. What your teen may actually be hearing beneath your words. One simple change that can help build trust and strengthen your relationship. As moms, God’s given us a unique opportunity to shape the kind of relationship our teens carry with them into adulthood. We won’t do it perfectly, but every conversation is an opportunity to reflect His grace, patience, and love helping our teens feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. 💛 Need a safe place to keep growing?  If this season with your teen has left you feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or wondering where to even begin rebuilding your relationship, I want to invite you to our next Connect With Your Teens Support Group on August 11th.. My heart is for you to leave with more clarity than you came with. More hope than you walked in with. And practical next steps you can use the very next time you talk with your teen. 👉Save your seat at connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup.  I hope this episode is a blessing to you and your family. More Resources: ✨ Want to work 1:1 with me? If you’re feeling disconnected from your teen, this 1-hour coaching call will help you uncover what’s really creating the distance and give you Christ-centered communication tools to begin rebuilding connection. You’ll leave with greater clarity, practical next steps, and a personalized plan so you can move forward with confidence and hope. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/communication-coaching 💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Insider Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💬 Want to help more moms like you get the support they’ve been praying for?  It so blesses me to hear your stories of how this podcast is helping you! Thank you for taking 30 seconds to leave a review so more moms can find it and renewed hope for their relationship. Leave your review here on Apple: Connect With Your Teens Podcast ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: From 'It's Too Late To Fix This' To Having Real Conversations With Your Teen Why Your Teen Goes Silent When You Ask Questions How To Build Trust When Your Teen Stops Talking (And How To Fix It)

  4. Jul 30

    92 | Why Your Communication With Your Teen Starts Before You Speak

    Every conversation with your teen starts before either of you says a word. Most moms don’t realize what’s shaping those conversations—or why the same patterns keep repeating. If you’ve been trying to build connection and build trust, but still feel like you’re missing each other, there may be something happening long before the conversation even begins. In this episode, you’ll discover a simple shift that can strengthen your communication skills, improve family communication, and deepen your relationship with your teen. It’s a perspective that can change the way you approach everyday teen communication this school year—before you ever say a word. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why communication begins long before either of you says a word. The hidden factor that shapes your tone, responses, and expectations. Why today’s behavior doesn’t have to define your teen. One simple prayer to help you build connection this school year. A memorable way to approach your next conversation with your teen. As followers of Christ, we’re invited to see people the way God sees them—not defined by today’s struggles, but by who He is continuing to shape them into becoming. When we begin seeing our teens through that lens, our communication naturally becomes more grace-filled, hopeful, and life-giving. What if one small shift in the way you see your teen could change the conversations you have all year long? 👉 Join us for our free monthly Connect With Your Teens Support Group, where you’ll find encouragement, practical coaching, and a community of moms who understand what you’re’re walking through. Reserve your spot at connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup. I pray this episode blesses you! Want more support? ✨ Want to work 1:1 with me? Book Communication Coaching Call. In 1-hour we’ll identify what’s getting in the way of connection with your teen, uncover practical next steps, and create a clear plan so you can stop feeling stuck and start rebuilding trust and connection.  👉ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching  💬If this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with another mom who could use a little hope as she heads into this school year. As always, thank you for listening. Click here to review on Apple.  Click here to review on Spotify. 💌 Want weekly encouragement and communication tips straight to your inbox? Sign up for the newsletter and get practical tips, stories of how this works in real life & hope sent to you every week. Weekly Newsletter 💛 Need ongoing support?  Join my free monthly support group for moms of teens — a safe, faith-led space for guidance, connection, and encouragement. Learn more here:  https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

  5. Jul 28

    91 | The #1 Sign You’re Doing Better As A Mom Than You Think

    Have you been using the wrong scorecard to measure yourself as a mom? Parenting teens is challenging and if you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing enough, you’re not alone. Building trust and connection during the teen years isn’t about getting every conversation right. Sometimes the greatest growth is happening in ways you can’t yet see. In this episode, you’ll discover why your willingness to keep learning communication skills, seeking God’s wisdom, and showing up with love is one of the strongest signs you’re doing better than you think. If you’re looking for practical parenting tips to build connection, strengthen trust, and improve communication with your teen, encouragement is on the way so that you can see yourself—and your parenting—through God’s perspective instead of your own scorecard. I pray this episode is a blessing to you and your family, reminding you that God is still at work in you—and that you’re doing far better than you think. If you’d like personalized support as you navigate your unique situation, I’d be honored to walk alongside you through a one-on-one Communication Coaching Call. You can learn more and schedule your call at the link below.  👉ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching 💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your inbox? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Insider Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 📖Need a place to start?  Download my Building Connection Beyond Screen Time: A Quick Guide for Moms to help you build trust with your teen, strengthen communication, and create more meaningful everyday conversations. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/build-connection-screentime 💛 Interested in ongoing support?  Join my free monthly support group for moms of teens — a safe, faith-led space for guidance, connection, and encouragement.  Learn more here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup 🎧Would you like inspiring worship music to anchor you in your journey? This is a collection of songs that have brought me peace and helped me anchor my heart in Christ. You can go straight to this link to get my Anchoring Spotify Playlist (no sign up required): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=WZ8bE23YQfWdY5lbBM_2pA&nd=1&dlsi=e9c329d0073a4b3b ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 36 - The #1 Sign You’re a Great Mom (It’s Not What You Think) 48 The #1 Sign You're About to Break Through With Your Teen (This Will Surprise You) 65 - 3 Lies That Sabotage Communication With Your Teen (Part 1 of 3)

  6. Jul 24

    90 | Why Your Teen Takes What You Say the Wrong Way

    You love your teen and want the very best for them. So why do your conversations sometimes leave them feeling criticized, controlled, or misunderstood when your heart was trying to encourage, protect, and help? Terri shares a powerful coaching story that reveals one of the biggest communication blind spots in parenting teens: the gap between our intentions and our teen’s experience and why they take what you say the wrong way. You’ll discover why your teen may react differently than you expect, how one simple perspective shift can strengthen communication with your teen, and a practical way to build trust with your teen while creating a deeper, lasting connection. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “That isn’t what I meant,” this episode is for you. I pray it's a blessing to you and your family! ✨Ready for personalized support? If you find yourself replaying conversations, wondering what went wrong, or wishing you knew how to respond differently, I’d love to help. In a 1:1 Communication Coaching Call, we’ll identify what’s creating distance, strengthen your communication, and create a personalized plan to help you build lasting connection and trust with your child. 👉ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching 💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Insider Newsletter 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 📖Need a place to start?  Download my Building Connection Beyond Screen Time: A Quick Guide for Moms to help you build trust with your teen, strengthen communication, and create more meaningful everyday conversations. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/build-connection-screentime 💛 Interested in ongoing support?  Join my free monthly support group for moms of teens — a safe, faith-led space for guidance, connection, and encouragement.  Learn more here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup 🎧Would you like inspiring worship music to anchor you in your journey? This is a collection of songs that have brought me peace and helped me anchor my heart in Christ. You can go straight to this link to get my Anchoring Spotify Playlist (no sign up required): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=WZ8bE23YQfWdY5lbBM_2pA&nd=1&dlsi=e9c329d0073a4b3b ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 5 - From 'It's Too Late To Fix This' To Having Real Conversations With Your Teen 13 - The Secret to Effortless Connection With Your Teen (And How to Break the Hidden Barrier) 32 - Beyond the Eye Roll: 3 Steps to Reach Your Teen's Heart

  7. Jul 22

    89 | Your Teen Says, “You Don’t Understand.” Here’s What They’re Really Asking For.

    What if one of the most frustrating things your teen says is actually an invitation… not a rejection? If you’ve ever heard, “You don’t understand,” this episode may completely change how you hear those words. If your teen has ever said, “You don’t understand,” or shut down when you were trying your best to connect, this episode is for you. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough in teen communication isn’t finding the perfect words—it’s learning what your teen may really be asking for underneath the words they’re saying. In this episode, I’ll help you see those frustrating conversations through a different lens so you can respond in a way that helps build connection, build trust, and create greater emotional safety in your relationship. You'll Learn: Why “You don’t understand” usually means something deeper One simple communication shift that can completely change the direction of a conversation How to use practical communication skills that help your teen feel heard Why understanding comes before influence in healthy family communication How small moments of connection today can strengthen your relationship for years to come As followers of Christ, we’re called to listen with humility and value others above ourselves. When we choose to understand our teen before asking them to understand us, we begin reflecting the heart of Jesus—and that’s often where healing, trust, and connection begin. 📩 Want more encouragement and practical tools each week? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for Christ-centered encouragement, communication tips, podcast updates, and practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your teen.  👉Join here: Weekly Insider Newsletter More Resources: ✨ Want to work 1:1 with me? Book a 60-Minute Communication Coaching Call. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way of connection with your teen, uncover practical next steps, and create a clear plan so you can stop feeling stuck and start rebuilding trust and connection. 👉Learn More: ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it? Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 If this podcast has encouraged or helped you share it with a friend and take 30  seconds to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps more moms see the podcast and get support.  Click here to review on Apple.  Click here to review on Spotify. Related Episodes: 32 | Beyond the Eye Roll: 3 Steps to Reach Your Teen's Heart 64 | Stop Arguing With Your Teen: Let Them Have Their Perspective 77 | Why Your Teen Doesn’t Need to Change First to Build Connection

  8. Jul 16

    88 | The 4-Step Conversation That Helps Your Teen Feel Heard

    Have you found yourself replaying the conversation with your teen over and over, wondering what you could have said differently? The truth is, helping your teen feel heard isn’t about having the perfect words. It’s about creating the kind of conversation where they feel safe enough to share what’s really on their heart. When teens feel heard, trust begins to grow—and where trust grows, connection and influence often follow. In this episode, I’ll share a simple four-step conversation you can begin using today to strengthen your relationship with your teen, improve your communication skills, and build trust one conversation at a time. You’ll Learn: Why listening builds trust more effectively than rushing to solve the problem What Jesus modeled on the road to Emmaus that can transform your communication with your teen A practical way to build connection during everyday conversations The four-step conversation that helps your teen feel heard How helping your teen feel understood often leads to deeper, more meaningful conversations As we look at the way Jesus walked alongside the disciples on the road to Emmaus, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, listen well, and trust that God can use your faithful presence to prepare your teen’s heart in ways you may not see right away. Still replaying conversations in your mind? Wondering what to say or how to respond differently in your unique situation? 🎉 To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Connect With Your Teens podcast, I’m offering a special anniversary rate on my 1:1 Communication Coaching Call through Sunday at midnight! If you’d love personalized guidance, practical Christ-centered communication tools, and a clear plan to help you reconnect with your teen, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Reserve your coaching call here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/communication-coaching More Resources: 🤍Looking for a safe, faith-based community of moms who get it?  Come join us inside the How To Connect With Your Teens Facebook group—we’re waiting to welcome you: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Insider Newsletter ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 🎧Would you like to experience His peace through worship?  These songs have brought me peace and encouragement when I needed most to anchor my heart in Christ. Get my Anchoring Spotify Playlist here (no sign up required): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=WZ8bE23YQfWdY5lbBM_2pA&nd=1&dlsi=e9c329d0073a4b3b Related Episodes:  49 The Power of God’s Acceptance to Turn the Heart of Your Teen 56 - Are You Accidentally Shutting Down Your Teen? 3 Communication Patterns That Block Connection 64 - Stop Arguing With Your Teen and Let Them Have Their Perspective

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About

*****TOP 2.0% GLOBAL PODCAST***** The go-to podcast for Christian moms who want deeper connection with their teens. Are you tired of feeling dismissed every time your teen pulls out their phone mid-conversation? Do conversations with your teen feel more like nagging sessions than real connection? Is your teen shut down, distracted, or glued to a screen… while you’re desperate to build trust and keep your relationship strong? I’m so excited you’re here! This podcast will help you move from walking on eggshells to having real, trust-building conversations—without the nagging, misunderstandings or push-back. My mission is to equip you to communicate with tools that replace frustration with understanding, turn tension into trust, and help you become the mom your teen feels safe opening up to. Hi, I’m Terri Lee. A wife, mom, tutu, and communication coach. For years, I thought the key to raising my kids well was teaching the right lessons, taking them to church, and trying to fix their behavior. But instead of building connections it only led to frustration, distance, and feeling like my words didn’t matter. I realized that to have deep, lasting connections—both now and after my kids left home—I needed to change how I communicated. So, I did. I learned to listen without criticism, speak in a way my kids felt safe, and build thriving relationships. Now, I help moms do the same, and I can’t wait to share it with you! If you’re looking for practical ways to talk to your teen, build a relationship based on mutual respect, and get them off their phones long enough to connect—this show is for you. Grab your latte and let’s dive into it. Want to stay connected? ✨ Join the FB Community: Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group ✨ Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly tips, encouragement, and be the first to know of upcoming events: Weekly Newsletter ✨ Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨ Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

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