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 (89)
  • Parenting
  • Semiweekly

***TOP 2.0% GLOBAL PODCAST*** The go-to podcast for Christian moms who want to build trust, improve communication, and create deeper connections with their teens and young adults. 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 shutting down, giving one-word answers, or pushing back when you're simply trying to help? You want your teen to feel safe coming to you, especially when life gets hard. But sometimes, the more you try to connect, the further away they seem. I'm so glad you're here! Connect With Your Teens will help you move from frustration, misunderstandings, and communication breakdowns to more peaceful, open, trust-building conversations. You'll learn practical communication skills to listen without fixing, correcting, or interrogating; navigate difficult conversations; and rebuild connection when your relationship feels strained. But there's something even more important. Lasting change begins with how we show up as moms. When we anchor our identity in Christ rather than our children's behavior or choices, we can begin communicating from love instead of fear, frustration, or the need to control the outcome. Hi, I'm Terri Lee—a wife, mom, Tutu, and Christian 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 connection, it 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, communicate in ways that build trust, and create relationships where my kids felt safe opening up. Now I help moms do the same. Whether you're navigating screen time battles, disrespect, parenting disagreements, concerns about your teen's faith, or simply wishing your child would talk to you again, you'll find Christ-centered encouragement, practical parenting tips, and communication tools you can begin using right away. Grab your latte or a favorite cup of tea, and let's get started! Let's Stay Connected! 💛 💬 Grab Your Free Quick Start Connected Convos Guide: Download Quick-Start Connected Convos 📞 Book a Breakthrough Communication Coaching Call: ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching 💛 Join Our Online Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens 💌 Get Weekly Encouragement & Communication Tips: https://connectwithyourteens.com/insider-newsletter-connect-with-your-teens 🌐 Visit My Website: https://connectwithyourteens.com

  1. 5h ago

    108 | Does Parenting Teens Feel Like a Constant Battle? How to Reconnect with Rachael Arnold (Part 1)

    You wake up already tired. Another disagreement with your teen, another conversation that leaves you frustrated or hurt. And you're wondering why everything feels like such a battle. You're trying so hard to be a good mom, keep up with everyone's needs, and hold it all together. But you're running on empty. And the closeness you want with your kids feels harder and harder to find. But how do you begin reconnecting when you're already exhausted and overwhelmed? In Part 1 of my conversation with Rachael Arnold, certified life coach and host of Midlife Transformation, we're talking about how to recognize survival mode, how it affects our relationships, and make intentional choices that help you build connection with your teen. Rachael also shares what happened when her efforts to build connection with her son felt more like an interrogation to him and how listening to his perspective changed their conversations. You’ll Learn: How to recognize when survival mode is affecting your parenting and relationships. Why identifying your core values can help you make more intentional choices instead of simply reacting to daily demands. How changing your approach to conversations can help your teen feel heard instead of pressured. How spending time doing what your teen enjoys can open the door to conversations, build trust, and strengthen your relationship. If parenting teens has left you feeling worn out and disconnected, this conversation offers practical encouragement and a reminder that you can begin making changes without having to get everything right. Because you don't want to spend these years just surviving. You want to enjoy your kids and build a connection that lasts long after they've moved out. 💚 Ready to build deeper connection in your relationships? gives you step-by-step, Christ-centered communication skills to change unhelpful patterns, build trust, and connect more deeply with your kids—with ongoing coaching and support to help you put it all into practice. 👉Learn more at connectwithyourteens.com/roadmap 💬 Have Questions About the Roadmap? Let's Talk! I'd love to hear what's happening with you and your teen, answer your questions, and see if the Roadmap is a good fit for you. 👉 Book a Free Connection Call Here ✨Connect with Rachael Arnold on the Midlife Transformation podcast, LinkedIn and by email at info@r-arnold.com. I pray this episode is a blessing to you and your family! ~ Terri More Resources: 🌐 Visit: https://connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 77 - Why Your Teen Doesn’t Need to Change First to Build Connection 93 - 3 Communication Habits Keeping You From Building Connection

  2. Nov 3

    107 | Why Your Efforts to Connect With Your Teen Aren't Working (And What Will Help)

    You've been trying to improve communication with your child. You're listening more, asking better questions, and working on not jumping in with advice. But your teen still gets defensive, shuts down, or pulls away. And you're wondering, I'm trying so hard. Why isn't anything changing? What if the problem isn't that the communication skills you're learning don't work, but something you're doing without even realizing it? You’ll Learn: Why your efforts to connect with your teen may not be getting the results you're hoping for. What's keeping you from making lasting changes in how you communicate. What to do when you get discouraged and fall back into old communication habits. One practical step to help you improve your communication skills and build connection with your teen. If you want to build trust with your teenager, improve your communication skills, and create a stronger parent-teen relationship, this episode will encourage you to stop starting over and begin making changes that last. 💚 Ready for more than another communication tip? Inside my Connect With Your Teen Roadmap, you'll learn and apply Christ-centered listening and talking skills and receive ongoing coaching and support to help you put them into practice. You'll have a place to work through difficult conversations, get personalized guidance, and stay consistent as you build trust and connection with your kids. 👉 Explore the Roadmap: https://connectwithyourteens.com/roadmap 💬 Have questions or want to talk with me personally?  I'd love to hear what's happening in your relationship with your teen, answer your questions about the Roadmap, and help you decide if it's the right fit for you. 👉 Book a Free Connection Call Here Scripture: Galatians 6:9 and Proverbs 31:11–12 I hope and pray this episode blesses you and your family! ~ Terri More Resources: 💌Stay Connected Join my FREE Connect With Your Teens Insider email community for weekly encouragement, practical parenting tips, and resources to help you improve communication and build a stronger relationship with your teen. Join the FREE Insider Community ✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 24 - Talk So Teens Listen: 5 Keys to Better Communication 31 - The Secret to Calm, Connected Communication With Your Teen—God’s Way 33 - 5 Signs You’re Escaping the Conflict Trap and Rebuilding Trust with Your Teen

  3. Oct 27

    106 | Want Your Teen to Talk More? Start With This One Communication Skill

    Want your teen to talk to you more? Sometimes the very things you're doing to help are the things cutting your conversations short. Your teen starts telling you about something that happened at school, and before you know it, you're asking questions, offering advice, or trying to fix the problem. Then they end the conversation and you've missed another opportunity to connect. What if one simple communication skill could begin changing that? In this episode, I’m sharing one powerful communication skill that can help you build a stronger connection and greater trust with your teen. We’ll look at why it matters so much, what might be getting in the way, and how you can begin strengthening it in your everyday conversations. You’ll learn: Why ordinary conversations are great opportunities to build connection and trust with your child. How common communication patterns like fixing, teaching, and questioning can unintentionally shut conversations down. One simple listening practice that helps your teen feel heard and encourages them to open up more. God created us for relationship, and learning to listen with curiosity and intention is one of the best ways we can strengthen the relationships He's entrusted to us. You don't need to have all the right answers. The most important thing you can do to begin building a close relationship with your child is listen a little longer. 💛 Ready to Start Building More Connection With Your Teen? Grab your FREE Quick-Start Connected Convos Guide! Five practical communication shifts to help you stop second-guessing yourself, improve your communication skills, and build a stronger connection with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/quickstart I hope and pray this episode blesses you and your family! ~ Terri More Resources: ✨ Work 1:1 With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation. 👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching 💌Stay Connected Join my FREE Connect With Your Teens Insider email community for weekly encouragement, practical parenting tips, and resources to help you improve communication and build a stronger relationship with your teen. Join the FREE Insider Community ✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes 22 — Tired of Misunderstandings with Your Teen? 3 Keys to Get Them Talking (Instead of Walking Away) 64 — Stop Arguing With Your Teen: Let Them Have Their Perspective 88 — The 4-Step Conversation That Helps Your Teen Feel Heard

  4. Oct 20

    105 | 3 Ways to Have Hard Conversations With Your Teen and Build Trust

    Your teen says something about faith, dating, politics, or a decision they're making that goes against everything you've taught them. Your heart sinks. You're trying to listen, but inside you're thinking, Do I say something? What if they think I agree? What if I miss my chance to guide them? I get it. When you're parenting teens, knowing how to communicate with your teenager about difficult subjects isn't always easy. You want to guide them toward wise decisions, but you also want them to feel comfortable coming to you, even when they know you might disagree. And when your teen becomes defensive, shuts down, or pulls away, it's natural to wonder how to keep those conversations going without damaging your relationship. But what if your urgency to say the right thing is actually getting in the way of what your teen needs most from you? Following my recent conversations with Abigail Stonestreet from Summit Ministries, I'm sharing three practical ways of communicating to help you approach hard conversations, strengthen your bond and relationship, and build trust without compromising your values. What You'll Learn Why timing matters and how building connection first can make difficult conversations more productive. How to recognize when fear is driving your response and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you instead. How to use curiosity and focused listening to help your teenager open up, even when you disagree with their beliefs or decisions. I'll also share a coaching story about a mom whose son was questioning his faith. She wanted so badly to guide him back to what she believed was true. But when she shifted from correcting to listening, something happened she hadn't expected: her son invited her to share her perspective. You don't have to resolve every disagreement today. You can keep loving, listening, and building trust while allowing God to work in ways you may not yet see. 💌Stay Connected Join my FREE Connect With Your Teens Insider email community for weekly encouragement, practical parenting tips, and resources to help you improve communication and build a stronger relationship with your teen. Join the FREE Insider Community I pray this episode blesses you and your family! ~ Terri MORE RESOURCES ✨Ever wonder what’s really behind the anxiety, loneliness, identity struggles, and changing beliefs we’re seeing in today’s teens? This eye-opening report from Summit Ministries helps you better understand the world your teen is growing up in and the challenges shaping their generation. 👉Get your copy of the State of the Rising Generation Report ✨ Work 1:1 With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation. 👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching ✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes 39 — When Your Teen Stops Believing: How to Keep the Door Open Instead of Pushing Them Away 51 — From “We Need to Talk” to Speaking Your Heart So They Receive It (Part 2) 71 — Teens Still Want Real Connection with Kasey Leander (Part 2)

  5. Oct 13

    104 | Afraid Your Teen Is Losing Their Faith ? How to Stay Connected with Abigail Stonestreet (Part 2)

    You raised your kids to know and love God. You prayed with them, took them to church, and taught them the Bible. But now your teen is questioning their faith, challenging what you’ve taught them, or telling you they don’t believe in God anymore. And you’re scared. Not just because they’re pulling away from church, but because you’re afraid they’re walking away from Jesus. You want to say something that will bring them back. You want them to see what you know is true. But the more you try to convince them, the further away they seem to pull. In Part 2 of my conversation with Abigail Stonestreet, Hillsdale College senior, and co-author of Summit Ministries’ State of the Rising Generation Report, we’re talking about why young people are leaving the church, what’s drawing them back, and the powerful role relationships play in both. But our conversation goes much deeper than church attendance or finding the right words to answer your teen’s questions. Abigail shares what their research revealed about this generation’s search for meaning, belonging, truth, and beauty—and how understanding what draws our kids toward certain ideas, experiences, and beliefs can open doors to conversations we might otherwise miss. What You’ll Learn: Why young people are walking away from church—and what may be drawing them back to faith in ways parents don’t always recognize. What your teen’s attraction to beauty, stories, and experiences might reveal about the deeper questions they’re asking about life and faith. The power of curious questions and honest conversations to help you build trust and stay connected when your teen challenges what you believe. How to hold on to hope when your child is questioning their faith and you can’t see what God is doing in their life. If you’re navigating difficult conversations about faith with your teen, I want to help you stay connected, keep the conversations open, and build trust even when you don’t see eye to eye. 💌 Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider! Each week, I share personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical communication tips to help you navigate the challenges of parenting teens and young adults with confidence. 👉 Become an Insider:  I pray this episode blesses you and your family. ~Terri MORE RESOURCES ✨Ever wonder what’s really behind the anxiety, loneliness, identity struggles, and changing beliefs we’re seeing in today’s teens? This eye-opening report from Summit Ministries helps you better understand the world your teen is growing up in and the challenges shaping their generation. 👉Get your copy of the State of the Rising Generation Report ✨Summit Ministries Parent Resources Explore helpful videos, articles, and other faith-based resources designed to equip you to navigate today’s parenting challenges and guide your teen with biblical wisdom and confidence. 👉Get the Resources here. ✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com ✨ Work 1:1 With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation. 👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching RELATED EPISODES 40 - 3 Questions That Build Connection When Faith Divides Your Family (Part 1) 97 - Worried About Your Teen? How to Trust God With What You Can’t Control 99 - How to Rebuild Trust With Your Teen When Your Relationship Feels Broken (Part 2) | Ed Lee

  6. Oct 8

    103 | Parenting Teens Who Feel Anxious & Lonely with Abigail Stonestreet (Part 1)

    Your teen is anxious. They’re lonely, even when they’re constantly connected. They’re spending more time on their phone and less time with people—and you’re trying to figure out what’s really going on underneath what you’re seeing. The statistics about today’s teens can be alarming, but your teen is not a statistic. In Part 1 of my conversation with Abigail Stonestreet, co-author of Summit Ministries’ State of the Rising Generation Report, and a college senior, we look beyond the headlines and research to what today’s teens are actually experiencing—and why understanding your teen’s individual story matters so much. Abigail brings a unique perspective because she didn’t just research Gen Z—she’s part of it. Our conversation will help you approach parenting teens with greater curiosity and strengthen the communication skills that help you build connection and trust when your teen isn’t readily letting you into their world. What You’ll Learn What’s underneath the growing anxiety, loneliness, and identity struggles we’re seeing in today’s teens Why a phone can represent much more than a screen-time problem—and what parents can miss when they focus only on the behavior What Abigail’s own parents did that made it safe for her to bring them difficult questions Why understanding your teen’s story can change the way you approach teen communication and connection As Christian parents, we don’t have to let frightening statistics determine how we see our kids. We can stay anchored in Christ, listen with curiosity, and trust that God is at work in their individual story—even in the places we don’t fully understand yet. Want practical help staying connected to your teen and having conversations that build trust? 💌 Join my email list and come be part of my free How to Connect With Your Teens Facebook group.  👉Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group 👉 Weekly Insider Newsletter I pray this episode blesses you and your family. ~Terri MORE RESOURCES ✨State of the Rising Generation Report Ever wonder what’s really behind the anxiety, loneliness, identity struggles, and changing beliefs we’re seeing in today’s teens? his eye-opening report from Summit Ministries helps you better understand the world your teen is growing up in and the challenges shaping their generation. 👉Get your copy of the State of the Rising Generation Report ✨Summit Ministries Parent Resources Explore helpful videos, articles, and other faith-based resources designed to equip you to navigate today’s parenting challenges and guide your teen with biblical wisdom and confidence. 👉https://www.summit.org/parents/?utm_source=chatgpt.com ✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com ✨ Work With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation. 👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching RELATED EPISODES 39 | When Your Teen Stops Believing: How to Keep the Door Open Instead of Pushing Them Away 70 | Teen Questioning Their Faith? How to Keep Them Talking with Kasey Leander (Part 1) 71 | Teen Pulling Away? Build Connection Without Compromising Truth with  Kasey Leander (Part 2)

  7. Sep 30

    102 | Parenting Teens When You’re Worried About Their Choices—Remember This Before You React

    Your teen tells you something that makes your stomach drop. And within seconds, your mind is racing: How long has this been going on? Why didn’t I know? What do I say? What do I DO?  That’s the moment when listening gets hard—and fear can subtly take over the conversation. Because when we’re worried about our teen’s choices, questions, or struggles, our instinct is often to jump in. Ask more questions. Give advice. Correct. Protect. Fix. But what if the pressure you’re feeling to make this turn out okay is causing you to miss something important—something God may already be doing? In this episode of Connect With Your Teens, we’re talking about what happens when fear enters our conversations and what can help you stay connected to your teen when you can’t see where their story is going. What You’ll Learn: What happens inside us when our teen shares something we weren’t prepared to hear—and why it can change the entire conversation What I learned walking through some hard seasons with my own kids—and what began to change as I learned to communicate differently Where to anchor your hope when what you’re seeing in your teen right now has you worried about what’s ahead As Christian parents, we know something about redemption because we’ve lived it. The God who has patiently loved us, changed us, and met us in places we couldn’t change ourselves is still at work—and that changes how we can show up with our kids today. Ready to build trust and connection in your relationships and stop second-guessing how to show up when conversations get hard? Grab my FREE Quick Start Connected Convos Cheat Sheet with five simple shifts you can start using this week to slow down your reactions, listen with more intention, stay curious, and create conversations that build connection. 👉 QUICK START CONNECTED CONVOS I pray this episode blesses you and your family. ~Terri MORE RESOURCES ✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com ✨ Connect With Your Teen Roadmap: A step-by-step, Christ-centered path to stronger communication, trust, and connection. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/roadmap ✨ Work With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation. 👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching ✨ Join the Facebook Group: Connect with other moms and get practical encouragement for parenting and communicating with teens. 👉Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group RELATED EPISODES 17 — Struggling With Teen Lying? 3 Truths to Help You Build Trust Without Control 20 — How to Create Safe Spaces for Honest Conversation—Teenage Insights With Bre Lee (Part 1) 34 — Beyond the Lie: Unpacking the Fear That Shut Me Down—Honest Talk with Sharaya Maples (Part 1) 70 — Faith Questions Aren’t Rebellion with Kasey Leander

  8. Sep 22

    101 | 3 Conversation Starters to Get Your Teen Talking Without the Pressure

    Getting a lot of “fine,” “nothing,” and “I don’t know” when you try to talk with your teen? Before you decide your teen just doesn’t want to talk to you anymore, it might be time to change the conversation. So much of our everyday communication with teens is about school, schedules, responsibilities, friends, or something that needs to get done. And while those conversations are necessary, our kids need opportunities to simply talk with us—without an agenda, a problem to solve, or a lesson attached. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 unexpected conversation starters that can help you change things up, learn something new about your child, and create more positive experiences of talking together. You’ll also see how these lighter conversations give you a great opportunity to practice the communication skills that help build connection when the deeper conversations come. What You’ll Learn: Why your teen’s one-word answers may not mean they don’t want to talk to you at all How changing the kinds of questions you ask can open the door to a completely different kind of conversation What to do when your teen actually starts talking so you don’t accidentally shut the conversation back down God already knows our kids completely—their thoughts, their hearts, and every detail of who He created them to be. And what a privilege that we get to keep discovering more about them as they grow. Sometimes building a stronger relationship with your teen starts with simply getting curious and listening to the answer. Want 7 more questions to help get your teen talking? 🎁 Download my FREE 10 Conversation Starters to Get Your Teen Talking Without the Pressure: https://connectwithyourteens.com/teen-conversation-starters-page I pray this episode blesses you and your family. ~Terri MORE RESOURCES ✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com ✨ Connect With Your Teen Roadmap: A step-by-step, Christ-centered path to stronger communication, trust, and connection. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/roadmap ✨ Work With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation. 👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching ✨ Join the Facebook Group: Connect with other moms and get practical encouragement for parenting and communicating with teens. 👉Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group RELATED EPISODES 16 — Feeling Disrespected When Talking to Your Teen? 3 Tips to Foster Mutual Respect 22 — Tired of Misunderstandings with Your Teen? 3 Keys to Get Them Talking (Instead of Walking Away)

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About

***TOP 2.0% GLOBAL PODCAST*** The go-to podcast for Christian moms who want to build trust, improve communication, and create deeper connections with their teens and young adults. 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 shutting down, giving one-word answers, or pushing back when you're simply trying to help? You want your teen to feel safe coming to you, especially when life gets hard. But sometimes, the more you try to connect, the further away they seem. I'm so glad you're here! Connect With Your Teens will help you move from frustration, misunderstandings, and communication breakdowns to more peaceful, open, trust-building conversations. You'll learn practical communication skills to listen without fixing, correcting, or interrogating; navigate difficult conversations; and rebuild connection when your relationship feels strained. But there's something even more important. Lasting change begins with how we show up as moms. When we anchor our identity in Christ rather than our children's behavior or choices, we can begin communicating from love instead of fear, frustration, or the need to control the outcome. Hi, I'm Terri Lee—a wife, mom, Tutu, and Christian 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 connection, it 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, communicate in ways that build trust, and create relationships where my kids felt safe opening up. Now I help moms do the same. Whether you're navigating screen time battles, disrespect, parenting disagreements, concerns about your teen's faith, or simply wishing your child would talk to you again, you'll find Christ-centered encouragement, practical parenting tips, and communication tools you can begin using right away. Grab your latte or a favorite cup of tea, and let's get started! Let's Stay Connected! 💛 💬 Grab Your Free Quick Start Connected Convos Guide: Download Quick-Start Connected Convos 📞 Book a Breakthrough Communication Coaching Call: ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching 💛 Join Our Online Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourteens 💌 Get Weekly Encouragement & Communication Tips: https://connectwithyourteens.com/insider-newsletter-connect-with-your-teens 🌐 Visit My Website: https://connectwithyourteens.com

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