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 (84)
  • 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. 7h ago

    84 | The Communication Skill That Builds Trust and Gets Your Teen Talking Again

    Ever feel like you’re doing everything you know to connect with your teen… and somehow you’re growing further apart instead of closer? You drive them everywhere. Make meals. Solve problems. Pray for them. Yet conversations still end with eye rolls, one-word answers, or silence. Sometimes the biggest communication problem isn’t what we’re saying—it’s where our focus is. In this episode, I share a personal story about how I found myself slipping into a cycle of correction instead of connection. One small change completely shifted the atmosphere, and it reminded me of a powerful truth Jesus modeled with Zacchaeus: relationship creates space for truth to be received. You’ll discover how one simple communication skill can help you build trust, build connection, and create more meaningful family communication with your teen. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why focused listening is one of the most powerful communication skills you can develop. Why teens often shut down—even when your intentions are good. How to shift your focus from the problem back to your teen. A simple question that can change the direction of your next conversation (and future ones!). Practical ways to build trust and strengthen your relationship with your teen. As we learn to ground our communication in Christ, we become more able to respond with peace instead of reacting out of frustration or fear. Just as Jesus pursued relationship first, we can create the kind of connection where our teens are more willing to listen, trust, and invite us into their lives. Ready to make lasting changes in your relationship?  I’d love for you to attend my free Connect With Your Teens Support Group on July 14th. It’s a welcoming and safe place to receive encouragement, ask questions, and learn practical ways to strengthen communication and connection with your teen. 👉Save your seat here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup More Resources: ✨ Want to work 1:1 with me? Schedule a 60-Minute Communication Coaching Call. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way of connection with your teen, uncover what’s most important to address right now, and create a clear plan with God so you can stop feeling stuck and start rebuilding trust and connection. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching 💌 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 🤍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: 31 - The Secret to Calm, Connected Communication With Your Teen—God's Way 57 Why Mom Guilt Is Sabotaging Communication With Your Teen — And How to Build Connection Instead 80 - Why Parenting Teens Takes More Than Prayer: Christ-Centered Communication Skills That Build Connection

    11 min

  2. Jun 23

    83 | The Real Reason You Feel Disconnected From Your Teen

    Do you ever feel like you’re constantly dealing with attitude, screen time, lack of communication, conflict, or poor choices? Most moms assume those things are the reason they feel disconnected from their teen. But what if they’re not the root problem? In this episode, Terri shares a powerful mindset shift that can change the way you approach parenting teens and help you build connection, build trust, and communicate more effectively with your teen. When we’re worried, frustrated, or afraid, it’s easy to focus all our attention on the problems we’re trying to solve. But in the process, we can lose sight of the relationship we’re actually trying to build. You’ll discover: Why focusing on today’s problems can unintentionally create more disconnection The relationship question every mom needs to answer What can drive us toward control instead of connection Why connection leads to trust and trust creates influence A simple 3-question Relationship Check you can use in almost any parenting situation How to begin building the relationship you want with your teen—even if they don’t change first If you’ve been feeling discouraged, frustrated, or unsure what to do next, this episode will help you refocus on what matters most and move toward building deeper connection, greater trust, and lasting influence with your teen. ✨ Complimentary Teen Relationship Reset + Connection Clarity Call I’m opening 10 spots for moms who would like help identifying what’s creating distance, where connection is getting stuck, and how to begin building stronger communication, trust, and connection with their teen. To apply: Leave a review for the Connect With Your Teens podcast Take a screenshot before submitting it Complete your Teen Relationship Reset 👉 http://connectwithyourteens.com/review More Resources: ✨ Want to work 1:1 with me? Schedule a 60-Minute Communication Coaching Call. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way of connection with your teen, uncover what’s most important to address right now, and create a clear plan with God so you can stop feeling stuck and start rebuilding trust and connection. 👉https://connectwithyourteens.com/1-hour-communicationcoaching 💛 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 💌 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 🤍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: 49 -  The Power of God’s Acceptance to Turn the Heart of Your Teen 61 - 5 Signs Your Teen Still Wants Connection (Even When They're Pushing You Away) 77 - Why Your Teen Doesn’t Need to Change First to Build Connection

    12 min

  3. Jun 18

    82 | Healthy Boundaries Without Guilt: The Freedom to Let Go with Lori Owens (Part 2)

    Do you ever find yourself reacting more strongly than you want to when your teen says or does something that pushes your buttons? Maybe you’ve tried all the parenting tips, practiced better communication skills, and worked hard to build Connection, but certain conversations still leave you feeling frustrated, anxious, or emotionally drained. In Part 2 of my conversation with Lori Owens, Resilience Coach and podcast host, we explore what’s happening beneath those reactions. We talk about emotional triggers, old wounds, healthy boundaries, and why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential if you want to build trust and strengthen your family communication. You’ll Learn: Why certain situations with your teen trigger strong emotional reactions How fear, past hurts, and anxiety can impact how to communicate effectively Why healthy boundaries are important for both you and your teen The difference between capability and capacity—and why it matters How self-maintenance can help you build connection and create a healthier relationship with your teen If you’ve ever struggled with guilt when setting boundaries, felt overwhelmed by everyone else’s needs, or wondered how to stay emotionally healthy while parenting teens, this conversation will encourage you and give you practical next steps. Connect with Lori: Practical Solutions for PTSD Podcast with Lori Owens: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-solutions-for-ptsd-anxiety-symptoms-seasonal/id1835492018 Lori has generously provided a free Boundary Setting Worksheet for listeners. Visit practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast to download it. She’s also offering one listener 50% off their first coaching session! Use the code CONNECT. https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough Other Resources: More support is available to you. Our next Connect With Your Teens Monthly Support Group is July 14th. You can save your seat 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 💌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 Newsletter ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 81- Stress, Anxiety, and Your Relationship With Your Teen with Lori Owens (Part 1)

    23 min

  4. Jun 16

    81 | Stress, Anxiety, and Relationship With Your Teen with Lori Owens (Part 1)

    Do you ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of your teen’s choices, emotions, future, and faith on your shoulders? As moms, it’s easy to believe that if we just say the right thing, do the right thing, or try a little harder, we can prevent mistakes and protect our teens from pain. But what if some of the stress, anxiety, and overwhelm you’re carrying was never yours to carry in the first place? In this encouraging conversation, Lori Owens joins me to talk about how stress affects our relationship with our teens, why trying to control what we can’t control leaves us exhausted, and how simple Communication Skills can help us Build Connection instead of reacting from fear. You’ll Learn: • How to identify what is yours to carry and what isn’t • Why focusing on what you can control brings greater peace and clarity • Practical ways to pause, regulate your emotions, and respond instead of react • How these parenting tips can strengthen your relationship with teens and improve family communication If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or exhausted, this conversation will remind you that freedom often begins when we release the burdens we were never meant to carry. Listen in and discover how a few simple shifts can help you build trust and connection, and show up more calmly in your most important relationships. Resources: Practical Solutions for PTSD Podcast with Lori Owens: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-solutions-for-ptsd-anxiety-symptoms-seasonal/id1835492018  Get Lori’s Boundary Setting Worksheet for listeners. Download it at practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast. First Connect With Your Teens listener to sign up for her Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session will get 50% off. Use the code CONNECT. https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough 💛 Would you like personal 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 💌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 Newsletter ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com

    21 min

  5. Jun 11

    80 | Why Parenting Teens Takes More Than Prayer: Christ-Centered Communication Skills That Build Connection

    Are you praying for your teen but still feeling stuck in the same communication struggles? You love your teen. You pray for them. You ask God to help. Yet conversations still end in silence, misunderstandings, eye rolls, or frustration. If you’ve ever wondered why the relationship isn’t changing despite your prayers, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’re exploring why parenting teens takes more than prayer and how Christ-centered communication skills can help you build connection, trust, and understanding with your teen. Prayer is essential, but many of us were never taught the practical communication skills that help relationships thrive. You’ll discover why prayer and communication skills aren’t competing with one another—they work together to help you build the relationship you’re hoping and praying for. You'll Learn: Why prayer is the foundation, but not the only tool God uses to build connection with your teen The hidden reason many Christian moms struggle with communication even when they deeply love their teens The difference between communication techniques and Christ-centered communication skills A simple prayer shift that can help you show up differently in conversations with your teen Prayer prepares the heart. Christ-centered communication skills help carry that heart into the conversation. Join me for this encouraging conversation and discover how God can work through both spiritual growth and practical wisdom to help you build connection with your teen. Are ready for actionable steps to start building connection with your child now? I have a free gift for you. It’s called Building Connection Beyond Screen Time and includes 15 conversation starters and practical connection tips to help you communicate in ways that your teen will want to connect with you. Your teen wants connection—they’re just not always sure how to get it without feeling judged, corrected, or lectured. This quick guide will help you start conversations in a way that helps your teen feel seen, heard, and understood. 🎁 Grab your free copy here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/build-connection-screentime ✔️ Want more support? Would you like inspiring worship music to anchor you in your journey? 🎧This Spotify list is a collection of songs that have brought me peace, encouragement when I needed it most and helped my anchor my heart in Christ. You can go straight to this link get my Anchoring Spotify Playlist (no sign up required): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pmOIQvAH6dibMmAxQzbGf?si=WZ8bE23YQfWdY5lbBM_2pA&nd=1&dlsi=e9c329d0073a4b3b 🤍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 Newsletter Would you help another find the support she needs? 💬 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 wherever you listen. Your review helps more moms see the podcast and get support.  Review on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296 ✨Follow or DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 59 - Why Your Teen Stops Talking (And How to Fix It) 73 - Why Your Teen Shuts Down When You Ask Questions 79 - Parenting Teens: 5 Words That Build Trust and Connection Fast

    12 min

  6. Jun 9

    79 | Parenting Teens: 5 Words That Build Trust and Connection Fast

    Do conversations with your teen seem to end before they really begin? You ask questions. You try to help. You care deeply. Yet somehow the conversation gets shorter instead of deeper, and you’re left wondering why it’s so hard to connect. The truth is that many moms aren’t struggling because they don’t care enough. They’re struggling because they’re trying so hard to help that they accidentally miss one of the things teens need most: feeling heard. In this episode, I’ll share five simple phrases that can immediately change the tone of your conversations and help build trust, strengthen family communication, and create more meaningful connection with your teen. These aren’t scripts or communication tricks. They’re simple conversation starters that help your teen feel understood, valued, and safe enough to stay engaged in the conversation. You’ll Learn: Why good intentions can sometimes create distance instead of connection The communication habit that often increases defensiveness without us realizing it Five simple phrases that help build trust and strengthen your relationship with your teen How to create more connection during everyday moments this summer   If you’ve been longing for more open conversations, less tension, and a stronger relationship with your teen, this episode will give you a practical place to start. Want to help more moms build stronger connection? If this episode encouraged you, would you take a quick minute to leave a review? Reviews help more moms discover the podcast and find hope, practical tools, and encouragement for their relationship with their teens. Leave a review wherever you listen. You can leave it on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296 And if you know a mom who could use a little more connection and a little less frustration in her conversations with her teen, would you share this episode with her? You never know how one small insight might change a family’s story. ✔️ Want more support? 🤍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 Newsletter ✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 46 - She Thought It Was Too Late—Then the Phone Rang: A Conversation with a Mom 59 - Why Your Teen Stops Talking (And How to Fix It) 73  - Communication Skills: Why Your Teen Shuts Down When You Ask Questions

    13 min

  7. Jun 4

    78 | The #1 Screen Time Mistake Moms Make During Summer Break

    Have you ever felt like your teen’s phone gets more attention than you do? Maybe summer break arrived and you were hoping for more conversations, more connection, and more time together. Instead, it feels like every interaction starts with trying to pull your teen’s attention away from a screen. If you’ve ever felt ignored, dismissed, or less important than whatever is happening on your teen’s phone, you’re not alone. In this episode, Terri shares a surprising realization about screen time, communication, and what may really be happening when your teen doesn’t respond the way you hoped. You’ll discover why these moments become so emotional, a simple brain-science insight that can change the way you see them, and practical communication skills that help build connection instead of conflict. You’ll Learn: Why your teen’s reaction may not mean what you think it means The hidden reason screen time interactions become emotionally charged 5 practical ways to build connection without creating more conflict How to anchor yourself in Christ before responding out of frustration or fear If you’re looking for parenting tips, better communication skills, and simple ways to build connection with your teen this summer, this episode will encourage you and give you a practical next step. Because sometimes the phone isn’t the real problem. And that’s actually good news. 💛 Feeling like you’re losing connection with your teen? If you’re listening to this episode and realizing, “I’ve been waiting for my teen to change, and I don’t know what my next step should be,” I’d love to invite you to my free Connect With Your Teens Support Group. This monthly Zoom gathering is a place where moms can bring their real-life situations, receive encouragement, gain clarity around what’s blocking connection, and leave with practical next steps. 📅 The next group meets June 9 at 10:00 AM Arizona time. 💛 Save your seat here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup Want more support? 🤍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 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 ✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com 💬 Want to help more moms like you get the support they’ve been praying for?  Take 60 seconds to leave a review so they can find this podcast and renewed hope for their relationship: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296 Related Episodes: 28 - Has Family Time Turned Into Screen Time? 3 Ways to Reclaim Meaningful Connection With Your Teen 36 - The #1 Sign You’re a Great Mom (It’s Not What You Think) 47 -  Why Your Teen Chooses the Phone Over You (And How to Change It)

    13 min

  8. Jun 2

    77 | Build Connection With Your Teen: Why They Don't Need to Change First

    Have you ever found yourself thinking… “If my teen would just change, things would finally get better”? Maybe if they would talk more. Maybe if they would stop pushing back. Maybe if they would be more respectful. Maybe if they would open up. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for your teen to change before your relationship can improve, you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about a personal story about a season when I thought she was losing my daughter. After conflict, slammed doors, consequences that weren’t working, and a terrifying attempt to run away, I found myself overwhelmed with fear and unsure what to do next. What God showed me during that season completely changed the way I approached parenting, communication, and connection. If you’re longing to build connection with your teen but feel like nothing you’ve tried is working, this episode will give you hope and a practical next step. In this episode you'll learn: • Why waiting for your teen to change first can leave you feeling stuck and powerless • The difference between control and influence in your relationship with your teen • How curiosity and understanding can create deeper connection than correction alone • Three simple questions to ask God when you feel stuck and don’t know what to do next No matter how impossible things may feel right now, God is not finished writing your story. If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure what your next step should be, I’d love to invite you to my free Connect With Your Teens Support Group. This monthly Zoom gathering is a place where you can bring their real-life situations, receive encouragement, gain clarity around what’s blocking connection, and leave with practical next steps.  📅 The next group meets June 9 at 10:00 AM Arizona time. 💛 Save your seat here: https://connectwithyourteens.com/supportgroup 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 Newsletter 💬 Want to help more moms like you get the support they’ve been praying for?  Leave a review so they can find this podcast and renewed hope for their relationship: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connect-with-your-teens-conversation-starters/id1826286296 ✨Follow or DM Instagram: @terricommunicationcoach ✨Contact: support@connectwithyourteens.com Related Episodes: 34 | Beyond the Lie: Unpacking the Fear That Shut Me Down — Honest Talk with Sharaya Maples (Part 1) 35 | Beyond Punishment: Creating the Safety That Invites Truth — Candid Conversation with Sharaya Maples (Part 2) 76 | When Your Soul Is Too Loud to Listen to Your Teen

    13 min
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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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