Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World

Cheryl Pankhurst
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

"Discover ''Parenting Teens : Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World" with Special Education Specialist / Educator Cheryl, as we dive into real and raw conversations about sex, drugs, screens, social media, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and more. This podcast is your guide to reimagining better relationships with teens by doing the essential inner work. Join us for engaging, vibrant, and empathetic discussions that foster trust and understanding in today's complex parenting landscape.  Embrace the change,we just can’t parent the way our parents did” Questions this podcast will answer;     I am so grateful for you taking your time to listen and I would love your input, feedback , suggestions for topics. We are in this together.  Connect with me support@cherylpankhurst.com   linkedin.com/in/cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst   https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13   https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t   Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast   How to work with me!   https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/consulting   Editing credit Gabbi Greco   

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    ~173~"Why Teen Anxiety Is Exploding — And What Parents Can Do Differently | With Keri Cooper"

    #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #TeenAnxiety #EmotionalRegulation @kericooperholistictherapy. www.kericooperholistictherapy.com Keri Cooper, LCSW, is the owner of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy in northern New Jersey. In her private practice, she counsels teens and works to give them the tools they need to navigate life. Keri takes a holistic approach to therapy, looking at the whole person, not just their symptoms. Keri is the author of Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs To Know, a book designed to give parents steps on how to improve their child’s mental health. Her second book is a workbook for teens, Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Teen Needs To Know. She is a speaker and writer who helps educate teens and parents on the topics teens face in everyday life. She is a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania and continues to further her education by obtaining additional certifications in her field, one of her favorite pastimes! When Keri isn't busy working with teens, she is busy with her own four children and her flock of chickens. What if your teen’s mental health isn’t just about therapy, diagnoses, or behavior… but about the small daily habits happening inside your home? In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today’s World, Cheryl sits down with therapist, author, and holistic mental health expert Keri Cooper to unpack the real foundations of teen mental health — and why anxiety, emotional dysregulation, school refusal, sleep deprivation, and overwhelm are skyrocketing in today’s teens. Together, they explore how parenting has shifted, why teens are struggling more than ever, and what parents can begin doing immediately to create calmer, more resilient homes. This episode is packed with honest insight, practical strategies, and powerful mindset shifts for parents raising teens in today’s screen-saturated, high-pressure world. In This Episode We Discuss:Why teen anxiety is at an all-time highThe connection between sleep and emotional regulationHow dehydration and nutrition affect teen mental healthWhy parents must model the behaviors they want to seeThe hidden dangers of phones and screens at nightSchool refusal and anxiety: what parents need to understandWhy boredom is essential for healthy brain developmentThe parenting patterns accidentally increasing anxietyEmotional regulation strategies for parents and teensParenting neurodivergent teens with more understanding and less power strugglesWhy family meals matter more than everHow saying LESS can improve communication with teensPowerful Takeaways From This Conversation:“Your feelings are valid… but you still have to live your life.”“If you don’t like the dance you’re doing with your teen, you have to change your steps.”“They’re not listening to what you say — they’re watching what you do.”“Sleep is the foundation everything else is built on.”About Keri CooperKeri Cooper is a holistic therapist, speaker, author, and founder of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy in New Jersey. For over 20 years, she has helped teens and families navigate anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, sleep issues, and modern parenting challenges through a whole-child approach focused on mental and physical wellness. Her books include: Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs to KnowThe companion workbook for teensConnect With Keri CooperKeri Cooper Holistic TherapyKeri Cooper on Instagram YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat Connect with Cheryl! Get the book here! Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL  email : support@cherylpankhurst.com  Website  cherylpankhurst.com SOCIALS: linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD THE PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

    45 min

  2. 5d ago

    ~142~WTF:"Teen “Tantrums” as Survival Strategies"

    #ParentSupport #AutismAwareness Do you ever label your teen’s outburst as “attention‑seeking,” “manipulative,” or “just drama”? In this hard‑hitting, no‑fluff episode, Cheryl Pankhurst shatters those myths once and for all. Drawing on decades of front‑line special‑ed experience and a powerful, real‑life story from a teen she coached from grade 9 through senior year, Cheryl proves that behaviour is communication—not a choice. 🔹 Why teens—especially neuro‑divergent teens—can’t “just calm down.” 🔹 The life‑changing distinction between “can’t regulate” vs. “won’t regulate.” 🔹 A 1‑5 safety rating system that gives teens a voice before a crisis hits. 🔹 Practical steps to replace judgment with empathy at home, school, and in public. If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or any adult who watches a teen fight to be understood, this episode will flip your perspective and arm you with concrete tools to respond with compassion instead of condemnation. “It feels like a wall of flames right in front of my face.” – The moment that re‑defined Cheryl’s entire approach to teen behaviour.

  3. May 23 ·  Video

    ~172~“If They Could, They Would” | Understanding Autism, Behaviour & Belonging in Teens

    YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatConnect with Cheryl!Get the book here!Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and ConnectionDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL email : support@cherylpankhurst.com Website  cherylpankhurst.comSOCIALS:linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurstPODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLDTHE PODCASThttps://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_tOptin-podcast subscriberhttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

    16 min

  4. May 20 ·  Video

    ~171~"How to Raise Teens Who Don’t Fall Apart in Crisis | Disaster Patrick on Resilience & Preparedness"

    #ParentingTeens #RaisingResilientKids #DisasterPreparedness #ParentingPodcast #TeenResilience What if preparing your teen for disasters had nothing to do with fear—and everything to do with confidence, leadership, and resilience? In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today’s World, Cheryl sits down with Patrick Hardy, internationally recognized disaster preparedness expert, speaker, and founder of DisasterPatrick.com, for a conversation every parent needs to hear. This episode goes far beyond emergency preparedness. Patrick shares how parents can empower teens to trust themselves, think independently, and stay calm under pressure—without creating fear or anxiety. Together, Cheryl and Patrick unpack: Why overprotecting teens can unintentionally weaken confidenceHow preparedness actually builds emotional resilienceThe “5 Pocket Method” for helping teens feel capable and secureWhy every teen should build their own emergency backpackHow to prepare teens for uncertainty without fear-based parentingThe connection between trust, independence, and leadershipHow these lessons apply to autism, anxiety, school struggles, and everyday lifeWhy parents need to stop fixing everything for their teensThe powerful debrief strategy Patrick uses after every crisisHow small moments of responsibility create lifelong confidencePatrick also shares: His incredible journey from EMT to FEMA advisorThe mindset shift that changes how families think about “disasters”His upcoming LEGO hurricane shelter project with schools across North AmericaThis episode is packed with practical tools, mindset shifts, and powerful parenting insight that will completely change how you think about resilience. Because maybe preparedness isn’t about fear at all. Maybe it’s about teaching teens: “You can handle hard things.” Connect with Patrick Hardy 📺 Upcoming YouTube Channel Launch @"Disaster Patrick" 🏫 National Preparedness School Tour & LEGO Hurricane Shelter Project 🌐 DisasterPatrick.com patrick@disaterpatrick.com YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat Connect with Cheryl! Get the book here! Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL  email : support@cherylpankhurst.com  Website  cherylpankhurst.com SOCIALS: linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD THE PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

    51 min

  5. May 15 ·  Video

    ~170~WTF-"Why Being Your Teen’s “Bestie” Backfires (And What to Do Instead)"

    YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat #ParentingTeens #TeenParenting #ParentingAdvice #RaisingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingPodcast Are you trying to be your teen’s best friend… hoping it will keep the communication open? In this raw and unfiltered Friday episode of WTF (Welcome to Friday… or What the F, depending on your week), Cheryl Pankhurst dives into one of the biggest parenting misconceptions: your teen does NOT need another bestie — they need a safe, steady guide. Cheryl breaks down: Why teens go to peers for validationWhat actually makes teens open up to parentsThe difference between being approachable vs. being permissiveHow your tone, body language, and reactions shape communicationWhy parents often jump into “fix-it mode”How to create emotional safety without losing authorityThe long game of parenting: building a lifelong relationship with your future adult childPLUS: Cheryl shares critical reminders for parents of Grade 8 students transitioning into Grade 9 — especially for teens with IEPs, anxiety, learning differences, or neurodivergence. This episode is packed with honest parenting insight, practical communication tools, and a powerful reminder that your role during the teen years is not to be liked — it’s to lead with connection, steadiness, and trust. In This Episode: Why “best friend parenting” can create problems laterHow to listen without immediately fixingQuestions to ask instead of giving instant adviceHow to stay emotionally neutral during tough conversationsWhy teens need mentorship more than friendshipThe parenting shift from control to coachingCreating the foundation for a close adult relationship with your childResources Mentioned: Grade 8 to 9 Transition SupportIEP & Transition Planning ResourcesParent Coaching & Advocacy Support YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat Connect with Cheryl! Get the book here! Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL  email : support@cherylpankhurst.com  Website  cherylpankhurst.com SOCIALS: linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD THE PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

    16 min

  6. May 13 ·  Video

    ~169~"Mental Health Breakthrough for Teens? What Parents Need to Know About TMS" with Kelley Jensen

    #DisabilityInclusion #InclusionMatters #BrainBasedHealing #BrainHealth #TMStherapy #TeenMentalHealth. #BelongingMatters #AutismSupport #TeenMentalHealth. What if the treatment your teen needs already exists… but no one is talking about it? In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today’s World, Cheryl sits down with Kelly Jensen to explore the growing world of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) — a brain-based therapy being used to support individuals struggling with depression, OCD, anxiety, PTSD, migraines, smoking cessation, and more. Kelly shares the deeply personal story of her autistic son and how discovering TMS changed the trajectory of their family’s life after years of medications, therapies, and unanswered questions. Together, Cheryl and Kelly unpack what TMS actually is, how it works, who it may help, insurance coverage realities, and why so many parents have never heard about it before. This conversation is especially important for parents raising neurodivergent teens navigating: AnxietyOCDDepressionAutismEmotional dysregulationSchool transitionsSelf-medication concernsMental health challengesIf you’ve ever felt like you’ve tried everything and are still searching for answers, this episode may open a door you didn’t know existed. Brain Performance Technologies: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainperformancetech/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Brain-Performance-Technologies-100090715534720/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrainPerformanceTechnologies TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alphabraintechs Refrigerator Moms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRefrigeratorMoms TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@refrigeratormoms YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat Connect with Cheryl! Get the book here! Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL  email : support@cherylpankhurst.com  Website  cherylpankhurst.com SOCIALS: linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD THE PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

    41 min

  7. May 8 ·  Video

    ~168~ WTF "ADHD, Autism & IEPs: The Chectlist You Didn't Know Your Needed"

    YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat Connect with Cheryl! Get the book here! Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL  email : support@cherylpankhurst.com  Website  cherylpankhurst.com SOCIALS: linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD THE PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast #ParentingTeens #IEP #NeurodivergentTeens #ADHDParenting #AutismParenting #HighSchoolTransition #Grade9Transition Starting high school is a huge transition for any teen — but for students with an IEP, ADHD, autism, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, or other neurodivergent needs, the Grade 8 to Grade 9 transition can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today’s World, Cheryl Pankhurst breaks down the proactive strategies parents can use RIGHT NOW to help their teen enter high school feeling safe, confident, supported, and understood. Drawing from 25+ years in special education and transition planning, Cheryl explains: What should actually be included in a transition planWhy many parents are not getting enough information early enoughHow to advocate WITH your teen instead of FOR themWhy your child needs to understand their own IEPThe importance of identifying a mentor or “safe person” in the schoolHow familiarity reduces anxiety for neurodivergent studentsWhy proactive communication with teachers mattersHow to use everyday conversations to uncover your teen’s fears and worries about high schoolThis episode is practical, empowering, and full of real strategies parents can implement immediately before September arrives. Key Takeaways Transition planning for students with IEPs is legally requiredA transition plan should include goals, timelines, supports, and responsible staffNeurodivergent teens need repetition, familiarity, and predictabilityParents should shift from advocating FOR teens to advocating WITH teensTeens should understand and participate in their own IEP meetingsIdentifying a mentor or safe person at school can dramatically reduce anxietyProactive communication prevents major problems later in the semesterThe emotional experience of the first day of school matters deeplyThe transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 can be overwhelming for teens with IEPs, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges. In this episode, Cheryl Pankhurst shares the exact strategies parents can use to reduce stress, build confidence, and help neurodivergent teens successfully transition into high school.

    24 min

  8. May 6 ·  Video

    ~167~"What Every Parent Needs to Know About IEPs, High School & Neurodivergent Teens" with Vicki Christensen

    #ParentingTeens #NeurodivergentTeens #IEP #ADHDParenting In this raw and deeply important conversation, Cheryl Pankhurst sits down with parent advocate and founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy, Vicki Christensen, to unpack what really happens when neurodivergent teens move into high school and beyond. From IEP accommodations and executive functioning struggles to school refusal, self-advocacy, transition planning, and aging out of support systems — this is the conversation every parent wishes they had sooner.  Founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy and mother of a 21 year-old with global developmental delays who proudly wears blue glasses, Vicki Christensen empowers parents with the knowledge and tools to navigate disability rights and is passionate about advocating for families through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. She holds a Special Education Advocacy Certificate from the University of San Diego, is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), and co-founded the Special Education Advisory Committee In her local school district. She was also awarded the North County Consortium for Special Education 2023 Collaborative Parent Award and organizes inclusive community events. Vicki supports parents and guardians of students in special education by providing effective advocacy strategies to foster positive, collaborative relationships at school. Her work, both in advocacy and in parenting, combines expertise, empathy, and firsthand insight, making her uniquely qualified to guide and inspire families navigating the challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child. Vicki resides in San Diego with her husband, two sons, and golden retriever where she is deeply connected to the special-needs community. Learn more at www.blueglassesadvocacy.com or on Instagram @blueglassesadvocacy Connect with Cheryl! Get the book here! Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL  email : support@cherylpankhurst.com  Website  cherylpankhurst.com SOCIALS: linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD THE PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

    46 min
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"Discover ''Parenting Teens : Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World" with Special Education Specialist / Educator Cheryl, as we dive into real and raw conversations about sex, drugs, screens, social media, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and more. This podcast is your guide to reimagining better relationships with teens by doing the essential inner work. Join us for engaging, vibrant, and empathetic discussions that foster trust and understanding in today's complex parenting landscape.  Embrace the change,we just can’t parent the way our parents did” Questions this podcast will answer;     I am so grateful for you taking your time to listen and I would love your input, feedback , suggestions for topics. We are in this together.  Connect with me support@cherylpankhurst.com   linkedin.com/in/cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855 https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst   https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13   https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t   Optin-podcast subscriber https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast   How to work with me!   https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/consulting   Editing credit Gabbi Greco   

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