Challenging Teenage Sons

Dr Mark Schillinger
  • 5.0 (6)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These episodes offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men distracted by their digital devices.

  1. JAN 8

    Why Your Teenage Son Doesn't Trust You

    In this powerful conclusion to our consequences series, Dr. Mark Schillinger reveals the deeper purpose behind positive discipline.  It's not just about changing your son's behavior. It's about being able to respect yourself as a parent for the rest of your life. *** Resources Mentioned *** Young Men's Ultimate Weekend  ⁨@YMUWorg⁩   Rite of passage program for boys ages 13-20 https://ymuw.org   *** More Resources *** On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/ *** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com *** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    9 min

  2. JAN 7

    Why "That's Not Fair!" Is Actually a Teaching Moment

    Does your teenager constantly tell you "it's not fair"? Do you find yourself offering bigger and bigger rewards just to get them to take out the garbage? In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down why bribes and rewards actually backfire with teens, and shares the mentoring approach that builds real responsibility and self-respect. You'll learn how to stop negotiating with your "house lawyer" and start raising a young person who takes ownership of their life.    What You'll Learn in This Episode Why "it's not fair" is actually a learning opportunity, not a problem to solve The difference between extrinsic rewards (bribes) and intrinsic motivation How to use the "Both/And" principle when your teen does something right AND wrong Why most of life is unfair or neutral, and how to prepare your teen for this reality The 5 C's of calm, confident communication that won't get derailed   Resources Mentioned Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn Young Men's Ultimate Weekend https://ymuw.org   More Resources On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops Free Parents' Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/markstipsforparents For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com   About Dr. Mark Schillinger Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com   Connect with Dr. Mark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    8 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    How Parents Can Enforce Phone Limits at Home

    Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down Australia's groundbreaking decision to ban social media for children under 16 and shares why this matters for parents everywhere, even if your country hasn't passed similar laws. Discover the brain science behind teenage phone addiction, why your teen struggles to self-regulate their screen time, and Dr. Mark's practical approach to starting the conversation about device limits in your home. Plus, learn the difference between consequences and punishment when it comes to enforcing new boundaries.    Resources  On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com   About Dr. Mark Schillinger  Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com   Connect with Dr. Mark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    10 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    Stop Punishing, Start Mentoring: Transform Your Relationship With Your Teen Son

    Struggling to get your teenage son to cooperate? You're not alone, and it's harder now than ever before. In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down why modern teens resist helping at home and what you can do about it. In This Episode, You'll Discover: The historical shift that took cooperation out of our kids' DNA, from tribal living through the educational revolution to today's smartphone addiction Why treating consequences as punishments pushes your teen further away (and what to do instead) The critical difference between "right," "not right," and "wrong" behaviors, and how this distinction saves your energy and protects your relationship How to stay calm when giving consequences using brain science communication techniques The power of intelligent questions Why mentors at Young Men's Ultimate Weekend get teens to open up when parents can't  One simple communication tip that transforms resistant teens into cooperative young men Dr. Mark shares real examples from 26 years of mentoring families and running rite of passage camps for boys ages 13-20. This isn't about getting your son to obey. It's about building the kind of relationship where cooperation happens naturally. Resources Mentioned: Virtues & Values Worksheet (email info@challengingteenagesons.com for your free copy) Young Men's Ultimate Weekend: Rite of passage initiation camp for ages 13-20: https://ymuw.org Daily Support for Parents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/markstipsforparents Resources On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com About Dr. Mark Schillinger Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com Connect with Dr. Mark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    12 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    How to Give Consequences Without Yelling at Your Teenager

    Your teenage son breaks curfew again. He ignores responsibilities. He pushes back on everything. You try consequences, but nothing sticks. Sound familiar? In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger reveals why most consequences fail and what actually works instead. The difference? Staying calm, being clear, and teaching rather than punishing. What You'll Learn: The 4 C's of effective consequences: Calm, Clear, Concise, and Certain  Why being "dispassionate" is your secret weapon when your son lashes out  How to give your son TWO choices (and why this changes everything)  The one question that will blow your son's mind: "What do you think you should do?" When to give a consequence immediately vs. when to wait  How to match consequences to the specific virtue your son violated  Resource Mentioned Email info@challengingteenagesons.com for the free consequence list and weekly parenting tips.  More Resources On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com About Dr. Mark Schillinger Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com Connect with Dr. Mark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    16 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Why Your Teen Ignores Punishments (And What Works Instead)

    Tired of yelling at your teenager in the heat of the moment? You're not alone. Most parents confuse punishment with consequences, and their teens know it. In this episode, Dr. Mark Schillinger breaks down the critical difference between reactive punishment (made up when you're angry) and structured consequences (teaching tools built into reality itself). He shares the exact framework he's used with thousands of young men at The Young Men's Ultimate Weekend to help teens understand accountability without the power struggles. You'll discover why "gimme your phone" and "you're grounded" backfire, how to explain consequences in a way your teen actually respects, and the virtue-based system that makes consequences feel fair instead of punitive. If you're exhausted from fighting with your son over the same issues, this framework will change how your family operates. *** Key Takeaways *** • The one thing that turns a consequence into a punishment (and why teens reject it) • How to explain consequences so your teen understands they're not made up by you • The Virtues, Values & Behaviors model that stops the guessing game • Why rewards are a trap (and what works better) • The simple phrase that reframes every consequence conversation *** Resources Mentioned *** • Free Virtues & Values worksheet: email info@challengingteenagesons.com • Learn more about The Young Men's Ultimate Weekend at https://www.ymuw.org It's never too late to move your family in the right direction. You just need a way that works. *** More Resources *** On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/ *** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com  *** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    8 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Why Parenting Is So Stressful Now: The Collapse Of The Village

    Discover why modern parenting feels more stressful than ever in this insightful podcast episode.  Dr. Mark Schillinger explores how the collapse of traditional village-style child-rearing has left families struggling in our digital age. Learn why we can't rely on outside forces to rescue our families from digital takeover, and how we can blend the best of ancient parenting wisdom with modern solutions.    *** Resources *** Join the free parents' group for daily support and free solutions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/markstipsforparents On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/   *** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These videos offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com   *** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    25 min

  8. 04/25/2025

    Unite Your Family Before Artificial Intelligence Tears It Apart

    In this powerful episode of Challenging Teenage Sons, Dr. Mark Schillinger reveals how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing family dynamics — and what parents must do now to prevent technology from dividing their family. Are your teens more connected to their devices than to you? Are arguments about screen time, gaming, or social media pulling your family apart? Discover practical strategies for parents to strengthen family unity, improve communication, and raise resilient young men in the age of AI. In this episode: • Why AI is a threat to family connection  • How testosterone and dopamine make your son defiant • The forgotten ancient practices that will unite your family • How healthy families can change the world Don't let technology raise your kids for you!    ** Resources for Parents and Young Men ** On-demand and live, online workshops for teenagers and young men are available here: https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/workshops For a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Dr. Mark or for more information about his parent coaching and mentoring young men, go to https://cts.drmarkmentor.com/   *** About Dr. Mark Schillinger *** Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. This podcast offers straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men who are distracted by their digital devices. For more information, visit https://www.challengingteenagesons.com  *** Connect with Dr. Mark *** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challenging.teenage.sons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challengingteenagesons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-schillinger-family-mentor-and-community-leader-735585a/

    30 min
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Dr. Mark Schillinger's work has been featured on the CNN show "This is Life with Lisa Ling." These videos are designed to help parents more effectively "challenge" or motivate their teenage sons to become more responsible and resilient. These episodes offer straightforward advice so parents can minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with their sons – especially those young men distracted by their digital devices.

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