Present Solution Podcast

Mike Barsamian

Welcome to "The Present Solution Podcast," where we tackle the real issues parents face with their teenagers. Join us as we have candid conversations with parents, teens, and professionals, uncovering insights and strategies to help you improve your relationships with your teens. Together, we'll explore ways to stop conflict, create connection, and build trust while navigating the challenges of the teen years. Whether you're seeking guidance on communication, boundaries, or understanding your teen, this podcast is your resource for building the best relationship now and for a lifetime.

  1. MAR 18

    Say it Once - Say it Right: Strategic Discipline

    Skilled Parents Know How to Practice Strategic Discipline With the right tools, you can learn to pause, reflect, and act from your values — even when your teenager is pushing back hard. Most parents react to their teenager’s behavior or they freeze. They either say something in the heat of frustration that they immediately regret, or they know something needs to be addressed and can’t find the words to do it without blowing up the conversation. Either way, the moment passes — and so does the opportunity for growth. In this episode, Mike introduces the concept of Strategic Discipline: a values-driven, intentional approach to the hardest parenting moments. Not punishment. Not control. Teaching. Guidance. The kind of discipline that builds both the relationship and the teenager at the same time. You’ll walk away with two practical frameworks you can use in real time:  The Five Stages of Strategic Discipline  The Discipleship GPS.  Strategic discipline isn’t about being harsh. It’s about being principled. It isn’t about conflict. It’s about alignment.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why the word “discipline” has been misunderstood — and what it actually means The difference between a reaction and a response, and why your teenager can feel which one you’re giving them What a LifeOS is and why it’s the foundation of every effective discipline conversation The Five Stages of Strategic Discipline — and how to recognize which stage you’re in The Discipleship GPS: three questions that move you from reactive to intentional in 60 seconds What strategic discipline is actually building in your teenager — beyond behavior   The Five Stages of Strategic Discipline STAGE 1: Tension  —  Your gut is telling you something STAGE 2: Acknowledgment  —  Name the value, not just the behavior STAGE 3: Engagement  —  Open the conversation with curiosity, not accusation. STAGE 4: Clarity  —  Say it once, clearly, then stop STAGE 5: Action  —  Follow through grounded in love, not frustration The Discipleship GPS When the moment actually arrives and something needs to be said right now, run these three questions. In order. They take about 60 seconds and will move you from reactive to intentional every time. QUESTION 1: WHO AM I? QUESTION 2: WHAT TYPE OF MOMENT IS THIS? QUESTION 3: WHAT DOES A PARENT LIKE ME DO IN A MOMENT LIKE THIS?   “Strategic discipline isn’t about punishment. It’s about teaching. It’s not about control. It’s about alignment with who you are as a parent and who you want your teenager to become.”   “A reaction is what happens when your emotions run the show. A response is what happens when your values run the show. Your teenager can feel the difference, even if they can’t articulate it.”   “Family values are not rules. Rules are specific. Values are the principles that give the rules their meaning.”   Reflection Questions for This Week When was the last time you reacted to your teenager instead of responding? What was the value underneath that moment that you didn’t name out loud? What are your 3–5 core values as a parent? Can you access them under pressure — in the moment, without having to think about it? What are your family values? Do your teenager and your household actually know what they are? Which of the Five Stages do you most often short-circuit? Do you skip from Tension straight to Action? Do you get stuck in Clarity and repeat yourself? Resources & Links PACE Parent Masterclass — www.presentsolutionforparents.com Follow Mike on all the socials: @MikeTheParentCoach Have a question or a story from this episode? Reach out directly: Hello@presentsolutionforparents.com   🔔  Subscribe so you never miss an episode ⭐  Leave a review — it helps other parents find this show 📤  Share this episode with one parent who needs it today 💬  Drop a comment or DM — Mike reads them

    26 min
  2. 12/07/2025

    The Rite of Passage Trip

    Present Solution Podcast – Rite of Passage Trip for Teens Episode Summary:In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of a rite of passage trip for 13-year-olds. Drawing from personal experience and cultural traditions, we explore how these trips can help teens transition into adulthood, build trust, and strengthen family bonds. Key Topics Covered: The significance of a rite of passage at age 13How to plan a meaningful trip for your teen (ideas for all budgets)The biological and emotional changes teens experience at this ageThe “Trust Triangle”: teaching honesty, empathy, and good judgmentHow to foster open communication and set healthy boundariesEncouraging independence while maintaining a strong parent-teen connectionPractical tips for making the trip adventurous and memorableThe value of shared experiences and overcoming challenges togetherActionable Takeaways: Start planning a rite of passage trip for your teen—no matter your budget, the experience is what matters mostUse the trip as an opportunity to have important conversations about trust, values, and expectationsInvolve your teen in the planning and preparation to build confidence and responsibilityRemember: it’s never too late to create these meaningful moments, even if your child is already past 13Connect with Us:Have questions or want more tips? Reach out at hello@presentsolutionforparents.com and follow us on Instagram for more advice on connecting with your teen. Check out our masterclass on becoming a P.A.C.E.-setting Parent at www.presentsolutionforparents.com. Listen to more episodes for practical parenting strategies and real solutions to everyday challenges!

    24 min

About

Welcome to "The Present Solution Podcast," where we tackle the real issues parents face with their teenagers. Join us as we have candid conversations with parents, teens, and professionals, uncovering insights and strategies to help you improve your relationships with your teens. Together, we'll explore ways to stop conflict, create connection, and build trust while navigating the challenges of the teen years. Whether you're seeking guidance on communication, boundaries, or understanding your teen, this podcast is your resource for building the best relationship now and for a lifetime.