Parenting Post-Wilderness: Parenting a Struggling Teen Before, During and After Treatment

🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there! What happens when your teen leaves treatment, goes to college, and suddenly has more freedom than they’ve had in years? For Harrison Paletta, the answer wasn’t a straight line, and his story is an important reminder that relapse after treatment doesn’t mean everything has been lost. In Part 2 of Harrison’s story, he takes us through the college years that followed residential treatment. In a way, college gave him exactly what he had been missing: close friendships, a sense of belonging, independence, good grades, and a life that felt exciting and normal again. But that freedom also came with drinking, smoking weed, experimentation with other substances, and eventually two arrests and a suspension from school. For parents, it can be hard to make sense of this kind of journey. Your teen may be doing well in some areas while struggling significantly in others. They may make progress, then make choices that scare you. They may relapse after treatment and still go on to build a meaningful, successful life. Harrison’s story offers a candid look at what relapse after treatment can actually look like and why a setback doesn't necessarily mean your teen is back where they started. He also shares what happened next: how his parents responded, the natural consequences he experienced, how he eventually returned to college, and why he ultimately decided he needed a completely different environment after graduation. Today, Harrison uses his own experience to mentor young people coming out of treatment and preparing for the challenges of college and adulthood. For parents, there’s an important message woven throughout his story: your teen’s progress may not be linear, and your job isn’t to keep your hands on the wheel forever. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to step back, setting appropriate boundaries, and allowing your young adult to experience the consequences of their choices. In this episode on relapse after treatment, we discuss: What happened when Harrison went to college after residential treatment How freedom, friendships, and college culture influenced his substance use Why relapse after treatment doesn't always look the way parents expect The surprising ways Harrison's friends supported him despite also partying with him How his parents approached him when they learned about his substance use Harrison's experience with two arrests and being suspended from college The natural consequences his parents set after he had to come home Why Harrison chose to return to college after his setback How his relationship with his parents changed as they learned to take their hands off the wheel What eventually led Harrison to leave New York and return to the treatment community that had helped him Why he now believes young people need support and mentorship after treatment. Not just while they're in it What parents can realistically expect from their teen's journey after treatment More about Harrison Paletta Around the age of 14, I began experimenting with weed and alcohol. By the age of 16, experimentation turned into daily use, and my behavior became completely unhinged. At 17, I was transported to a wilderness therapy program. Afterwards I was sent to a residential treatment center. Nine months later I went home and soon began falling into my old habits. Although my drug use escalated, I managed to get accepted into college. Things got worse there, and eventually I was arrested and suspended from school. After spending some time back home, I wanted to make a change and moved to Utah to pursue a healthy lifestyle. After making a major shift and embracing healthy living, I went back to work in the same residential treatment center I had been to as a kid. I returned to school to finish my undergrad studies and began my pursuing a master's degree in Social Work. Now, I share my story with the hope of uplifting the next generation of youth who are experiencing similar struggles. You can contact Harrison for teen mentoring at harrison@lifestrategiesmentors.com or by calling him at 914-648-0504. Learn more about Life Strategy Mentors here . Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there! What if you could sit down with your struggling teen and hear what was really going on inside their head? In this episode, Harrison Paletta gives us that rare perspective. When Harrison was a struggling teenager, he was using substances, getting into trouble, pushing boundaries, and becoming increasingly disconnected from his parents. From the outside, it could have looked like he simply didn't care about the consequences. But from Harrison's perspective, there was so much more going on. In this episode, Harrison joins me to share his story from the other side of the parent-teen relationship. He talks openly about what it felt like to be shamed and misunderstood, why he desperately wanted his parents to listen to him, and how feeling unheard contributed to an increasingly difficult family dynamic. Harrison's story takes us through wilderness therapy, residential treatment, coming home, relapse, and eventually college. But what's especially powerful is hearing how his relationship with his parents changed along the way. They didn't suddenly find the perfect response that made everything better. Instead, they gradually began changing the dynamic between them. They learned to listen, respond differently, allow Harrison to experience consequences, and perhaps most importantly, create enough trust for him to be honest about what was really happening. In this episode on a struggling teen's perspective, we discuss: What Harrison wishes his parents had understood when he was struggling Why shame and punishment sometimes created more disconnection What “I don't care” actually meant for Harrison How feeling heard and respected changed his relationship with his parents Harrison's experience going to wilderness therapy and residential treatment The challenges of leaving treatment and returning home What happened when Harrison relapsed after treatment How honesty changed the dynamic between Harrison and his parents Why relapse doesn't necessarily mean your teen is back at square one The difference between controlling your teen and influencing them How Harrison's parents gradually shifted their approach Why mentorship can be so valuable for a struggling teen after treatment More about Harrison Paletta Around the age of 14, I began experimenting with weed and alcohol. By the age of 16, experimentation turned into daily use, and my behavior became completely unhinged. At 17, I was transported to a wilderness therapy program. Afterwards I was sent to a residential treatment center. Nine months later I went home and soon began falling into my old habits. Although my drug use escalated, I managed to get accepted into college. Things got worse there, and eventually I was arrested and suspended from school. After spending some time back home, I wanted to make a change and moved to Utah to pursue a healthy lifestyle. After making a major shift and embracing healthy living, I went back to work in the same residential treatment center I had been to as a kid. I returned to school to finish my undergrad studies and began my pursuing a master's degree in Social Work. Now, I share my story with the hope of uplifting the next generation of youth who are experiencing similar struggles. You can contact Harrison for teen mentoring at harrison@lifestrategiesmentors.com or by calling him at 914-648-0504. Learn more about Life Strategy Mentors here . Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there! You see old behaviors showing up again and your first thought is, “Oh no. Are we back here again?”. When you’ve worked so hard to support your struggling teen, a relapse, or even the return of an old pattern, can feel terrifying. Believe me, I know. It can bring back anxiety, urgency, and the instinct to jump in, fix things, or make sure everything is okay. But relapse doesn’t mean that all the progress is gone. It doesn’t mean you’re back at square one. In this episode, Seth and I have a deeply honest conversation about relapse, setbacks, and what happens when life gets messy again. I even share a very recent experience in my own family that brought old patterns back to the surface and reminded me that doing the work doesn’t create a life free from difficult emotions, conflict, or uncertainty. Instead, the work gives you something much more valuable: the ability to recognize what’s happening, sit with discomfort, manage your own anxiety, and choose how you want to show up. Because relapse is imminent in the sense that none of us are robots. Old patterns can resurface. Anger can show up again. Avoidance can return. Relationships can become difficult again. And when that happens, it doesn’t mean you’re back at square one. It means you’re human. In this episode on how relapse is imminent, we discuss: Why relapse and setbacks don’t mean that your previous progress has disappeared What happens when old patterns resurface in your family How your anxiety can influence a struggling teen who is already overwhelmed Why sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is give your teen space How shame and embarrassment can cause your teen to isolate The difference between being present for your teen and trying to rescue or fix them Why your problems may not disappear, but your ability to handle them can change How to recognize the difference between facts and the stories your anxious brain is creating What it means to witness your teen without needing them to change or repair immediately Why taking care of yourself is essential when you’re supporting a struggling teen Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there! Prevention isn’t going to protect your child from seeing porn. You might think that if you set parental controls, keep devices out of bedrooms, and have the “right” conversations about online safety, you can protect your child from porn, but prevention simply isn’t enough. The reality is that porn can find our kids long before we expect them to encounter it. (Jarrod even shares that the average age of the first encounter is 6!!) Sometimes it comes through a friend. Sometimes an algorithm puts it in front of them. And sometimes, they stumble across it without looking for it at all. That can be a scary thought as a parent. You may worry about what your child is seeing, whether they're becoming exposed too young, or whether bringing up the subject will somehow introduce an idea they haven't encountered yet. You might also feel unsure about what to say, or even embarrassed to start the conversation. In this episode, I’m joined by licensed professional counselor Jarrod Hoffman, who brings both professional experience and his own deeply personal experience with unwanted sexual behavior to this conversation. We talk openly about why shame can make it so difficult for kids to tell their parents what’s going on, and why our relationship with our kids can be one of the most important forms of protection we have. We also talk about why blocking access and setting technology boundaries still matter, but they can't be the whole strategy. If exposure is inevitable, our goal has to be bigger than simply keeping the water out of the boat. We need to make sure our kids know that when something uncomfortable, confusing, or shame-filled happens, they can turn toward us rather than hide from us. And that means talking to your kids about porn, not just once, but regularly, calmly, and in a way that leaves the door open for them to come back to you. In this episode on talking to your kids about porn, we discuss: Why porn can find kids even when they're not actively looking for it How young kids can be exposed to porn and other sexualized content Why prevention and technology boundaries are helpful, but aren't enough The role of shame in keeping kids from talking to their parents Why connection is such an important part of protecting your child How to start talking to your kids about porn in a developmentally appropriate way Why these conversations need to happen repeatedly rather than just once How to create an ongoing invitation for your child to come to you if they need help What parents can learn from kids about the pull and power of sexual content How unwanted sexual behavior can be connected to deeper experiences of shame, pain, or disconnection Resources that can help you continue the conversation More about Jarrod Hoffman Jarrod is a licensed professional counselor. He believes that teens are resilient and that parents are valuable. He was a teenage boy himself from 2004-2011. He loves reading books and is still on the fence about Messi or Renaldo. He's experienced many life-changes like his parents divorce when he was 10 and his dad's death when he was 28. He strives to help others find healing from wounds and triumph through suffering. You can contact Jarrod at jarrod@jarrodhoffman.com Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there! Teaching emotional resilience isn't about making your teen's life easier. On the contrary. t's about helping them discover they're capable of handling life's hardest moments. If you're parenting a struggling teen or young adult, that can feel almost impossible. Every setback, relapse, or difficult season can trigger fear, making it tempting to step in and protect your child from pain. But what if those challenges are exactly what help build the emotional resilience they'll need for the rest of their life? In this episode, I'm joined again by clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Jerry Weichman to explore what emotional resilience really looks like and how parents can foster it, even if their child is already a young adult. We discuss why resilience can be learned at any age, how overprotecting our children can unintentionally hold them back, and why setbacks or recidivism are often a normal part of lasting change. Whether your child is currently in treatment, transitioning home, or finding their way after treatment, this conversation offers hope and practical guidance for navigating the ups and downs of recovery with greater confidence and trust. In this episode on teaching your teen or young adult emotional resilience, we discuss: Why it's never too late to teach emotional resilience What prevents teens and young adults from developing resilience How parents model emotional resilience through their own behavior Why protecting your child from every struggle can backfire The role of adversity in building confidence and resilience Why setbacks and recidivism are a normal part of recovery How to trust your teen while letting go of what you can't control The difference between influence and control in parenting Why community and honest conversations help parents build resilience too Resources from Dr. Jerry Weichman to support your family More about Dr. Jerry Weichman Dr. Jerry Weichman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, adolescent mental health specialist, and parenting expert, is the founder and creator of Raising Families , a free-to-access platform and trusted go-to resource for pro-active parents that provides real-life tools, systems and solutions for navigating today’s most common mental health challenges impacting children and families. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

When your family is in crisis, the last thing you want to do is start the orientation process of finding support. You need help - ASAP. So that time when things feel a bit calmer, and your teen seems to be doing okay, might actually be the best time to build the support system they'll need for the road ahead. In this episode, Seth Gottlieb joins me to explore why waiting until your family is in crisis often makes it harder to get the right help in place. We discuss the unique roles of therapists, mentors, and parent coaches, why they aren't interchangeable, and how creating a strong support system before problems escalate can make all the difference for both you and your teen. If you're looking for support for parents of struggling teens, we’ll help you think beyond crisis management and toward proactive, long-term support. Whether your teen is returning home from treatment, resistant to therapy, or simply navigating a difficult season, building the right team early can create stronger relationships, better communication, and more sustainable progress. In this episode on support for parents of struggling teens, we discuss: Why it's better to build support before your teen reaches a crisis The differences between therapists, mentors, and parent coaches How mentors help teens discover their own goals and build independence Why many teens respond differently to mentors than to therapists or parents When to introduce additional support during or after treatment How proactive support can reduce the likelihood of future crises Why parents often wait too long to ask for help, and how to recognize the signs sooner The importance of continuing support, even when things seem to be going well How parents can shift from crisis management to long-term growth and healthier family dynamics Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Your teen’s behavior is never just that. They’re not lying because they want to, they’re not missing curfew because they want to annoy you, and they’re not pulling you into power struggles because they enjoy it. There’s always something underneath the behavior, so let’s try to understand. As a parent, it's natural to react to the behavior that's right in front of you. After all, being lied to hurts. Anger feels personal. Deception feels like a betrayal. But when you stay focused on the behavior alone, you can miss what's happening underneath it. In this episode, Seth and I explore how behaviors like lying, manipulation, anger, and avoidance are often protective strategies rather than the root issue. Because even when you've worked hard to become a calmer, safer parent, your teen may still struggle to be honest with you. Creating emotional safety doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long game. You'll also learn why you don't have to address every behavior in the moment, how timing can make all the difference, and how curiosity can open the door to deeper connection instead of another exhausting power struggle. If you've ever wondered why your teen keeps repeating the same behaviors despite your best efforts, this conversation will help you look beyond the surface and respond with greater understanding and intention. In this episode on what's behind your teen's behavior, we discuss: Why lying, anger, and other challenging behaviors are often symptoms, not the real problem. How to look beyond your teen's behavior to understand what's really going on. Why your teen may still hide the truth, even when you're working hard to create a safe relationship. The difference between reacting to behavior and responding with curiosity. How to avoid getting pulled into power struggles that distract from the real issue. Why timing matters when addressing difficult behaviors. Practical ways to create emotional safety and invite honest conversations with your teen. How patience and consistent connection can strengthen your relationship with your child over time. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis for your teen can bring a mix of relief, confusion, and a hundred new questions. What does it actually mean? How does ADHD show up beyond the stereotypes? And perhaps most importantly: how can you best support your teen without unintentionally making things harder? In this episode, I'm joined by ADHD and executive functioning specialists Lisa Miller and Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos to unpack what every parent should know about parenting a teen with ADHD. We explore why ADHD looks different from one child to the next, why a diagnosis is only the beginning, and how understanding your teen's brain can completely change the way you parent. Together, we talk about moving beyond shame and labels, recognizing the strengths that often come with ADHD, and making simple but powerful shifts that help your teen build confidence, self-awareness, and lifelong skills. As always, we come back to the idea that, parents, the change begins with us. In this episode on parenting a teen with ADHD, we discuss: Why an ADHD diagnosis is only the beginning, not the full picture The different types and presentations of ADHD How ADHD often looks different in boys and girls The strengths and "superpowers" that can come with ADHD Why parents often receive a diagnosis with very little guidance How changing your own parenting approach can transform family dynamics The importance of emotional regulation and distress tolerance as a parent Why curiosity works better than criticism when your teen is struggling Practical questions that help teens build self-awareness and problem-solving skills How reducing friction can make everyday tasks feel more manageable Why apologizing to your teen can strengthen your relationship The value of meeting your teen where they are instead of where you think they should be More about our guests: Lisa Miller Lisa is a certified Transformational Coach and Director of Classroom Matters , specializing in supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. With over 20 years of experience in education, she helps people build executive function skills and achieve personal, professional, and academic goals. Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos As the other Director of Classroom Matters , Tatiana works alongside Lisa Miller as an educational advocate, consultant, and certified Transformational Coach. Tatiana works with Bay Area schools and organizations to offer customized professional development for teachers and administrators to better support all students, especially those with learning differences. Tatiana also works closely with families to help them access support and services for their students at school through the 504 plan and IEP processes. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

When your child is diagnosed with autism, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by questions about their future. Will they be okay? Am I doing enough? What actually helps? The encouraging truth is that it often isn't one big breakthrough that shapes your child's future. It's the small, everyday moments of consistency, belief, acceptance, and connection that leave the biggest impact over time. In this episode, I'm joined by Brady Esham, an autistic entrepreneur, mentor, and neuro-affirming systems architect, alongside Brittany Moser, an autism educator and co-founder of the Synchrony app. Brady shares the parenting choices that helped him grow into the confident, driven young adult he is today, while Brittany offers practical insights from years of supporting autistic students and their families. Together, we explore why believing in your child without lowering expectations can make all the difference, how focusing on strengths instead of deficits builds resilience, and why parents deserve just as much support as their children. If you're parenting a young child, teen or young adult with autism, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your presence, your consistency, and the way you show up every day matter more than you may realize. In this episode on parenting a child with autism, we discuss: Why the small moments of parenting often have the biggest lifelong impact How acceptance and high expectations can exist together The difference between supporting your kid and creating learned helplessness Why challenging behaviors often point to lagging skills instead of defiance Practical ways to build resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset in your child with autism The importance of supporting parents alongside their autistic child How mentors, community, and belonging help autistic teens and adults thrive Resources that help neurodivergent young adults build meaningful connections More About Today’s Guests Brittany Moser Brittany Moser is co-founder of Synchrony , the Director of Learning Design in the Higher Education space and a respected Autism Specialist. With a Master’s degree in Autism Studies and extensive experience in NYC schools, she has dedicated her career to developing innovative tools and resources that enhance the lives of the autism community. Her diverse experience spans from direct support work in NYC schools to transforming organizational practices through her consulting work. Her commitment to understanding and meeting the diverse needs of this population, combined with her expertise in learning design, has established her as a trusted voice in both educational and corporate settings. She consistently seeks out opportunities to develop new resources and methodologies that better serve the autism community and create more inclusive environments across all sectors. Brady Esham Brady Esham, founder of Albus NeuroPolicy Solutions , LLC and Neuro-Affirming Systems Architect at Synchrony is an autistic published researcher, advocate, trainer, consultant with a focus on developing systems that allow all people who have a stake in the Neurodivergent community to feel validated and supported in their work through systems that highlight and honor cognitive differences and reduce cognitive load. Albus NeuroPolicy Solutions as a company works to center the strengths of organizations and work with them to align their mission with their processes to optimize impact. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Handing your teen the keys to a car can feel like a huge milestone, for them and for you. It's exciting to watch them gain more independence, but if your teen has struggled in the past, it can also bring up a lot of fear. Can you trust them? Are you giving them too much freedom? What if something goes wrong? The truth is, there isn't one right answer. Every teen is different, every family is different, and every situation deserves its own thoughtful approach. But what if, instead of seeing a car as something you simply give your teen or help them finance, you viewed it as an opportunity? An opportunity to teach responsibility, build trust, practice healthy boundaries, and prepare your teen for adulthood. When expectations are clear and consequences are discussed ahead of time, a car can become much more than transportation. It can become a valuable learning experience for your teen. In this episode, Seth and I unpack the many decisions that come with having a new teen driver. We talk about how to think through ownership versus borrowing a family car, why responsibility should always come before freedom, and how to support your teen's growing independence without letting fear or anxiety take over your parenting. In this episode on teen driver responsibilities, we discuss: How to decide whether your teen is ready for the responsibility of driving Whether it makes sense to buy your teen a car, share a family vehicle, or have them earn one themselves Why responsibility should always accompany greater freedom How to set clear expectations and boundaries before handing over the keys Ways to rebuild trust if your teen has made unsafe choices in the past How to reduce power struggles by letting natural consequences do the teaching Why your own fears matter and how to make decisions from a place of wisdom instead of anxiety How to create the right amount of support and independence for the unique teen in front of you Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: → Leaving a review → Subscribing to the show → Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Before your teen can tell the truth, they need to feel safe enough to do it. When your child lies, it's easy to feel hurt, betrayed, or even disrespected. But what if their lying isn't about manipulating you at all? What if it's simply their brain's attempt to avoid pain, shame, or consequences? In this episode, Seth and I unpack one of the most frustrating challenges parents face: lying. Drawing from our own experiences as both, believe it or not, former teens, and adults working with struggling young people, we explore why lying is such a normal human behavior, why taking it personally often makes things worse, and how the way you respond can either create more defensiveness or open the door to honesty. Instead of focusing on catching your teen in a lie, we invite you to shift your attention to building the kind of relationship where accountability feels safe. Because while you can't force honesty, you can create the conditions that make it much more likely. In this episode on answering the question ‘ why does my teen lie?’ , we discuss: Why your teen isn’t lying out of disrespect, but a much more sensible reason. How power struggles, lectures, and accusations can unintentionally encourage more lying. The difference between creating accountability and trying to force a confession. Practical ways to respond when you know, or strongly suspect, your teen isn't telling the truth. Why curiosity and emotional safety are far more effective than proving you're right. How changing your own responses can help build more trust and honesty over time. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show Sharing it with another parent! And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

You probably spend a lot of energy trying to prevent mistakes, avoid conflict, and get parenting “right.” But what if the real goal isn’t perfection at all? In this conversation, therapist and parent coach Emil Harker and I explore why conflict, misunderstandings, and even parenting mistakes are not signs that you’re failing. In fact, they may be some of the most important opportunities you have to strengthen your relationship with your teen. We talk about the pressure parents feel to be perfect, why so many parenting tools fall flat when they’re disconnected from genuine understanding, and how learning practical relationship skills can completely change the way you navigate difficult moments with your child. Most importantly, we share what it actually takes to repair trust after a rupture. I also share a recent parenting mistake that left me feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and convinced I had damaged my relationship with my son, until I remembered the very skills I teach parents every day. If you've ever worried that you've messed up too badly, said the wrong thing, or damaged your relationship with your teen, this conversation is for you. In this episode on repairing your relationship with your teen, we discuss: Why conflict is often the pathway to deeper connection with your teen The difference between preventing problems and learning how to repair them How validation helps teens feel safe enough to listen and learn Why understanding your teen's experience matters more than winning the argument What happens in the brain when teens feel understood versus threatened How parents accidentally make conflict worse by explaining, justifying, or defending themselves The role accountability plays in rebuilding trust after a mistake Why repairing your relationship with your teen matters more than getting parenting “right” A recent parenting mistake I made and the steps it took to “fix it” How practical parenting skills create hope, confidence, and stronger family relationships Why perfection isn't the goal, and what to focus on instead Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

FREE online workshop - June 24 from 5-630MT Respond Like Yoda (When Your Kid Is Acting Like Vader) How to be grounded, avoid power struggles, and respond with clarity instead of reaction Register at https://bethhillmancoaching.com/yoda Bringing your teen home from treatment is something you've likely thought about for months. Maybe even longer. You miss them. You want them home. And yet, if you're honest, you're also terrified. What if they fall back into old patterns? What if treatment didn't "work"? What if all the progress disappears the moment they walk through the front door? In this special conversation, I sit down with fellow parent coach and podcast host Brenda Zane to talk about one of the most challenging, and often overlooked, parts of the treatment journey: the first 90 days after treatment. Many kids experience an emotional rollercoaster when they return home, and setbacks are more common than most parents realize. Unrealistic expectations can create unnecessary pressure on everyone involved. So let's talk about what the first 90 days after treatment really look like, what your teen may be experiencing beneath the surface, and how you can support both them and yourself through this challenging transition. If your child is currently away in treatment, or has recently returned, this conversation will help you better understand what both you and your teen may be experiencing during the first 90 days after treatment. In this episode on the first 90 days after treatment, we discuss: Why bringing a teen home from treatment is often harder than parents expect What teens may be experiencing emotionally, socially, and mentally after treatment Why setbacks, slips, and "blips" are common during the first 90 days after treatment The hidden challenges of rebuilding friendships and finding a sense of belonging How treatment can leave teens with skills their peers don't yet have The role expectations play in creating stress for both parents and teens Why curiosity is more helpful than panic when challenges arise The importance of creating a flexible home plan instead of relying on rigid contracts How parental self-regulation can dramatically impact the transition home Practical ways to stay grounded when fear, anxiety, and uncertainty show up More about Brenda Zane Brenda Zane is a Mayo Clinic Certified health coach and CRAFT-trained parent coach. After her son struggled for years with a high-risk lifestyle and addiction, she started Hopestream , a podcast and online community to prevent other parents from experiences like hers. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

You want to help your teen be resilient and feel more confident and capable of handling life's challenges. But when they're struggling, whether with mental health, motivation, school, substances, or simply growing up, it's easy to slip into protection mode. You try to shield them from pain, solve their problems, and prevent mistakes before they happen. The problem? Confidence isn't built through protection. It's built through experience. In this conversation, I sit down with clinical psychologist and adolescent mental health expert Dr. Jerry Weichman to explore the parenting tools that truly help teens build confidence and resilience. Why do so many parents feel overwhelmed and alone? How is today's digital world impacting families? And why is focusing on what you can control one of the most powerful mental health strategies available? We discuss it all. Dr. Jerry shares the mindset shifts and practical tools he's used with thousands of families, including how parents can support a struggling teen without trying to control them, why resilience matters more than ever, and what it takes to create healthier family dynamics in a world full of stress, distractions, and uncertainty. If you've ever wondered how to help your teen build confidence while also preserving your own sanity, this episode is for you. In this episode on helping teens build confidence, we discuss: Why helping your teen build confidence starts with changing your own mindset The difference between protecting your child and building resilience How today's digital world is affecting parents, teens, and family relationships Why focusing on what you can control reduces stress and overwhelm The parenting trap of trying to "fix" your teen's struggles What to do when your teen knows the tools but refuses to use them Why allowing mistakes can actually help your teen build confidence How resilience protects teens from anxiety, depression, and hopelessness Practical mental health strategies for both parents and teens Why parents need support, tools, and compassion too How Dr. Jerry's Raising Families platform helps parents navigate common family challenges More about Dr. Jerry Weichman Dr. Jerry Weichman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, adolescent mental health specialist, and parenting expert, is the founder and creator of Raising Families , a free-to-access platform and trusted go-to resource for pro-active parents that provides real-life tools, systems and solutions for navigating today’s most common mental health challenges impacting children and families. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Why is it that the harder you push for change, the more your teen seems to dig in their heels? If you've ever found yourself repeating the same conversations, giving advice that goes nowhere, or feeling exhausted by your teen's resistance, you're not alone. Most parents assume that if their child would just understand the consequences of their choices, they'd make better decisions. But change rarely works that way. In this episode, I sit down with therapist Jarrod Hoffman to explore what motivational interviewing can teach parents about helping teens change behavior. We unpack why lectures, advice, and persuasion often backfire, and why empathy, curiosity, and connection are far more powerful tools for creating lasting change. Jarrod introduces the stages of change framework and explains how understanding where your teen is in the change process can completely transform the way you communicate with them. Instead of trying to force change before they're ready, you'll learn how to meet them where they are and create the kind of conversations that actually help them move forward. Most importantly, we discuss why your relationship with your teen cannot be based on whether they change, and why investing in connection may be the most effective way to support growth over the long term. In this episode on helping teens change behavior, we discuss: Why parents often become counterproductive when trying to help their teen change The stages of change and how to recognize where your teen is in the process What pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance look like in real life Why advice, lectures, and persuasion often create more resistance How motivational interviewing can help parents support change more effectively The difference between self-serving questions and curiosity-driven conversations Why empathy is often more powerful than information Practical phrases parents can use to create connection instead of defensiveness How to reduce power struggles and improve healthy communication with your teen Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

When you grow up inside fear, survival, instability, or emotional chaos, those experiences don’t just disappear when you become an adult. They quietly shape the stories you carry about safety, relationships, success, control, and even what it means to be a “good” parent. And without realizing it, you might begin to pass those same narratives on to your own children. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Kellyn Smythe to explore how intergenerational narratives and trauma get handed down through families, often without anyone consciously intending to do so. Kellyn shares the extraordinary story of growing up under a false identity after his mother fled an abusive relationship, spending years living in hiding, constantly carrying the belief that danger was always just around the corner. And his whole world was turned upside down once again when he learned the truth many years later. But this episode isn’t just about Kellyn’s story. It’s about all of us. It’s about the ways fear, anxiety, perfectionism, hypervigilance, and emotional survival patterns quietly move through generations. It’s about recognizing the narratives we inherited from our own parents and asking ourselves whether those stories truly belong to us… or to our children. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about hope. Because awareness creates choice. And repair, connection, and new relational experiences really can begin changing the story. In this episode on intergenerational narratives and passing on trauma to our children, we discuss: How family narratives and survival patterns get passed down through generations Kellyn’s experience growing up under a hidden identity The impact of fear, hypervigilance, and perfectionism on parenting Why many parents unknowingly pass their own anxiety and unresolved trauma onto their children The connection between intergenerational trauma and family dynamics How rupture and repair can create deeper connection within families Why awareness is the first step toward changing generational patterns The difference between acknowledging painful experiences and making them your identity How new relational experiences help create healing and emotional resilience Why repair and authentic connection matter more than perfection in parenting Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Simple tasks that seem easy to you become overwhelming battles for your teen or young adult with ADHD. One small request turns into a massive blow-up. And when we don’t understand the ADHD brain, it can feel like they’re being disrespectful, lazy or even manipulative. In today’s episode, I’m joined by therapist and ADHD expert Debbie Murad to unpack what’s really happening underneath ADHD and emotional dysregulation in teens and young adults. Debbie explains why so many ADHD behaviors are misunderstood as intentional defiance when they’re actually rooted in brain development, executive functioning challenges, dopamine regulation, and overwhelm. We also talk about the emotional toll ADHD takes on teens themselves. Because behind the missed assignments, emotional explosions, forgotten responsibilities, and impulsive behaviors, many teens are silently carrying shame, self-loathing, anxiety, and the exhausting feeling that they can never quite keep up with everyone else. This conversation is especially important for parents who feel burned out, triggered, confused, or stuck in constant conflict with their teen. Because understanding what’s happening neurologically can completely change the way you respond, and ultimately strengthen the relationship with your child. In this episode on ADHD and emotional dysregulation in teens, we discuss: Why ADHD behaviors are often mistaken for disrespect or defiance What emotional dysregulation actually looks like in teens or young adults with ADHD The difference between supporting your child and over-accommodating them Why teens with ADHD can become overwhelmed by seemingly “simple” tasks How ADHD impacts self-esteem, shame, and relationships Why parents often take ADHD behaviors personally The connection between ADHD, impulsivity, dopamine, and addiction risk How hyperfocus can become both a strength and a challenge The link between ADHD, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and burnout How parents can become better advocates for their neurodivergent child Why mindfulness and emotional regulation work for parents matters too The importance of helping teens build executive functioning skills instead of doing everything for them How understanding your child’s brain can transform your relationship with them More about Debbie Murad Debbie Murad brings over 30 years of expertise as a Clinical Social Worker, having worked with a wide spectrum of clients, including adolescents struggling with executive functioning, mental health and addiction issues. As the founder and CEO of Beach Cities Gateway , a transitional program for emerging adults, Debbie specializes in guiding young people through the challenges of mental health, addiction, and executive functioning. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Summer can feel terrifying when you’re parenting a struggling teen or young adult. The routines disappear. Structure falls away. And suddenly you’re left wondering how to support your child without slipping into control, conflict, or constant anxiety. And if your teen is coming home from treatment? The pressure can feel even heavier. Today, I sit down with Hilary Moses to talk about what parents often misunderstand about summer break, especially when supporting a struggling teen during summer break after treatment. Because summer isn’t just “time off.” For many families, it’s a major transition period filled with fear, guilt, uncertainty, and a loss of structure. We talk about the difference between healthy structure and control, why parents often panic when they see old behaviors resurface, and how to create support systems that actually help your teen build resilience instead of dependence. Hilary also shares practical ways parents can approach screens, friends, boredom, jobs, driving, boundaries, and expectations during the summer months without falling into exhausting power struggles. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to create a perfect summer. You're not trying to raise a perfectly compliant child. You are helping a young person slowly learn how to navigate real life with support, structure, and connection. In this episode on supporting your teen’s transition home from treatment during summer break, we discuss: Why summer break can feel so destabilizing for struggling teens and families The hidden challenges of bringing a teen home from treatment during summer How to create healthy summer structure without micromanaging your teen or young adult child Supporting your child with jobs, responsibilities, and independence What parents often misunderstand about motivation and accountability How to approach “red flag” friendships with more nuance Why isolation and loneliness are major risks during summer break How fear pushes parents back into controlling patterns What healthy boundaries and expectations actually look like at home Why parents need resilience just as much as their kids do More about Hilary Moses Hilary Moses , MSW, LCSW, is a widely-esteemed therapist and parent coach who, throughout her career as a wilderness clinician and program clinical director was among the most highly regarded in the field. Hilary is a national public speaker and presenter, has written and developed parenting and transition curricula, facilitated hundreds of workshops and family seminars, and was an adjunct professor for the Masters in Social Work program at Arizona State University’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Hilary co-authored, “ H.O.M.E: Strategies for Making home a SUCCESS during and after Treatment ”. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

You bring your child home from treatment and expect things to get better. But instead, everything feels off. They’re overwhelmed. Irritated. Withdrawn. Maybe even struggling more than you expected. You don’t understand. Why is this so hard? Did we do something wrong? This special episode will help you understand something most parents never fully see… until now. Because what your teen experiences coming home from treatment isn’t just a transition. It can feel disorienting, overstimulating, and deeply unsettling in ways that are hard to explain, especially if you’ve never lived it yourself. Today, I’m joined by Casie Fariello, who shares a deeply personal and unexpected experience that gave her a rare, firsthand understanding of what it actually feels like to lose autonomy, feel stripped of identity, and then try to re-enter everyday life after treatment. And what she realized changed everything about how she relates to her son. In this episode on what it feels like to come home from treatment, we discuss: Casie’s story that gave her a firsthand understanding of what it feels like to transition home from treatment; Why reintegration after treatment can feel overwhelming, even when your teen “seems fine”; The loss of autonomy, identity, and safety your child may experience in treatment and how that impacts their behavior at home; Why your teen may withdraw, resist connection, or seem ungrateful after coming home; How overstimulation (phones, noise, people) can make early reentry incredibly difficult; The hidden grief both you and your teen may be carrying after time apart; Why kids may “check the boxes” in treatment and what that means when they return home; How your own fear, guilt, and judgment can show up during this phase (and what to do with it); Simple, powerful ways to support your teen: space, autonomy, and patience; What it really means to “relearn” how to be a family again after treatment; And much more. More about Casie Fariello Casie is the co-founder of the online parent support group Other Parents Like Me ( OPLM.com ). She also has a son who went to treatment, including wilderness. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!

Is your child pushing back, arguing over everything, ignoring rules, or seeming impossible to parent right now? It’s easy to wonder: Is this normal teen behavior… or something more serious like ODD? When conflict becomes the norm at home, many parents start fearing they’re losing their child. You might even feel like you’re failing as a parent. But not all defiance is ODD. Sometimes, what looks like defiance is actually normal development, emotional dysregulation, stress, or a family dynamic that can be changed. In this conversation, I’m joined by counselor, parenting coach, and school counselor, and mom herself, Brittney King, to unpack the difference between typical teen pushback and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. We talk about why many parents misunderstand defiance, how power struggles accidentally fuel the problem, and what helps teens far more than lectures, anger, or making consequences harsher. If you’re parenting a struggling teen or young adult and feeling exhausted by constant conflict, tune in to learn a ton from Brittney. In this episode on ODD in teens, we discuss: The difference between normal teen behavior and true ODD Why defiance can be a healthy part of adolescent development How ADHD and emotional dysregulation can look like Oppositional Defiant Disorder Why lectures and punishments often make conflict worse The two biggest reasons teens stop opening up to parents Why connection must come before correction How clear boundaries and consistent consequences build trust What curiosity can reveal beneath your teen’s behavior How to become the safe place your teen turns to when it matters most About our guest Brittney King is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), ADHD-certified provider (ADHD-CCSP), and parenting coach who helps parents of struggling teens feel more confident and connected. As a junior high school counselor, she sees firsthand how ADHD and executive functioning challenges impact teens, and the stress it creates for families. As a mom of 5, including one neurodivergent child (AuDHD), Brittney blends professional expertise with real-life experience. She’s passionate about helping parents raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids and feel supported every step of the way. Check out her free webinar for parents of neurodivergent kids who are looking for answers on how to help their child at home & at school Download her free worksheet for ways to support healthy mental and emotional development in your teen. Looking for support? 🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan! 🧘Learn how to respond in hard moments, without losing your cool, the relationship, or yourself, inside my 6-week Boundaries Masterclass . 🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens. Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com You can support the show by: Leaving a review Subscribing to the show And remember parents, the change begins with us. 🍁 Small GROUP COACHING program starting October 6th & 7th, 2026 🍁 How to Influence Change: Small-group program for parents of struggling teens & young adults. Sign up or learn more over at www.bethhillmancoaching.com/groups I hope to see you there!