Ever finally get a “yes” from your teen to hang out… and then sit there awkwardly wondering, “Now what?”

If you’ve found yourself unsure what to do with teens once you’re actually together, this episode will walk you through it step by step.

This is part two of our series on teen connection. Last week we covered how to get your teen to hang out with you. This week is about what to do with teens once you're there. From creating comfort to avoiding conversation-killers, we’re focusing on strategies that work in real life.

I’ll share exactly how to strengthen your parent teenager relationship in small but powerful ways—and how to avoid the traps that turn hangouts into tension.

Whether you're wondering how to connect with your teenage son or daugher, or need ideas for fun things to do with teenagers, I’ll walk through clear, actionable strategies you can try today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The #1 mistake parents make when deciding what to do with teens—and how to flip the script
• My 3-step formula for hangouts that actually build your parent teenager relationship, not drain it
• Why Starbucks, TikTok, and silence might be the best bonding tools for your parent teenager relationship—and how to use them well
• How to avoid sabotaging the moment (hint: this matters whether you're figuring out how to connect with your teenage son or daughter)
• The one thing teens wish you knew when you plan fun things to do with teenagers

Your time with your teen doesn’t need to be magical—it just needs to be intentional. And yes, even a 10-minute drive-thru run can be a meaningful step forward in your parent teenager relationship.

If you’re struggling with how to connect with your teenage son, or you want to do more than just coexist with your daughter, this episode is packed with the guidance you’ve been craving.

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

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One of the most common questions those parenting teens and tweens ask is "should I force my teenager to spend time with me?" or what to do when your teenager shuts you out?

If you’ve felt the sting of rejection when your once-chatty child turns into a quiet, phone-absorbed teen, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down how to connect with your teenage son or daughter when they seem more interested in hanging out with their friends than with your parent teenager relationship.

I’ll share why this is a totally normal part of parenting teens and tweens —and how you can make the most of it.

In this episode, I cover:

• What to do when your teenager shuts you out – Why teens can seem disconnected, and how to decode what they’re really trying to tell you.
• Should I force my teenager to spend time with me? – How to balance encouraging connection without pushing them away.
• How to connect with your teenage son – What to do if he’s barely looking up from his screen and avoiding conversation.
• How to connect with your teenage daughter – How to build your parent teenager relationship and trust during a time when she might be craving independence.
• Parent teenager relationship – Tips for building a strong connection that lasts beyond the teen years.

Ready to strengthen your parent teenager relationship and create moments of real connection?

Listen to this episode for practical, research-backed advice on how to connect with your teenage daughter or son, even when they seem to be pushing you away.

And, don’t miss next week’s episode, where I’ll share practical strategies for parenting teens and tweens, and what to do when you actually get your teen to hang out with you!

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

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Ever wonder why does my child get hyper at night… just when you’re ready to wind down?

If you’ve ever felt like your kids have had an espresso right before bed, you’re not alone. Those bedtime zoomies – when kids suddenly start bouncing off the walls – can make creating a bedtime routine for kids feel impossible.

But what if I told you that this chaos has a reason? In this episode, I’m joined by pediatric occupational therapist Emma Wilking Ghelber to break down why bedtime zoomies happen and share calming activities for kids before bed to help your evenings run more smoothly.

Emma shares the science behind bedtime zoomies and offers simple ways to help kids shift from high-energy to wind-down mode. If your current bedtime routine for kids feels like a wrestling match every night, these tips can make a big difference.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why does my child get hyper at night? – The surprising reasons your child might be getting more energized as the evening wears on.
• Bedtime zoomies – What they really mean, and why your child isn’t just trying to drive you crazy.
• Calming activities for kids before bed – Three simple, effective strategies to help kids settle down without adding to your stress.
• How to adjust your bedtime routine for kids to set the stage for better sleep, fewer battles, and a calmer home.

Ready to ditch the chaos and make bedtime smoother for everyone? Listen to the full episode for expert-backed strategies, calming activities for kids before bed and a bedtime routine for kids you can start using tonight.

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

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Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.

Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

CONNECT WITH EMMA AND FOUNDATIONS PEDIATRIC THERAPY:

Website

Phone number: 713-999-5358

Email: office@foundationspediatrictherapy.com

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