173. When Teens Say “I’m Bored”: What Parents Should Do

173. When Teens Say “I’m Bored”: What Parents Should Do

Author: Therese Connolly July 8, 2025 Duration: 15:37

Are you hearing “I’m bored!” before your first cup of coffee hits the counter? If you’re a single parent raising tweens or teens, you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, Tess Connolly, LCSW, sits down with fellow mom Ruby Dichirico to unpack what’s really going on when our kids complain of boredom—and why we shouldn’t rush to fix it. Learn how summer boredom can actually benefit your child’s creativity, emotional regulation, and independence.

Tess shares practical, pressure-free parenting strategies to manage screen time, set up daily structure, and support your own self-care—all while encouraging your tween or teen to stretch into their own curiosity. You'll also get actionable tips for building in tech-free time and hosting a quick family meeting to prepare everyone for summer success.

🎧 Tune in now to discover:

  1. Why boredom builds problem-solving and creativity
  2. How downtime boosts emotional resilience in tweens and teens
  3. Ways to create screen-free zones without power struggles
  4. A mindset reset for single parents: It’s not your job to entertain all day

📌 Plus: Grab the Tech Reset Agreement in the show notes to help guide your screen time plan this summer!

📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

#singleparents #parentingtweens #ScreenTimeStruggles #SummerWithTeens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #communication


Navigating the tween and teen years alone comes with a unique set of daily tests, from managing defiance to negotiating screen time in a connected world. Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens is here for that journey. Hosted by Therese Connolly, a licensed clinical social worker and family coach, this podcast moves beyond theory to offer actionable steps you can use immediately. Therese draws on both professional expertise and a genuine understanding of the solo parent reality, where you’re the only one setting boundaries and mending fences. Conversations focus on turning behavioral challenges into opportunities for growth, finding realistic ways to pull kids from their devices, and fostering a home where communication actually works. You’ll hear strategies for building your own confidence as a parent while strengthening your family’s connections, all without the sugar-coating. This is a space for single moms and dads seeking real-life support, where every episode aims to provide a practical reset for the week ahead. Tune in for a blend of compassionate guidance and concrete tools designed specifically for the solo parent raising adolescents.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve Communication
Podcast Episodes
246. Why Tweens Push Back: What Parents Often Misunderstand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:47
Why does your once cooperative child suddenly argue about everything?If you're parenting a tween, you may be noticing more attitude, pushback, and emotional reactions. Many parents interpret this behavior as disrespect o…
240.  Teen Vaping: What Parents Should Say When They Find a Vape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:27
Found a vape, cartridge, or hidden stash—are you about to say something that shuts your kid down for years?When you discover vaping, your fear often comes out as anger—especially if you’re doing this alone as a single pa…
239. Teen Attitude Problems: Why Rudeness Isn’t Always Disrespect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:50
When your teen snaps, rolls their eyes, or talks back—do you feel like you’re one comment away from losing it?If you’re parenting solo, teen attitude can feel constant and personal—like you’re failing or losing your rela…
238. Teen Mental Health: Why Late Winter Is Hardest for Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:34
Does your tweener or teen seem to fall apart every March — more conflict, more screen time, more shutdown, more stress?If things feel heavier at home right now, you’re not imagining it. March is a predictable stress spik…
237. Teen Screen Time Limits: What to Do Before Taking Away the Phone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
Does your teen’s phone have more control in your house than you do?If every attempt to set limits turns into a meltdown… if you feel nervous even mentioning screen time… or if your teen seems constantly exhausted, moody,…