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
186. Teen Attitude Problems: What Parents Often Misunderstand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Is your teen constantly rolling their eyes, giving you attitude, or shutting you out — and you're not sure what it really means?If you're a single parent trying to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of raising tweens o…
185. Good Enough Parenting: Why Teens Don’t Need Perfect Parents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:08
Are you a single parent lying awake at night wondering, Am I messing up my kids? You’re not alone—and the truth is, perfect parenting doesn’t exist.Parenting tweens and teens as a single parent can feel overwhelming. Bet…
182. How to Reset Your Tween or Teen’s Routine for the School Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:28
Struggling to get your tween or teen back on track before school starts? Late nights, nonstop screens, and zero structure don’t magically disappear when that alarm clock rings.In this episode, we dive into exactly how si…
181. Screen Time During the School Year: How Parents Can Set Limits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:41
Feeling anxious about screen time as school looms closer? Wondering how to avoid device drama without becoming the “bad guy”?In this practical and timely episode, we tackle the top screen-time challenges single parents f…
177. 5 Ways to Reduce Screen Time Without Fighting With Your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:25
Tired of constant power struggles over phones, video games and tablets? Feel like your tween is slipping away behind a screen?If you are a single parent dealing with tech tantrums, disrespect, or that sinking feeling tha…