249. Teen Attitude Problems: 3 Simple Ways to Handle Teen Disrespect and Pushback

249. Teen Attitude Problems: 3 Simple Ways to Handle Teen Disrespect and Pushback

Author: Therese Connolly March 31, 2026 Duration: 10:52

Are you dealing with teen attitude problems at home right now?

The eye rolling.

The sarcasm.

The “Why do you care so much?” responses.

If your teen’s attitude seems to be escalating conflict in your house, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean your parenting is failing.

Teen pushback is actually a normal developmental stage, but how you respond to it can either escalate the tension or strengthen your relationship.

In this episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW and parent coach, explains why teen attitude often appears during the tween and teen years and how parents can respond in ways that maintain leadership without turning every moment into a power struggle.

Research shows that conflict between parents and teens tends to peak between ages 12–15, and most disagreements revolve around everyday issues like homework, chores, curfews, and screen time.

Understanding what’s really happening during these moments can help you respond in ways that reduce conflict and build connection.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • Why teen attitude problems are often about independence and stress—not disrespect
  • A simple two-sentence boundary technique that prevents long lectures
  • How to slow down conflict in the moment so small disagreements don’t turn into big fights

These strategies can help you stay calm, maintain leadership, and guide your teen through the challenging moments that come with adolescence.

If you want more tools for navigating the tween and teen years, make sure to join the family by clicking the link in the show notes.

When you sign up for Tess’s bi-weekly parenting newsletter, you’ll also receive her Tech Reset Agreement, a practical framework families use to reset screen-time struggles and improve communication at home.

And if this episode helped you, consider sharing it with another parent who may be dealing with teen attitude problems too.

⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Download the Tech Reset Agreement

⭐️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)

📧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 Strategy Session”: Parent Reset Strategy Session

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 #parentingtweensandteens #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: 50

Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve Communication
Podcast Episodes
294. What to Say When Your Teen Says, “You Can’t Make Me” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:39
Your teenager looks you in the eye and says:“You can’t make me.”Those four words can make a parent feel as though their authority is being tested—and that they need to win the moment immediately.But responding with “Oh,…
293. Disrespectful Teenager? What to Do Before You Give a Consequence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:08
Your teenager rolls their eyes, insults you, says “whatever,” or slams the door—and your entire body reacts.You immediately think:They cannot speak to me this way.So you take the phone, cancel the weekend, or announce a…
291. Teen Won’t Talk to You? How to Help Them Open Up Without Pushing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:45
Your teen comes home, closes their bedroom door, and gives you one-word answers.You ask how their day was.“Fine.”You ask whether anything happened.“No.”You ask if they are upset with you.“I don’t know. Can you please lea…
290. What to Say When Your Teen Says Vaping Is No Big Deal: 5 Scripts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:19
You find a vape in your teenager’s room, backpack, or pocket. When you ask about it, they shrug and say:“It’s not a big deal.”“Everyone does it.”“It’s only nicotine.”“I can stop whenever I want.”“You’re completely overre…