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 👉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)

📧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 👉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)

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: 100

Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve Communication
Podcast Episodes
240.  Teen Vaping: What Parents Should Say When They Find a Vape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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,…
236. Communication With Teenagers: Why It Matters More Than Ever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:29
Is your teen brushing you off, rolling their eyes, or acting like your words don’t matter anymore? What if the way you speak to them is the secret to reconnecting?As tweens and teens pull away, many parents stop using lo…