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
215. Entitled Teen Behavior: 5 Signs Parents Should Watch For [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:50
Ever feel like your teen expects VIP treatment 24/7 — instant rides, new phones, last-minute rescues — and flips out when you say no?You’re not alone. Many parents, especially single parents, are seeing more entitled beh…
211. Teen Vaping: What Parents Should Do When They Catch It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:23
Is your teen insisting “it’s not a problem” even though you’ve seen air fresheners, eye drops, or sudden “new friends”…and you suspect vaping?In this episode, Tess and Gigi walk through what actually works when you think…
210. Arguments With Teens: How Single Parents Can Defuse Conflict [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:33
Ever feel like every conversation with your teen turns into an argument — and you're both left frustrated and unheard?You're not alone — but there's a smarter way to navigate these tense moments. In this episode, Tess Co…
209. Hidden Teen Vaping: Signs Parents Often Miss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:37
Do you ever wonder if your teen might be vaping—but can’t tell if you’re just being paranoid?With vaping devices disguised as everyday objects and flavored cartridges designed to appeal to teens, it’s getting harder for…
208. Letting Teens Set Screen Time Limits: Does It Work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:45
Is your teen glued to their phone — and every screen time rule you try only leads to arguments and frustration?If you’ve ever wondered whether giving your teenager more control over their own device use is risky or wise,…