268. Why Gentle Parenting Isn't Working (And What To Do Instead)

268. Why Gentle Parenting Isn't Working (And What To Do Instead)

Author: Therese Connolly June 4, 2026 Duration: 13:24

Do you ever feel stuck between being the "too soft" parent who gets walked all over and the "strict" one who yells and regrets it later?

Many single parents find themselves swinging between two extremes—permissive parenting that lacks boundaries and authoritarian parenting that shuts kids down. But what if there were a third way that builds trust, reduces screen-time struggles, and creates more peace at home?

  • Why high empathy without structure can increase anxiety and fuel screen-time battles
  • Why strict rules without connection can damage trust and cause kids to hide things from you
  • How to step into "secure leadership" with practical scripts that help you set firm, respectful boundaries this week

If you're ready to stop yelling and start leading with calm confidence, press play on this episode and discover how to become a secure leader in your home today.

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📧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…