by Christine Lawler LMFT | Sep 12, 2025
Raising teenagers is one of the most rewarding, and at times most challenging, parts of parenting. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, your child starts speaking a new language filled with sighs, eye-rolls, and “you just don’t get it.” If you’ve ever felt like your teen is pulling away just when you’re trying to pull closer, you’re not alone.
The truth is, adolescence is a natural season of growth and independence. Teens are figuring out who they are, testing limits, and learning to stand on their own two feet. But during this process, communication can become strained. The good news? With the right tools and mindset, parent teenager communication can improve, and you can foster a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
Keep reading to learn more.
(more…)
by Christine Lawler LMFT | Jun 12, 2025
The teenage years are full of challenges- changing bodies, shifting social circles, academic pressures, and growing independence. In the midst of all this change, self confidence plays a powerful role. It’s the foundation that helps teens make healthy choices, form strong relationships, and bounce back from inevitable setbacks.
But what exactly is self confidence, why does it matter so much, and how can we help teens grow it in a healthy way? While no one parents or guides teenagers perfectly, making an effort to nurture their self confidence can be life changing.
Keep reading to learn more.
(more…)
by Christine Lawler LMFT | Oct 16, 2024
During the teenage years, life can feel particularly overwhelming and confusing. Teens are faced with changes in hormones, new social pressures, peer pressure, academic pressures, and the process of figuring out their personal identity.
During these emotional, formative years, it makes sense that anger could often build up and bubble over. The prefrontal cortex is simple not fully developed in teenagers, making it harder to process emotions effectively. However, when it gets serious and is left unmanaged, it can lead to damaged relationships, harmful behaviors, and even long term emotional and physical problems.
In this post, we’ll explore anger management for teens and how you can help.
(more…)
by Christine Lawler LMFT | Sep 4, 2024
Getting a depressed teenager out of bed can feel like a monumental task. It can be a challenging and emotional experience for both the teen and their loved ones. Depression often brings with it a profound sense of fatigue, hopelessness, and lack of motivation, making even simple tasks like getting up in the morning feel overwhelming.
However, with patience, understanding, and practical strategies, you can help your teenager take those first steps toward regaining their daily routine and mental health. Keep reading to learn more.
(more…)
by Christine Lawler LMFT | Aug 7, 2024
Imagine being a teenager today: balancing academics, social media, extracurriculars, and the pressure to fit in. Especially with this age of rampant social media comparison, the weight of these challenges can sometimes morph into something more than just stress- it can become anxiety. But how can you tell when typical teenage worry turns into a more serious problem? When it starts to interfere with their wellbeing and every day life, it might be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Recognizing the signs of teen anxiety is crucial for providing the support that your teen needs. This post will dive into the world of teenage anxiety, help you spot the symptoms, and understand how to step in and make a difference.
(more…)
