You’re Not Crazy: Parenting Teens Is Just a Whole New Level
Based on Episode 3 of Root to Ring: A Resilient Parenting Podcast
If you’ve found yourself thinking things like:
- “Why does parenting feel so personal now?”
- “Is it just me, or does every strategy seem to backfire?”
- “Why does calm feel impossible, no matter how hard I try?”
You’re not crazy.
You’re parenting in a whole new world, and doing your best in a system that often leaves moms stuck between guilt, reactivity, and trying harder.
This post will walk you through why your old parenting tools might not be working and how to shift into a leadership role that’s calm, connected, and sustainable (without losing yourself in the process).
Why Trying Harder Isn’t Working
Let’s name it.
You care deeply. You’re showing up. You’ve read the books and tried the things, but nothing seems to stick.
So what gives?
Many moms are stuck in a pattern of trying harder without realizing that effort doesn’t always lead to change. Parenting from fear, even unintentionally, often leads to:
- Reactivity and power struggles
- Shame spirals and self-blame
- The belief that if you were just “better,” this would be easier
But here’s the truth: trying harder won’t fix a misaligned foundation.
4 Beliefs That Might Be Holding You Back
Before you reach for another parenting strategy, let’s look at the beliefs beneath the behaviors.
These are the four most common shifts I coach moms through:
- Calm Isn’t Passive
Being calm isn’t about doing nothing.
It’s active leadership.
It’s nervous system regulation.
It’s showing your teen that you can hold space without collapsing under pressure.
- Parenting Differently Doesn’t Mean Parenting Perfectly
You can parent with intention without being perfect.
Letting go of the perfection trap frees you to lead consistently, even when results take time.
- Effort Matters Even When Results Are Slow
Maybe your new boundary hasn’t “worked” yet. That doesn’t mean it won’t.
Your consistency builds safety, even when it’s met with resistance.
- You Can Be Soft and Strong
You don’t have to choose between empathy and expectations.
Rooted parenting holds both. And your home needs both.
The Rooted Reset: From Shame to Steady Leadership
When you feel like every correction is criticism, and every meltdown is a reflection on you, parenting gets heavy fast.
That’s why rooted parenting isn’t about managing your teen.
It’s about grounding yourself.
Through the Rooted method, we build leadership from the inside out:
- Regulated nervous system
- Clear expectations
- Firm but flexible follow-through
This is not about scripts or perfection.
It’s about reclaiming your authority without fear, shame, or overcorrection.
Try This: A Simple Reflection Reset
Instead of reacting today, pause and reflect:
- What did I need most as a teen?
- How did my parents respond?
- What would I want to do differently now?
Parenting from reflection, not reactivity, lets you show up with strength, even when your teen’s emotions are big and loud.
🎧 Prefer to Listen?
Press play below to hear this episode on the podcast.
Episode Title: You’re Not Crazy: Parenting Teens Is Just a Whole New Level
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Want to Go Deeper? Here’s How I Can Support You
If you’re ready to break the cycle of trying harder and finally parent from calm, clarity, and connection, Rooted 1:1 Coaching is for you.
Inside this transformational mentorship, we’ll work together to:
- Shift the beliefs that are keeping you stuck
- Set boundaries that actually hold
- Build steady leadership your teen can trust
- Heal your nervous system so your responses feel rooted, not reactive
Your teen doesn’t need perfection. They need you—present, calm, and grounded.
Book Your Free Discovery Call Here
Or DM me on Instagram @parentingwithabi with the word ROOTED and I’ll send you the details.
You’re not crazy.
You’re not alone.
You’re learning to lead from root to ring, and that changes everything.
—
Abi Brown
Parenting Coach & Host of Root to Ring: A Resilient Parenting Podcast
