How to Start Repairing After a Hard Season With Your Teen
Based on Episode 5 of Root to Ring: A Resilient Parenting Podcast
If you’ve been walking on eggshells, carrying guilt, or stuck in silence after a hard moment with your teen—you are not the only one.
So many moms I work with say things like:
“I don’t know how to come back from this.”
“I said something I regret and now I feel stuck.”
“If I bring it up, I’ll make it worse.”
Let’s pause.
You’re not failing. You’re human.
And you don’t need perfect words to make things right—you just need to begin.
Repair Doesn’t Erase the Rupture, But It Rebuilds Trust
Conflict is a normal part of parenting.
So is saying the wrong thing.
What matters most is what you do next.
When you ignore the tension or try to pretend everything’s fine, your teen notices.
They feel the emotional distance, even if they can’t name it.
Instead of spiraling in shame, you get to interrupt the cycle.
You get to model resilience.
You get to go first.
What Repair Actually Looks Like
Repair isn’t about over-explaining or begging for forgiveness.
It’s not a perfectly worded apology.
It’s a small, steady step toward reconnection.
Try something like:
- “I know last week was hard. Can we talk about it?”
- “I care about our connection, even when we miss each other.”
- “I see that I hurt you, and I want to try again.”
Simple is enough.
Honesty + presence + small steps = trust rebuilt over time.
Why This Feels So Hard (and What To Do About It)
Sometimes repair feels impossible because of your own story.
Maybe you didn’t grow up with healthy examples of apology or reconnection.
Maybe your teen’s silence feels like rejection.
But silence doesn’t heal.
Connection does.
And being the parent means being the one who initiates—even when it’s awkward.
The Rooted Shift: From Conflict Avoidance to Repair
Inside my coaching work, I guide moms through what I call The Rooted Shift—moving from reactive parenting into grounded leadership at home.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Owning your part without over-apologizing
- Naming the moment without lecturing
- Reconnecting with your teen outside of the hard stuff
- Creating safety through presence, not perfection
You don’t have to fix everything.
You just have to keep showing up.
🎧 Prefer to Listen?
Press play below to hear this episode on the podcast.
Episode Title: How to Start Repairing After a Hard Season With Your Teen
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Want Help Navigating Repair With Your Teen?
If this message hit home, Rooted 1:1 Coaching was made for you.
This is a 1:1 mentorship experience for the mom who wants to parent with calm, clarity, and connection—without performing or overthinking every decision.
Inside Rooted, we’ll work together to:
- Stop spiraling after every conflict
- Shift your repair style from awkward to authentic
- Build safety and trust inside your home
- Lead with presence, not perfection
You’re allowed to try again.
You’re allowed to get support.
You’re allowed to feel confident in how you show up as a parent—even after a rupture.
Book Your Free Clarity Call Here
Or DM me on Instagram @parentingwithabi with the word REPAIR and I’ll send you all the details.
You’re not failing. You’re learning.
And your relationship with your teen is worth repairing.
—
Abi Brown
Parenting Coach & Host of Root to Ring: A Resilient Parenting Podcast
