How to Stay Connected to a Teen Who Wants Independence

Most over-functioning parents don’t look controlling. They look responsible. They are the ones who remember everything, anticipate problems, step in quickly, and smooth things over before they escalate. They pack the bag when their child forgets. They email the teacher. They remind, repeat, re-explain, and rescue. And they do it because they care. Over-functioning rarely comes from ego. It com...

Many parents say they’re tired, but what they’re often feeling goes deeper than lack of sleep. You might get through the day just fine. The meals are made. The homework is checked. The calendar is managed. Nothing dramatic happened. And yet by evening, you feel depleted in a way that doesn’t match what the day looked like on paper. That’s emotional labor. Emotional labor is the invisible work ...

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at “self-care tips,” you’re not alone. A lot of parenting self-care advice sounds great in theory. Take a long bath. Journal for 30 minutes. Meditate daily. Go for a quiet walk alone. Get a massage. But most parents read that and think: When? In what universe? So let’s talk about the kind of self-care that actually works for parents. The kind you can do while di...