Parenting Teens | Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Hi, I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson. I’m a parenting coach who works with families navigating the challenges of parenting teens. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep respect for adolescent development. I help parents move beyond power struggles and build stronger, more collaborative relationships with their teens because connection, not control, is what creates lasting change. Parenting Guide: https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

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Parenting challenges in Canada When Schools and Parents Work Together, Teens Feel Safer | Dr suzanne Simpson

Parenting challenges in Canada are becoming more visible as families and schools work to support teens through rising stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Most families want the same three things for their teens and tweens: to feel safe, to keep learning, and to know they matter. Most educators want the same. Yet it can feel like home and school are on opposite sides, trying to solve the same puzzle separately.

In reality, something very different is possible.

School can become one of the safest places in your child’s life, and home can become one of the strongest supports for learning. When the relationship between school and parents is based on awareness instead of blame, teens feel it deeply. They feel held, not pushed. Seen, not managed. This matters even more as parenting challenges in Canada continue to grow in complexity. 

We All Want the Same Thing (Even When It Looks Messy)

Parents may see a teen withdrawing at home, while teachers notice disengagement in class. Both perspectives matter. In my research with youth in psychiatric care, teens consistently named three needs: Support. Understanding. Care.

They didn’t need perfect adults. They needed connected ones.

The Role of School Beyond Academics

Schools offer more than curriculum. They provide:

Caring adult relationships

A place to belong

Daily structure

Opportunities to build coping and self-advocacy skills

When schools and families align around these roles, teens find safety in both spaces.

The Circle Around Your Teen

Imagine your teen at the centre of a circle, surrounded by parents, teachers, and support staff. Each person sees part of the story. When these perspectives stay separate, teens feel divided. When they come together, support becomes stronger and clearer.

A parent might notice sleep struggles. A teacher may see low focus. A counsellor may recognise anxiety.

Together, these insights reduce guesswork and increase understanding.

Small Patterns That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need a big program just consistent, intentional actions:

1. Warm First Contact Start communication with strengths, not problems.

2. Honest Sharing Without Blame Simple observations build clarity and trust.

3. Early Check-ins Short conversations early can prevent larger issues later.

These small steps are powerful, especially when navigating ongoing parenting challenges in Canada.

Supporting Parents Without Taking Over

Schools are not meant to replace families but they can support them by:

Normalising teen stress

Offering simple guidance for communication

Creating safe spaces for parent conversations

These actions tell families: “We are with you, not judging you.”

Your Teen’s Voice Matters

One of the strongest protective factors in teen mental health is feeling heard. This can look like:

Writing emails together

Including teens in meetings

Asking what helps them feel supported

These moments build confidence and connection.

A Different Story Is Possible

When schools and parents work together:

Parents feel supported

Teachers feel empowered

Teens feel seen and safer

Even in the face of parenting challenges in Canada, this partnership creates a foundation where teens can grow, connect, and feel that they truly matter.

For more information, visit my website here:  https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

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Parenting teens and tweens podcast- How To Protect Your Teen’s Mental Health In A Phone-First World | Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Parenting teens and tweens podcast conversations often come back to one shared concern: “Is my teen’s phone taking over their life?” If you’ve ever stood outside their door, seeing that late-night glow and feeling shut out, you’re not alone.

Here’s the reframe that matters: phones are not the enemy they are powerful tools. And anything powerful needs leadership, not control.

The real issue: connection, not just screens When phones become the main coping tool, it’s rarely about laziness. It’s usually about overwhelm. Teens use screens to escape stress, anxiety, or pressure they don’t yet know how to handle.

That’s why connection comes first. You cannot influence a child you don’t connect with.

Even small moments help:

sitting nearby

a short walk

a calm check-in

These moments regulate your teen’s nervous system and rebuild trust.

What happens when phones become the only outlet You may notice:

poor sleep from late-night scrolling

avoidance of school or responsibilities

lower real-world confidence

increased irritability or shutdown

Behind this is often shame and feeling “stuck.”

Shift from rules to agreements Instead of constant conflict, create shared family agreements:

Phone Parking No phones in bedrooms overnight. “Sleep is part of your mental health.”

Connection Before Content Five minutes together before scrolling. “I miss you just five minutes.”

Meals = No Phones Start small, even one meal a week.

More Than One Coping Tool Add options: music, movement, talking, rest. “I’m not taking your phone away I’m adding support.”

Social Media Transparency Talk openly about what they see and feel online.

These approaches are often discussed in a parenting teens and tweens podcast, where the focus is relationship over restriction.

One powerful question to ask “What does your phone do for you?”

Then listen without fixing or judging. This builds insight and trust.

Support without shame Avoid: “You’re addicted.” Try: “I notice it’s hard to stop.” “I’m on your side.”

This keeps the door open.

Start small this week Pick one habit to protect like sleep-and one daily connection moment.

Families who focus on connection often see:

better mood

more honesty

less conflict

stronger relationships

Progress, not perfection.

As shared in many parenting teens and tweens podcast discussions, your goal isn’t to eliminate screens it’s to raise a teen who can handle stress without disappearing into them.

For more information, visit my website here: https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

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Parenting Strategies in Vancouver- Support, Understanding, and Care Teens Truly Need | Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Parenting strategies in Vancouver often focus on fixing behaviour, but teens consistently say they need something deeper: support, understanding, and care.

When parenting teens and tweens, it can feel like nothing lands eye rolls, silence, or frustration. These moments can leave parents questioning themselves. But these feelings do not mean failure they reflect how much you care.

In conversations with teens facing real challenges, one message came through clearly. They did not ask for perfect parenting. They asked to feel connected through three simple but powerful needs:

Support: “Do not leave me to handle this alone” Support is not about fixing everything. It is about presence.

Sitting nearby while they handle something difficult

Offering calm companionship without pressure

Saying, “I’m here with you”

This kind of support reassures teens they are not alone in what feels overwhelming.

Understanding: “Look beneath my behaviour” Teens often feel judged before being heard. Understanding requires slowing down.

Ask open, curious questions

Listen without interrupting or reacting quickly

Try to see what emotions are underneath

Instead of labeling behaviour, shift toward connection. This is a key part of effective parenting strategies in Vancouver choosing curiosity over criticism.

Care: “Show me I matter right now” Care lives in small, everyday actions:

A kind tone, even after a tough moment

A simple gesture like a note or snack

Taking a few minutes to sit together

These signals tell your teen they are valued, not only when things go well, but always.

What changes when all three are present When support, understanding, and care come together:

Communication becomes easier

Teens feel safer opening up

Trust slowly rebuilds

Self-worth grows

This is the heart of strong parenting strategies in Vancouver not perfection, but consistent connection.

Start small this week

Offer quiet support during a tough task

Ask one meaningful question and truly listen

Show care through one small, thoughtful action

Change does not happen overnight, but small moments build stronger relationships over time.

For more information, visit my website here: https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

[theparentingcoach]

Parenting Podcast When Schools and Parents Work Together, Teens Feel Safer | Dr. Suzanne Simpson

A parenting podcast often highlights one powerful truth: when schools and parents work together, teens feel safer, more supported, and more able to learn.

Most families and educators want the same three things for teens to feel safe, keep learning, and know they matter. Yet it can sometimes feel like home and school are working separately. In reality, when both sides connect with awareness instead of blame, something shifts. Teens feel it immediately they feel seen, not managed.

A parenting podcast conversation around teen mental health often reveals this: young people don’t need perfection from adults, they need support, understanding, and care. When parents and teachers share information and perspective, teens no longer carry everything alone.

The power of shared awareness At home, you may see withdrawal, stress, or shutdown. At school, teachers may notice lack of focus or incomplete work.

When these pieces come together, a fuller picture emerges. Instead of assumptions, there is understanding. Instead of pressure, there is partnership.

Small shifts that make a big difference Strong school-parent relationships don’t require big programs just consistent patterns:

Warm first contact: Start with strengths, not problems

Gentle sharing: Exchange observations without blame

Early check-ins: Address concerns before they become crises

These small steps create trust between adults and safety for teens.

The “circle of support” Imagine your teen at the centre, surrounded by parents, teachers, and support staff. No one has the full story alone. But together, the circle becomes stronger.

A teacher might notice classroom behaviour. A parent might see emotional changes at home. A counsellor might understand internal struggles.

When these insights connect, your teen feels held instead of overwhelmed.

Why your teen’s voice matters One of the most important pieces is including your teen in the conversation.

Let them share what helps them learn

Encourage small acts of self-advocacy

Involve them in meetings when appropriate

This builds confidence and shows them their voice matters.

A parenting podcast often emphasizes this idea: teens thrive when they are not just supported, but also heard.

A different story is possible

Parents feel supported, not blamed

Teachers feel connected, not alone

Teens feel understood, not invisible

This shared approach creates a strong foundation for both learning and mental health.

For more information, visit my website here: https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

[theparentingcoach]

Parenting Teens and Tweens- The Power of Support, Understanding, and Care | Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Some days, parenting can feel discouraging. You check in with your child and get an eye roll. You try to offer helpful advice, and they walk away. Moments like these are common when parenting teens and tweens, and they can leave parents wondering if their efforts are making any difference.

In my research and conversations with young people, I have learned something important. When teens were asked what they needed most from the adults in their lives during difficult times, their answers were surprisingly simple. They did not ask for perfect parents or complicated solutions. They spoke about three essential needs: support, understanding, and care.

Support means showing your child they do not have to handle everything alone. When parenting teens and tweens, support can be as simple as sitting beside them while they work through something challenging or letting them know you are there if they need help. A calm presence often means more than finding the perfect solution.

Understanding is about looking beneath behavior before making judgments. Children and adolescents are still learning how to manage emotions, pressure, and expectations. In the journey of parenting teens and tweens, asking curious and respectful questions can open the door to meaningful conversations and deeper trust.

Care is shown through small, everyday gestures. A kind word, a quiet moment together, or simply listening without interruption can remind your child that they matter. These small actions build a sense of safety and belonging.

When support, understanding, and care come together, the atmosphere at home begins to change. Relationships grow stronger, communication becomes easier, and children feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and struggles.

Parenting does not require perfection. It simply asks us to keep showing up with patience, curiosity, and compassion.

For more information, visit my website here: https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

[theparentingcoach]

There is a particular heaviness that settles in the house after a big fight with your teen. For many parents looking for advice on teenage behaviour, moments like these can feel overwhelming and deeply personal.

The door might slam.

Voices might get sharp.

You might say something you wish you could pull back the second it leaves your mouth.

When it finally goes quiet, you are left with the echo of the argument and the ache that follows: What if this is one more crack in our relationship? What if I am losing my child?

If you have ever sat on the edge of your bed replaying every word, wondering how to fix it, you are not alone. Every parent of teens finds themselves here at some point. Many parents searching for advice on teenage behaviour discover that conflict is not the real problem, repair is where relationships are either strengthened or strained.

The goal is not to have a home with no conflict. The goal is to learn how to repair in a way that brings you closer instead of pushing you further apart.

The good news is that what you do after the fight matters more than getting every sentence right in the heat of the moment.

For full article visit here: https://www.notion.so/Advice-on-Teenage-Behaviour-How-To-Repair-With-Your-Teen-After-A-Fight-Dr-Suzanne-Simpson-321a34bb4658800baabdd2e09fe98e5a

Visit my website here: https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

[theparentingcoach]

Parenting Challenges Navigating Difficult Moments With Confidence | Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Hi, I am Dr. Suzanne Simpson, and I want to begin by acknowledging something every parent experiences at some point. Parenting is filled with meaningful moments, but it also brings real parenting challenges that can test patience, confidence, and emotional resilience.

Whether it is managing conflict, understanding your child’s emotions, or navigating the changing dynamics of adolescence, these moments can feel overwhelming. The important thing to remember is that challenges are not signs of failure. They are opportunities to grow as a family.

Understanding Everyday Parenting Challenges

Parents often face situations such as:

Communication struggles during emotional moments

Balancing discipline with empathy

Supporting children through social or academic pressures

Adjusting to the independence that comes with parenting teens

These parenting challenges are a natural part of family life. As children grow and develop their own identities, parents are also learning how to adapt their approach.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities for Connection

One helpful mindset is shifting the focus from control to connection. When parents listen carefully and respond with understanding, children feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.

Simple practices can help:

Creating time for open conversations

Acknowledging your child’s feelings

Setting clear and consistent expectations

Reconnecting after moments of conflict

These small actions can transform parenting challenges into meaningful learning experiences for both parents and children.

Moving Forward With Confidence

No family navigates parenting perfectly. What truly matters is the willingness to keep learning, communicating, and showing up with care.

If you would like to explore these ideas further, I invite you to watch the full YouTube video where I share deeper insights and guidance on navigating parenting with clarity and compassion.

For more information, visit my website here: https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/

[theparentingcoach]

Parenting Teens - Creating Healthy Boundaries | Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Reclaiming Focus in a Noisy Digital World

Notifications buzzing. Red dots lighting up the screen. The constant urge to check “just one more time.”

For many teens and parents social media quietly interrupts everyday life.

Hi, I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson, a parenting coach supporting families through the realities of parenting teens. One small shift I often suggest is surprisingly simple: reduce the noise.

Because constant alerts keep young brains in a state of reaction, not reflection.

Why Boundaries Matter

When teens feel pulled toward their phones all day, it becomes harder to focus, rest, or feel content. Comparison increases. Pressure builds. And burnout follows.

But social media doesn’t have to control the day.

Turning off notifications. Setting intentional times to check apps. Creating phone-free spaces at home.

These small boundaries help teens feel calmer and more in control.

Choosing Contentment Over Comparison

Long-term wellbeing isn’t built through hustle or constant performance. It grows through steadiness and self-trust.

When teens learn they don’t have to compete with everyone online, they begin to show up more authentically and with far less stress.

That’s the kind of resilience we want to build while parenting teens.

In the video below, Dr. Suzanne Simpson talks through practical ways families can create healthier digital habits together.

👉 Connect with Dr. Suzanne Simpson at https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com/