You tried gentle parenting and feel like your kid walks all over you. Or you tried being firmer and it backfired. The debate between "too soft" and "too harsh" misses the real point—there's a third path. Discover how DBT-C parenting strategies help you lead with both compassion and clarity for sensitive and neurodivergent children.

Social anxiety isn’t just being shy or introverted. It’s a deeply rooted fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. It shows up in classrooms, group chats, cafeterias, and friend circles—and for many teens, it can feel unbearable.

While some teens might label themselves “socially awkward,” others might just say, “I hate school” or “No one gets me.”

The truth is: social anxiety in teens can affect every part of their world—from friendships and academic performance to how they see themselves.

As a parent, your deepest instinct is to protect your child from distress. And when summer rolls in—with its bright skies, popsicles, and pool days—it brings a fresh batch of both magic and meltdowns.

Your instinct is to help them feel safe. Maybe you offer constant reassurance, answer every anxious question with extra patience, or agree to skip the BBQ, the pool party, or the overnight trip. Maybe you keep tight to your usual routines—even when the season invites spontaneity.

But what if some of those loving efforts to reduce their anxiety are actually helping it grow?

Longer days, more sunshine, and that sweet summer slowdown—it sounds dreamy. But if you’re like a lot of parents I work with, that relaxed routine can quickly turn into a daily battle over screens. If pulling your kids away from their devices feels like a full-time job, you’re not alone. The good news? It is possible to create a rhythm that feels good for everyone—one where screen time isn’t the enemy and summer still feels like, well… summer. Let’s talk about how to make that balance doable—and even enjoyable—for your family.

You see your child crumble over small disappointments or explode when things don't go their way, and wonder if they'll ever learn to handle life's ups and downs. The truth is: emotional intelligence isn't something kids are born with—it's built through everyday moments when you help them notice, name, and navigate their feelings with emotion coaching instead of quick fixes.

Validation is not about agreeing with your teen's every thought or action—it's about acknowledging their emotions and showing them they make sense based on their experiences. By validating their feelings, you create a foundation of trust and understanding that strengthens your relationship and empowers your teen to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Parenting often feels like walking a tightrope between loving your child as they are and guiding them to grow. Balancing acceptance and change is essential for building self-esteem, fostering resilience, and creating a nurturing environment where your child can thrive. It’s not about choosing one or the other—it’s about embracing both to support their journey.

Children’s big emotions can feel overwhelming, but teaching them to match their reactions to the size of a problem is a game-changing skill. By helping kids differentiate between small, medium, and big problems, we empower them to respond thoughtfully and build emotional resilience—laying the foundation for a more confident and calm future.

Summer can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing for children, especially those who thrive on routine. By teaching kids tools like anxiety scaling, visual schedules, and self-care menus, parents can help them navigate new situations with confidence. Empower your child to embrace summer as a time of growth, resilience, and fun.

Does your child feel things more deeply than others, reacting intensely to even minor events? These 'supersensers' need extra patience, validation, and tailored strategies to thrive. Learn how to recognize their unique traits and provide the support they need to navigate big emotions with confidence.