The secret to getting your teen to open up

When my son was struggling in high school, I was beside myself.
Every conversation felt like walking a tightrope—one wrong word, and he’d shut down or blow up.

I kept thinking, I’m smart. I graduated from Stanford. I know how to solve problems. Why can’t I figure this out?

But nothing I said helped. Nothing I did worked.
And the harder I tried, the further away he pulled.

It was humbling—and heartbreaking.

Parenting a teen isn’t like anything else.
It’s uncharted territory. And no one hands you a map.

Here’s one strategy that changes everything:
Do nothing.

I know—it sounds ridiculous. Especially if you're used to running companies, managing teams, or solving high-stakes problems before lunch.

But when your teen starts to spiral or finally opens up…doing nothing—not reacting, not fixing—is the most loving move you can make.

Because “nothing” is actually something.

✔️ It prevents another argument
✔️ It keeps the distance from growing before it even begins
✔️ It tells your teen, I trust you, without needing to say a word

Your mind will scream, Say something! Fix it!

But this—this quiet presence—is what draws them closer.
It’s what makes them feel safe enough to confide in you.
It’s what they need most.

And that’s what I help parents build.

👉 Book a Parenting Breakthrough Call. In this free session, you’ll receive:
✅ A clear read on what’s really happening in moments when you feel helpless
✅ A proven communication shift that invites connection instead of conflict
✅ A personalized path to rebuild trust and become the steady, safe parent your teen wants to turn to 

If your gut says I need this—follow it.

❤️ Jeanine