“I wish my parents knew how hard it is being a teen.” That was one of the most common responses when I recently asked local teens what they wished their parents knew. Parents sometimes look at teens and think, They’re just being dramatic. But what if they’re not? Stress isn’t simply having a busy schedule. It happens when life’s demands exceed a person’s resources. For teens, the demands are everywhere—school, sports, jobs, friendships, family expectations, planning for the future, and an...

Procrastination can seem like a harmless habit; a child putting off homework, a teen delaying a job application, or a spouse waiting until the last minute to tackle responsibilities. In a culture that normalizes busyness and distraction, procrastination often appears more frustrating than concerning. But hidden beneath the surface, chronic procrastination is often about avoidance that is rooted in fear of failure, perfectionism, anxiety, overwhelm, or low self-confidence. What looks like “not...

Most parents have watched their kids hesitate at the edge of something new: standing at the top of a playground ladder, hovering over the water before a first jump, or staring down a challenge with a quiet “What if I can’t?” In those moments, it’s tempting to step in and gently steer them back to what feels safe. But what if those moments of hesitation are actually your child building their courage to be adventurous? They are likely sitting on the edge of an opportunity to discover bravery,...