What if venting isn’t what calms them down?
A hot tub conversation reveals that what teens need when upset isn't endless venting, but a guided walk through their full range of feelings.
I HATED it, but loved the glimmer of hope
Palmer reflects on how the first day of school offers kids a glimmer of hope to reinvent themselves, and how parents can help nurture that hope.
The never-ending beginnings and endings
Kerry reflects on the bittersweet mix of pride and grief that comes with each of her kids' milestones, especially dropping her youngest off at college.
Living with Teens
He told three coaches to hit the road
A client known as Jack fired three coaches before Palmer found a way to reach him. Five years later, he attended his wedding.
What I Wanted to Say in My Defense
Kerry reflects on the defenses that rose up when her adult kids shared how she'd hurt them, and why every true excuse still misses the point.
Reflections
I have a complicated relationship with Father's Day
Palmer reflects on his complicated relationship with his father and what it means to be a dad himself, with honesty, grief, and hope.
Parenting Skills
The assignment one of my kids gave me
Kerry shares what it actually looked like to seek repair with her adult kids, including the unexpected assignment one of them gave her: make a list of the ways
Parenting Skills
The season of parenting nobody prepared you for
Kerry reflects on parenting one season ahead and asks the question most parents never think to prepare for: will you have a close family when your kids are adul
Parenting Skills
What I hope my kids inherit
A father reflects on how children absorb everything parents model, the good and the bad, and offers a simple challenge: pick one thing and model it better thi
Reflections
Big Smile, Arms Open Wide
A Mother's Day reflection on the one thing that matters most: letting your kids know they are your favorite people on the planet, just as Kerry's mom still does
Living with Teens
What teenage me would hate for parents to know
Palmer comes clean about the 741 times his mom didn't catch him, and explains why parents are usually more in the dark than they think.
Living with Teens
Why I Sent My Son to Talk to Strangers
When 14-year-old Palmer was caught sneaking a beer, Kerry skipped the lecture and sent him to interview strangers instead, an ER doctor, a police officer, and
Parenting Skills
20 Second Hack to Connect with Your Kid
Palmer shares the research-backed power of a 20-second firm hug and how this simple act of physical connection can anchor your child's nervous system and shift
Divorce
Essential Conversations
Kerry's son Palmer told her he wished his parents had talked more about adult topics growing up, and it sparked a reflection on the conversations parents assum
Parenting Skills
Giving Your Kid the Gift of Courage
My one-year-old son James reached his tiny hand toward the moon the other night, fingers wiggling, completely convinced he could grab it. And honestly, I haven't stopped thinking about it since.
Parenting Skills
Outwitting My Sneaky Teenager (Without Grounding Him)
My rule-following, straight-A son was lying to my face about sleepovers, and I almost grounded him for a month. Then I thought better of it, and decided to beat him at his own game instead.
Parenting Skills
I really thought she might die
Palmer stepped up when a fellow passenger had a seizure mid-flight. Read what happened, and what it taught him about staying calm under pressure.
Living with Teens
The Day I Was Glad the Trash Didn’t Get Taken Out
Kerry Stutzman shares a simple 4-question framework to try before reaching for consequences when your teen acts up. Rethink how you respond.