Q&A: How to Stay Connected Without Power Struggles
Parenting teens can feel confusing and exhausting — especially when connection starts to slip.
In this Thriving Kids Q&A episode, Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute answers real questions from parents about staying connected to teenagers during adolescence.
We cover:
- Why teens can be warm and talkative with other adults but distant at home
- How memes, TikToks, and inside jokes still count as real connection
- How to prepare teens for college and independence without constant conflict
- What to do when defiance and power struggles escalate
- How to respond when teens self-diagnose ADHD or other mental health conditions online
This episode focuses on relationship-first parenting, clear boundaries, and helping teens feel understood — so they’re more likely to come to you when it really matters.
Further reading
- Help! My Teen Stopped Talking to Me – Child Mind Institute
- Tips for Communicating With Your Teen – Child Mind Institute
- Parenting a Defiant Teen: Expert Tips – Child Mind Institute
Creators and Guests
Host
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.
Producer
Andrew Dearling
Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.
Producer
Chad Garber
Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.
