Ep 65 They’re Not Leaving You - They’re Just Doing a Lap with Michelle Mitchell

Ep 65 They’re Not Leaving You - They’re Just Doing a Lap with Michelle Mitchell

From Conversations with Kristi by Kristi McVee

May 27, 2026 · 50 min · Season 4

About this episode

Kristi McVee and Michelle Mitchell discuss connection-based parenting and guiding teenagers through emotional challenges.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi , Kristi is joined by Michelle Mitchell , parenting expert, author, and educator, for a practical, encouraging conversation about connection, boundaries, and raising resilient teenagers. With decades of experience equipping families to stay connected through the messy emotional years, Michelle brings grounded insights that help parents move beyond fear and frustration and into thoughtful, values-based parenting. This is not a perfection-based conversation. It’s a connection-based one. Kristi and Michelle explore why control isn’t the goal, why “parenting is just hard” is a myth, and how building trust with teenagers requires intentional, age-appropriate guidance. They discuss: Why connection matters more than control Teaching principles instead of just rules Using friendships as the practice ground for adult relationships How to stay consistent and present, even when your child pushes away Why saying “no” is sometimes the most loving thing you can do Navigating independence while maintaining safety The roundabout metaphor for the normal ups and downs of growing up Michelle shares practical frameworks for guiding teens through…

People in this episode

Host: Kristi McVee

Guest: Michelle Mitchell

Topics covered

  • parenting
  • connection
  • boundaries
  • resilient teenagers
  • trust
  • independence
  • child safety

Keywords

  • parenting expert
  • resilience
  • teenagers
  • boundaries
  • connection
  • trust
  • decision-making

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Conversations with Kristi

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