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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