About this episode

This episode discusses the concept of Date Day as a practice to connect with teenagers and improve parenting influence.

Connection is one of the five practices that can radically change parenting teenagers. BUT HOW? How do you connect with a cranky teen, or after a hardship? Or just through routine times? My offer: Date Day. Date Day is a weekly practice of 1:1 time with an individual teenager. For us it was usually before school, enjoying a delicious breakfast (waffles, lattes) that was usually out of the question on a school day. This episode walks through the big picture of Date Day, and reinforces the key concept that decreasing distance increases influence. I share some tactics and strategies that can help get you started creating a tradition of connection of your own, including what to do when it's hard to connect at all.

More episodes of Plot Twist Parenting: Teenagers

• You’re Doing Better than You Think · February 1, 2026 · 18 min
• When It’s Hard · January 18, 2026 · 23 min
• Unconditional: Presence Without Prerequisites · January 11, 2026 · 27 min
• Joy on Purpose · November 29, 2025 · 27 min
• Trusting Teens (no, really) · November 24, 2025 · 26 min
• Being Trustable as a Parent · November 1, 2025 · 21 min

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