253. Help With Teen Behavior Problems: What to Do When Your Teen Lies, Pushes Back, or Shuts Down

About this episode

This episode discusses common teen behavior problems and effective parenting responses to foster connection and structure.

Is your teen lying, talking back, shutting down, or making choices that leave you feeling scared, frustrated, or unsure of what to do next? If so, you are not alone. Teen behavior problems can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying so hard to stay connected while also setting limits and hold your ground. In this episode, Tess talks about some of the most common teen behavior problems parents face right now and how to respond in a way that is calm, clear, and effective. What looks like “bad behavior” on the surface is often a signal that something deeper is going on underneath. Your teen may be dealing with stress, shame, anxiety, peer pressure, overwhelm, or a need for control, and that often comes out through behaviors like: lying disrespect sneaking and secrecy vaping, drinking, or substance use anger, explosive reactions, or shutting down Tess walks you through how to look at these behaviors differently so you can respond with both connection and structure. In this episode, you’ll learn: why teen behavior problems are often communication, not just defiance the top 5 behavior issues parents are struggling with most what to say and do when your teen lies, pushes back…

People in this episode

Host: Therese Connolly

Topics covered

• teen behavior problems
• communication
• parenting strategies
• emotional support
• setting limits

Keywords

• teen behavior
• lying
• communication
• parenting
• emotional issues
• defiance
• stress
• anxiety

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• 267. Teen Anger Issues: What to Do When Your Teen Explodes Without Losing Your Cool · June 2, 2026 · 16 min
• 266. Digital Boundaries for Kids: Less Fighting, More Connection · May 28, 2026 · 14 min
• 265. Why Taking the Phone Away Doesn’t Fix It · May 26, 2026 · 14 min