About this episode

This episode discusses strategies for single parents to stop arguing with their teens while maintaining connection and boundaries.

Does every conversation with your teen seem to turn into an argument? You ask about homework, and they snap back. You remind them about a chore, and they roll their eyes. You bring up the phone, the attitude, the curfew, or the messy room — and suddenly you are in another exhausting back-and-forth. For single parents, this can feel especially draining because there often is not another adult there to step in. You are the one holding the boundary, absorbing the reaction, and trying to stay calm when your teen knows exactly how to push your buttons. In this episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show , Tess Connolly, LCSW, shares how to stop arguing with a teen without becoming permissive, giving up on boundaries, or losing the relationship. Teen arguing is often not just about the surface issue. It is not only about the phone. It is not only about the homework. It is not only about the tone. It is not only about the curfew. Many times, the argument is about control, independence, respect, emotional regulation, and connection. Your teen is trying to become their own person, but they do not always have the maturity, impulse control, or communication skills to do that gracefully. That…

People in this episode

Host: Therese Connolly

Guest: Tess Connolly

Topics covered

• teen communication
• parenting strategies
• conflict resolution
• emotional regulation
• independence
• boundaries

Keywords

• teen arguing
• parenting tips
• communication skills
• emotional control
• independence
• conflict management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Single Parenting Reset Show

More episodes of Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve Communication

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• 278. How to Limit Screen Time for Teenagers Without Constant Fights · July 9, 2026 · 23 min
• 277. How to Limit Screen Time for Tweens Without Daily Battles · July 7, 2026 · 24 min
• 276. ADHD Behavior Problems in Kids: Gut Health, Screen Time & Meltdowns · July 2, 2026 · 30 min
• 275. Single mom burnout: how to stay grounded when your teen pushes every button · June 30, 2026 · 48 min

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