Hi Parents!

Adolescence is often framed as something parents must survive, but what if the teen years are one of the most powerful developmental opportunities of a lifetime? In this episode, I’m joined by renowned child development expert Ellen Galinsky to reframe how we understand adolescence and what teens truly need from the adults in their lives.

Ellen Galinsky is President of the Families and Work Institute, former Chief Science Officer at the Bezos Family Foundation, and the author of The Breakthrough Years, one of the most highly praised parenting books of 2024. Drawing from decades of research and direct conversations with young people ages nine through nineteen, Ellen explains why teens don’t want to pull away from parents but instead seek a different kind of relationship rooted in collaboration, respect, and trust.

In our conversation, we explore what executive function skills really are and why adolescence is such a critical window for developing them. Ellen shares how parents can nurture these skills without controlling or rescuing, and how everyday conflict can be transformed into shared problem-solving using her Shared Solutions framework. We also talk about anxiety, pressure, and distraction in today’s world, and why positive risk-taking plays such an important role in building competence, confidence, and resilience.

This episode is especially meaningful for parents who feel overwhelmed by their teen’s emotions, behaviour, or motivation and are searching for guidance that feels hopeful, science-backed, and practical. Ellen brings a deeply compassionate and empowering perspective that challenges common myths about teens and invites parents to see adolescence not as a crisis to endure, but as a breakthrough season for connection and growth.

If you’re parenting a tween or teen, supporting an anxious child, or wanting a stronger, healthier relationship with your adolescent, this conversation will leave you with a renewed sense of clarity, possibility, and confidence in what truly helps teens thrive.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

Connect With Me on Instagram