Ever wondered if your teen’s latest mood swing, eye roll, or total shutdown is just part of growing up or a sign that something deeper is going on? You’re not alone. Parents ask me about normal teen behavior almost daily, especially when past struggles or treatment make it harder to tell what’s typical and what’s cause for concern.
In this conversation with therapist and parent coach Jen Murphy, we explore how understanding human growth and development stages can take the guesswork (and the panic) out of your reactions. Jen shares how to spot age-appropriate behavior, when to trust your gut as a parent, and how to respond in ways that foster connection with your struggling teen or young adult kid instead of conflict.
You’ll come away with more clarity, more compassion (for yourself and your teen), and practical ways to navigate even the most baffling days of parenting.
In this episode on normal teen behavior, we discuss:

• The key developmental stages of adolescence and how they show up in daily life;
• Why egocentrism is normal and how to balance it with responsibility;
• How to tell when behavior is “normal” for your teen and when it’s not;
• Why trusting your parenting gut matters more than any book or expert;
• Healthy ways to step back, regroup, and respond without escalating conflict;
• And many more insights from Jen!

Looking for support?
🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan!
🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens.
Have a question or need support? You can email me at [email protected]
You can support the show by:
Leaving a review
Subscribing to the show
And remember parents, the change begins with us.