Parenting teenagers can feel like walking through a storm without a map. On Marriage Unhindered, a mother named Reba called in seeking help after a painful week of conflict with her 14-year-old daughter. What started as an argument over chores quickly turned into emotional distance, eye rolls, silence, and hurt feelings on both sides. Reba admitted she feared repeating the strained relationship she once had with her own mother.

Doug Hinderer and his daughter Monica reassured her that this season, while difficult, is often a normal part of development. “She’s separating herself from you,” Monica explained. “We have to sometimes weather these storms.” At the same time, they emphasized that parents should still maintain loving boundaries and not tolerate disrespect.

One of the most powerful moments came when Monica gently pointed out how easy it is for parents to become defensive. When Reba’s daughter said she felt constantly criticized, Reba instinctively tried to prove that wasn’t true. Monica encouraged a different approach: “Help me understand why you feel that way.”

That spirit of curiosity, Doug explained, keeps communication alive. Teenagers may not always express themselves clearly, but their feelings are still real to them. Listening first can open doors that arguing often shuts.

The conversation also highlighted an important truth for parents: Not every emotional outburst is actually about mom or dad. Hormones, friendships, school pressures, and insecurity can all surface as conflict at home.

Rather than forcing a resolution, Monica suggested opening the conversation with, “I’m always here if you want to talk about what’s going on, even if it’s about me.”

For parents struggling through similar tensions, the Doug and Monica offered hope. Relationships can survive hard seasons. Patience, humility, prayer, and emotional honesty can help families grow stronger, especially through conflict.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Parenting teenagers can feel like walking through a storm without a map. On Marriage Unhindered, a mother named Reba called in seeking help after a painful week of conflict with her 14-year-old daughter. What started as an argument over chores quickly turned into emotional distance, eye rolls, silence, and hurt feelings on both sides. Reba admitted she feared repeating the strained relationship she once had with her own mother.
Doug Hinderer and his daughter Monica reassured her that this season, while difficult, is often a normal part of development. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s separating herself from you,&rdquo; Monica explained. &ldquo;We have to sometimes weather these storms.&rdquo; At the same time, they emphasized that parents should still maintain loving boundaries and not tolerate disrespect.
One of the most powerful moments came when Monica gently pointed out how easy it is for parents to become defensive. When Reba&rsquo;s daughter said she felt constantly criticized, Reba instinctively tried to prove that wasn&rsquo;t true. Monica encouraged a different approach: &ldquo;Help me understand why you feel that way.&rdquo;
That spirit of curiosity, Doug explained, keeps communication alive. Teenagers may not always express themselves clearly, but their feelings are still real to them. Listening first can open doors that arguing often shuts.
The conversation also highlighted an important truth for parents: Not every emotional outburst is actually about mom or dad. Hormones, friendships, school pressures, and insecurity can all surface as conflict at home.
Rather than forcing a resolution, Monica suggested opening the conversation with, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m always here if you want to talk about what&rsquo;s going on, even if it&rsquo;s about me.&rdquo;
For parents struggling through similar tensions, the Doug and Monica offered hope. Relationships can survive hard seasons. Patience, humility, prayer, and emotional honesty can help families grow stronger, especially through conflict.
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The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.