teen communication course for parents and educators

Build Stronger Communication with Teens Using OT-Informed Tools

Course · 4 Lessons

Build Respect, Collaboration, and Understanding

Do you feel like every conversation with your teen turns into a battle? Navigating conversations with teens can feel like walking a tightrope, but it doesn't have to. With the right tools, you can transform these tough conversations into opportunities for connection and understanding. Don’t let the gap between you and your teen widen. You can have meaningful conversations that strengthen your bond and set the foundation for your teen’s confidence and independence.

Why Conversations with Your Teen Matter

Conversations with your teenager are not just about exchanging words—they’re about building a bridge of trust, respect, and understanding. Teens are at a critical stage of developing their identity and independence, and how you communicate with them plays a pivotal role in shaping their future relationships and decision-making skills. Here’s why mastering these conversations is essential:

Prevent Emotional Disconnect and Strengthen Trust: As teens seek independence, communication often breaks down, leading to emotional distance. Without open dialogue, misunderstandings and conflict can create lasting rifts.

Reduce Conflict and Improve Problem-Solving: Teens often resist traditional communication styles like lectures or commands, leading to frequent clashes. Collaborative problem-solving techniques turn disagreements into opportunities for growth, teaching your teen how to approach challenges with responsibility and accountability.

Build a Strong Foundation for Independence: Effective communication is the key to guiding your teen toward responsible decision-making.

What You’ll Learn

  • Maintain respect and authority: Discover how to uphold your role as a parent while allowing your teen’s voice to be heard and respected.

  • Collaborative decision-making: Learn how to include your teen in family decisions without losing control or just saying "no" to everything.

  • The '4 Steps to a Good Conversation': A proven framework for having constructive and meaningful conversations with your teenager.

  • Setting the tone for healthy dialogue: Master foundational techniques that foster open, respectful communication between you and your teen.

  • Dealing with disappointment: Understand how to handle situations where your teen is unhappy with the conversation’s outcome, all while keeping mutual respect intact.

What’s Included

  • 5 in-depth video lessons (including real-life case examples)

  • Insights drawn from OT and regulation principles

  • Lifetime access on any device, at your pace

Replace conflict with connection. Join today and reveal a new dimension to communicating you’re your teen!

Contents

Course videos

Learning from conversation
3 mins

Working with your teen, not against
16 mins

When to say no
4 mins

A respectful conversation
2 mins

Frequently asked questions

What age range is this course best for?

This course is ideal for parents, educators, or therapists working with preteens and teenagers—generally ages 11 and up.

Does this course only help with behavior issues?

Not at all. While it’s helpful in high-conflict situations, the course is also great for everyday communication, emotional support, and strengthening the parent-teen relationship.

Is this based on occupational therapy?

Yes. The strategies are grounded in OT principles and informed by how the nervous system impacts communication and behavior.

Do I need a clinical background to understand it?

No. The course is designed to be accessible for any caring adult—whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor.

How long will I have access to the course?

You’ll get lifetime access. Go through the material anytime and revisit as needed.

Meet Your Instructor

Miriam Manela Frankel, OTR/L CTC CMLD, is a licensed occupational therapist and creator of the Thrive Method™. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she brings real-world tools to help families and educators succeed.