Keeping Influence: How Parents Shape Teen Behavior

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  

Season 8, Episode 30

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCauley and guest Dr. David Wiesenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development. In this episode they explore how parents can continue to influence their teens through the challenges of adolescence—moodiness, identity formation, and growing independence.

David shares four evidence-based strategies:

• foster open, regular communication using open-ended questions;
• set clear, consistent expectations while offering choices;
• model the values and behaviors you want your teen to adopt; and
• show empathy by validating big emotions instead of minimizing them.

The conversation includes practical examples and parent-tested tips to apply these approaches at home.

Key takeaways: don’t take teen moodiness personally, maintain steady boundaries to help teens internalize rules, use questions to build connection and understanding, and hold space for emotions to strengthen trust and influence. 

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

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