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The 10 Pillars of Empowered Parenting offer an evidence-based parenting framework designed to support parents during high-stress seasons.

January arrives loud with promises to “do better,” “fix more,” and “try harder.” For parents of teens and young adults, especially when substance use, mental health, or behavioral challenges are present, that pressure is exhausting. Here’s the truth: Your child doesn’t need a new version of you. They need a regulated one. That’s where daily intentions and reflections come in. This is not about controlling outcomes. It’s about anchoring yourself, so your nervous system isn’t p

Equanimity Parent Coaching and KatKits.org are partnering this December to share a unified message: Presence is Prevention . The Emotional Complexity of the Holidays The holidays carry a symbolic weight that is both beautiful and emotionally complex. For many families navigating a teen or young adult’s substance use, mental health struggles, or unpredictable recovery journeys, this season can bring added stress, fear, and emotional intensity. The very time of year when we’re

Somewhere between curfews, consequences, and crisis, many parents forget how to laugh. The heaviness of your child’s struggle, whether it’s substance use, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation, can weigh down even the strongest parent. Your days start to revolve around monitoring moods, tracking progress, or bracing for setbacks. You stop noticing small, beautiful things—the warmth of sunlight, the smell of coffee, your child’s fleeting smile. But neuroscience and lived experie

Note: This article was originally written for the Parents Action Network Recovery Month/September Newsletter. I’ve adapted it here for the Equanimity Parent Coaching community, because the message of connection in recovery is just as vital for parents navigating their child’s challenges. Recovery Requires Connection September is National Recovery Month, a time to honor the millions of families and individuals walking the path of recovery. It’s also a reminder of a truth I ca

Parenting teens and young adults can feel like a never-ending tug-of-war. Whether your child is navigating the normal ups and downs of adolescence or facing the added challenges of recovery, the tension is often the same. We want to guide them, protect them, and, let’s be honest, sometimes we just want to win the argument . But here’s the truth: every time we fight to be right, we risk losing what matters most—the relationship. Why “Being Right” Feels So Important When kids p

On February 7, 2024, we celebrated my son’s 17th birthday. The next day, we learned he was addicted to drugs and alcohol. By February 12,...

The back-to-school season brings both possibility and pressure. Behind the excitement of new beginnings, fresh backpacks, sharpened...

Hope for families challenged with child's substance use disorder

Summer break offers a much-needed pause from the school year—but without structure, connection, or support, it can also be a vulnerable...

Letting Go of “Should”: Rewriting Our Parenting Vocabulary for Connection At Equanimity Parent Coaching, one of the most powerful shifts...

Transitioning to Adulthood & Letting Go: Parenting Young Adults with Confidence

Let’s explore key areas that will help your teen thrive mentally, emotionally, and practically as they transition into adulthood.

Navigating Change & Emotional Resilience: Parenting Middle Schoolers with Confidence

By focusing on connection and resilience now, you can create a secure foundation that will help your child navigate middle school and beyond