Why Kids Stop Talking to Their Parents: A Son’s Honest Advice

The nextTalkParent Podcast with Mandy Majors

The nextTalkParent Podcast with Mandy Majors
Why Kids Stop Talking to Their Parents: A Son’s Honest Advice
Sep 08, 2026 Season 10 Episode 1
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What helps kids keep talking to their parents—even when the subject is awkward, uncomfortable, or potentially alarming?

Mandy welcomes her son Carter back to the podcast just days before he leaves for college. Carter gives parents an honest look at the digital and cultural pressures young people are facing today, including sports gambling, online gaming, sexualized content, locker room culture, explicit music, and the pressure boys feel to hide their emotions in a world with so many competing definitions of what it means to be “masculine.” 

Together, Mandy and Carter reflect on the choices that helped build trust in their relationship—from introducing gaming privileges in stages to listening calmly when Carter brought them something concerning. They also discuss the importance of teaching children to protect their hearts and minds, helping them find a strong Christian community, and guiding them without trying to control every decision.

Parents cannot remove every harmful influence their children will encounter, but they can become a safe place where their children process those experiences.

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Why Kids Stop Talking to Their Parents: A Son’s Honest Advice 41:31 Keeping the Conversation Open 0:56 18-Year-Old Son’s Honest Take on My Parenting 31:28 How To Help Kids Navigate Risky Friendships 29:38 A Mom Put This in Her Phone Contract—Was It a Good Idea? 25:25 One Simple Parenting Habit That Builds Trust 11:47 We Read the Comments on Our Viral Parenting Post 48:36 Tori Hirsch (NCOSE): Parents Were Right About Social Media—What These Court Cases Revealed 29:19 Kristina Fields, LMFT: The “iPad Kid” Trend and Reducing Screen Time 35:24 Online Gambling and Teens: What Parents Need to Know 31:48 Something Feels Off with My Teen… Should I Be Worried? 11:59 Tall Cop: Kratom, 7-OH, and Hidden Gas Station Drugs 34:05 NCMEC: The Hidden Online Threat Targeting Kids 34:16 Raising Athletes Without Losing What Matters Most 1:04:52 Gender-Affirming Care: 3 Major Developments (Landmark Verdict + New Medical Positions) 16:30 Jen Oshman: Are Women Attending Church Less Than Men? 33:47 Talking to Kids About ICE: Defund, Defend, or Something Else? 41:52 Courtney Reissig: Is God Mad At Me? 35:04 Alena Pitts Franklin: Looking for God After Losing My Mom 35:52 Look in the Mirror || nextTalk10 23:05 Face Your Fears || nextTalk10 24:54 Create Guidelines || nextTalk10 32:57 Protect Your Heart and Mind || nextTalk10 13:24 Kristina Fields, MS, LMFT: Breaking the Fast-Dopamine Cycle 34:41 Develop Moral Compass and Default to Love || nextTalk10 23:12