Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
213. Are Phones and Social Media Making Teen Life Harder Than Ever?
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This week on Parents of the Year, Dr. Caroline and Andrew are joined by their youngest daughter for one of their most honest conversations yet.
From social media stress to family rules that actually work, this episode pulls back the curtain on life with teens in a Canadian household. Their daughter shares why she is now grateful she did not grow up with unrestricted social media, what she sees happening with friends online, and why consistency matters more than punishment.
They talk about:
- why many teens feel overwhelmed by Snapchat and social pressure
- how trust changes the way kids communicate with parents
- the difference between boundaries and control
- why nagging shuts kids down
- how respectful conversations build honesty
- why sleep, phones, and mental health are tightly connected
- how parents can hold firm limits without turning the house into a battlefield
One of the most powerful moments comes when their daughter explains the difference between being told what to do and being asked about her plan. That small shift can make a huge difference in how interactions go with kids.
If you are raising teens or preparing for those years, this episode offers practical ideas, humour, and a refreshing look at what healthy family relationships can sound like.
Homework Activities for Adults Supporting Children and Teens
1. Replace Commands With Questions
Instead of:
“Go do your chores.”
Try:
“What’s your plan for getting your chores done today?”
Purpose:
Helps teens feel ownership instead of pressure.
Resource:
Keep a sticky note on the fridge with three reminder questions:
- What’s the plan?
- When are you thinking of doing it?
- Do you need help getting started?
2. Create One Non-Negotiable Phone Boundary
Pick one consistent rule:
- phones downstairs at night
- no devices during meals
- no phones in bedrooms after a certain time
Purpose:
Consistency lowers arguments.
Resource:
Use a family charging station in a shared area.
3. Explain the “Why” Behind Rules
Spend 10 minutes talking about one family boundary and the reason behind it.
Focus on:
- sleep
- mental health
- safety
- trust
- relationships
Purpose:
Teens respond better when rules feel reasonable and predictable.
Resource:
Write family agreements together on paper instead of only giving verbal instructions.
4. Practice Calm Corrections
When something is not done perfectly, pause before pointing it out immediately.
Instead of:
“You missed a spot.”
Try:
“Thanks for getting started on this.”
Purpose:
Reduces defensiveness and helps teens stay engaged.
Resource:
Set a reminder on your phone that says:
“Connection before correction.”
5. Ask About Online Stress Without Judgement
Questions to ask:
- Does social media ever make school harder?
- Do people feel pressure to respond quickly?
- What causes the most drama online?
Purpose:
Keeps conversations open without turning them into lectures.
Resource:
Use a walk or drive instead of face-to-face conversation. Teens often open up more when eye contact is reduced.
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