Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson
Are you worried about your teen’s anxiety, screen time, or emotional distance? You’re not alone. Get on Their Turf is the parenting podcast that helps you support your child’s mental health and build lasting connection. I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson, teacher and researcher with 3 decades of experience, and biweekly I share expert interviews, parenting strategies, and real stories from my work in classrooms and a youth psychiatric unit. Episodes explore teen anxiety, depression, screen time struggles, listening without fixing, and spotting early warning signs of stress or crisis. Let’s raise kids who feel safe, seen, and heard—because connection changes everything.
Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson
JUST ME: Help Your Teen Open Up at Home: Reconnect With Your Child Using Get On Their Turf
How to Reconnect With Your Child: Get on Their Turf and Build Trust Again
When your child feels distant, defiant, or disconnected, it can leave you feeling invisible at home. In this episode, Dr Suzanne Simpson shares a practical way to rebuild trust by getting on your child’s turf, meeting them where they are, and leading with presence. This is not about control or fixing, it is about showing up on purpose so your child feels seen, valued, and safe.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW
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If your child is disconnected from you, behaving poorly, or you feel they’re slipping away, there is a way to reconnect that works. Many parents face eye rolls, shrugs, or distance. It’s exhausting because nothing seems to break through, and maybe you feel invisible in your own home. The solution to all of this is to get on your child’s turf.
What do I mean by that? Ask:“What do you want to do?” Maybe go for a bike ride, to the mall, or just watch a show. Doing things together is the first way to get on their turf. Spend time, even if it’s simple. Kids want you to take initiative. Knock on their bedroom door, go to their games, or sit on the floor with them. That pursuit shows they matter and builds connection. The third way is to understand how they’re feeling. Learn what they’re going through emotionally or psychologically. Anxiety, for example, might not make sense to you, but it’s real for them. Getting on their turf means empathizing with feelings you may not share. It’s not about correcting or fixing them. It’s about connecting and helping them feel seen and safe. This isn’t hovering or fixing everything. Kids need to fall, fail, and learn. Support them, but don’t step in and take over. Connection isn’t control.
From my research with youth in a psychiatric unit, one theme stood out:they want adults to take initiative. To show up, reach out, and pursue them gently.
They want adults to take initiative in their well-being and time together. Our initiative says:“You matter. I see you. You’re worthy of my time.” What can you do in action? First, make time. Second, stop talking for a bit. Listen well. When your child speaks, don’t fill the space—let them lead.
Ask yourself:am I listening just to go through the motions, to verify my assumptions, or to plan my next response? True listening means pausing and staying open. When you listen deeply, kids feel understood. Ask what they want, how they’re feeling, attend their events, or offer small gestures like a favourite meal after a hard day. If they don’t want to talk, give space and circle back later. “Hey, I just wanted to check in about that.” It shows you remember and care, even if they weren’t ready before. When you get on your child’s turf, connection starts to rebuild. It may begin with small shared moments and grow into deeper trust and openness. As safety grows, conflict lessens. Homes become calmer. You stop fighting for control, and your child feels safe and valued. That’s when true influence begins. You don’t have to be perfect. No parent is. Your kids just want you to show up, to take responsibility, and to meet them on their ground. This isn’t theory—it’s proven through my research with teens. Every young person I spoke to wanted adults to take initiative and connect. It changes everything. There is hope. Our kids want relationships with us. When you get on their turf, you help them feel seen, safe, and strong. Follow for more conversations on connection.