We speak with Dr. John Duffy the author of The Available Parent– Radical Optimism For Raising Teens and Tweens. He talks to us about how to minimize conflict and maximize satisfaction in your relationship with your child. We have a tendency today to over-parent, micro-manage, and under-appreciate our adolescents. Dr. John Duffy’s The Available Parent is a revolutionary approach to taking care of teens and tweens. Teenagers are often left feeling unheard and misunderstood, and parents are left feeling bewildered by the changes in their child at adolescence and their sudden lack of effectiveness as parents. The parent has become unavailable, the teen responds in kind, and a negative, often destructive cycle of communication begins. The available parent of a teenager is open to discussion, offering advice and solutions, but not insisting on them. He allows his child to make some mistakes, setting limits, primarily where health and safety are concerned. He never lectures — he is available but not controlling. He is neither cruel nor dismissive, ever. The available parent is fun and funny, and can bring levity to the most stressful situation. All of that is to say, there are no conditions to his availability — it is absolute.
Dr. Duffy is a highly sought-after clinical psychologist, certified life coach, parenting expert, and proud parent. He has been working with teens, tweens, and their families for more than fifteen years. He has provided the critical intervention and support needed to help hundreds of families find their footing.
Other Resources
Cathy’s 3rd book, Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn- The Power of Self-Aware Parenting, is now on sale! Go here to order your book.
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Click the following links to purchase Cathy’s books The Self-Aware Parent Part 1 & and Part 2
Click here to find her blog, and click here to find her Chicago Parent column.
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Comments 2
what a super episode!! i am always walking when i listen, so i forget to comment on the website or otherwise after a show. i really appreciated what Dr. Duffy said about remaining connected. it made me feel like i am doing some things right… the connection i have with each of my kids is so important to me, so thanks for the reminder that allows for openness and dialog when things get tough. what a great discussion this was. thank you so much!
Thank you Beth. So glad you enjoyed the interview. Todd