~170~WTF-"Why Being Your Teen’s “Bestie” Backfires (And What to Do Instead)"

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat#ParentingTeens #TeenParenting #ParentingAdvice #RaisingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingPodcastAre you trying to be your teen’s best friend… hoping it will keep the communication open?In this raw and unfiltered Friday episode of WTF (Welcome to Friday… or What the F, depending on your week), Cheryl Pankhurst dives into one of the biggest parenting misconceptions: your teen does NOT need another bestie — they need a safe, steady guide.Cheryl breaks down:Why teens go to peers for validationWhat actually makes teens open up to parentsThe difference between being approachable vs. being permissiveHow your tone, body language, and reactions shape communicationWhy parents often jump into “fix-it mode”How to create emotional safety without losing authorityThe long game of parenting: building a lifelong relationship with your future adult childPLUS: Cheryl shares critical reminders for parents of Grade 8 students transitioning into Grade 9 — especially for teens with IEPs, anxiety, learning differences, or neurodivergence.This episode is packed with honest parenting insight, practical communication tools, and a powerful reminder that your role during the teen years is not to be liked — it’s to lead with connection, steadiness, and trust.In This Episode:Why “best friend parenting” can create problems laterHow to listen without immediately fixingQuestions to ask instead of giving instant adviceHow to stay emotionally neutral during tough conversationsWhy teens need mentorship more than friendshipThe parenting shift from control to coachingCreating the foundation for a close adult relationship with your childResources Mentioned:Grade 8 to 9 Transition SupportIEP &amp; Transition Planning ResourcesParent Coaching &amp; Advocacy SupportYOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatConnect with Cheryl!Get the book here!Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and ConnectionDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL&nbsp;email : support@cherylpankhurst.com&nbsp;Website<strong st