Parents, it can feel like a shock to the system when you’ve experienced a close connection with your kids, only to encounter an abrupt disconnect during their adolescent years. This phase often feels like a push-and-pull dynamic:

  • “I need my space, and I don’t need you.”
  • “I don’t want to be anything like you.”

This can be a tricky and awkward period.


The Push and Pull Is Natural

This pull toward connection and push for autonomy is both healthy and necessary for adolescents. However, it can feel:

  • Personal
  • Discomforting
  • Full of inner tension

How we navigate this period is critical.


Key Reflection Questions

As a parent, ask yourself:

  • How do you navigate tension, discomfort, and separation?
  • What feelings arise when:
    • Your teenager gives you negative feedback?
    • They let you know what you’re doing isn’t working for them?
    • They walk away when you’re trying to help?
    • They’re struggling but don’t want to talk about it with you?

During this time, focusing on yourself—your energy, presence, and heart—can create a healthier, calmer presence for your adolescent.


Why Understanding Attachment Styles Matters

Your attachment style plays a key role in navigating these moments. It can help you uncover traits and habits that may sabotage your connections with yourself and your loved ones during times of discomfort and tension.

Ask yourself:

  • Would you like tools to calm and regulate your nervous system?
  • Would you like to experience more peace and healthier connections with your kids, partner, and yourself?
  • Would you like to feel more secure and less out of control?

Signs You May Be Struggling

Are your intimate or close connections with your children or partner:

  • Chaotic?
  • Distant?
  • Strained?

Do you struggle with:

  • Communicating your needs?
  • Understanding your partner’s or children’s needs?
  • Feeling close or managing tension?

Does it feel like you:

  • Walk on eggshells to keep the peace?
  • Get triggered when your kids disengage or show anxiety?
  • Only feel okay when everything around you is okay?

If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to explore the underlying dynamics.


Introducing the “Decode Your Attachment Style” Program

Thanks to Dr. Alex Howard, I am thrilled to bring the “Decode Your Attachment Style” program to the Teaching Kids For Life community.

In this program, you will discover:

  • The four most common attachment styles
  • How your predominant attachment style affects your relationships with yourself, your loved ones, and your kids
  • The link between attachment styles and nervous system regulation
  • Somatic exercises to ground and support your nervous system

Program Benefits

This program is designed to help you:

  • Experience more calm and less chaos in your relationships
  • Gain tools to regulate your nervous system
  • Move away from anxiety and self-judgment toward curiosity, care, and compassion
  • Take positive steps to communicate and meet your own needs
  • Empower yourself instead of waiting to be “rescued”
  • Set healthy boundaries with love and wisdom—for yourself, your children, and others

As a result, you’ll feel more confident, grounded, and authentic, bringing more fun, joy, and connection into your relationships.


Join Now and Save

Pre-Sale Offer: Save $30.00 per household by registering now!

Program Dates: October 10th – November 7th, 2024

Register Here: Decode Your Attachment Style Program


Additional Services

Teaching Kids For Life also offers:


A Message from Dr. Alex Howard

Dr. Alex Howard emphasises that our attachment styles can change. A big part of this journey is learning how to adapt.

Through this program, you’ll experience:

  • A supportive community with breakout rooms for discussion
  • Opportunities for personal growth and transformation
  • Somatic practices to calm and regulate your nervous system

Special Offer: Free Discovery Calls

Take advantage of free discovery calls during January school holidays.

Contact: 0414 485 938

Teaching Kids for Life is here to support families, offering services to work with your child, adolescent, and the whole family system.