Holistic Life Coach for Single Parents, Co-Parenting Families & Teens

I have a teen daughter; she is a beautiful young lady that teaches me things pronto.

“What’s the point?” she’d say. “I don’t want to talk to you, because all you do is offer advice, try to fix things, or give me a lecture about life lessons. I don’t need you to talk; I just need you to listen and be there for me.”

Two years ago, Darianna made it clear that she didn’t want to chat with me. Her feelings, friend drama, love life, and everything else were off-limits.

{me – heartbroken}

She doesn’t need a solution; she needs to vent.

Even though we talked every day, it felt like we weren’t really connecting.

So, I reached out to Darianna and asked for her help in finding a better way for us to communicate (especially with her heading off to university soon).

Together, we came up with a code word: ‘TRY AGAIN.’

Now, if my response ever makes her feel uncomfortable, all she has to do is ask me to try again. It’s a signal for me to take a step back, rethink my words, and try to express myself differently.

Fast forward to today, and I stumbled upon a term that instantly resonated with me – Emotional Garbage Bag! It felt like a lightbulb moment, bringing everything full circle.

It was as if someone had handed me a permission slip to let go of all the unnecessary emotional baggage my kids sometimes dump on me.

Let me break it down for you.

While I understand the importance of letting Darianna vent, it’s hard not to feel the urge to fix things when my 16-year-old expresses unhappiness.

But here’s the thing: I’ve realized that Darianna is still just a kid, and much like my toddler who throws tantrums to let off steam, she vents her emotions too. In both cases, what they really need from me isn’t a solution to their problems, but simply my unwavering presence and support.

When your kid needs to vent—especially during the tumultuous teenage years—open your imaginary Emotional Garbage Bag.

Allow the emotional release to happen without getting dirty. No overthinking, no picking at it – after your kid is done, tie it up, take it out, get rid of it!

In 99% of cases, the next day brings a better mood.

I swear, I’m buying a roll of those bags and keeping them close as Darianna isn’t the only one who appreciates a good vent

I got You, You got Me

talk soon

Your Family Coach – Kat