When your teen is tired of hearing it from you

One of the biggest barriers parents face when suggesting coaching is that their teen has already had enough of their reminders. Parents come to a discovery call and are enthusiastic about the possibility but there children won't entertain yet another conversation about executive function.

After years of tension around organisation, homework, or time management, anything that sounds like another lecture can feel like criticism — especially for a teen who already feels they’re falling short at school.

If this is the case in your home, the first step is to step out of the “nag cycle.” A simple acknowledgment goes a long way:

“I know I’ve added to the stress about organisation — and I'm really sorry about that. I’d like you to have a space where you can figure things out without me in the mix. Would you be open to trying a coach who’s just on your side?”

Notice how this shifts the conversation from parent vs. child to teen + coach. The pressure drops because it’s no longer about defending themselves against you. Instead, the teen gains a neutral, safe space where they can experiment, make mistakes, and build their own strategies without judgement.

Even though I’m an executive function coach myself, I hired someone else to work with my own daughter. She didn’t need me in that role — she needed someone separate, with no history of conflict, who could give her ownership of the process. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do as parents is to step back and hand things over.

And this isn’t about big commitments. Often, a short trial of a couple of sessions is enough for a teen to see if the fit feels right. One of my students, AJ, was almost silent during our first sessions. But when she realised this was a judgement-free zone — part cheerleader, part problem-solver — she began reaching out between sessions to share updates and get feedback. That shift, from reluctant to proactive, is where real change begins.

For your teen, the immediate benefit is simple: fewer fights, less nagging, and more control over their own time. For you, the bonus is a calmer home environment and better relationships. Coaching doesn’t just help with organisation — it helps restore peace.

Interested in talking further? Send me a message and let's chat.