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Aaron Huey Coaching

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Aaron Huey Coaching

Family consultant for 25 years, former teen treatment center owner, interventionist, parent pod host

Families get support in many different ways when they have children struggling with behaviors and experiences that are threatening to prevent them from experiencing success.

07/29/2025

Managing Teen Anger: How to Address and Redirect Aggressive Behavior

Teenagers experience intense emotions, and anger is one of the most common and difficult feelings they may struggle with. Whether it’s due to school stress, peer pressure, or personal challenges, teen anger can often manifest in aggressive behavior. As a parent, understanding how to manage and redirect this anger constructively is crucial. Not only does it help your teen manage their emotions, but it also teaches valuable emotional regulation skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Why Teen Anger Matters

Anger, when left unchecked, can escalate into issues such as poor decision-making, conflicts with friends or family, and even long-term emotional struggles. Teaching teens how to express anger in healthy ways is essential for their emotional well-being. Helping them navigate these emotions effectively promotes better mental health, improved relationships, and a greater sense of control over their feelings.

Signs of Unmanaged Teen Anger

It’s important to recognize the signs of anger in teens before it escalates:

Physical Symptoms: Clenched fists, tense body language, rapid breathing.

Verbal Aggression: Yelling, cursing, or harsh words.

Isolation: Withdrawal from others or lack of communication.

Destructive Behavior: Throwing objects or engaging in impulsive, reckless actions.

Being aware of these signs allows parents to step in early and provide guidance before things get out of hand.

Practical Tips to Address and Redirect Teen Anger

Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings
The first step is to acknowledge your teen’s anger. Instead of brushing it off or reacting with anger yourself, calmly validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel angry but that it’s important to manage how they express it.

Encourage Open Communication
Help your teen express why they’re angry. Encourage them to talk about the root cause of their emotions. Active listening and a non-judgmental attitude can help them feel heard and understood, which may de-escalate their anger.

Teach Healthy Coping Strategies
Redirect anger into healthy outlets. Encourage your teen to:

Take deep breaths or practice mindfulness.

Engage in physical activities like running, yoga, or hitting a punching bag to release pent-up energy.

Use creative outlets such as drawing, writing, or playing music to process their feelings.

Set Clear Boundaries and Consequences
While it’s important to validate your teen’s emotions, it’s equally important to set clear boundaries for how anger can be expressed. Teach them that aggression towards others, whether physical or verbal, is not acceptable. Consistent consequences for aggressive behavior will help reinforce the need for respectful emotional expression.

Model Calmness and Emotional Regulation
Teens learn a great deal by observing their parents. If you react with anger in stressful situations, your teen will likely mirror that behavior. Model calmness, patience, and self-regulation, showing them that it’s possible to remain composed, even in difficult situations.

Provide Safe Spaces for Venting
Create environments where your teen can safely vent their anger without fear of judgment. Whether it’s in a private journal, a conversation with you, or during a workout session, giving them a safe outlet helps prevent the buildup of bottled-up emotions.

Encourage Professional Support if Necessary
If your teen’s anger becomes overwhelming or disruptive, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a counselor or therapist. Professional support can teach your teen more effective coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills.

Anger is a normal part of teenage development, but it doesn’t have to lead to destructive behavior. By addressing teen anger constructively and teaching them healthy ways to process and channel their emotions, you are empowering them with valuable tools that will serve them throughout their lives. By providing consistent support and healthy coping strategies, you can help your teen navigate this challenging emotion and foster better emotional regulation.

For more information, go to https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com

How do you help your teen manage their anger? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

07/23/2025

The Role of Peer Relationships in Teen Development

As teens grow, their peer relationships become increasingly important. These friendships help shape their emotional and social development, influencing how they see themselves and interact with the world. While these relationships can provide support, they can also be a source of stress. As a parent, understanding the role of peer relationships in teen development and offering guidance through tough friendships can help your teen navigate this crucial stage.

Why Peer Relationships Matter

Peer relationships are vital for a teen's emotional growth. Teens start to define their identity outside of their family unit, and their friends play a significant role in this process. These relationships:

Shape Self-Identity: Teens begin to compare themselves with peers, which can help them refine their values and self-image.

Build Emotional Skills: Through friendships, teens learn how to manage conflict, express empathy, and build trust.

Provide Social Support: Friendships offer emotional support, helping teens feel understood and less isolated.

However, peer relationships can also present challenges such as peer pressure, bullying, and drama, all of which can affect a teen's mental health and self-esteem.

How Parents Can Guide Their Teen Through Friendships

Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where your teen feels comfortable sharing their friendships, both the positive and the negative aspects. Listen actively without judgment, and validate their feelings.

Teach Healthy Boundaries: Help your teen understand the importance of setting boundaries with friends. Friendships should be built on mutual respect, and it's okay to distance themselves from toxic or unhealthy relationships.

Provide Emotional Support: Peer struggles such as conflict, rejection, or bullying can have a significant emotional impact. Offer your teen emotional support and remind them that it’s okay to seek help from trusted adults when needed.

Foster Critical Thinking: Encourage your teen to think critically about their friendships. Are their friends supportive and positive? Are they making choices that align with their values? Helping them reflect on their relationships allows them to make better choices.

Lead by Example: Model healthy friendships and social behaviors. Show your teen how to navigate challenges in your own relationships and demonstrate how to build trust, set boundaries, and resolve conflicts constructively.

Friendships are an integral part of teen development, but they can also be challenging. As a parent, being supportive, setting boundaries, and guiding your teen through tough friendships can help them navigate these relationships in healthy ways. When teens learn how to foster strong, positive peer relationships, they build the emotional and social skills necessary for success in adulthood.

For more information, go to https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com

How do you support your teen in navigating friendships? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

07/22/2025

Understanding and Supporting the Non-Conformist Teen

Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation, and for many teens, this means challenging the norms and questioning societal expectations. Non-conformist teens, who push against the grain, can be perceived as rebellious or difficult to manage. However, non-conformity is often a sign of personal growth, and understanding this phase can lead to a more positive, supportive relationship with your teen. Instead of trying to change them, parents can help nurture their individuality and guide them toward self-empowerment.

What is Non-Conformity in Teens?

Non-conformity in teens refers to the desire to break away from traditional or societal expectations regarding behavior, identity, and values. These teens may reject mainstream trends, question authority, and seek alternative lifestyles or belief systems. Their non-conformity might manifest in their clothing, music tastes, political views, or even in their choice of friends and hobbies. While this can sometimes cause tension with parents, it's important to recognize that this phase is part of their journey toward finding their authentic self.

Why Non-Conformity Matters

Non-conformity is often seen as a rebellion or a phase, but it’s actually a crucial aspect of personal development. Teens are trying to carve out their own identity and establish values that resonate with who they truly are. This process of exploration can lead to:

Self-Discovery: Non-conformist teens are actively exploring who they are and what they believe in. This search for personal truth helps them develop strong self-identity.

Critical Thinking: By challenging conventional wisdom, these teens develop independent thinking skills. This fosters resilience, creativity, and the ability to think outside the box in adulthood.

Courage and Confidence: Choosing a non-conventional path requires bravery. Teens who are confident in their identity and beliefs learn to stand firm in their values, even if they face judgment or criticism.

How Parents Can Support Their Non-Conformist Teen

While it’s natural for parents to worry about their teen’s choices, it’s important to approach this phase with understanding and patience. Here’s how parents can support their non-conformist teen:

Respect Their Individuality: The first step is to acknowledge that non-conformity isn’t something to be feared. It’s part of their journey to self-identity. Validate their right to explore different beliefs, styles, and values, even if they’re different from your own.

Encourage Open Dialogue: Keep the lines of communication open. Instead of immediately dismissing your teen’s thoughts and choices, engage in meaningful conversations. Ask questions, listen to their perspective, and express your own views without judgment.

Set Healthy Boundaries: While it’s important to give your teen space to express themselves, it’s also necessary to establish clear boundaries for behavior. These boundaries should be based on mutual respect, safety, and the well-being of everyone in the household.

Offer Support Without Pressure: Non-conformist teens may feel misunderstood or isolated. Offer emotional support and let them know that they’re not alone. Encouragement and understanding from parents can help them feel validated and less likely to retreat into isolation.

Celebrate Their Uniqueness: Embrace your teen’s differences and celebrate their individuality. Whether it’s through their artistic expression, their choice of interests, or their willingness to challenge societal norms, show pride in their authenticity.

Model Healthy Non-Conformity: Set an example by embracing your own uniqueness. Teens learn by observing their parents, and if they see you confidently expressing your own values and beliefs, it gives them the courage to do the same.

Provide Guidance: Offer guidance and share your life experience without being controlling. Non-conformist teens may reject traditional advice, but they will appreciate your wisdom when it’s presented respectfully and without judgment.

The Importance of Understanding Non-Conformity

Supporting your teen’s non-conformity helps them grow into confident, independent individuals who aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Understanding this phase as a natural part of their development can lead to a more positive, respectful parent-child relationship. The goal isn’t to suppress their uniqueness but to guide them in navigating their choices while providing them with the skills to thrive in the world.

Non-conformity in teens is not a sign of rebellion—it’s a crucial stage in their journey to self-discovery and independence. By embracing their individuality, offering support, and fostering open communication, parents can guide their teens through this phase and help them develop into strong, self-assured adults who are comfortable with their identity and place in the world.

For more information, go to https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com

How do you support your non-conformist teen? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

07/20/2025

The Rise of Overparenting: How to Find the Right Balance

Parenting today is more challenging than ever. With the overwhelming amount of information and societal pressure to "get it right," many parents find themselves hovering over their teens, trying to protect them from every hardship and challenge. This tendency to overparent, though well-intentioned, can hinder a teen’s development, limiting their ability to become independent and self-reliant. Striking the right balance between support and autonomy is essential to fostering a teen’s growth into a capable, confident adult.

What is Overparenting?

Overparenting, also known as "helicopter parenting," refers to an overly involved parenting style where parents excessively monitor and control their teen's life. While wanting the best for your teen is natural, overparenting can lead to them becoming overly reliant on their parents for decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional support. Teens may feel incapable of navigating challenges on their own, which can impact their confidence, emotional development, and overall resilience.

Signs of Overparenting

Constantly Solving Their Problems: Taking over when your teen faces challenges instead of guiding them to find solutions on their own.

Monitoring Every Move: Checking their social media, tracking their activities, or making decisions for them without their input.

Shielding from Discomfort: Stepping in to prevent your teen from experiencing failure, disappointment, or frustration.

Excessive Control: Dictating what they should do or where they should be, leaving little room for personal choice.

Why Overparenting Hurts Your Teen

Lack of Independence: Teens need the freedom to make their own choices, fail, and learn from their mistakes. Overparenting robs them of these opportunities and inhibits the development of problem-solving skills.

Decreased Confidence: When parents constantly intervene, teens may doubt their ability to handle challenges on their own. This erodes self-confidence and can lead to anxiety and insecurity.

Increased Dependence: Teens who are overparented often struggle with independence. They may rely too heavily on their parents for emotional support or decision-making, making it harder for them to develop autonomy.

Strained Parent-Teen Relationship: Constant interference can create resentment and conflict. As teens seek more independence, overparenting can lead to friction in the relationship.

Finding the Right Balance: Encouraging Self-Reliance

Offer Guidance, Not Solutions: Instead of solving every problem for your teen, ask guiding questions that encourage them to think critically and find their own solutions. Support them by helping them learn from their experiences.

Allow for Failure: Let your teen experience failure and disappointment. These are essential learning experiences that teach resilience, self-regulation, and determination.

Give Them Room to Make Choices: Allow your teen to make decisions — even if they make mistakes. This helps them develop their judgment and builds confidence.

Set Healthy Boundaries: Respect their growing need for privacy and independence. Establish clear expectations, but give them the space to navigate their world within those boundaries.

Focus on Emotional Support: Be there to listen when needed, but resist the urge to fix everything. Show empathy, offer advice when asked, and encourage emotional resilience rather than trying to shield them from difficult emotions.

Model Independence: Be a role model for healthy independence. Show your teen how to balance your responsibilities and allow them to see you problem-solve, make mistakes, and adapt.

The key to successful parenting lies in striking the right balance. While your teen will always need your support, overparenting can stifle their growth and prevent them from becoming independent, self-sufficient adults. Encourage their autonomy, allow them to make mistakes, and provide them with the tools they need to navigate life on their own. With the right guidance, your teen will develop the confidence and resilience to face the world and succeed.

For more information, go to https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com

How do you find the balance between guiding your teen and giving them independence? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

07/16/2025

How to Recognize Signs of Burnout in Teens and What to Do About It

Teenagers today face an overwhelming amount of pressure. Between academic demands, social expectations, and extracurricular activities, it's no wonder that burnout has become a growing concern. The stress of trying to balance it all can take a toll on their mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the signs of burnout early is crucial in preventing long-term mental health struggles. Here’s what parents need to know to spot burnout and help their teens manage stress effectively.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout occurs when the demands placed on a person exceed their capacity to cope. For teens, this can happen when they’re juggling schoolwork, social obligations, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs. Unlike stress, which is temporary, burnout can leave teens feeling mentally and emotionally drained, with no energy to handle their usual responsibilities. It can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue and sleep problems, as well as emotional symptoms like irritability or hopelessness.

Signs of Burnout in Teens

It’s easy for teens to hide their feelings, but there are common signs to watch for:

Physical Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, headaches, stomachaches, and changes in sleep patterns are often the first signs of burnout.

Emotional Withdrawal: A teen who is feeling burnt out may withdraw from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed. They may also show irritability, anxiety, or sadness.

Decline in Academic Performance: Burnt-out teens often struggle to focus, complete homework, or perform well in school. Procrastination and lack of motivation are common.

Loss of Interest in Activities: Teens who are burned out may lose interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities they once enjoyed.

Changes in Behavior: Look for changes in eating habits, mood swings, or an increase in unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use or overeating.

What Parents Can Do to Help

Encourage Open Communication: Let your teen know it’s okay to talk about stress and burnout. Create an environment where they feel safe sharing their struggles without judgment.

Help Them Set Priorities: Teens often take on too much in an effort to please others or because they think they need to be perfect. Help them assess their commitments and prioritize what matters most.

Promote Healthy Routines: Encourage your teen to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. Physical health is tightly connected to mental health, and establishing a daily routine can help balance their stress levels.

Teach Stress Management Techniques: Introduce relaxation strategies such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation. These techniques help manage the stress and can be used in high-pressure situations.

Limit Extracurricular Overload: While extracurricular activities are valuable, too many can lead to burnout. Help your teen find a balance between school, activities, and downtime.

Create Space for Relaxation: Encourage your teen to spend time doing activities they enjoy, like reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends. Downtime is crucial for recharging and avoiding burnout.

Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your teen’s burnout symptoms are severe or persistent, it might be time to consult a mental health professional. Therapy can help them build coping strategies and manage stress in healthier ways.

Burnout isn’t something to ignore, especially when it comes to our teens. Recognizing the signs early and taking proactive steps to address stress can prevent long-term mental health struggles and set your teen up for success. By providing support, teaching stress management, and helping them prioritize their well-being, parents can make a significant difference in their teen’s ability to thrive.

For more information, go to https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com

Have you noticed signs of burnout in your teen? Share your experiences and tips for supporting teens in managing stress in the comments below!

07/14/2025

Teen Career Exploration: Helping Your Teen Find Their Path

As teens approach adulthood, they face the daunting question: "What will I do with my life?" The pressure to make career decisions at a young age can be overwhelming, especially when they don’t yet have a clear direction. While it’s natural for teens to feel uncertain about their future, parents can play a crucial role in guiding them through this exploration and helping them make informed, realistic decisions about their careers. Here’s how to support your teen as they begin to map out their path.

Why Career Exploration Matters

For many teens, the idea of choosing a career feels like an insurmountable challenge. With so many options available and a rapidly changing job market, it’s easy for teens to feel lost. Career exploration gives them the opportunity to discover their strengths, passions, and areas of interest — and, just as importantly, to understand that their career journey is not set in stone. Parents can help by providing resources, encouragement, and a structured approach to exploring potential careers.

How Parents Can Guide Career Exploration

Start with Self-Discovery
Help your teen reflect on their interests, skills, and values. What subjects do they enjoy? What extracurricular activities excite them? Understanding what makes them tick is the first step in identifying career options that align with their strengths.

Tip: Encourage them to take a career assessment or personality test to gain insight into potential career paths.

Expose Them to Different Careers
The world of work is vast, and teens may not have considered career options beyond those they’re familiar with. Show them the wide range of careers that exist, from traditional professions to emerging fields.

Tip: Use job shadowing, internships, or informational interviews to give your teen a glimpse of real-world careers.

Help Them Set Short-Term Goals
Career exploration doesn’t mean deciding on a final path immediately. Help your teen set small, achievable goals, like researching a particular field, taking an introductory class, or volunteering for a related activity.

Tip: Break down larger career-related decisions into manageable steps, and celebrate each milestone.

Support Their Interests and Hobbies
Encourage your teen to explore activities and hobbies outside the classroom that could lead to a fulfilling career. Whether it’s writing, coding, or art, these passions could open doors to unexpected career paths.

Tip: Support their pursuits by providing the necessary tools, resources, or connections to foster their growth in these areas.

Discuss the Importance of Education and Skill Development
Once your teen has some career interests in mind, discuss the educational requirements needed to pursue these paths. Talk about the importance of skills development, certifications, or college programs that might be necessary.

Tip: Help them explore scholarships, trade schools, or apprenticeships that can support their career aspirations.

Why Parents Matter in Career Exploration

Teens may feel pressure to have everything figured out, but they need reassurance that career paths are often fluid and that it’s okay to change directions. Parents provide essential support by helping their teens navigate this uncertainty with patience and encouragement. By being involved in career exploration, parents can help their teens gain clarity, build confidence, and make informed decisions that are aligned with their passions and strengths.

Helping your teen explore career options isn’t just about finding the "perfect" job — it’s about equipping them with the tools to make thoughtful decisions about their future. By supporting their journey with understanding, encouragement, and resources, you can help them gain the confidence to choose a career path that aligns with their interests and skills. Remember, career exploration is a journey, and your teen doesn’t need to have all the answers right away.

For more information, go to https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com

How do you support your teen in exploring career options? Share your thoughts, tips, and experiences in the comments!

07/12/2025

Parenting Teens with Special Needs: Navigating Unique Challenges

Parenting a teen with special needs comes with a set of unique challenges, but it also offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in their development. Whether the teen faces physical, emotional, or learning disabilities, understanding how to support their journey toward self-esteem, academic success, and social inclusion is crucial. Parents are key players in ensuring that their teens thrive, and with the right tools and mindset, they can help their teens overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

Building Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is foundational to a teen's overall well-being, especially for those with special needs who may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or isolation. Here are some ways parents can foster self-esteem:

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small it may seem. This reinforces the idea that progress is still progress.

Encourage Independence: Give your teen opportunities to make decisions and solve problems independently, which boosts confidence and encourages self-reliance.

Affirm Strengths, Not Just Challenges: Recognize and highlight your teen’s strengths and talents, rather than focusing solely on their challenges.

Promote Positive Self-Talk: Help your teen develop a positive inner dialogue by teaching them to replace negative thoughts with affirming statements.

By fostering a supportive environment that focuses on their capabilities, you help build a resilient foundation of self-worth that will last a lifetime.

Supporting Academic Success

Academic success looks different for every student, and this is especially true for teens with special needs. Here’s how parents can help them succeed academically:

Customized Learning Plans: Work with teachers and specialists to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan that addresses your teen’s specific needs and learning style.

Break Down Tasks: Help your teen break down large assignments into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelm. Offer support when needed but encourage independence as much as possible.

Provide a Quiet, Organized Study Space: Minimize distractions by creating a calm, clutter-free study environment that allows your teen to focus and work more effectively.

Praise Effort, Not Just Results: Reinforce the importance of effort and persistence over grades. This can motivate your teen to keep trying, even when they face academic difficulties.

Supporting academic success for teens with special needs often means being flexible and patient. With consistent encouragement and a focus on individualized learning, parents can help their teens achieve their academic goals.

Fostering Social Inclusion

Social inclusion is one of the most challenging aspects for many teens with special needs. They may struggle to fit in with peers, face bullying, or feel misunderstood. Parents can play a key role in helping their teens navigate social situations:

Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Help your teen explore extracurricular activities that align with their interests. Sports, art, music, or clubs can provide opportunities to connect with others who share similar passions.

Teach Social Skills: Work with your teen on social cues, conversation starters, and how to handle peer relationships. Practicing these skills in a safe environment will give them the confidence to interact socially.

Foster Empathy: Encourage your teen to develop empathy by teaching them how to appreciate the differences in others. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and fosters more inclusive friendships.

Support Social Interaction: Arrange social opportunities with peers in a comfortable setting, such as a one-on-one hangout, to help your teen build relationships at their own pace.

Creating a safe, inclusive environment helps teens with special needs develop meaningful connections, fostering a sense of belonging and boosting their self-esteem.

Parenting a teen with special needs comes with its own set of challenges, but it is also an incredibly rewarding journey. By focusing on building self-esteem, supporting academic success, and fostering social inclusion, parents can help their teens navigate the unique obstacles they face. With the right guidance and encouragement, teens with special needs can thrive and achieve success in ways that are meaningful to them.

For more information, go to https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com

How do you support your teen with special needs? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below to help others in their journey.

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Boulder, CO
80303

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.parentingteensthatstruggle.com/

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Our Story

Teens ages 12-17 live with us for 4-14 months to hit the reset button, get sober, stop hurting themselves, get the life skills they NEED to succeed, become empowered, develop self-concept, and re-integrate back into their communities as responsible, contributing young adults.

The story so far.

Fire Mountain was established in 2004 in response to parents asking for specialized camps that don’t just entertain but empower children and teens. Seeing the desperate need for a new kind of after-school, weekend, and summer camp experience, Aaron and Chris, parents themselves and wanting the same for their children, threw caution to the wind and took the leap of faith.

The results have been nothing short of fulfilling. From the creation of kids camps, and the teen camps, and family programming, the “Bear Tribe” has reached thousands of kids, teens, and parents.