Neil D Brown

12/29/2025

Want a quick way to evaluate where you stand in the Control Battle with your teen? Complete this free assessment to get a better sense of your relationship. https://neildbrown.com/articles/parent-teen-control-battle-assessment/

12/26/2025

A recent article in Medical Press cited a study showing that 40% of children’s health expenditures are for behavioral health, a near doubling of that percentage in the last 10 years. The study looks at the cost to consumers and the need for access to services, but what the heck is going on? Why is this happening and what can we do about it? Here are 3 reasons and how to address it.

👉https://neildbrown.com/articles/mental-health-spending-is-40-of-child-and-teen-health-spending/

12/23/2025

The parent-teen control battle is a chronic relationship pattern that uses up the family’s emotional resources and can seriously impact child identity, self-esteem, and development.

The result is destructive behavior that causes stress for everyone.

If you’re tired of the constant battle for control and you’re ready to cultivate a more loving, peaceful, and supportive environment for the whole family, my online course has the skills and understanding you need to be successful, no matter what you and your teen face.

Visit the course page for more information about how you can gain a thorough understanding of the control battle and a clear prescription to end it. → Link in comments below

12/20/2025

An oldie, but a goodie. From 2017 and it still applies: Create a Successful Holiday Break with your Kids

A client had asked me about the holiday break time and what to do with her kids. She was concerned about all that downtime and the kids’ tendency to want to jump on their computers and play video games. She was worried that the holiday would be spent fighting with the kids over their computer time. A lot of families are dealing with this issue so let’s talk about it.

A client recently asked me about the holiday break time and what to do with her kids. She was concerned about all that downtime and the kids’ tendency to want to jump on their computers and play video games. She was worried that the holiday would be spent fighting with the kids over their computer...

12/17/2025

Get the guide: Parenting Through Your Child's Second 12 Years
neildbrown.com/free-stuff

There are many stages of child and adolescent development that psychologists have identified. Knowing and understanding our children in the context of each of these stages can help us know what they’re going through, what they’re working on, and can make us smarter, more effective parents.

Having worked for decades with families with kids from the toddler years through young adulthood, I’ve come to think of parenting a child through the first 12 years of their life and the second 12 years as distinctly different.

Download the free guide: Parenting Through Your Child's Second 12 Years at neildbrown.com/free-stuff

12/10/2025

The journey from childhood to adulthood isn’t a single leap - it unfolds in three distinct stages, and understanding them can transform how we parent and support our kids. In this podcast episode, Neil clearly maps out the path:

• Early adolescence (roughly middle school years): Identity forms through peers, impulses are strong, and connection with parents remains essential.
• Late adolescence (high school): Competence grows, future planning begins, and teens need both encouragement and realistic guidance.
• Young adulthood (post-high school/college): The focus shifts to genuine independence - launching into work, relationships, and self-directed life.

As Neil says, “Problems are a given. The difference is made by how proactively and skillfully we respond to them.”

These years bring challenges for every family, but they’re also rich with opportunity for growth - for both teens and parents.If you’re raising teens or young adults, this episode offers a compassionate, practical framework that can bring more clarity and less conflict.

Listen here or read the transcript: https://neildbrown.com/podcast/the-3-stage-journey-from-childhood-to-adulthood/

12/05/2025

Parenting a teen can feel like a never-ending tug-of-war. The arguments, the defiance, the worry — it’s exhausting. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Neil D. Brown, LCSW, author of Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle, shares proven strategies to transform your relationship with your teen.

Sign up for the Healthy Family Connections newsletter and get free, actionable tips to:
- Stop power struggles
- Build trust and independence
- Bring peace back to your home

Sign up at https://neildbrown.com/newsletter-signup today.

11/26/2025

I want to wish you a most Happy Thanksgiving. This is a time to give thanks, be grateful, and share time and a special meal with friends and family.

Unfortunately, illness and loss don’t take breaks for holidays so we need to make space for those within our close circle and outside of our circle who are managing challenging situations and feelings.

But on this special day please take the time and set the ground rules for activities and significant limits on devices. Kids and teens will appreciate the day best when they make a contribution to it. Have them help prepare some of the dishes, serve guests, or help the host. Engaging younger children can be an important way for kids and teens to meaningfully participate. And while they may put up a stink and groan initially, they’ll feel good about themselves afterwards.

And as important as setting things up for success with the kids, set yourself up for success as well. If there’s a choice for doing more or less, choose with respect for your personal needs. Sure, make that dish you know your mother in law loves, but make time and priority for your physical and mental health. You need it, you deserve it, you’re worth it.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Neil

11/21/2025

How to Turn Thanksgiving Overwhelm Into Family Teamwork: A Guide for Parents of Teens | neildbrown.com/podcast/im-depressed-thinking-about-thanksgiving

Keeping teenagers engaged during the holidays can be a challenge, and the holiday cook can feel taken for granted. Read Neil's solution for a mom who feels that she works hard making a Thanksgiving dinner and a nice day for everyone without appreciation or fun.

11/20/2025

Struggling with your teen? You're not alone. Parenting teenagers doesn’t have to be a constant battle. With the right tools, you can navigate this challenging period with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Guide your youth on a healthy path forward and enjoy your family again. Link in comments 👇

11/12/2025

How is a parent to know when the power struggle they’re having with their teen is normal, and when it’s truly become a serious problem?

How do you tell the difference between a normal parent-teen power struggle and one that has crossed the line to become a destructive Parent-Teen Control Battle?

Read the article for answers to these family relationship challenges.

How is a parent to know when the power struggle they’re having with their teen is normal, and when it’s truly become a serious problem?How do you tell the difference between a normal parent-teen power struggle and one that has crossed the line to become a destructive Parent-Teen Control Battle?

11/12/2025

Hi, I’m Neil D. Brown, LCSW — family therapist, author, and creator of the Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle book and course.

For over 35 years, I’ve worked with:
• Parents of teens
• Schools and student support teams
• Mental and behavioral health providers

When relationships break down, conflict escalates, and trust erodes — families, schools, and clinicians need more than strategies. They need a framework for restoring connection, influence, and emotional safety.

This is the work I do. Learn more link below and in bio 👇