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Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World

Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World

Written by: Cheryl Pankhurst
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"Discover ''Parenting Teens : Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World" with Special Education Specialist / Educator Cheryl, as we dive into real and raw conversations about sex, drugs, screens, social media, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and more. This podcast is your guide to reimagining better relationships with teens by doing the essential inner work. Join us for engaging, vibrant, and empathetic discussions that foster trust and understanding in today's complex parenting landscape. Embrace the change,we just can’t parent the way our parents did”

Questions this podcast will answer;


I am so grateful for you taking your time to listen and I would love your input, feedback , suggestions for topics. We are in this together.

Connect with me

support@cherylpankhurst.com

linkedin.com/in/cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855

https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/ https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst

https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t

Optin-podcast subscriber

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast

How to work with me!

https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/consulting

Editing credit Gabbi Greco

Parenting Relationships
Episodes
  • ~167~"What Every Parent Needs to Know About IEPs, High School & Neurodivergent Teens" with Vicki Christensen

    ~167~"What Every Parent Needs to Know About IEPs, High School & Neurodivergent Teens" with Vicki Christensen
    May 6 2026
    #ParentingTeens #NeurodivergentTeens #IEP #ADHDParentingIn this raw and deeply important conversation, Cheryl Pankhurst sits down with parent advocate and founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy, Vicki Christensen, to unpack what really happens when neurodivergent teens move into high school and beyond. From IEP accommodations and executive functioning struggles to school refusal, self-advocacy, transition planning, and aging out of support systems — this is the conversation every parent wishes they had sooner. Founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy and mother of a 21 year-old with global developmentaldelays who proudly wears blue glasses, Vicki Christensen empowers parents with theknowledge and tools to navigate disability rights and is passionate about advocating for familiesthrough the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.She holds a Special Education Advocacy Certificate from the University of San Diego, is amember of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), and co-founded theSpecial Education Advisory Committee In her local school district. She was also awarded theNorth County Consortium for Special Education 2023 Collaborative Parent Award and organizesinclusive community events.Vicki supports parents and guardians of students in special education by providing effectiveadvocacy strategies to foster positive, collaborative relationships at school. Her work, both inadvocacy and in parenting, combines expertise, empathy, and firsthand insight, making heruniquely qualified to guide and inspire families navigating the challenges and triumphs of raisinga neurodivergent child.Vicki resides in San Diego with her husband, two sons, and golden retriever where she is deeplyconnected to the special-needs community.Learn more at www.blueglassesadvocacy.com or on Instagram @blueglassesadvocacyConnect with Cheryl!Get the book here!Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and ConnectionYOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL email : support@cherylpankhurst.com Website cherylpankhurst.comSOCIALS:linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/ https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurstPODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLDTHE PODCASThttps://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_tOptin-podcast subscriberhttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • ~166~WTF "Grade 8 to 9 IEP Transition: What Every Parent Needs to Know Before High School"

    ~166~WTF "Grade 8 to 9 IEP Transition: What Every Parent Needs to Know Before High School"
    May 1 2026
    #ParentingTeens #IEPTransition #SpecialEducationSupport #NeurodivergentTeens #HighSchoolTransitionGrade 8 to 9 IEP Transition: What Every Parent Needs to Know Before High SchoolIf your teen has an IEP and is heading into high school… this is the episode you cannot afford to skip.Because here’s the truth— Most parents are told just enough to feel hopeful… but not enough to actually feel prepared.And that gap? That’s where kids fall through the cracks.In this episode, I’m breaking down what really happens between Grade 8 and Grade 9—and how to move from hoping your teen will be okay… to knowing they will.Drawing from 25+ years in special education and leading high school IEP teams, I’m sharing what I saw every single year:➡️ Parents lining up with fear, unanswered questions, and the sense that it was already too lateThis episode changes that.🔑 What You’ll Learn:1. Why starting early changes everything What should already be happening before your teen even walks into high school—and how to fix it if it hasn’t.2. The biggest mistake parents make with IEPs Hint: It’s thinking the IEP is yours… not your teen’s.3. How to build real confidence in your teen Not through lectures—but through exposure, repetition, and ownership.4. The “safe person” strategy every teen needs Who your child should go to when things fall apart (because they will at some point).5. The truth about IEP transfer delays Why teachers may not even see your child’s IEP until October—and what to do instead.6. How to advocate WITH your teen (not for them) This is the shift that determines whether they thrive in high school… and beyond.7. Communication strategies that prevent crisis mode So you’re not finding out in November that your teen is failing.💡 The Big Reframe:You are not preparing your teen for university right now.You’re preparing them for Tuesday.And when you focus on the next step instead of the entire staircase… everything changes.🎯 Who This Episode Is For:Parents of Grade 7–9 students with an IEPParents of neurodivergent teens (ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities)Families feeling anxious, behind, or unsure what to do nextParents who want to stop reacting—and start leading🧠 Resources Mentioned:✔️ Transition Checklist (download on website) ✔️ Tutoring support recommendations ✔️ Advocacy support options🔗 Work With Me:If you’re sitting here thinking: “I’m already behind… and I don’t even know where to start.”You don’t have to figure this out alone.I offer:Targeted 1:1 consulting sessionsA 90-Day Advocacy Program (from diagnosis → clarity → confident action)📞 Book a complimentary call: https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat🔥 Final Thought:You’re already doing the most important thing.You showed up.Now it’s time to help your teen show up too.Connect with Cheryl!Get the book here!Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and ConnectionYOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL email : support@cherylpankhurst.com Website cherylpankhurst.comSOCIALS:linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/ https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurstPODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLDTHE PODCASThttps://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_tOptin-podcast subscriberhttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • ~165~“Why Moms of Teens Feel Invisible (And How to Find Yourself Again)” with Renee Lindo

    ~165~“Why Moms of Teens Feel Invisible (And How to Find Yourself Again)” with Renee Lindo
    May 1 2026
    #ParentingTeens #MomLifeRealTalk #MomsOfTeens #TeenParenting #MidlifeWomen #FindingYourselfAgainSomewhere between raising teenagers, managing a career, and holding everything together… many moms quietly disappear.In this powerful conversation, Cheryl sits down with style and confidence expert Renee Lindo to explore something most parenting conversations completely ignore:👉 What happens to YOU while you're raising your teen?This episode is not about fashion. It’s about identity. Presence. Confidence. And how small shifts—like how you show up each day—can completely change your energy, your mindset, and even your parenting.Because when you feel better about yourself… everything changes.If you’ve ever felt:InvisibleExhaustedDisconnected from who you used to beLike you’re just “getting through the day”This conversation will hit deeper than you expect.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why so many moms of teens lose their sense of identity (and don’t even realize it)The surprising connection between how you dress and how you show up as a parentHow your “energy” at home shifts when you start showing up for yourselfWhy confidence is not about clothes—but how clothes can unlock itA simple framework to rebuild your identity without overwhelmHow to stop waiting (for weight loss, time, or “someday”) and start nowPractical ways to feel put together—even when you’re busy and overwhelmed💡 Key Takeaway:You are still a leader in your home. And how you show up—physically, emotionally, energetically—matters more than you think.This isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about coming back to yourself.🔥 Cheryl’s Message to You:You’re not just raising a teen. You’re still YOU.And when you reconnect with yourself… you don’t just change your life—👉 you change your relationship with your teen.🔗 Connect with Renee Lindo:LinkedIn: Renee LindoInstagram: @reneelindo_styleWebsite: letsgetdressednow.com💬 Work With Cheryl:If your teen is struggling in school, navigating a diagnosis, or you feel overwhelmed trying to advocate for them—You don’t have to do this alone.👉 Visit CherylPankhurst.com to book a complimentary consultation.Connect with Cheryl!Get the book here!Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and ConnectionYOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL email : support@cherylpankhurst.com Website cherylpankhurst.comSOCIALS:linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/ https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurstPODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLDTHE PODCASThttps://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_tOptin-podcast subscriberhttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
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