How to open conversations with teens

Today, we welcome back one of our favorite guests, Taylor Chesney, director of the Feeling Good Institute in New York City. Taylor specializes in TEAM-CBT with children and adolescents and brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and real-life wisdom as the mother of four.

Parents everywhere are worried about social media, sexting, porn, bullying, and the fear that their kids are doing "who knows what" behind closed doors. In this episode, Taylor offers a refreshing and deeply practical message: the solution isn't better apps, stricter rules, or surveillance—it's connection.

Why Blaming Technology Misses the Point

Teen brains are still developing. They're impulsive, thrill-seeking, and wired for belonging and validation. Give teens instant access to peers and social media, and mistakes are inevitable.

Taylor emphasizes that technology itself isn't good or bad—it amplifies what's already happening in a teen's emotional world. The real question isn't how to eliminate technology, but how parents can guide kids in using it safely and thoughtfully.

The Real Protective Factor: Communication

Parents often ask, "What app should I install?" or "How do I stop this?" Taylor suggests these questions lead to dead ends.

What truly protects teens is a relationship where they feel:

• understood rather than judged
• supported rather than interrogated
• safe coming to parents after a mistake

As Taylor explains, for most teens it's not if they'll face a difficult online situation—it's when. The goal is to make sure they come to you when it happens.

How to Talk So Teens Will Open Up

Using the Five Secrets of Effective Communication, especially the Disarming Technique, parents can shift from policing to coaching.

Instead of:

• "Why were you on your phone?" Try:
• "Help me understand what was going on for you."

This approach reduces secrecy and increases trust.

Porn, Sexting, and Shame

Discovering porn or sexting can trigger panic and anger in parents—but shaming almost always backfires.

Taylor suggests responding with curiosity and empathy:

• "What was that like for you?"
• "What do you understand about the difference between porn and real intimacy?"

Sexting often begins innocently—seeking connection, validation, or closeness—but once an image is sent, control is lost. Open conversations help teens think ahead without feeling judged or controlled.

Parents can also teach teens simple, self-respecting responses like:

"I care about you, but I don't need to send that to prove it."

Bullying and Online Drama

Online bullying mirrors real-life dynamics—but faster, more public, and more permanent.

Taylor shares concrete skills teens can use:

• Pause before responding
• Don't engage when emotions are high
• Exit or mute toxic chats
• Involve an adult early

Helpful phrases teens can practice include:

• "This chat is getting mean—I'm stepping out."
• "I'm not comfortable with this."
• "Let's take a break."

The Big Takeaway

Mistakes—by teens and parents—are inevitable. The real danger isn't errors; it's secrecy.

When kids know they can come to their parents without fear of shame or punishment, they make better decisions and recover more quickly when things go wrong.

As Taylor puts it: "The kids with the best relationships with their parents make the best decisions."

Thanks for listening, and heartfelt thanks to Taylor for this wise, compassionate, and deeply reassuring conversation.

— David, Rhonda, and Taylor