Your teen’s life is full of disappointment; losing a friend, getting a bad grade, not making the team, missing the shot, losing a job, having privileges taken away, losing an opportunity, and so much more. Parents may dismiss these as “no big deal” but oftentimes kids don’t know how to handle loss and the grief that comes with it. Helping our teenager deal with loss in an essential parenting skill. We need to help them learn to be resilient, make sense of it, work it into the fabric of their life, and move forward. Not being able to handle loss may lead our teen to using unhealthy coping strategies and even dysfunctional behavior. Grief expert Mark Hundley shares expert advice for teaching our children how to identify their strengths and move through loss in a healthy way. Listen in as he shares his wisdom with Mighty Parenting podcast hosts Judy Davis and Sandy Fowler.
Tis the season for our kids to celebrate. Prom and graduation season is an exciting time but even the most responsible teens can find themselves in a sticky situation. Listen to the Real Talk segment to discover the conversation every parent must have with their teen and tips for keeping them safe.
 
Guest bio:
Mark Hundley, LPC - Supervisor, has worked with people of all ages since 1971 in various venues:
Youth and family ministry
Public education
Private counseling practice.

He earned his B.A. in Sociology from Hardin-Simmons University and his Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas.

Mark has an expertise in the field of loss and grief and works with individuals, families and corporate bodies to create and implement strategies for powerful living in the aftermath of tragedy, trauma and loss.

He is a founder of the Journey of Hope Grief Support Center in Plano, TX, a non-profit agency that provides free group grief support to children, adolescents and their parents or adult caregivers.

Currently, Mark serves on the counseling staff at Plano Senior High School, works with clients in private practice and provides supervision for LPC Interns.
 
A Favorite Quote from the Show:
If your teenager shows resistance it’s a red flag for parents to ask: 1) How are you feeling? 2) What caused that to happen?
 
Tips & Info from our Sponsors:
DASIUM: Raising a teenager feels like a whole different world and can create a lot of worry or anxiety for parents. While we know you have many things to do, at the core of it you want to have a good relationship—one where they know you have their back and will listen. Focus on open communication, listening rather than telling or solving—and doing it without judgement.
If you are wondering whether behavior changes are normal or cause for concern, want a little help in dealing with stress or anxiety, or just need some tips for communicating with your teen, get our Parent Support Kit. It has what you need as you build an emotionally healthy life for your family.
More show notes on our podcast page