Want an Easy Fix for the Unbearable Stress of Parenting a GCSE Teen?

Never have our teens needed more love, connection, protection and support from us.And never has the role of a strong, supportive parent coach been more vital in helping families navigate these pressures.
They are:

• Faced with a world that is utterly unstable and in complete turmoil

• Expected to solve problems our generation hasn’t yet solved

• Exposed to — and heavily influenced by — ‘role models’ and ‘leaders’ many of whom should never have been elevated to that status

• Educated in ways that systematically kill off their natural love of learning

• Struggling to find vision, purpose and resolve

• Immersed in school cultures that are, frankly, scary at secondary level

• Hijacked by tech companies who have their full attention, for better or worse

• Hopelessly isolated, with no ‘village’ to rely on — just us

• And if they’re boys, they face a massive gender and identity crisis too

For those of you who’ve known me a while, you’ll know I’m not here to stir up more despair, anger, guilt or shame.

I have no interest in adding to the tidal wave of blame and complaining that already floods our screens and conversations.

But my gloves are off for this one. Because we can’t look away from these challenges — and we certainly can’t wish them away for our kids.

Here’s the truth: There is something we can do.

I’ve spent two decades tutoring, mentoring, coaching and walking alongside teenagers. And over the years I realised something shocking: traditional tutoring — the way most people do it — often makes things worse.

Many students do less work, not more. They become less invested. They tick the ‘Maths tutor’ box once a week and carry on drifting. They hand responsibility for their future to someone else.

And what’s the result? Maybe an average grade. But more importantly, they miss the real prize:

• No real growth in independence or maturity

• No deep self-confidence

• No work ethic, no routine, no habits

• No realisation of what they’re capable of

• No love of learning

• Just relief when it’s all over — and dread at the next mountain they don’t know how to climb alone

This is why I started Young Fire Academy.

Our small online after-school groups go deeper. We tackle Maths and English — but they’re just the vehicle. The real work is:

• Building self-direction

• Growing agency and confidence

• Creating habits, structure and purpose

• Helping teens find their own reasons to care, show up, and do the work — not just once a week, but every day

This kind of transformation doesn’t come from tutoring alone — it comes from combining academics with the guidance of a trusted mindset coach who focuses on long-term change.

And it works. Parents tell me they see their child come back to life — not just academically, but emotionally and mentally too.

If you’re feeling burnt out and unsure how to support your teen during this critical season, working with a parent coach could be the reset your whole family needs.

From September 2025, I’ll be working personally with 40–60 GCSE-age students who want this deeper shift.

I’ll show you what we do, why we do it, and how it can change the story for you and your teen.

Love,
Henry

If you’re not already a member of our awesome Young Fire Academy Parent Community Group on Facebook, come join us! Get support from me and other like-minded parents who are on this journey too. Click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/youngfireparents/

Henry Dingle

Henry Dingle is the founder of Young Fire Academy and an expert teen and parent coach, as well as a specialist tutor. He helps exasperated parents and their demotivated teens reconnect and thrive by fostering authentic relationships, trust, and accountability. With over 20 years of experience working with teens, Henry’s approach ignites motivation, leading to greater self-confidence and real-life satisfaction. .He empowers students to take charge of their learning through mindset coaching, effective essay-writing techniques, and Maths, helping them build confidence and enjoy their academic journey. As a parent coach, Henry supports families in restoring trust, improving communication, and creating a more harmonious home environment.