Transform your Teen and Family Life
I’m holding a few Parent Workshops this weekend at the Medicine Festival on the Wasing Estate near Reading and have been reflecting - as always - on how I can be of most benefit, in 1.5 hours in a yurt, to a group of parents of teens I will most likely never have met before and know nothing about in advance.
And - presuming you’re not going to be there? - I wanted to share with you my notes, the briefest summary of what I want to leave them with at the end.
Once I’ve told a few hopefully funny, impactful and engaging stories about my life and work with teens for 15 mins or so and listened to them share their own circumstances, experiences and questions for 45 mins or so (always the most important part of the workshop for the parents), I’ll present them with this final closing framework:
The 5 T’s for Parent / Teen Transformation:
Time - making it, sharing it, being creative with it
Talk - could be minimal, asking and listening, recommend book: ‘How to Talk So Your Teens will Listen and Listen so your Teens will Talk’ (communication masterclass)
Touch - side cuddles, hand touches, stroking, massage, tickling, playfighting (more important than ever with the no touch)
Togetherness - acceptance of them just as they are, perfect as they are
Trust - that they also want what’s best for them, that they can do it
And the bottom line for all parents:
Relationship is everything -
cultivate real closeness with your kids (for every reason under the sun). It is the greatest gift you can give them because within it you are confirming belonging, security, safety, acceptance and building a relationship that all of you will be nourished by lifelong
be present
be available
be responsive
be brave.
hold them in the highest regard
prioritise the YFA 7 Core Values in your family relationships: Love, Trust, Openness, Honesty, Respect, Fun & Commitment
Hope that helps spark something also for you and inspire some shift over the coming remaining days and weeks of summer.
Sending you, your children and your family all the very best as always,
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/
And to find out more about our programmes and offerings, please visit our website at www.youngfireacademy.com
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 25 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.
