Hey Reader! 😁
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I'm pumped to share this newsletter with you today 😬

I give TONS of tools to parents, but there aren't many that get as many positive results and that this one does.

It helps with connection, trust, and ensuring your kid knows YOU are on their team 🤝

A quick story that brought this to the top of my mind:
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Last week, a mom told me her 15-year-old hadn't had a real conversation with her in months.
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"She's going through a lot and every time I try to help her, she shuts down." she said.
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The problem?

She was trying to fix problems her daughter never asked her to solve 🤷‍♂️ Giving advice without permission creates resistance.
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I knew exactly what she was going through.
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When I was coaching my first teenage client 5 years ago, I often made the same mistake. I jumped straight into solution mode every time he shared a struggle.
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The result? He stopped sharing altogether.
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I realized the root problem wasn't what I was saying.
​It was that I didn't know what he actually needed from me 💔​
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Fast forward to today. My team and I have worked with over 750 families 1:1 and we use one simple question that transforms emotional conversations.
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The question that changes everything:

"Do you want to vent, or would you like advice?"

That's it. Ten words that eliminate guesswork and build trust.
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Here's why this works and why it could be the best advice I give parents:
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Most parents assume they know what their teen needs. They don't 🤷‍♂️
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Sometimes they want solutions. Sometimes they just want to be heard. Sometimes they need validation. Sometimes they want problem-solving.
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The magic happens when you STOP guessing and START asking.
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The 2 conversation paths that actually work:

Path 1: They want to vent

Your job? Listen. Don't fix.
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"That sounds frustrating."
"I can see why that upset you."
"Tell me more."
"What else is upsetting you?"

Resist every urge to solve, advise, or share your own experience. They aren't open to it yet!

Path 2: They want advice

Now you have permission to problem-solve.

"Here's what I'm thinking..."
"Have you considered..."
"What if you tried..."
"What are the chances you could try..."​
The difference? They asked for it.

And when you're giving advice after you KNOW they're open to it, it hits differently.

3 follow-up questions that go deeper:

"How do you want me to show up?"
"What would be most helpful right now?"
"Is there anything specific you need from me?"

These questions teach your teen to identify their emotional needs. That's a skill they'll use forever ♾️
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Parents:

Most of our conversations with kids fail because we try to be mind readers. We can't read minds.
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Teens are developing emotional intelligence in real time. When we assume what they need, we rob them of the chance to practice asking for help.

(Read that again) 👆

When we ask what they need, we teach them:​
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- Self-awareness
- Communication skills
- That their feelings matter
- How healthy relationships actually work

On top of those things...

Your student starts trusting you with bigger problems. They learn to identify what they need and your relationship deepens.
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Most importantly? They develop emotional intelligence that serves them for life.

To recap:

If you want stronger connections with your teen,

Stop assuming what they need. Start asking.

"Do you want to vent, or would you like my advice?"

Simple question, massive impact.

Let me know how this works for you!
Coach Will 💛
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P.S. Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you and your fam!

#1: Looking for someone other than you to plant these seeds? Unstoppable U Coaching helps kids ages 12and up with motivation, confidence and time management! >>> Click here to apply to work with my amazing team!​

#2: Have you listened to my Podcast for Kids? Come check out my latest episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! I break down everything I wish I knew when I was a kid… perfect to throw on when you’re with you’re in the car or chilling at home! Leave a review if you don’t hate it!

#3: Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more tips, tools and techniques to help your child succeed.