# ~170~WTF-"Why Being Your Teen’s “Bestie” Backfires (And What to Do Instead)"

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/parenting-teens-advice-redefined-for-today-s-complex-world-6718008/170-wtf-why-being-your-teen-s-bestie-backfires-and-what-to-do-instead
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/parenting-teens-advice-redefined-for-today-s-complex-world-6718008/170-wtf-why-being-your-teen-s-bestie-backfires-and-what-to-do-instead.md
Podcast: [Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World](https://stenobird.com/podcast/parenting-teens-advice-redefined-for-today-s-complex-world-6718008)
Published: 2026-05-15T16:41:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podopshosting.com/65777cadcf3fc/episode/62330
Audio file: https://mypodops-hosting-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/podcasts/2138/videos/1778857342216-WTF-_BESTIES_WITH_YOUR_TEEN___NOPE__1_.mp4
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/parenting-teens-advice-redefined-for-today-s-complex-world-6718008/episodes/170-wtf-why-being-your-teen-s-bestie-backfires-and-what-to-do-instead
Duration seconds: 947

## Resource

YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONS https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guide Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat #ParentingTeens #TeenParenting #ParentingAdvice #RaisingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingPodcast Are you trying to be your teen’s best friend… hoping it will keep the communication open? In this raw and unfiltered Friday episode of WTF (Welcome to Friday… or What the F, depending on your week), Cheryl Pankhurst dives into one of the biggest parenting misconceptions: your teen does NOT need another bestie — they need a safe, steady guide. Cheryl breaks down: Why teens go to peers for validation What actually makes teens open up to parents The difference between being approachable vs. being permissive How your tone, body language, and reactions shape communication Why parents often jump into “fix-it mode” How to create emotional safety without losing authority The long game of parenting: building a lifelong relationship with your future adult child PLUS: Cheryl shares critical reminders for parents of Grade 8 students transitioning into Grade 9 — especially for teens with IEPs, anxiety, learning differences, or neurodivergence. This episode is packed with honest parenting insight, practical communication tools, and a powerful reminder that your role during the teen years is not to be liked — it’s to lead with connection, steadiness, and trust. In This Episode: Why “best friend parenting” can create problems later How to listen without immediately fixing Questions to ask instead of giving instant advice How to stay emotionally neutral during tough conversations Why teens need mentorship more than friendship The parenting shift from control to coaching Creating the foundation…

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