The Wellness Revolution Podcast with Amber Shaw
416. How to Stay Connected When Your Tween Shuts You Out with Bridget KerMorris
Does the thought of parenting a middle schooler make your stomach drop?
In this episode of The Divorce Revolution Podcast, I sit down with Bridget KerMorris, parent coach, associate therapist, and mom of seven to talk about how to build connection during the messy middle school years. Bridget shares why common parenting advice often backfires, the two questions every tween is silently asking, and how her Steady + Connected Parenting™ framework helps moms—especially single and divorced moms—stay grounded and present.
If you’ve been struggling with how to stay close to your tween or teen when they shut you out, then this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download 50 Ways I’m Staying Close to My Middle Schooler: https://kermorris.myflodesk.com/50waysguide
- Join the waitlist for ReNewU, my signature group program for divorced moms ready to launch a coaching business that actually pays: https://products.ambershaw.com/signature-waitlist
- Nail Your Niche: https://ambershaw.samcart.com/products/nail-your-niche
- Higher Infrared Sauna Blanket use code AMBER 15: https://higherdose.com/products/infrared-sauna-blanket
What We Discuss:
- 03:54 Parenting tips that actually backfire with tweens
- 05:03 Why connection matters more than ever in middle school
- 08:04 How to set healthy boundaries without losing trust
- 13:54 Bridget’s Steady + Connected Parenting™ framework
- 23:50 Simple ways to connect through your kids’ interests
- 25:52 Reframing the questions you ask your kids
- 28:18 Why non-face-to-face conversations are powerful
- 30:18 Intentional parenting strategies for divorced moms
- 34:10 Helping kids manage tech responsibly
- 45:12 Resources for parents navigating middle school
Find more from Bridget KerMorris:
Website: https://kermorris.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridget.parentcoach/
Find more from Amber Shaw:
Instagram: @msambershaw
Website: ambershaw.com