98 | 5 Communication Choices That Build Trust With Your Teen Part 1 | Ed Lee

What do you do when a difficult conversation with your teen is going downhill fast—and then they say something that cuts straight to your heart? In this deeply personal episode, my husband Ed takes us back to one of the hardest conversations he ever had with our teenage daughter—when hurt, frustration, and years of strained communication collided. What he chose in the middle of that moment shows how a few intentional communication choices can open the door to connection—even when a conversation feels like it’s falling apart. If you’re parenting teens and struggling with defensiveness, disrespect, or conversations that quickly escalate, this episode gives you a real-life look at how communication skills build trust and connection even in the middle of a messy conversation. You’ll hear: What made Ed realize, in the middle of a heated argument, something had to change How he stayed in a conversation that would have been much easier to shut down or control The communication shift that allowed their daughter to finally say what was really underneath her anger 5 communication choices Ed made when the conversation was falling apart Ed couldn’t control what our daughter said, how she responded, or what happened next. But he could choose how he showed up. And sometimes building a stronger relationship with your teen begins right there. Ready to stop walking on eggshells and second-guessing what to say? Join me September 15 for my FREE live Connect With Your Teen Workshop. I’ll give you a practical, Christ-anchored roadmap to help you communicate with more confidence, restore connection, and build lasting trust. 👉 Save Your Seat: http://connectwithyourteens.com/workshop I pray this episode blesses you and your family. ~Terri 💛 See What Happened Years Later With Ed & Sharaya You heard Ed share the story on the podcast. Now you can see Ed and Sharaya sitting together years later, talking honestly about their relationship, what changed, and what they learned along the way. 👉https://riseabovethesilence.com/ed--sharaya-interview-2019 💌Want weekly encouragement straight to your in box? Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider for weekly parenting tips, encouragement, and support straight to your inbox Weekly Insider Newsletter ✨ Support the Podcast If Connect With Your Teens has been helpful to you, you can now support the podcast through Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps with the costs of producing the show and reaching more moms with practical help and hope for their families. Thank you for being part of this work! 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/connectwithyourteens ✨ Want to work 1:1 with me? Book a 1-hour Communication Coaching Call. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way of connection with your teen, uncover practical next steps, and create a clear plan so you can stop feeling stuck and start rebuilding trust and connection. 👉Learn More: ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching ✨ Website: connectwithyourteens.com for free resources, practical support, and more ways to build connection and trust with your teen. Related Episodes Episode 94 — Why Your Teen Gets Defensive So Quickly Episode 96 — Teen Won’t Listen to Your Advice? 4 Communication Skills That Build Trust Episode 97 — Worried About Your Teen? How to Trust God With What You Can’t Control