Parenting Older Kids Without Overfunctioning: Guest Podcast with Leah Davidson

In this Mental Health Awareness Month crossover, the Tell Me It Will Be Okay podcast features Leah Davidson—speech language pathologist, nervous system resilience coach, host of Building Resilience, and founder of Resilient Brilliance—sharing an episode on “Parenting Older Kids Without Overfunctioning.” Leah explains that as kids become teens and young adults, parents’ roles shift from constant doing to observing, which can bring grief, relief, confusion, and longing. She argues older kids don’t “borrow” a parent’s regulation the same way; they react to it, so parental urgency, advice, and fixing can feel like pressure or control and create distance. Leah emphasizes regulating yourself to respond rather than reflexively react, set clear boundaries without escalation, and create space that communicates respect and trust. She offers practical cues like pausing, using non-withdrawn silence, and reflecting on effort versus connection.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:58 Why Older Kids Hit Hard03:28 Midlife Focus and Community05:40 From Borrowing to Reacting07:36 Regulate Yourself and Set Boundaries10:00 Space Builds Connection12:31 The Real Work Is You14:05 Practical Regulation Tools15:31 Stop Overfunctioning for Closeness17:34 Reflection Questions and Wrap Up19:13 Community Invite and OutroMentioned in this episode:TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The PracticeI invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com