Why Your Teenager Can’t Talk to You — and What to Do Starting Today

She grew up with an alcoholic mother she never saw sober. At 11 she moved to her father's — safer, but still emotionally alone. Tatjana Simakova spent her childhood surviving without support. She spent the next 12 years making sure no teenager has to do the same.IN THIS EPISODE:Growing up in Lithuania — an alcoholic mother, an emotionally absent father, and the art that kept her goingWhy 12 years with teenagers led to one conclusion: the parent-child relationship is everythingHow art therapy reached a 13-year-old Traveller boy who had no words for his griefThe three-part workshop: group chat, meditation, then whatever arrives on paper — no explanation neededWhy teenagers are in constant fight-or-flight on Snapchat — and what it costs their self-esteemThe mirror in Tatjana's office — and the teenagers who can't turn to look at themselvesOne meal a day, no gadgets: the simplest first step any parent can takeSalvos Parenting: the online village for parents who need community and professionals in one placePracticing in English, Russian, and Lithuanian — why mother tongue is the first language of emotionEPISODE SUMMARY:Tatjana discovered in 12 years of clinical work what her own childhood had already taught her: when a teenager has at least one trusting relationship with a parent, they can survive almost anything. Without it, everything is harder. Art therapy gave her the tool to bridge the gap — not because teenagers draw well, but because paint and paper carry what words cannot. Her new Salvos Parenting platform builds the village that parents desperately need: community, professionals, resources, and a safe place to ask questions without judgment.ABOUT TATJANA:Psychotherapist and art therapist, County Clare, Ireland. 12 years working with teenagers and families. Practicing in English, Russian, and Lithuanian. Founder of Salvos Parenting.CONNECT: https://salvustherapy.ie/COMMUNITY: WeCanDoItWomen.com If this episode made you want to put your phone down and ask your teenager how they really are — do it today. Then join us at WeCanDoItWomen.com. A 5-star Apple Podcasts review helps more families find this show.