A common source of broken teen trust

If your teen has stopped opening up, shut down emotionally, or only tells you the bare minimum, it’s tempting to assume they’re being secretive, disrespectful, or pushing you away on purpose.

But in many families, broken trust doesn’t come from big betrayals.

It comes from repeated moments of invalidation that parents don’t even realize are happening.

In this video, I break down how well-intentioned responses like:
• “You’re overreacting.”
• “That’s not a big deal.”
• “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
• “I’m just trying to help.”

can slowly teach teens that being honest with you isn’t safe.

We’ll talk about:
• What invalidation actually is (and what it’s not)
• Why parents invalidate even when they care deeply
• How invalidation erodes trust faster than anger or consequences
• The difference between correcting behavior and dismissing experience
• What to do instead if you want your teen to come back to you

This isn’t about agreeing with everything your teen says.
It’s about understanding why being right doesn’t rebuild trust – and what actually does.

If you’re serious about repairing your relationship with your teen and want a steadier, more grounded way to respond when emotions run high, this video will give you a clear place to stand.

👉 If you want help applying this to your specific situation, you can schedule a free 30-minute consult using the link in my profile.

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Professional Disclaimer:
This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, or mental health treatment. Watching this content does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you or your teen are experiencing significant emotional distress, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.

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