Brenda Zane
Brenda Zane
Why Your Struggling Child Pushes You Away: The Attachment Connection, with Todd Sarner
Why Your Struggling Child Pushes You Away: The Attachment Connection, with Todd Sarner
Why Your Struggling Child Pushes You Away: The Attachment Connection, with Todd Sarner
Thursday 23rd October 2025
Explore why struggling teens push parents away and learn how attachment science offers guidance for navigating these challenging dynamics.
65 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Inspiring
Supportive
Healing
About this podcast
Author:
Brenda Zane
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
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Episodes:
297 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Why Kids Push Parents Away: An Attachment Insight
Episode Overview
- Understanding attachment can help bridge the gap between parents and struggling teens.
- Teens have a biological drive towards independence, creating complex dynamics.
- Balancing firm boundaries with compassion is key to effective parenting.
- Parents play a crucial role in their child's emotional security.
- It's important to invest in your own well-being to better support your child.
"Our nervous systems are still wired for thousands of years ago... they kind of need you more than ever because it's super overwhelming."
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? In this episode of Hopestream, Brenda Zane sits down with marriage and family therapist Todd Sarner to unpack the complexities of parenting children grappling with substance use and challenging behaviours. Todd, drawing from his extensive experience and training with Dr. Gordon Neufeld, sheds light on the often perplexing attachment dynamics that can drive a wedge between struggling teens and their parents.
He explains how our children are wired with a deep instinct to become independent, which can create a confusing push-pull relationship with their caregivers. Todd shares his insights on how parents can navigate these turbulent waters by understanding the balance between setting boundaries and offering compassion. With humour and honesty, he discusses the importance of being a safe harbour for your child, even when they seem to push you away.
The conversation touches on the significance of attachment science and how it influences our relationships with our children. Whether you're a parent dealing with a rebellious teenager or simply interested in understanding the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, this episode offers valuable perspectives. Todd's practical advice on maintaining firm yet compassionate boundaries is a lifeline for parents who feel like they're constantly walking a tightrope. Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey?
Tune in to this episode for real-life insights and expert guidance. Remember, you're not alone in this journey—there's hope and help available.