#32 - When Your Teen Pulls Away: Why Coaches, Teams, and Strong Women Matter

In this episode, Sara and Michelle explore the tender and tricky stage of adolescence, when teen girls naturally begin pulling away from their mothers while forming their own identities. Through the lens of coaching 12- to 16-year-old athletes, they discuss why girls need strong adult women outside their family, how sport provides healthy role models and peer examples, and why parents need to guide—not “lawnmow”—their kids through discomfort. For parents, this conversation is a reassuring reminder that the push-pull of the teen years is normal, and that teams, coaches, captains, and trusted adults can help girls build independence, confidence, communication skills, and resilience. 

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Pulling away is developmentally appropriate, as a mom we can hold space to allow this process 
2. Healthy role models, like your athletes female coach, team mom and older team mates can be very valuable
3. Supporting our children through the challenging times when things may not be going their way, acknowledging the emotion but allowing them to find their own ways through