Neil D Brown

11/12/2025

How is a parent to know when the power struggle they’re having with their teen is normal, and when it’s truly become a serious problem?

How do you tell the difference between a normal parent-teen power struggle and one that has crossed the line to become a destructive Parent-Teen Control Battle?

Read the article for answers to these family relationship challenges.

How is a parent to know when the power struggle they’re having with their teen is normal, and when it’s truly become a serious problem?How do you tell the difference between a normal parent-teen power struggle and one that has crossed the line to become a destructive Parent-Teen Control Battle?

11/12/2025

Hi, I’m Neil D. Brown, LCSW — family therapist, author, and creator of the Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle book and course.

For over 35 years, I’ve worked with:
• Parents of teens
• Schools and student support teams
• Mental and behavioral health providers

When relationships break down, conflict escalates, and trust erodes — families, schools, and clinicians need more than strategies. They need a framework for restoring connection, influence, and emotional safety.

This is the work I do. Learn more link below and in bio 👇

11/03/2025

Communication and teamwork between parents is incredibly important. Do you feel as though you and your spouse communicate effectively and provide each other with the support the other needs?

In this podcast, I answer a question from a father who is struggling in his relationship with his children. He wonders if it's the result of different expectations set by his wife and by him.

I discuss:

→ The control battle that occurs when each parent has different expectations
→ How parents assign negative narratives to their spouse and how to fix them
→ Steps to take to create change in the home..and more!

Struggling with control battles, burnout, and disconnected family time? Learn to drop negative narratives, synthesize ideas with your spouse, and plan fun dad-kid outings for stronger bonds and less whining.

11/01/2025

Struggling with those heated 'control battles' at home? Don't let negative narratives about your spouse drain your connection -switch to SYNTHESIZE mode instead! In this eye-opening podcast, Neil shares game-changing tips: Ditch the blame game, charge up your partner's 'emotional battery' with empathy & appreciation, and team up on fun family plans that actually stick (hello, less kid resistance!). Link in comments 👇

Key gem: Empathy with a life partner is an amazing thing. When we have appreciation for who our partner is and caring for how they feel, it feeds them just like charging up their battery. Ready to talk it out and build stronger bonds? Tune in now!

10/29/2025

Testimonial from a parent who just completed the Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle course: "One of my favorite parts of the course was when Neil gave clear examples of the types of things to say and do. Then he told the types of things not say and to not do. Both are invaluable as a model for communication. I really needed to hear the exact words and to hear his tone of voice."

Ready to transform your relationship with your teen? See links in comments 👇

10/28/2025

What do you do when you are exhausted from trying to stay on top of managing your ADHD 12 year old daughter, and getting cooperation from your 16 year old very independent son?

Bonnie of Maplewood, NJ wrote:

Dear Neil,

I know that control battles are a problem, but how do I get out of one when my kids are constantly breaking the rules? My daughter 12 has ADHD and would rather be on her phone than doing homework, practicing piano, cleaning her room or any other responsibility. She knows she has to have certain things done before she can have her phone, but then it’s up to me to make sure she’s done everything. She’ll say she’s done her responsibilities and wants her phone and then it’s up to me to go over the list and argue with her about the details of her undone responsibilities.

The situation with my son is similar. He’s 16 and wants to be independent which is fine. But if he wants to be independent, does that mean he has no responsibilities in the home? I swear, if he ever washed a dish or cleaned up after himself without being hounded, I’d faint.

They’re both basically good kids but why is everything on me to keep them in line?

To make matters worse, their Dad has them most weekends and says he has no problem with them. The truth is he doesn’t make them do anything. They eat take-out whenever the kids want. He works a lot and is always on his computer, so the kids are free to be on their devices.

Should I just quit being so demanding? I feel like I’m losing the battle and that I’m the odd one out in the family.

Sincerely, Bonnie

👇 See link in comments for Neil's response to Bonnie and the full transcript and podcast link...

10/27/2025

An Honest Look at the Cause & Effect of Parental Burnout - Is parental burnout a real thing, or is it just a way of saying parenting is a hard job? To answer that question let’s start with the subject of burnout in general — and yes, it is quite real.

Parental burnout is real: Explore causes like no downtime, special needs, and control battles, plus effects on mental health and parenting. Includes a case study and prevention tips.

10/21/2025

All Kids Have Passion – Yes, Even Yours! ✨ How to Help Them Find Their Passion (Without a Power Struggle)

When kids have passion, planning an event, working on a project with their friends, building a go-cart, forming a band, or an adventurous trip can all be exciting and an opportunity for creativity, personal development, and just plain fun. Passion spurs engagement that leads to learning and personal development.

Read more, link in comments 👇

10/17/2025

“Neil Brown's experience helping families is clearly articulated in this course. He understands the challenging situations parents of teens are in and he hits the right combination of seriousness, confidence, and hope. When he said with conviction, ‘It can be done and you are going to get good at it,’ I believed him! And we are getting good at it!”

Parenting teens isn’t easy — but it is possible to build connection, confidence, and calm. 🌱

Explore Neil D. Brown’s online course, Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle, for step-by-step tools that bring peace and cooperation back to your family.

📘 Read the acclaimed book, Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle, for deeper insights.
🎧 Tune into Neil’s podcast, Healthy Family Connections, where he shares real stories and practical advice every week.

✨ Learn more at neildbrown.com

10/13/2025

Discover 5 crucial points for setting boundaries with your adult child—from avoiding ultimatums to responding with empathy.
https://neildbrown.com/podcast/five-crucial-points-for-boundary-setting-with-your-adult-child

Empower your family dynamics in this Healthy Family Connections Podcast episode by Neil D. Brown, LCSW. Listen now (or read the transcript) for practical advice!

10/06/2025

Discover the proven method that helps teens develop responsible and accountable independence and brings peace of mind to parents.

Learn more about my new "Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle" course. Link in bio and in comments below.

10/04/2025

Eileen and I visited my brother and sister-in-law in Denver. While there, we went up to Boulder to visit my nephew, a student at CU.