Michelle Icard

Such a pretty pic!! 😍 Thank you for reading and sharing. Wishing you lots of great chats!

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

A conversation is different from a lecture, and requires willing participation to make it work. Here are a few tips to increase the likelihood of success with your tween:
• Don’t catch your child off guard
• Be curious not suspicious
• Multitask while you talk
• End it before you’re ready

Enjoy life outside of your kids. When tweens see you happy and fulfilled, they feel less pressure and more freedom to open up. Create a safe, judgment-free space at home, and communication can thrive through the middle school years.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

If kids can’t safely express themselves through décor, clothes, or hobbies, they’ll find private ways to do it—often behind your back, which isn’t safe. Start allowing individualism early to avoid conflict later.

Tweens often open up when you seem least interested—busy with email or a show—because it’s emotionally safer. If you seem too eager, they may pull back. Let them choose the moment to talk.

FOMO hits hard in adolescence—tweens often feel one missed text could hurt their social standing. Acknowledge their need for connection, and they’ll be more open when you set boundaries.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

There are more important things but…Door Dash should not ring the doorbell. I know the food is coming. My app tells me it’s here. The ding dong is unnaturally jarring! Why?

Some kids seem drawn to danger—but you can’t keep them in a bubble. Instead, teach them to pause before risky choices and minimize harm when they don’t. Chapter 7 of “8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success” dives into how to parent these thrill-seekers.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

Adolescent friendship is messy. Your job isn’t to clean up the mess. Your job is to model what a good friend does: listen, give advice (ONLY if wanted), distract, and provide comfort.

When your child’s friendship ends, treat it like a breakup: be a kind distraction, avoid trash-talking the ex (they might reconcile), and listen more than you speak.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

Tweens need chances to practice independence to grow and stay safe. Instead of clamping down, talk about how to wisely expand their world. This summer, review the chapter, “Talking About Independence” in Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen, and plan together what that might look like for your family.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

Kids who talk openly with caring adults are more resilient and successful. My book, Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen helps parents connect—especially when kids start to pull away.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

If your teen acts distant in public, don’t take it personally—it’s a sign of growing independence, and as hard as it is, that’s exactly what you want.

Letting kids fail is hard—but essential. 8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success helps parents guide kids to grow through common struggles instead of getting stuck in them.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

When tweens feel overwhelmed, they often want help but can’t say how or why. Create a “Try This First” list together when they’re calm. It offers support and builds their confidence to handle hard emotions, helping them feel less helpless in tough moments.

On Tuesdays, I share a prompt and you’ll text the prompt + YOUR answer to your kid. Simple, positive, small talk that might just lead to a bigger chat.
📲
Not sure how to get started? See the slide for an introduction example and meet back here next Tuesday to continue the fun.

Tweens need chances to practice independence. Overprotecting them shrinks their world and stunts growth. Talking about safe, age-appropriate freedom helps kids build maturity—and keeps them safer in the long run.

Three simple ways to support a parent through a child’s setback:
💡 invite them for a no-questions walk,
💡 help with a chore like meals or errands, and
💡 be a trusted vault for anything they share.