Modeling Matters
Nurture the skills in yourself that your teen needs most
Do you ever notice that you ask your teen to do things that you are struggling with too?
“Stay focused and get your work done!" — while over- multitasking or procrastinating yourself
"Calm down and take a breath!" — when you haven’t been able to take a deep calming breath all week
"Talk to me, tell me what you need." — when you're not always clear about your own needs or how to express them.
Yes, of course that happens! You’re human.
And, you’re also not alone. While they sound like simple requests- when we start to pay attention to our own habits we can quickly realize- they’re not so easy! These are lifelong skills that take practice.
The truth is, kids and teens learn far more from how we live than from what we say.
Ever heard this quote?
“Your kids don’t do what you say, they do what you do.”
That one really hits.
When you practice presence, emotional regulation, and clear communication, they can start to mirror those skills by example. And when your teen sees you practicing these things on purpose because you care- they really take notice.
I created Modeling Matters after years of seeing how the positive shifts in kids and teens were way more likely to occur when the adults in their lives shifted first.
In this 8-week live group course we’ll step-by-step start to build the very skills you want your teen to have.
Because what if the best way to help your teen grow… is to grow with them?
About Your Guide
I’m Kelly, and I’ve been working with teens and families for over 15 years as a school psychologist and 10 years as a mindfulness teacher. I’ve seen firsthand how practicing mindfulness for myself has naturally helped the people around me- whether that be my family, community or co-workers. Just as I’ve witnessed time and time again how small shifts in parents and teachers can make a big difference in the lives of children they care for. It is so inspiring to watch the ripple effect of personal work in homes, schools and communities and I am so grateful to those who are up to the challenge.
My teaching style is interactive, lighthearted, and judgment-free. I see learning new skills and self-growth as an “experiment” that we get to “play with” and learn from- always inviting curiosity and compassion.
In this course, I’ll guide you with my deep experience in both psychology and mindfulness to help you understand not only your teen's behavior, but your own. I’m here to provide practical, actionable tools to make your life—and your relationship with your teen—a little easier. Also, we’ll focus on practice and progress over perfection, to take some pressure off of both you and your teen. This work unfolds in layers and is honestly the work of a lifetime.
What you’ll learn
Each week, we’ll focus on a key phrase parents often say to their teens that relates to a mindfulness practice. Throughout the course, you’ll learn about, practice, and reflect on the basics of mindfulness, emotional awareness, communication, and self- responsibility.
Week 1: “Try to Stay Focused” – Attention span, managing distractions, and being present.
Week 2: “Are You Listening to Me?” – Mindful listening without judgment.
Week 3: “Calm Down and Take a Breath” – Emotional regulation and presence.
Week 4: “How Are You Feeling?” – Identifying and naming emotions.
Week 5: “What Were You Thinking?” – Noticing thoughts and their impact on actions.
Week 6: “Talk to Me—What Do You Need?” – Clear communication and identifying needs.
Week 7: “Stop Fighting” – Conflict resolution and resistance to what is.
Week 8: “Clean Up Your Mess” – Taking responsibility for actions and forgiveness. Repair.
Join Us!
Join Us!
Dates: Tuesday, August 5- Tuesday, September 23rd 2025
Times: 10 am PST/ 1 PM EST OR 8 pm EST/ 5 pm PST
Pricing: $299 (Early bird pricing until June 15 is $249)
📅 8 Live 60 minute virtual sessions
Course FAQs
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Each week, we’ll focus on a key phrase parents often say to their teens that can relate directly to a mindfulness practice. Each Live 60-minute session includes:
Why It Matters – Connect with how helping yourself, helps your teen.
Brain-Based Fun Fact – What’s happening in your teen’s developing brain and body (and yours!) to help normalize frustrating behaviors.
In-Class Parent Practice – You’ll learn and actually practice a mindfulness/self-awareness tool that is directly related to the theme of the week. The learning is in the doing and we’re going to do it together.
Quick Takeaway Exercises – What you practice in class will be your 10-minute-or-less strategies to experiment with through the week. The vibe is “fun and experimental”.
Optional Sharing– Sharing experiences, celebrating successes, learning from each other. It’s so important to know you are not alone in this!
Expect an environment of enthusiasm to experiment, humility, and compassion.
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Over the course of the sessions, you’ll start to develop a broader perspective – It can be so hard to see the big picture when you’re in it. This will help you ZOOM OUT and take some pressure off.
Being a part of a supportive parent community – You don’t have to do this alone—connect with others on the same journey.
The practices that you’ll learn will help to impact your team, but they can also cause a positive ripple effect in all your relationships – These skills don’t just help with parenting—they improve your interactions with everyone in your life (including yourself).
By the end of the “Modeling Matters” you’ll feel:
Empowered – Confident in your ability to model the skills your teen needs and ready to implement them in your own life.
More Self-Aware – With a greater understanding of your own behaviors and how they impact your relationship with your teen.
Relieved – With more realistic expectations of your teen, you’ll feel a sense of ease and peace, knowing you can focus on growth rather than perfection. -
They have a true model for important social-emotional skills! Modeling behavior is crucial for learning and development because individuals, and especially children, learn by observing and imitating.
They trust you more – Consistently modeling patience and respect builds a stronger, more positive relationship.
They feel less judged and more understood – When you adjust your expectations and meet them where they are, they feel supported rather than criticized.
They gain independence – By seeing you practice self-awareness and accountability, they learn to take ownership of their own actions. Ok, maybe not immediately…but you are planting the seeds they need.
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Growth-minded parents who want to lead by example.
Parents interested in developing mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional regulation skills in a way that benefits you and your child.
Parents who would appreciate the support of a group of other parents who are on the same journey.
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To get the full experience and the most benefit- I would highly recommend attending each session. If you feel like you will miss more than two sessions, it many not be the right timing!
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You can pay through the website with a credit card (there is a 3% CC transaction fee applied), Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.
Additionally- 2 scholarships are available. If you are in need of financial assistance to register, please reach out to me.
Are you ready to make some shifts?
Small shifts create big changes. Join “Modeling Matters” and learn how to model the life skills your teen needs—while making your own life a little easier in the process. It’s not magic, but it does provide a framework that truly moves the needle. Plus, enjoy the support of a compassionate community of parents who understand what you’re going through. Connect with other parents, share experiences, and learn together in a safe, understanding environment.
Remember- these skills don’t just help you with your teen; they’re powerful for improving all of your relationships—whether with a partner, friends, or colleagues. By walking the talk, you’ll be modeling positive behaviors that benefit everyone in your life.
When you show up differently, they show up differently, too.
But patience please, you are planting seeds.
“Children learn more from what you are, than what you teach.”
— W.E.B. DuBois
Real Life Shifts
From Reaction to
Connection
A parent that I worked with, Sarah, often found herself in shouting matches with her 14-year-old son. Every time he rolled his eyes or slammed a door, her instinct was to raise her voice and control his behavior— trying to shut it down before it escalated. But it always did escalate.
As we worked together on a simple pause-and-breathe technique, she started trying it at home. One night right after dinner, her son snapped back at her when she reminded him to finish his homework. Her typical pattern would have been to match his tone. But this time, she caught herself. Stopped. Took a breath. And instead of reacting, she said calmly, “Hey, I’m feeling tense right now. Let’s take a second and try again.”
Sarah told me that her son kind of froze and looked at her confused. Then shrugged and said “Fine.” They then had a short conversation that wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t turn into a fight.
He was then regulated enough to eventually do his homework and she reported feeling so proud of herself for choosing another way. The BONUS was that later that week, Sarah overheard him using the same words with his younger sister when he snapped at her. “Let’s try again.”
That one moment shifted something and it is a series of small shifts over time that can create the greatest change.
Modeling Focus
Rachel reported feeling so frustrated watching her 13-year-old daughter bounce between her phone, homework, and music, all while insisting she was focusing and she could do it all at once. Rachel would lecture her constantly: “You need to stay focused! Finish one thing at a time!”
But Rachel shared that when she was really honest with herself, she was doing the same thing — scrolling during dinner, checking emails while “listening,” and mentally running through to-do lists during conversations.
While we were working together, Rachel made one small change: she began carving out 10 phone-free minutes each evening to do just one thing — like wash dishes, drink tea, or listen to music — and really be there for it.
One night, her daughter noticed and asked what she was doing. Rachel said, “I’m practicing focusing on one thing at a time. It feels kind of good.” She said no more.
A few days later, without prompting, her daughter put her phone in a drawer while doing her homework. “I’m trying that thing you’re doing,” she said.
Rachel didn’t have to say a word — she just lived it. And that’s when things started to shift for Rachel. She had a lived experience of how what she was doing was more impactful to her daughter than what she was saying.
Still thinking about it?
What if just one small shift in you sparked something new in them?
You don’t have to be a perfect parent—just a present one.
Join Modeling Matters and start planting the seeds that grow trust, understanding, and lasting change. 🌱
Let’s grow together.