Parenting, Rejection and Connection
This Complex Life · Marie Vakakis
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Show Notes
As kids grow into teens, they start to need more independence, and for many parents, that shift can feel like rejection. When your child pulls away, stops talking, or wants less of you, it’s easy to take it personally.
In this encore episode of This Complex Life, I unpack why this happens, what it means for your relationship, and how you can respond in ways that protect connection instead of widening the gap.
We’ll explore:
- Why parents often feel rejected as their children grow up
- What’s actually happening when teens pull away
- The shift from being your child’s “manager” to their “consultant”
- How to stay connected without guilt or control
- What healthy boundaries look like during this stage
- How to model accountability and repair after conflict
Listen now and learn how to stay close, even when your teen seems far away.
Resources:
Part of this conversation: https://marievakakis.com.au/the-psychology-of-rejection-and-what-to-do-about-it/
Learn more about Connected Teens™, an on-demand program to help you rebuild communication and strengthen connection: https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens
Connect with Marie
https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/
Submit a question to the Podcast
https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Mentioned in this episode:
Join me live Jan 28th for the Relationship New Year Reset https://marievakakis.com.au/relationship-new-year-reset-2026/