When Your Child Pulls Away: Rebuilding Connection With Teens
- Nada Johnson
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
When the child who once shared everything suddenly becomes quieter and more private, it can leave you feeling shut out and unsure.
Strong parent-child bonds are more than comforting; they support a child’s emotional, cognitive, and physical health (Frosch, Schoppe-Sullivan, & O’Banion, 2019).
Yet many children grow up without these secure connections, which are vital for resilience and well-being (Rhodes, 2023).
If that closeness feels like it’s fading, it’s not too late to rebuild. At NJCCS, I help parents reconnect in ways that feel safe, supportive, and real. 🤝
🔍The Change You Notice
Maybe you’ve felt it slowly, or maybe it seemed to happen overnight. The long, open talks you used to have are now short and to the point. Instead of sitting at the kitchen table with you, your teen spends more time in their room. You find yourself getting one-word answers to questions that used to spark real conversations.
It’s not just about the silence. It’s about the feeling that you’re slowly being pushed out of the daily rhythm of their life. 💭 You might wonder if they’re upset with you if something happened, or if this is just part of growing up.
No matter how it shows up, this change can leave you feeling unsettled, missing the closeness you once had, and unsure how to get it back.❤️
🌱 Why This Connection Matters
A strong emotional bond shapes how teens handle their feelings, build relationships, and see themselves in the world. It can also impact their overall health for years to come (Frosch et al., 2019).
When that bond weakens, it can leave both you and your teen feeling more distant and less supported. The earlier this is noticed, the easier it is to start rebuilding (Rhodes, 2023).🌟
💔 Why It’s Hard to Do on Your Own
Even when you love your child deeply, reconnecting after distance can be tricky.
You may not know what’s causing the change or how to approach it without pushing them further away.
Sometimes, having a safe, neutral space makes it easier for both of you to be heard.
🤗 How NJCCS Can Help
At Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services, I work with mothers to:
🧩 Understand what’s really behind the emotional distance.
💬 Rebuild trust and communication.
🌿 Strengthen your connection in a way that works for both of you.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Together, we can find a way back to closeness, one that feels natural and lasting.💖
📧 Contact me at info@nadajohnsonservices.com if this blog spoke to you.
Warm Regards,
Nada Johnson, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist / trained Family Mediator / EMDR Trained Therapist / Certified Racial Trauma Clinician / Mental Health & Sexual Violence Consultant / Professional Speaker
🌍Website: www.nadajohnsonservices.com
📩 Contact: info@nadajohnsonservices.com
Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services - Online phone and video sessions available
Village Healing Centre: 240 Roncesvalles Avenue
C: 437-887-6146
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📚 References
Frosch, C. A., Schoppe-Sullivan, S. J., & O’Banion, D. D. (2019). Parenting and child development: A relational health perspective. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15(1), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827619849028
Rhodes, J. (2023). Nearly 40% of children lack strong emotional bonds with parents. The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring. https://www.evidencebasedmentoring.org/nearly-40-of-us-children-lack-strong-emotional-bonds-with-parents/
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