Here is a story of a private parent coaching client of mine.
Learning to Listen to Rather than Yell at My Teenage Daughter
I am a dad of a 15 year-old daughter who is struggling in school and in following our rules. My wife and I contacted Cynthia to help with managing her behavior. We have come to realize that rather than trying to control or manipulate her, we need to learn how to listen and solve problems together. I struggle with controlling my anger which gets in the way of good communication. Because of Cynthia’s coaching, I had a huge breakthrough in listening rather than getting mad.
My daughter was trying to sneak out at night and we caught her. Before I would have lost my mind and started screaming. Instead, we sat down to talk. I asked her questions and she listened as I explained how scared and worried we would have been to find her gone. I did much better at connecting with her on a heart-to-heart level so we were able to start a discussion on how we can solve her problems together. The next day she told my wife that in the past she was afraid to be honest because of my anger. Cynthia is continuing to teach us on a weekly basis what language and actions will build bridges of understanding and cooperation between the three of us rather than walls. I know I will continue to improve and so will our relationship.
©2013 Cynthia Klein has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with dads, moms and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking, webinars, and private parent coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the magazine Parenting on the Peninsula. Contact Cynthia at bridges 2 understanding, bridges2understanding.com or call 650. 341.0779.
Copyright © 2026, Cynthia Klein, All rights reserved. Please contact Cynthia to use any of her blog post.
About Cynthia Klein
Cynthia Klein’s mission is to contribute to World Peace and building healthy family relationships is the place to begin. As a parenting expert for over 30 years, parents have learned from Cynthia how to communicate more effectively as an ally rather than an adversary. Her unique Family Harmony System teaches parents of 5 and older how to have open dialogue, solve problems together, support one another, and build mutual respect. Cynthia is the author of Ally Parenting and the video-based self-paced program Win, Win, Win, Parenting. She has presented over 700 talks and coached hundreds of parents privately towards greater family connection and harmony. To learn more about her services of coaching and speaking, contact Cynthia Klein at , visit her website at bridges2understanding.com.
