Parenting through the teenage years: a parents’ conference in Mallorca

2 days ago

3 min read

You ask how their day went and get a one-word answer. A conversation about screen time becomes an argument. You want to offer support, but you are unsure whether your teenager needs you to step closer or give them more space.

Parenting during the teenage years can bring questions that do not have straightforward answers. As young people seek greater independence, parents are also adjusting, working out how to maintain boundaries, understand changing needs and keep a connection with their child.

On Saturday 21 November 2026, The Gap Counselling is hosting The Teenage Years: Parents’ Conference at The Gap Community Cafe in Son Caliu, Mallorca. Led by Gary Napier and Kerstin Wilson, the morning will offer practical guidance and professional insight to help parents better understand and support their teenagers.

When you want to help but are unsure how

You do not need to be facing a major family crisis to value some guidance. You might be concerned about arguments at home, changes in your teenager’s behaviour or the pressures they encounter through friendships and social media.

Perhaps you find yourself questioning your responses. Should you say something now or wait? Hold a boundary or reconsider it? Offer advice or listen for longer?

The conference will make space to consider the challenges parents can face, including emotional distress, anger, defiance and social media pressures. Its focus is on helping parents understand their teenagers and strengthen the relationship through these important years.

The power of connection

As your teenager grows more independent, the ways you connect may change. Conversations that once came easily can become more difficult, and it may take more thought to find opportunities to spend time together.

Connection is one of the conference’s central themes. Gary and Kerstin will explore its importance and offer guidance to help parents consider how they relate to and support their teenagers.

For parents who are finding communication difficult, this is an opportunity to step back from individual disagreements and think about the relationship they want to build.

Understanding the teenage brain

It can be difficult to respond to behaviour when you do not understand what may be behind it. Another theme of the morning will be understanding the teenage brain, offering parents insight into this stage of development.

The aim is to help you approach the teenage years with a fuller understanding of your child, alongside the practical responsibilities of parenting.

Rather than expecting yourself to have an immediate answer to every situation, you can use the morning to develop your understanding and consider different ways of responding.

Raising resilient teens

Parents cannot remove every difficulty their children will encounter. Friendships, school, growing independence and the online world can all bring challenges.

The conference will also explore raising resilient teens and how parents can support young people as they navigate those experiences.

Together, the three themes, connection, understanding and resilience, provide a focus for parents who want to support their teenager while recognising their growing need for independence.

Meet the speakers

Gary Napier, MSc Psychology, will be joined by Kerstin Wilson, a QEC therapist and counsellor who works with teenagers.

They will bring professional insight and practical guidance to the morning, helping parents explore the challenges of the teenage years and consider how to strengthen their connection with their child.