Parenting Dilemmas: From Favoritism to Final Exams
Parenting Through Favouritism & Finals: How to Support Your Teen Emotionally
Navigating the teenage years can feel like walking a tightrope—especially when emotions run high at home or the pressure of exams begins to weigh heavy. In her recent appearance on CTV Morning Live, psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology, Tania Johnson, tackled two questions many parents are struggling with right now:
“Why does my teen seem to favour one parent over the other?”
“How can I help my teen manage exam stress without adding more pressure?”
Let’s explore her insights—and what they mean for you and your family.
💔 When One Parent Feels Left Out: Understanding “The Favourite”
It’s not uncommon for one parent to feel like the “odd one out” during the teen years. Whether your teen prefers to talk to your partner more or seems to be more affectionate with one parent, it can be painful.
Tania’s advice: Try not to take it personally. Teens are wired for connection and safety—but they’re also testing boundaries, and sometimes that means leaning into one relationship while pulling away from another. The key is to stay consistent, open, and emotionally available. Avoid the temptation to compete or guilt your teen into showing affection; instead, aim to be the “safe base” they know they can always return to.
📚 Exam Stress: Helping Teens Without Overwhelming Them
With finals around the corner, many teens are experiencing stress, sleep disruption, and a drop in motivation. Parents often walk a fine line—wanting to encourage success while also protecting their child’s mental health.
Tania’s tips:
Normalize stress: Let your teen know it’s okay to feel anxious—and that it’s a sign they care.
Encourage breaks: Study marathons don’t work. Short, focused sessions with planned breaks improve retention and reduce burnout.
Promote self-care: Remind your teen that sleep, nutrition, movement, and downtime aren’t luxuries—they’re essential.
Be present, not pushy: Show up with compassion, not control. Teens are more likely to open up when they feel safe, not scrutinized.
🧠 The Bottom Line
The teen years are full of emotional highs and lows—for both kids and parents. Whether you’re feeling left out or watching your child crumble under pressure, your calm, steady presence matters more than you think.
As Tania Johnson reminds us, parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. And that connection, nurtured through the hard moments, will be what guides your child not just through exams, but through life.
Want more tips from experts like Tania?
Visit Institute of Child Psychology for free resources, courses, and articles to support your parenting journey.
Watch the full interview with CTV now:
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