Why Teens Feel Misunderstood & How Parents Can Reconnect (Ft. Sana Kheiri)

We are kicking off season 3 of with a new episode of Dil Ki Recipes by Dr. Sheeza Mohsin! Today, I sit down with Sana Kheiri, CPC, ELI-MP, CPDS — a certified coach who helps South Asian families raise emotionally aware and compassionate teens.

Together, we unpack why Desi parents often misunderstand their teenagers, how emotional energy shapes daily interactions, and what it looks like to move from control to connection.

Whether you're a parent overwhelmed by constant conflict or a teen caught between two worlds, this episode offers practical and culturally grounded insights into:

• Understanding your teen’s emotional energy

• Shifting from blame to belonging

• Breaking generational patterns around achievement and respect

• Creating safe spaces for emotional honesty

💬 Guest: Sana Kheiri (@claritycoaching)🌐 yourclaritycoach.net📖 Also mentioned: Dr. Sheeza’s book Behind Closed Doors available here: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Closed-Doors-Emotional-conflicting/dp/1661168493

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:

0:46 – Who is Sana Kheiri?

2:48 – What “energy” means in coaching

3:39 - Energy levels: survival mode vs. awareness/compassion

4:24 - What parents should notice about their teenagers' energy

5:02 - South Asian families and duty/achievement-focused energy

6:18 – How to shift from blame to connection in parent-teen relationships

7:42 – Desi teens and the exhaustion of code-switching

8:01 - Case example: 16-year-old girl hiding herself to avoid disappointing mom

8:41 - Programming kids to disconnect emotionally

9:17 - Importance of asking open-ended questions

9:56 - Parents misreading teen behavior as rejection

10:54 - Stigma around working with coaches/therapists in Desi community

11:33 – Stigma around therapy and coaching

13:00 - Perfectionism in Desi culture ("nothing to fix")

15:48 - Guiding parents: moving from control to curiosity

16:49 – How to ask better questions as a parent

17:10 - Balancing "we" of culture and "me" of individual identity

17:46 - Homes as places of belonging vs. places of performance

19:49 – Telling kids “I understand how hard it is”

20:06 - Kids challenged by social belonging, not academics

22:05 - The word "respect" in Desi culture

22:45 – Red flags: When kids seem “too perfect”

23:52 - Respect is earned vs. given based on age

24:33 - Treating children with respect at home and in public

24:50 - Final message for teenagers: "Your worth isn't measured by approval"

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

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