Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke

Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke Chatting about how to connect with your TEENS It's hard to pinpoint when I began my photography business.

I developed in the darkroom as part of the yearbook staff in high school. Took photography 101 in college and photographed friends engagements. Got my digital SLR in 2003 and started taking clients then. I've taken all kinds of pictures, now I focus on Family portraits and high school seniors.

You’re not alone if you’ve thought this one…We all have moments where our teen’s lack of motivation feels personal, like...
10/28/2025

You’re not alone if you’ve thought this one…

We all have moments where our teen’s lack of motivation feels personal, like their apathy reflects on our effort as moms.

But often what looks like laziness is something underneath: overwhelm, disconnection, or fear of failure.

When you label it as “lazy,” you stop being curious.

When you pause and ask, “What’s really going on here?” You see that their struggle isn’t defiance, it’s protection.

And the best part is that you don’t have to fix their motivation, you just have to create enough safety for it to come back online.

👉 Comment SHIFT and I’ll send you a “Say This Not That” to help you respond to moments like these with calm instead of control.

10/28/2025

Are you ready? When your teen starts to pull away, it can feel like rejection.
But what if it’s not the end, it’s the evolution of your relationship?

They’re not always shutting you out. They’re growing up, and inviting you to grow with them.

When you learn how to shift from control to calm curiosity, that distance you feel starts to close again.

👉If you’re READY to learn how to stay close, even as they pull away, comment “READY” and I’ll send you what to say (and not say).

I’ve definitely done it. Respond with “I’m fine” when I’m anything but fine.But emotional safety with your teen starts w...
10/27/2025

I’ve definitely done it. Respond with “I’m fine” when I’m anything but fine.

But emotional safety with your teen starts with emotional honesty from you.

You don’t have to fix it all.
You just have to model what real looks like.

👉Comment “PEP TALK” and I’ll send you a “Say This Not That” tip to help you talk to your teen when you’re running on empty (and maybe hit your feelings hurt) but still showing up.

10/25/2025

Sometimes I have to remind myself: My job isn’t to make my teenager happy.
It’s to make them feel safe enough to be real.

And my biggest mom goal is
To become emotionally safe. Trusted.💗
The kind of mom my teen doesn’t have to hide from.

These are the quiet shifts that change everything… the difference between walking on eggshells and walking arm in arm together.

❓Want to know how to start responding with more calm (instead of freaking out or shutting down with the unintentional silent treatment)?

👉Comment the word CALM and I’ll send you a simple way to begin, and what exactly to say to your teen.

Any questions about any of the shifts I made from that video? Here to help you better understand!🙌

As parents, we talk a lot with teens about making good choices, but sometimes, choosing joy (fun, silly) is the good cho...
10/24/2025

As parents, we talk a lot with teens about making good choices, but sometimes, choosing joy (fun, silly) is the good choice.

Halloween or not, teenagers are constantly asking the question: do I still belong?

A smile, a kind word, a compliment on their costume or just telling them you’re glad they stopped by, might matter more than the candy.

Around here, we look beneath the surface to respond with calm instead of control and safety instead of shame.

If that’s the kind of “yes“ mom you want to be, you’re in the right place, stick around!

❓ Did you trick-or-treat as a teenager? Do you have teenagers who still want to go, but you’re not sure how to respond? Hopefully this helps!

Share this with your village, to flip the script on how we can best support teenagers this Halloween.

Comment “steady” for a say this, not that phrase when it seems like your teenager is indifferent to you.Indifference is ...
10/23/2025

Comment “steady” for a say this, not that phrase when it seems like your teenager is indifferent to you.

Indifference is not a lack of love, it’s a form of protection. When life feels heavy, even small conversations can feel like pressure to your teenager.

When you stop taking their distance personally and start responding with calm curiosity, they slowly resurface.

10/21/2025

Respect is the result of safety. Want your teenager to talk to you instead of shut down?

👉Comment SAFE and I’ll send you a “say this not that” phrase to consider next time you feel disrespected.

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