Hi, I’m Dr Chaland van Zyl — Educational Psychologist, mom of two, and a passionate advocate for teenagers.
For the past decade, I’ve worked in education, and yes — believe it or not — teenagers are my favourite group to work with. They are endlessly complex, funny, brave, and often deeply misunderstood.
Too often, teenagers are labelled as moody or difficult, when in reality they are navigating enormous emotional, social, and physical change.
My work focuses on bridging the gap between what teens feel and what parents see — helping families reconnect through understanding, honesty, and empathy.
I always promise my teens one thing: I will never lie to you. I meet them where they are — with honesty, compassion, and realism about the challenges they face every day.
Through TeenMinds SA, I hope to create a space where understanding grows, conversations open, and families reconnect — one real, honest chat at a time.
I love that teens appreciate honesty — even when it’s not what they want to hear. I love the moment their whole demeanour softens when they realise, “Okay… I can trust you.”
I love how deeply they think, how they question, how they challenge, and how they feel everything at full volume. I love that they are brave enough to want better for themselves, even when they don’t always know how to get there.
Working with teens isn’t draining. It’s a privilege — a front-row seat to becoming.
People often ask me why I choose to work with teenagers. But here’s the truth: I choose you. Every time.
I choose to have your back. I choose to be on your side — not to excuse everything, but to understand you, to support you, and to help you make sense of a world that doesn’t always make sense.
I don’t see you as “moody,” “difficult,” or “dramatic.” I see you as human — growing, learning, becoming. And honestly? I’m in awe of you.
So let this be known: I’m in your corner. I’m rooting for you. I see you — the real you — and I choose you, exactly as you are.