Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting and looking for ways to stay balanced? Have you ever wondered if that glass of wine at the end of the day is helping or holding you back? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, host Colleen O'Grady dives into the topic of alcohol use among moms, the rise of addiction since COVID, and how recovery can reshape both personal and family dynamics. Joined by licensed addiction counselor and author Sarah Allen Benton, Colleen explores the nuanced challenges that moms in recovery face, from finding healthy ways to cope with stress to navigating the emotional toll that addiction can have on relationships with teens. Benton shares her personal experiences and insights on what it means to live a "recovery lifestyle," addressing the importance of emotional sobriety and how addiction can affect every area of life. Key insights include the importance of creating sustainable self-care practices that don’t rely on substances. Benton emphasizes that managing stress as a parent often means saying “no” to additional commitments and removing the cultural expectation to do it all. This episode also highlights how families can support a parent in recovery, setting up boundaries that strengthen family bonds and empower teenagers to process any lingering anger or hurt. Benton stresses the need for open communication and suggests resources like support groups and counseling to help families rebuild trust and stability. Sarah Allen Benton is a licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Addiction Counselor, and Mental Health Counselor. She has been a parent in recovery from alcoholism for more than 18 years. She is co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC, offering clinical and business support services to innovative addiction and mental health companies. Her recently released book, Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle can be found anywhre books are sold. Learn more about Sarah at https://www.bentonbhc.com/ Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bentonBHC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you noticing anxiety in your teen or young adult and wondering how you can help them manage it? Do you feel like you're constantly in problem-solving mode but wish you could understand their experiences better? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, host Colleen O’Grady invites licensed psychotherapist Duygu Balan to discuss practical strategies for moms navigating their children's anxiety. Together, they explore the unique pressures facing today's youth, including the impact of social media, heightened global awareness, and an unpredictable world. Balan, co-author of Confidently Chill: An Anxiety Workbook for New Adults, highlights how expressive writing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, stress reduction, and resilience, helping young people externalize their worries and separate genuine concerns from imagined fears. The conversation emphasizes creating an environment where teens feel heard and supported in their journeys toward independence. Balan’s approach, known as the Balan Method, offers a structured yet flexible way to help teens manage anxiety. It encourages creating a calming environment, grounding the body through breathing exercises, and using writing prompts to explore thoughts and feelings. These techniques help teens transform abstract anxieties into manageable, real-life actions. Through writing exercises, Balan shows how teens can externalize worries, clarify goals, and build confidence. Moms are encouraged to guide teens gently through these practices, keeping communication open and validating their children's experiences without pressure or judgment. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duygubalan/ Find out more about Duygu at https://www.duygubalan.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you prioritize self-care and personal growth while balancing the demands of your business and raising teenagers? What strategies have you found helpful for maintaining open communication and connection with your teens while managing your workload? In this podcast episode, Colleen O'Grady engages in an insightful conversation with Leona Burton, exploring the unique challenges and triumphs of being both a mother and a business owner. They discuss the intricacies of balancing entrepreneurship with raising children, especially during the often tumultuous teen years. Leona shares her journey of founding Moms in Business International and her experiences with juggling a fast-paced career while raising six children of varying ages. Their conversation sheds light on the pressures moms face to "do it all," the societal expectations that often lead to feelings of guilt, and the importance of creating a supportive community for moms who need to balance business growth with family life. The episode emphasizes the importance of clarity, intention, and being kind to oneself amidst the chaos of parenting and working. Leona Burton is a dynamic entrepreneur, high-performance coach, and the founder of MIB International, the world’s largest community for women and mums in business. With over a decade of experience in business development, she has become a prominent figure in empowering women to achieve success. As a Forbes-featured Jack Canfield Advanced Success Coach, Leona specializes in guiding others through personal and professional growth, focusing on areas like visibility, sales, and marketing. Her leadership extends beyond the business realm, as she is a passionate advocate for mental health and personal well-being, balancing her career with being a mother to six children. Key takeaways from this episode highlight the importance of intentional time management and prioritizing both personal well-being and family needs. The conversation reinforces the idea that perfection is unattainable and that embracing the messy, imperfect moments is part of both parenting and business ownership. Leona and Colleen stress the value of open communication, not just with children but within one's own support network. Moms are encouraged to trust their intuition, practice self-care, and set boundaries to avoid burnout. The episode ultimately serves as a reminder that while the journey is challenging, with a clear vision and community support, moms can thrive in their dual roles as parents and professionals. Follow Leona at https://www.instagram.com/leonaburtonofficial/ Learn more about Mums/Moms in Business at https://mib.international/about-mib-international/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the college preparation process for your teen? Do you wonder what steps you should be taking to support them through each year of high school? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady speaks with Dr. Pamela Ellis, author of What to Know Before They Go, to break down how parents can help their teens navigate the journey to college without unnecessary stress. Dr. Ellis emphasizes that college preparation should not feel overwhelming and should be done gradually throughout the high school years. She discusses the importance of identifying the right college fit for your teen, taking into account academic, social, financial, and vocational factors. Dr. Ellis also debunks common myths around the college admissions process, such as the misconception that it’s difficult to get into most colleges and that the sticker price reflects what everyone pays. She reassures moms that the majority of colleges are accessible and affordable with many offering generous scholarships. Pamela Ellis, MBA, PhD—The Education Doctor®—partners with busy parents to help their teen find a college that feels like home without over-paying. As an award-winning CEO and consultant, Dr. Pamela’s experience with the education system includes advising school districts, community organizations, and institutes of higher education. She founded Compass College Advisory in 2010 and has served over 1,000 families. 95% of their students have been admitted to their top-choice colleges and the average scholarship is $75,000. Dr. Pamela is a highly sought-after speaker and author of the best-selling book What to Know Before They Go: College Edition. Dr. Pamela graduated from Stanford University and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and she earned a doctorate from the Stanford University School of Education.   Key takeaways include the value of starting the college conversation early by helping teens identify what is important to them in a school, from social environment to academic focus. Dr. Ellis advises that research and preparation should be a gradual process, beginning with building good study habits in freshman year and shifting to researching schools and writing college essays by junior and senior year. Finally, she reminds parents to take care of themselves during this process, ensuring that they can offer support without becoming overwhelmed themselves. Learn more about Dr. Ellis at: https://theeducationdoctor.com/ Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drpamelaellis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you looking for ways to foster happier and healthier habits in your teens? Have you ever wondered how spending time outdoors could benefit both your teens and your relationship with them? In this episode of the Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady discusses the powerful role that nature plays in the development and mental well-being of tweens, teens, and young adults. Joined by experts Dr. Pooja Sarin Tandon and Dr. Danette Swanson Glassie, the conversation dives into how nature can improve executive functioning, cognitive skills, and resilience in teens. The guests emphasize that exposure to nature helps develop life skills, such as planning, decision-making, and building strong social connections, all while reducing stress and anxiety. They also highlight that nature doesn’t have to mean grand adventures; even small, nearby nature experiences, like walking in a park or stargazing, can have a big impact. POOJA SARIN TANDON, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a general pediatrician and researcher at the Seattle Children’s Hospital, an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and the director of health at the Trust for Public Land. She has published widely on the importance of physical activity, outdoor time, and nature contact for health. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and two children.   DANETTE SWANSON GLASSY, MD, FAAP, is a primary care pediatrician and child advocate. She is the cofounder and board president of the nonprofit BestStart Washington and leads its Project Nature initiative—a program to support pediatric medical professionals as they encourage children to spend time in nature. She is the coeditor of Caring for Our Children. Dr. Glassy lives in the Seattle area and enjoys exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest with her two grandchildren. Key takeaways from the episode include the idea that nature provides a unique opportunity for teens to practice independence and resilience, as well as giving families a chance to bond in a stress-free environment. Parents are encouraged to integrate nature into everyday life, whether through shared outdoor activities or giving teens the space to explore on their own. Finally, the episode offers a gentle reminder that nature isn’t just for kids; it’s a powerful parenting tool for moms to reduce their own stress and build better connections with their teens. To find out more about their new book Digging into Nature go to https://www.projectnaturewa.com/naturebooks/ Dr. Tandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-s-tandon-md-mph-672040299/   Dr. Glassy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-glassy-12b00067/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are your teens getting the sleep they truly need, or are their packed schedules leaving them drained and stressed? What if a better night's sleep could improve not only their mental health but their academic performance as well? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady dives deep into the topic of sleep deprivation among teens, a growing issue that affects 70% of high schoolers. Colleen is joined by Jessica Bryant, an expert in pediatric sleep and advocate for prioritizing rest in our busy lives. Together, they discuss how sleep deprivation not only impacts teens' mental health, leading to anxiety and depression, but also hinders their academic performance and emotional regulation. They explore why it’s critical for parents to set boundaries around sleep, especially with the distractions of phones and extracurricular activities that extend into late hours. Through real-life stories and expert insights, Jessica emphasizes the importance of creating a sleep routine and being aware of the signs of sleep deprivation, such as trouble waking up or irritability throughout the day. The conversation highlights three key takeaways for parents: First, sleep is a powerful tool for mental and physical well-being, and lack of it can directly contribute to academic struggles and mood swings. Second, teens often don’t recognize how sleep-deprived they are, so it’s crucial for parents to start conversations about how their bodies feel and encourage good sleep hygiene. Lastly, parents can help their teens by setting an example—putting down their own phones at night, establishing a bedtime routine, and making rest a family priority. These small steps can make a profound difference in reducing stress and creating a more balanced and harmonious home environment. Jessica Bryant, representative of the Better Sleep Council (BSC), internationally recognized pediatric sleep strategist, keynote speaker, and the founder of Sleep Happy Consulting, is dedicated to answering the questions exhausted parents have about their child’s sleepless days and nights. She achieves this through a range of initiatives, including corporate wellness events, community workshops, and personalized one-on-one support. Find out more at Better Sleep Council: https://bettersleep.org https://www.instagram.com/bettersleeporg/ Follow Jessica at https://www.instagram.com/sleephappy https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moms, have you ever struggled to set clear boundaries with your teen, only to be met with resistance or anger? Do you wonder how to create a space where both you and your teen feel empowered, respected, and connected? In this episode, host Colleen O'Grady dives deep into the complex but essential topic of setting boundaries with teens, featuring expert therapist Juliane Taylor Shore. They explore the emotional and psychological work required to establish boundaries that stick—boundaries that not only help teens navigate tough situations but also encourage them to trust and respect themselves and others. Julianne discusses the importance of separating feelings from actions, especially when teens are lashing out. Moms are encouraged to understand the difference between a direct request and venting, and how to maintain their own emotional integrity even when things get heated. Through real-life examples, Julianne explains the four key types of boundaries—external, psychological, containing, and physical—and how each one plays a role in creating healthy family dynamics. Juliane Taylor Shore, LMFT, LPC, SEP, is a therapist, author, and teacher who is creating spaces where people can move into more self-compassion, self-trust, empowerment, and integrity. She regularly teaches and speaks to people from all around the world and translates new understandings in neurobiology into practices that can support brain change. She is the author of Setting Boundaries that Stick: How Neurobiology Can Help You Rewire Your Brain to Feel Safe, Connected and Empowered. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Adam, their daughter, Stella, and their rescue pointer mix, Layla. Three key takeaways from the episode include: First, setting effective boundaries is more about how we respond to our teens than controlling their behavior; it's about building trust and living into your values. Second, maintaining your own emotional well-being during difficult moments is crucial, which is why practicing self-compassion and learning to pause before reacting is essential. Finally, boundary work is often accompanied by grief as it highlights the painful but necessary process of growth—for both you and your teen. Recognizing and embracing this emotional work is a critical part of parenting through the teenage years. Find out more at https://www.julianetaylorshore.com/ Follow Juliane on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/julianetaylorshore/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to get your teen to emerge from their bedroom? Wondering how to connect with your teenager in today’s digital age? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O'Grady sits down with parenting expert Anita Cleare to discuss practical strategies for understanding and connecting with teens, especially when it feels like they’re constantly withdrawing into their own worlds. Anita, author of the new book How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom, shares her personal experiences of parenting teens and the challenges she faced, despite her professional expertise. Together, they explore the importance of respecting teens' autonomy, collaborating with them to solve problems, and using small, meaningful moments to build connection. Anita emphasizes the role of a teen’s brain development in their behavior and how parents can shift from nagging to nurturing by managing their emotions and expectations. They also dive into the concept of avoiding catastrophic thinking, which can escalate conflict, and instead focus on guiding teens through their emotional and social struggles. Anita Cleare (MA AdvDip) is a parenting expert, writer and coach and co-founder of the Positive Parenting Project a social enterprise which aims to bring the benefits of proven evidence-based parenting strategies to as many parents (and children) as possible. Her new book How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom tools and strategies for understanding connecting with and being there for your teenager which came out on September 10 th 2024. Anita’s first book, The Work/Parent Switch (known as The Working Parent’s Survival Guide in USA) is a positive parenting guide for working parents. Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of collaboration, where working with your teen to find compromises fosters cooperation rather than conflict. Little moments matter, as small interactions, like casual chats in the kitchen, can build stronger relationships over time and help teens feel connected. It’s also crucial to understand their world, acknowledging that teens' digital lives and friendships are integral to their identity, while helping them find balance with real-world activities. Lastly, regulating emotions is essential—parents should manage their own stress first, creating a calm atmosphere that can help teens better handle their own emotions and reactions.  Follow Anita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/anitacleare_parenting/ Learn More about Anita at https://anitacleare.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you currently help your teen distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information online? Have you noticed your teen questioning claims they hear on social media, and how do you guide them through those conversations? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O'Grady interviews Alex Edmonds, author of May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases and What We Can Do About It. Together, they discuss the growing challenge of misinformation and how it impacts teens in today’s world. Edmonds breaks down how teens are vulnerable to false claims online and what parents can do to help them navigate this complex digital landscape. Alex Edmans is Professor of Finance at London Business School. His TED talk "What to Trust in a Post-Truth World" has been viewed two million times; he has also spoken at the World Economic Forum, Davos, and the UK Parliament. In 2013, he was awarded tenure at the Wharton School, and in 2021, he was named MBA Professor of the Year by Poets&Quants. Edmans writes regularly for the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review. His first book, Grow the Pie, was a Financial Times Book of the Year. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.  The rise of social media and online platforms has made teens more vulnerable to misinformation, as they are frequently exposed to unverified information. Like adults, teens are susceptible to confirmation bias, meaning they gravitate toward information that aligns with their existing beliefs, which makes it harder for them to analyze opposing views critically. Their tendency toward black-and-white thinking further complicates matters, as they often see the world in absolutes, making them more likely to fall for exaggerated or simplistic claims. Teaching teens to engage in critical thinking, question the evidence behind the information they encounter, and assess sources is essential in combating misinformation. Parents play a vital role in this process by fostering an open dialogue, encouraging curiosity, and creating a home environment where critical thinking is valued. In a world dominated by social media influencers and viral content, misinformation spreads rapidly, especially when it taps into teens' cultural identities or trusted public figures, making parental guidance even more important. Find out more at maycontainlies.com Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aedmans/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you sick of the constant arguing not only with your teens but also with your husband, father or partner. Would you like to put an end to arguing, or at least dial it down? Well I brought in amazing guests to talk about it. Our guests today are Linda and Charlie Bloom Married since 1972, Linda and Charlie Bloom have been working with groups, individuals, couples and organizations to enhance the quality of their relationships and communication skills since 1975. They both have Master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work and have lectured, led seminars and provided consultation at universities and learning institutes throughout the United States as well as internationally. They have written and published four books, Happily Ever After…and 39 Other Myths about Love: Breaking Through to the Relationship of Your Dreams, 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married: Simple Lessons to Make Love Last, Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Stories from Real Couples about Lasting Love, and That Which Doesn’t Kill Us: How One Couple Became Stronger in the Broken Places. Their organization, Bloomwork is dedicated to promoting healthy, fulfilling, and successful relationships for individuals, couples and organizations. Their newest book was just released, An End to Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons for all Relationships. For great content and to learn more about Linda and Charlie's work go to https://bloomwork.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you finding it hard to connect with your teen and wonder how your own upbringing impacts your parenting? Do you know the difference between supporting your teen and rescuing them, and why it matters? In this episode, Colleen O'Grady continues her conversation with Eli Harwood, diving into attachment styles and how they shape our relationships with teens. Eli explains the four main attachment styles—secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized—and how these patterns manifest in both children and parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in parenting, noting how unresolved childhood issues can shape our responses to conflict with our teens. Eli encourages moms to be present and supportive, not overly controlling or dismissive, which helps create secure attachments. The episode also tackles how to differentiate between rescuing and supporting your teen through life's challenges, and the critical role of emotional regulation in parenting. Finally, Eli shares practical advice on how moms can take care of themselves and model healthy emotional behavior for their teens. ELI HARWOOD is a licensed therapist who lives in Colorado with her husband, Trevor, and their three children. Eli has been nerding out on attachment research for the past two decades and is on a mission to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time. She continues this mission in her clinical work, her writing, and running her mouth about attachment on social media. When she isn't working to make the world a more secure place, she is playing dress-up with her kids, obsessing about her sourdough starter, and reminiscing about that one time she won a set of globes as a Price is Right contestant. Takeaways: Healing is crucial—When moms resolve their own emotional baggage, they model healthy attachment behaviors, which helps their teens feel more secure and confident. Secure conflict—Conflict with teens is natural, but how you approach it matters. Avoid leading with anxiety or perfectionism; instead, use conflict as an opportunity for growth and understanding. Learn more about Eli at AttachmentNerd.com. Follow her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to maintain a strong connection with your teen as they navigate the complex emotions of adolescence? Do you find yourself caught between managing their daily tasks and truly engaging with them on a deeper level? In this episode of the Power Your Parenting Moms of Teens Podcast, host Colleen O'Grady sits down with licensed therapist Eli Harwood to discuss the transformative power of connection-focused parenting. Harwood, who has spent two decades studying attachment, shares her insights on how building secure attachments with teens can foster confidence, empathy, and resilience. The conversation delves into the importance of attunement, co-regulation, and the shift from being a safe haven to a secure base as teens grow. Harwood emphasizes the critical role of maintaining an authentic connection with teens, even as they begin to turn to their peers for support. ELI HARWOOD is a licensed therapist who lives in Colorado with her husband, Trevor, and their three children. Eli has been nerding out on attachment research for the past two decades and is on a mission to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time. She continues this mission in her clinical work, her writing, and running her mouth about attachment on social media. When she isn't working to make the world a more secure place, she is playing dress-up with her kids, obsessing about her sourdough starter, and reminiscing about that one time she won a set of globes as a Price is Right contestant. Key Takeaways: Connection-focused parenting is essential for fostering a teen's emotional and mental health. By prioritizing connection over control, parents can help their teens feel seen, heard, and supported, which in turn strengthens their resilience and self-esteem. Harwood stresses the importance of showing up consistently for both the tender and triumphant moments in a teen's life and encourages moms to focus on "lighting up" when their child enters the room, listening actively, and being quick to repair any relational ruptures. As teens grow, they naturally begin to rely more on their peers, but maintaining a secure attachment with their parents remains crucial for their overall well-being. Learn more about Eli at AttachmentNerd.com. Follow her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you constantly worried about your teen's choices and future, especially in the middle of the night? Have you found yourself struggling to connect with your teen, wondering if your parenting approach is truly effective? In this episode of the Power Your Parenting Moms with Teens podcast, Colleen O'Grady interviews Amy Betters-Midtvedt, author of You'll Make It and They Will Too. Together, they dive into the realities of parenting teens, from dealing with midnight anxiety to navigating challenging relationships. Amy shares her journey of learning to let go of control and focusing on connection with her teens, offering insights on how to balance boundaries with empathy. The conversation also touches on practical strategies for managing teenage friendships, dating, and faith, emphasizing the importance of choosing love over judgment. Amy Betters-Midtvedt, is a Today Parenting contributing author with more than a million readers and 25 years of experience working with adolescents and families. In both her job as a literacy coach and in her personal life—where she and husband, Todd, wrangle their five children—she has been surrounded by kids and teens and is passionate about serving them. Amy has a master's degree in leadership, curriculum, and instruction. Takeaways are--Let go of the fear-based approach to parenting, recognizing that trying to control every aspect of your teen's life only creates more conflict. Instead, focus on understanding and guiding them, allowing space for their independence to flourish. Prioritizing connection over constant correction is key—building a strong relationship with your teen is more valuable than always trying to fix their behavior. Look for opportunities when they are open to talk, and listen without judgment. Additionally, embrace flexibility when it comes to faith and values; allow your teen to question and explore their beliefs, and support them as they find their own path, trusting that their journey will be unique and personal. Learn more about Amy at https://amybettersmidtvedt.com/ Follow Amy on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/amy.betters.midtvedt/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you deal with intense emotions in your teens. It's challenging right? You are going to love this episode. Today we are going to dive into a teenager's emotional life. I think what makes parenting teens so challenging is dealing with their intense emotions. Sometimes you're the target of their emotional storms and sometimes they turn their emotions inward. You worry about them being depressed or anxious. How many times have we brought up a simple request to our teen, but it turns out to be not so simple because it triggers a huge emotional response? Moms can find themselves avoiding talking about important topics because they don’t know how to handle their emotions. I invited Dr. Lisa Damour, the author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, to talk about this nuanced subject of teenage emotions. In this episode we focus on her chapter called Managing Emotions, Part One: Helping Teens Express Their Emotions and the following chapter called Managing Emotions, Part Two: Helping Teens Regain Emotional Control Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Lisa Damour, Ph.D., co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, writes about adolescents for the The New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and maintains a clinical practice. She is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls. She and her husband have two daughters and live in Shaker Heights, Ohio. To find out more about the Emotional Lives of Teenagers go to https://drlisadamour.com/  Follow Lisa on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to connect with your teenage daughter? Do you find yourself wishing for more meaningful conversations that strengthen your bond? In this episode of the "Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens" podcast, Sandra Stanley and her daughter, Allie Stanley Cooney, join us to discuss their new book, Meet Me in the Middle: Eight Mother-Daughter Conversations About Life and Faith. They share their journey of co-authoring the book, where each wrote separate sections for mothers and daughters, and how they created a "meet me in the middle" section to foster open dialogue and deeper understanding. Sandra Stanley received her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech and Master of Arts from Dallas Theological Seminary. Sandra has a heart for foster kids and foster families, as she and Andy have been foster parents since 2010. Her ministry passion is promoting foster care in the local church. Much of her time these days is spent working on various writing projects and continuing her involvement with Fostering Together, the foster care initiative of North Point Ministries. Allie Stanley Cooney graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Communication. She completed the North Point Residency program and simultaneously earned a Masters of Christian Education degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has a heart for middle school and high school students and can often be spotted at any number of local coffee shops pouring into girls in those seasons of life. The episode is packed with practical advice on navigating the tricky waters of the mother-daughter relationship during the teen years, focusing on the importance of communication, understanding each other’s fears, and managing stress together. Key takeaways include the importance of being a student of your daughter—understanding her unique personality, fears, and stressors—and how this awareness can transform your relationship. Sandra and Allie emphasize the power of preemptive conversations, discussing tough topics before they become conflicts, and how these dialogues can lay a foundation of trust and mutual respect. They also highlight that even when challenges arise, maintaining the relationship should always be the priority, helping moms and daughters grow closer through the ups and downs of adolescence. Website: https://www.sandrastanley.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrawstanley https://www.instagram.com/alliekaycooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever gone all out to plan a perfect vacation only to be met with ungratefulness and rude behavior from your teens? Do you find yourself constantly trying to make your teens happy, often at the expense of your own needs and desires? In this episode, Colleen O'Grady explores the phenomenon of being a "teen" pleaser—a mom who seeks to satisfy her children, often neglecting her own well-being in the process. Colleen shares stories from several moms who faced disappointment after their efforts to please their teens were met with ingratitude. She discusses the inherent beauty in a mom's desire to please but warns of the pitfalls when this drive goes unchecked. The episode delves into the concept of "The Great Exchange," where moms expect their efforts to be met with gratitude and good behavior and what happens when that doesn't happen. Colleen identifies four key beliefs that can turn a mom into a pleaser: wanting to give their kids what they never had, feeling guilty, fearing their teen's anger, and believing it's selfish to prioritize themselves. The negative impacts of being a pleaser are highlighted, including feeling like a bad mom, disempowerment in parenting, and fostering entitlement in teens. Takeaways: Recognize and Reclaim Balance: Moms need to acknowledge where they are out of balance and start turning their attention back to themselves. This includes understanding their emotions, setting clear boundaries, and practicing self-care. Say No and Mean It: Learning to say no, even in small situations, helps strengthen the ability to set limits and regain control in the parent-child relationship. Seek Support: Finding a trusted confidant or engaging in coaching can provide the necessary support to break the cycle of being a pleaser and foster healthier family dynamics. By following these steps, moms can create a more balanced and empowered approach to parenting, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how to have meaningful conversations with your teens about politics without the drama?Are you looking for practical ways to help your kids become informed and engaged citizens? I have the perfect guest who can help us navigate through these tricky waters of politics. Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. She earned her PhD in Government from New York University and is raising a daughter on the Upper East Side. She currently serves as the Secretary for Community Board 8 in Manhattan. She created and maintains the digital database of all official Congress-to-constituent e-newsletters in the DCInbox Project. Her research has been published in multiple journals such as Political Behavior, Congress & the Presidency, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Science Research and Methods, American Politics Research, Politics & Policy, as well as in popular outlets including the New York Times, The Washington Post, The New York Post, NBC News, the The Hill, and more. Lindsey Cormack's recently published, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It), speaks directly to an America in which civic knowledge is alarmingly sparse and many people dread politics. It's a tool for parents, educators, and anyone eager to fill this gap. In the book, Cormack offers an engaging and practical approach to discussing political issues and the inner workings of the U.S. government with children and teens.   Here are some Key Takeaways from this episode: Start early with political discussions to lay the foundation for informed and engaged citizens. Help your teens understand the structure and function of government to reduce political apathy and frustration. Encourage participation in local politics to foster a sense of community and practical understanding. Use real-life examples and interactions with local politicians to make politics relatable and accessible. Promote healthy political conversations to develop critical thinking and advocacy skills in your teens. Empowering your teens with knowledge and tools for civic engagement not only helps them navigate the political landscape but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement. By taking an active role in their civic education, you can help them become well-rounded and informed Learn more about Lindsey at https://www.lindseycormack.com/. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoraiseacitizen/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone, only to realize you've lost precious time you could have spent with your family? Do you notice a difference between your digital habits and those of your teenagers? JENNIE KETCHAM CROOKS is the founder of the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, a clinical licensed social worker, and an anxiety and OCD specialist. Prior to starting the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, she was the Director of Clinical Education at Seattle Anxiety Specialists and before that, the lead medical social worker at the Polyclinic. Jennie has been involved in research at the University of Washington, a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and appeared on a number of popular television shows from Headline News and The View to Oprah. Jennie is the author of LOOK UP The 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism. In this episode we discuss how digital habits are formed and how they can often lead to overconsumption and mental health issues like anxiety. Jenny shares her personal story of missing her daughter's first steps because of being absorbed in her phone, highlighting how easy it is to fall into this trap. The conversation covers practical strategies to identify and change these habits, emphasizing the importance of modeling positive behavior for our children. They also explore how digital overuse can prevent us from experiencing meaningful connections and real-world activities. Finally, they address the critical need for downtime and boredom to allow our brains to rest and recharge. Here are 3 practical takeaways. Set Boundaries with Digital Devices: Establish clear boundaries for when and where digital devices can be used. For example, consider creating phone-free zones in your home, such as the dinner table or bedrooms. This helps to foster more meaningful interactions and ensures that digital consumption doesn't interfere with quality family time. Model Healthy Digital Habits: Your children are watching and learning from your behavior. Make a conscious effort to demonstrate healthy digital habits, such as limiting screen time, prioritizing face-to-face interactions, and choosing real-world activities over digital ones. This sets a positive example for your kids to follow. Prioritize Self-Care and Real-World Connections: Take care of your own needs by scheduling regular self-care activities that do not involve screens. This could include hobbies, exercise, or socializing with friends in person. By fulfilling your own needs outside of the digital world, you'll be less likely to rely on your phone for comfort and more present for your family. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/becomingjennie/ Learn more at: https://westcoastanxiety.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to maintain harmony in your relationship while managing the mental load of parenting teens? Have you ever wondered what the most common sources of conflict are between parents when it comes to raising children? In this insightful episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O'Grady dives deep into the realities of parenting and its impact on relationships. Joined by Leonie Akhidenor they discuss the common conflicts parents face. Leonie Akhidenor is a certified relationship coach, property developer and consultant, part-time model and mother of two boys. Dubbed ‘The Parenting Guru’ (Daily Mail, 2023) she is the founder and host of the ‘Parenthood Podcast’, where she focuses on sharing stories about our biggest challenges and lessons as parents. Unlike a lot other parenting podcasts, Leonie’s audience appeals to both mums and dads, as she talks directly with parents about uncomfortable topics in order to remove stigmas and normalize the experiences of modern day parenthood. With a style that feels a lot like group therapy - Leonie delves into topics with guests such as losing the spark with your partner after having children, or how you can overcome feelings of resentment, conflict in parenting styles and how we can find ourselves again after the weight of responsibility wears us down. Frank, caring and helpful in her approach - Leonie has established herself as the ‘real talk’ advice guru for all couples on their parenting journey. such as the mental load that often falls on moms, resulting in feelings of resentment and inequality in responsibilities. Leonie states that parents commonly fight about the inequality of household responsibilities, with moms often carrying the heavier mental load, leading to feelings of resentment. Additionally, differences in parenting styles and the challenges of maintaining intimacy and connection in the relationship are frequent sources of conflict. They also explore the impact of parenting on a mom’s identity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal interests and self-care. The conversation touches on the importance of quality time with partners to reignite intimacy, strategies for dealing with differences in parenting styles, and practical ways to delegate household tasks to reduce stress. Additionally, they discuss the unique challenges of raising a biracial family and the common frustrations dads experience when they feel sidelined. This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories to help moms navigate the complex dynamics of family life. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/parenthoodpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you navigating the tumultuous tween years with your child and wondering what makes this stage so unique? Do you find yourself caught off guard by sudden emotional outbursts and unexpected behavior changes in your 9-14 year old? My guest today is an expert on tweens. Joann Schauf is the founder of Your Tween and You, an author and a seasoned speaker who specializes in parenting and adolescent coaching. She authors the blog, The Tween Times, and actively engages with parents through workshops and conferences. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling. Joann Schauf discusses the crucial process of identity formation in tweens, emphasizing that this period is marked by significant changes in their sense of self. Tweens experience a variety of emotions and face confusion as they navigate their developing identities. They might express doubt, confidence, and fluctuating interests in rapid succession, all while questioning their beliefs and experimenting with different roles. Schauf highlights the importance of mothers shifting their parenting approach to be more collaborative and supportive, rather than authoritative. Moms should engage in open conversations, allow their tweens to express themselves, and offer guidance without judgment. By doing so, they provide a safe environment for tweens to explore and understand who they are becoming, fostering both independence and a strong parent-child connection. To find more about Joann and her book, "Loving the Alien" go to https://www.yourtweenandyou.com/ Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yourtweenandyou/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moms, have you ever wondered how to protect your teen's mental health and foster a positive body image in the face of pervasive diet culture and social media pressures? In this episode, Colleen O'Grady talks with Marla Mervis Hartman, creator of "Love Your Body, Love Yourself." After experiencing years of dysfunction in relation to food, exercise, and body confidence, Marla transformed her life through the radical act of self-compassion and friending herself. She has since used her experiences to help empower women as they choose appreciation for their bodies, honor themselves through nourishing lifestyle choices, and cultivate confidence along the way. Marla works at Ai Pono  a Eating Disorder Recovery Center. Most recently, she has been featured at TEDx Salinas. Currently, Marla lives in Maui with her husband, Olaf, and son, Aspen–where she works full-time as a professional coach, speaker, facilitator, and Instructor. Marla will see her first book, Be-Friend Yourself on bookshelves beginning of 2024. Marla discusses her journey of healing her relationship with food and body image, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion. Marla shares tools for managing emotional eating, such as identifying underlying issues, promoting self-care, and fostering a positive body image through modeling healthy behaviors. She highlights the impact of diet culture on both moms and teens and offers strategies for open communication. The conversation also covers the importance of parents healing their own relationships with food to provide a supportive environment for their teens and the critical influence of a mother's relationship with food on her children's attitudes towards eating and body image. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/loveyourbodyloveyourselfalways/ Learn more about Marla at https://www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/ BE-Friend Yourself Book Pre-order Link: https://www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/book FREE GIFT Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Eating https://goloveyourbodyloveyourself.com/emotionaleating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you create a sense of adventure and belonging in your family, even when life gets messy? What are the essential values that help cultivate a healthy and connected family? In this episode I interview Julie and Chris Bennett, authors of Fighting for Family, The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging. The Bennetts share their journey of moving from Oklahoma to Los Angeles and how this adventurous leap, combined with facing personal challenges like Julie's battle with cancer, has shaped their family dynamics. Julie and Chris Bennett are the founders of Welcome Home Lifestyle which exists to create and promote content that celebrates all things family. Both Julie and Chris are graduates of Baylor University and have spent the majority of their 23 years of marriage working in vocational ministry. Through overwhelming challenges, they have learned how to fight for the things that matter and devote themselves to helping others do the same. Alongside their passion for building belonging for others, they love nothing more than beach football, spontaneous road trips, and throwing a good party. The Bennetts live in Malibu, CA where Chris serves as lead pastor of Vintage Church Malibu. They emphasize the importance of intentionality in building family connections, advocating for open and honest conversations, and believing the best about each other, even during tough times. The Bennetts discuss their six core values for cultivating family, which include seeking to understand before being understood and working through hard things instead of walking away. They also highlight the significance of humility, vulnerability, and the willingness to learn from each other, noting that a healthy family is about being real and embracing the messiness of life together. To learn more go to https://www.fightingforfamily.org/ Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/juliebennett_/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you worried that technology is taking over your family life, especially with your tweens and teens? In this episode of the "Power Your Parenting" podcast, Colleen O'Grady hosts Erin Loechner, the author of "The Opt Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't." Erin shares her journey from being a social media influencer to leading a low-tech lifestyle. Founder of global tech-free movement The Opt-Out Family, Erin Loechner is a former social media influencer who walked away from a million fans to live a low-tech lifestyle—and is now teaching others how to do the same. Her cutting-edge work has been praised in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Huffington Post, as well as on the Today Show. When she’s not scrawling on her trusty steno pad, Erin, her husband, and their three kids spend their days chasing alpenglow, reading Kipling, and biking to town for more tortillas. Five key points include: 1) The pervasive belief that kids need technology is challenged, suggesting families can thrive without it. 2) Erin's family motto is "be more engaging than the algorithm," focusing on meaningful offline activities. 3) The negative impacts of technology on children’s mental health are highlighted with compelling statistics. 4) Erin shares practical strategies for families to reduce screen time, such as creating device-free zones and engaging in tech-free retreats. 5) She emphasizes the importance of parents modeling low-tech behavior and fostering real-life connections to help kids develop critical thinking and a love for discovery. Additionally, Erin discusses the challenges and strategies for managing technology in schools, advocating for alternatives to digital assignments and promoting device-free environments to enhance students' focus and well-being. Learn more at https://www.erinloechner.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you wondering how to support your teen through the heart-wrenching experience of grief and loss? In this heartfelt episode, Colleen interviews award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll, who shares her personal journey of navigating grief after the sudden loss of her husband in 2019. Clarissa, a remarried widow and mother of seven, discusses her two upcoming books, "Hurt, Help, Hope" and "Hope Comes to Stay," which offer essential guidance for teens and younger children dealing with grief. First, she emphasizes the importance of understanding that grief manifests differently for each child, ranging from clinginess to a need for solitude. Second, she highlights the necessity of self-care for parents to ensure they can support their children effectively. Third, Clarissa discusses the significance of maintaining family unity and open communication to prevent the family from splintering after a loss. Fourth, she stresses the value of creating a supportive environment that includes normalizing grief, encouraging resilience, and leveraging trusted adults to provide additional support for grieving teens. Additionally, Clarissa advises moms to be patient with their teens' grief journey and to avoid imposing a timeline on their healing process. She emphasizes that grief can take years to process, and it's crucial for parents to provide a stable, understanding presence without pressuring their teens to "move on" too quickly. This patience and acceptance can help teens feel supported and understood, fostering a healthier, more genuine healing process. Finally, Clarissa advises moms to be patient with their teens' grief journey and to avoid imposing a timeline on their healing process. She emphasizes that grief can take years to process, and it's crucial for parents to provide a stable, understanding presence without pressuring their teens to "move on" too quickly. This patience and acceptance can help teens feel supported and understood, fostering a healthier, more genuine healing process. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mollclarissa/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey moms! Have you ever wondered if your teen or college student truly understands the value of money? Are they financially savvy, or do you often find them struggling to grasp the basics? Today’s episode is all about empowering you to help your teens become financially literate. With almost twenty-five years of experience as a financial advising professional, Jeffrey Panik, MSFS, CFP® knows that his job is to help clients strike a balance between living well today and planning for the future. Throughout his career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses to help them set goals, strategically manage their assets, and work toward achieving their dreams. The first in his family to attend college, Jeff believes it is imperative to start the discussion of financial literacy early to best prepare for financial success throughout life. Jeffrey is the author of Your Future Is Now: A Guide to Understanding Your Finances and Gaining Independence. In this episode, Jeff emphasizes the importance of starting financial literacy discussions early. He provides practical tips on teaching teens about the real costs of credit cards and responsible spending. You'll learn about various budgeting tactics that suit different personalities, understand the true costs of college and how to manage student loans effectively, and discover ways to encourage your teens to work part-time and save. Jeff also highlights the value of early financial education and the impact of practical experiences like internships and part-time jobs. Follow Jeffrey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpanik/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you worried about your teen spending the summer glued to their screens and losing valuable skills? In episode #271 of the "Power Your Parenting Moms to Teens" podcast, host Colleen O'Grady chats with Julia Geffner, a seasoned growth marketer and mom, about preventing the dreaded summer slide. They share practical tips on establishing routines, setting screen time limits, and exploring exciting interests through hands-on activities and enrichment programs. Discover how to make this summer not only relaxing but enriching for your teen. Tune in and transform your summer strategy! Julia Geffner is a growth marketer, strategist, and customer experience executive and current chief digital and marketing officer at Summer Discovery, the global leader in pre-college programs for nearly six decades. She has 20 years of experience in executive and C-level digital and traditional marketing experience and revenue growth roles. She is passionate about youth education and loves that she gets to help create interactive and fulfilling learning experiences for teens. She graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in political science and an M.B.A. from Fordham School of Business in marketing and management. Most importantly, Julia is a mom to her two incredible children. Learn more about Summer Discovery and Julia at https://www.summerdiscovery.com/about/our-team Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/summerdiscovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can moms help their tweens and teens finish the year strong? Do you see your teens procrastinating? How can moms motivate their teens to study and do their best on their finals and AP exams? This episode is full of practical tips and advice to help YOU help your teen. Our guest today is Lisa Speransky. Lisa grew up in New York City, attending specialized public schools and Columbia University. Through years of her own experience as a well-known tutor and mentor in NYC, she came to understand how a tutoring relationship can be life-changing for a student and began expanding her company in 2003. Lisa also enjoyed a 13-year corporate career in consumer products, spending 3 of those years in a C-level role before returning to IVY to pursue her mission to help students find joy in learning. How to motivate teens to study? "Emphasize the higher stakes of final exams compared to regular tests, and remind them that consistent studying can prevent last-minute stress and improve performance." How to handle procrastination? "Encourage the use of calendar blocking to break study tasks into manageable chunks, making it easier to start and stay on track without feeling overwhelmed." The importance of reducing stress. "Help your teen manage exam stress by providing organizational tools and reinforcing that a single test is not the end of the world; your support and understanding are key." To find out more about Lisa or IVY go to: https://ivytutorsnetwork.com/about/our-team Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivytutorsnetwork/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we talk about Teens and AI. No matter if you are pro AI or against it, AI is here to stay and our teens are using it. Just like social media and smart phones, there are are many good things about AI but there are a lot of unknowns. We explore the wonderful opportunities that AI can bring but also dive into the hard questions. We discuss how AI can amplify what we do as humans but it should never replace our humanness. Our guest today Audrey Wisch left Stanford to found Curious Cardinals, mobilizing peers to inspire K-12 students to discover their passions. With her vision to unlock students' potential through personalized mentorship, she raised $6.8m in ventured funding. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Audrey empowers youth and provides college students meaningful work. In this episode we explore: · How will AI change the future of k-12 education? How will AI change the workforce and what affect will that have on our kids? · How do you go about introducing AI to teens? Where do you draw the line? · What can we learn from social media’s take over when it comes to navigating this new technology?  · How can parents use AI to save time?  · What are common misconceptions you aim to debunk regarding AI?  · How can AI help teens who are neurodivergent?  · What stance can parents take when it comes to drawing boundaries vs encouraging enthusiastically the utilization of AI in their teens’ lives?  · Should I let my kid use this or not? How should I have conversations with my kids about this? · Is it cheating to use ChatGPT to help with an essay? How can we think about what's moral vs what's not?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are going to discuss how to implement Reflective Parenting vs. Reactive parenting. In this episode we talk about what is a Reflective Parent and can teens be reflective. We explore the three basic biobehavioral systems: reward systems, mentalizing, and the stress/threat system and how understanding this empowers us to be better parents. Our guest today is Sheila Redfern PhD ,a Consultant Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist. She is currently a Head of Clinical Services for Family Trauma at Anna Freud, a children and families mental health charity in London, UK. Dr Redfern also worked as a senior lecturer as part of Guy's Medical School from 1996-2005. She is the Director of Redfern Psychology Services, an independent clinical psychology practice, where she offers direct clinical work, training and supervision and where she is devoted to promoting insight, compassion, and empathy in individuals, families, institutions, and communities. Dr. Redfern’s clinical psychology practice spans thirty years, and she has published extensively in peer reviewed journals on parenting, fostering and child and adolescent mental health for the professional audience. Dr Redfern has authored two books for parents; Reflective Parenting: A Guide To Understanding What's Going on in your Child's Mind (Routledge) and How do You Hug A Cactus? Reflective Parenting with Teenagers in Mind (Routledge). To learn more go to: https://redfernpsychology.org/ How Do You Hug a Cactus? Reflective Parenting with Teenagers in Mind https://amzn.eu/d/idhOCKY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You are going to love my guest today! In this episode we talk about how parents and society at large underestimate teenage girls. We talk about amazing things that teenage girls have accomplished and how they are redefining leadership and power with all these accomplishments. Our guest today Chelsey Goodan is the author of the USA Today national bestseller, UNDERESTIMATED: The Power and Wisdom of Teenage Girls (Gallery Books), which has been recommended by Oprah Daily, saying: “If you have a teenage girl in your life, you need to read this.” Amazon's Editorial Director chose UNDERESTIMATED as her "Editor's Pick, Best Nonfiction,” featuring it on CBS Mornings, and when Chelsey was recently on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, they exclaimed: "We couldn't stop talking about your book." Chelsey has been a mentor and empowerment coach to teenage girls for 16 years. She speaks regularly to audiences about gender justice and serves as the mentorship director of DemocraShe, which supports and guides girls from underserved communities into leadership positions.  Find out more about Chelsea at https://www.chelseygoodan.com/  Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/chelseygoodan/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest today has a unique viewpoint on teens. She is both a mom of teens and coaches teens. We dive into competition, comparison, jealousy, envy, body image, mindset, confidence, and self worth. Kaitlin Feurer is a dynamic mentor, seasoned consultant, and highly experienced coach specializing in cheerleading, tumbling, and mindset development. With a passion for guiding individuals towards fearlessness and surpassing limitations, Kaitlin has empowered a diverse range of clients, from cheerleaders and athletes to aspiring business owners. Kaitlin's impact extends far beyond individual coaching sessions, as she has been sought after to share her wisdom and insights on various podcasts and publications. Her greatest joy lies in guiding her clients to break free from self-imposed limitations and unlock their full potential in health, wealth, vision, and business. Through her guidance, Kaitlin empowers others to step into their greatness and create a life of fulfillment and abundance. Contact [email protected] Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kaitfeurer/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest today has a very fresh and unique perspective on whats next for high school graduates. I believe there are many paths to success and our guest today would agree. You will be shocked at how many careers don’t need a college degree. Degree Free founded by Hannah Maruyama has over 4 millions like on tik tok. Heres what Hannah says about herself. My name is Hannah Maruyama, and I help parents and teens/young adults between the ages of 16-20 create custom career roadmaps that don't require them to buy college degrees. From tech to trades. Midwife apprentices, drone pilots, sommelier training, dog grooming, sales, software developers, organ transplant techs, voice acting, watchmakers, salvage divers, recruiters, video game animation, anything! My husband Ryan and I run @degreefree on Tiktok, which has over 100,000,000 views and the Degree Free Podcast (a top US Careers Podcast!). To find out more about Hannah and Degree Free go to https://degreefree.co/ Follow on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@degreefree?lang=en Check out Degree Free Launch. Power Your Parenting listeners get a $500 dicount. Degreefree.co/launch  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Were you raised by a narcissistic parent, or did you marry a narcissist? How do you raise kids to not be narcissistic? What are the harmful effects of parental narcissism, and how do you heal from that? Dr. Karyl McBride is our guest today. Karyl McBride, PhD LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, just like me. She's in Denver, Colorado with 39 plus years of public and private practice. She specializes in treating clients with dysfunctional family issues. For the past many years, Dr. McBride has been involved in private research regarding parental narcissism and the debilitating effects of narcissism in relationships. She has treated many adult children of narcissistic parents, as well as many others involved in relationships with narcissists in her private practice. Dr. McBride is considered a pioneer and leading expert in her field. Dr. McBride has also extensive clinical experience in the fields of trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and step family therapy, marital and family therapy, and specialized trauma treatment like eye movement, desensitization, reprocessing, otherwise known as EMDR. "Narcissistic parenting tends to present in either engulfing or ignoring, which kind of seem like opposite. But with the engulfing narcissistic parent, the child never really gets a chance to develop who they are, because they're constantly being told what to think, what to wear, how to dress, how to wear your hair, what to believe in, how we act. So that pushes out that time for the psychic energy of the child to be developing. The child that is ignored, the other type of narcissistic parenting, that child is scurrying around constantly trying to get the love and approval and affection and attention of the narcissistic parent. And therefore, again, the psychic energy is taken up. So they're not able to focus on themselves." Dr. Karyl McBride To find out more go to: https://willieverbegoodenough.com/ Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DrKarylMcBride Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever said to your teen, “What’s going on in that teenage brain of yours?” Well, they may not know but I brought in a guest that does. John Coleman trained as a clinical psychologist and was formerly a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford. He is the founder of a research centre studying adolescents and their families, and during his career he has also run a special school for troubled teenagers and worked as a policy advisor for the government. He was awarded an OBE for services to young people in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2001. In this episode we explore these questions. In what way is the brain changing? What role do hormones play in the teenage brain? Why do teenagers stay up late and struggle to get up in the morning? Do teenagers really take more risks? Why are teenagers so argumentative and how come their moods shift so quickly? How does understanding the developing brain improve relationships and communication at this crucial stage?  To learn more about Dr. John Coleman go to https://www.jcoleman.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is so full of wisdom. Did you know that your subconcious mind controls 95% of your daily activity? "And it's pre-programmed with paradigms which are habits, thoughts, and beliefs that reside in the subconscious mind. So 5% consciously says, I want to do something different but 95% goes back to anything that's been programmed into us." "I sometimes use the analogy of the giving tree. And a stump of a woman is someone who takes care of everybody else first." "So the first thing you have to do to be a really good parent is look inside and say, Okay how am I not showing up in my power." We have such a powerful, sincere and inspiring guest today. So buckle up and enjoy the ride. Shawn Feurer is a Universal Mindset Disruptor with 20+ years of experience. Former business coach, now a transformative mindset mentor, Shawn focuses on revolutionizing thinking patterns to foster freedom, abundance, joy, and love in life. His mission: help individuals transform unproductive habits and shift mindsets to achieve their dreams, epitomized by his motto, "ENJOY THE RIDE."  Specializing in Inner BluePrint, Leadership Development, and more, Shawn offers tailored solutions for financial growth, relationship enhancement, and overall wellness across the U.S. and Canada. At the heart of his philosophy: change begins within. Guided by the principle, "Tell me what you want, and I'll show you how to get it," Shawn stands as a partner in growth, ushering in a life of limitless possibilities. Find out more about Shawn at : https://www.shawnfeurer.com/ Follow Shawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnfeurer/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the website Love is Respect, 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with. These are alarming statistics. In this episode we define what an abusive relationship is. How can parents know if their teens is an abusive relationship and what are the warning signs. And most importantly how can parents talk to their teens and protect them against the abuse or being the abuser. I brought in another family therapist to discuss this important subject. Our guest today is Eden Garcia-Balis, M.S. LMFT who was appointed Chief Executive Officer for Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) in 2014. She has been in the mental health field for over 19 years with experience in leadership and management of service programs, business operations and fundraising. In addition, she was the Executive Director of the Pasadena Mental Health Center. Eden has a passion for working with the underprivileged and underserved and believes all people regardless of their socioeconomic status deserve quality mental health services they can afford. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and brings a strong clinical background to her position at AMCS. I asked Eden why a third of all U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in relationship with. I mean that's really high. "It's very high. It's alarming and I'm often asked, why is that statistic so high? When you look at what our children are listening to, when you look at what our children, our youth, our teens are seeing on TV, they don't know what a healthy relationship looks like. Some of the questions we dive into are... 1.  Why do you think there has been rise in domestic violence among teens and why do you think it is more common than ever? 2. What are some of the warning signs parents or guardians should look for if they suspect their teen may be in violent or unhealthy relationship? 3. What are some of the ways parents can talk to their kids about dating violence and when is the right time to have this conversation? 4. What advice would you give teens who are in a relationship with a partner that is exhibiting violent, controlling or unhealthy behaviors? 5. What advice would you give parents who suspect, or know, their child is in an unhealthy relationship? Find out more about Eden at https://www.amcshelps.com/management Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do your teens help around the house? Do they have weekly chores? Is it a chore to get your teens to do their chores? Does your teen promise to clean their room or do the laundry and they just keep putting it off till you feel like pulling your hair out? Have you given up on having your teens do chores because they have a rigorous academic schedule? Today I have a guest who will help us explore these questions. She calls herself an advocate for the value of unpaid labor. Bio: Lori Sugarman-Li believes deeply in the power of families and is a passionate voice in the cultural shift aiming to articulate the value and visibility of unpaid work. Her career as a Communications Strategist, combined with a decade devoted to full-time care of her family, community, and children's charities worldwide, served as the inspirational backdrop for her professional relaunch as a Coach, Speaker, and Author. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations within families, encouraging them to contemplate how they care for one another and their shared space. Lori, her husband, and two sons are Canadian-born and live steps from Lake Michigan in Chicago. Here are some of the questions we explored. How should families approach the allocation of household roles to encourage participation from each member? In what ways can parents help their children connect with tasks that play to their strengths? What advice do you have for families to ensure everyone's preferences and abilities are respected and accommodated? How does assigning tasks aligned with a teen's interests influence their sense of responsibility? How do you suggest we teach teens to see the value in the unpaid work that goes into running a home? What language shifts do you propose for discussing domestic work that can help elevate its importance? Could you share some insights on how to illustrate the deeper significance of everyday chores to teens? "Because the ultimate goal, the real desire here is full task ownership by everybody. Because what we know is that not only does the mother perform 75% of the executional work, but typically the mother is holding all of the mental and emotional work as well." https://ourhomeourpride.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ourhomeourpride/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we look at some of the current trends in technology worldwide and what parents can do about it. We also discuss ways for parents to get out of a power struggle with their teens and have important and open conversations to keep them protected in the online world. Our guest today is Forest Bronzan. Forest is a co-founder and on the board at Digital Detox where he leads global initiatives for digital wellness and helped grow the company to a customer base in over 80 countries and is the CEO at Camplight - helping parents take a practical approach to navigating raising kids with tech. As a father of two children, Forest has a deep passion for improving the relationship society has with technology. Listeners can visit camplight.com to learn more, or digitaldetox.com Find Forest on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestbronzan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you raise confident teens? We talk through the Confident Teen Blueprint which is a 30 day approach which includes how to create your personalized overarching philosophies about parenting, know what your beliefs and mantras which support your overarching philosophies. How to get more mileage out of your conversations with your teens by being curious and being a really good listener. Karleen states that a good listener is really about bring an exceptional learner. Our guest today - Karleen Savage is sought-after speaker, trainer, hostage negotiator, and conflict resolution expert with a passion for fostering peaceful, harmonious environments. Through her Savage Theory of Resolution, she emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in order to achieve success. Through more than 15 years of professional experience, Karleen has learned that the conflicts we experience in business are usually a reflection of the conflicts happening at home. This belief inspired her to write her book The Confident Teen Blueprint. Throughout her career, Karleen has worked with corporations, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, creating a positive environment for growth and development. https://www.karleensavage.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karleensavage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the things that makes parenting so hard today is dealing with everything screens with your teens. Screens are a daily battlefield for a majority of parents. Our guest today is known as the screentime consultant and has just published her book , The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family , and of course in this episode we discuss what does it mean to be a tech intentional family and how to implement that. Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., is a nationally recognized consultant who takes a tech-intentional approach to addressing screentime challenges. A former middle school teacher, she has been featured for her work in the New York Times, the Washington Post, on the Today Show (twice), Good Morning America, Australia Weekend Today‚ the BBC, NPR, Sirius XM Radio, and numerous parenting websites, blogs, and podcasts. Chuck Norris has quoted her. Emily teaches parenting courses, offers private parent consultations, facilitates professional development training, and provides personalized school presentations built on her tech-intentional approach. As a parent to a twelve- and fifteen-year-old, Emily understands deeply the real-life challenges of parenting in the digital age. Emily is also the co-founder of The Student Data Privacy Project, an advocacy group focused on protecting schoolchildren’s data. More can be To learn more go to www.thescreentimeconsultant.com. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thescreentimeconsultant/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How big a deal is vaping? How many tweens and teens vape? How does vaping impact the brain? Is vaping addictive? How should you educate your son or daughter about vaping? If you find out your tween or teen is vaping, how should you handle it? Aaron Weiner, PhD, is a licensed, board-certified psychologist, master addiction counselor, clinician, author, and frequent speaker on addiction treatment and issues. Dr. Weiner is the immediate Past President of the Society of Addiction Psychology, serves on the Public Policy Committee for the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and is a member of the Science Advisory Board for the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions. He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed his fellowship in Addiction Psychology at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. To learn more:  https://www.weinerphd.com/  https://www.weinerphd.com/vaping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you even been caught in a Shouldstorm? A ShouldStorm is a high-pressure culture of criticism and anxiety that pushes perfectionistic parenting. The Shouldstorm has an opinion on every little thing parents do, but it often contradicts itself. It tells parents what they should or should not do, and threatens that kids will suffer if parents don’t follow those shoulds to the letter. Parents internalize the shoulds; the Shouldstorm lives in our heads and makes parents feel anxiety and shame. To get free of the Shouldstorm I invited Dr. Alison Escalante to be our guest Dr. Alison Escalante is a board-certified pediatrician and an Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University. She has been treating children for almost twenty years and has spent the last ten years exploring methods and workable solutions to target parental stress. She’s a regular contributor to Psychology Today and Forbes, and her work has also been featured in Inc. and USA Today.  Alison will share a unique approach that helps parents resist a culture that causes anxiety and stress to be more and do more in the pursuit of parenting perfection. Dr. Escalante is a pediatrician, mother and the author of the new book SIGH SEE START: How to be the Parent Your Child Needs in a World that Won’t Stop Pushing. To learn more go to: https://theprimarycarer.com/   Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alison.escalante.md/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you instill confidence, grit and resilience in your teens? To explore this I invited Jesse Lebeau to the show. Jesse LeBeau is one of today’s most highly sought after youth speakers and teen coaches. His unlikely underdog story has inspired millions of teens through his speaking, best-selling books and youth programs. He is one of the worlds premiere basketball trick artists and is regularly featured on TV, film, and international tours. Jesse’s new reality series ‘The LeBeau Show’ allows viewers the chance to follow him around the country and see firsthand the major impact he is having on youth. Jesse is not only an amazing teen coach but he has great practical advice for moms. Jesse is definitely inspirational you will want to take notes. To learn more about Jesse go to  https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/ Follow Jesse on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jesselebeau/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I have anxiety I can't do my homework." Statements like this leave moms wondering, "Is this anxiety or an excuse? Most of us have some level of anxiety and so this can be very confusing for moms. An anxious teen is challenging to parent especially if they refuse to do something they should do, like go to school, go to soccer practice, or do their homework. It's easy to get into arguments with an anxious teen. Conversations frequently spin out of control. To talk about these challenges I have invited Cynthia Coufal to join us today Cynthia Coufal is a Certified Life Coach for teens and young adults. She has a podcast and YouTube channel called The Teen Anxiety Maze. Cynthia spent 31 years as a teacher and school counselor in Public Schools. She started a podcast during the pandemic to reach her students since she couldn’t see them face to face. This led to her wanting to have a broader audience than just the students in her school building. Cynthia now has clients around the US and listeners all over the world. Cynthia is YouMap®Assessment Certified. She uses the profile to help young people understand what their strengths, values, preferred skills, and interests are. This helps them find their WHY for tackling anxiety. Email: [email protected] Website: www.cynthiacoufalcoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9WBijdxeYpQSekM7RZYvA   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does your teen frequently get angry? In this episode, we talk about what anxiety-driven anger looks like in our teens. Kelsey Torgerson Dunn, MSW, LCSW, specializes in anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. She opened her group practice, Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, in early 2017. She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness skills, and often finds that just having someone on your side is the most helpful part of counseling. Kelsey recently published When Anxiety Makes You Angry written for teens.  “Using a proven-effective approach rooted in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), When Anxiety Makes You Angry will help you identify the anxiety beneath your anger, accept difficult emotions—rather than fighting or trying to ignore them—and learn healthy coping and self-regulation skills to help you find emotional balance. You’ll also discover how to “train your brain” to stop and think before reacting; and how to choose calm over chaos when faced with the things that trigger your anxiety or anger. To learn more contact Kelsey at https://www.kelseytorgersondunn.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithkelsey/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

67% of marriages go through extreme dissatisfaction after having children. This eye-opening statistic forms the backdrop of our discussion, where we explore the dynamics of parenting stress on relationships. Our conversation will delve into practical strategies for couples, inspired by the 33% who not only survive but thrive during parenthood. We explore topics like creating meaningful connection moments, nurturing essential rituals, remaining actively involved in each other's lives, and cultivating a positive mindset that focuses on strengths rather than shortcomings. Sharla and Robert will empower you with insights that transform relationships under the pressures of parenthood. Dr. Robert and Sharla Snow, a married couple with over 31 years together, passionately combine science, art, and personal experience to coach couples in achieving lasting and joyful marriages. With backgrounds in neuroscience, NLP, and Time Line Therapy, they also hold certifications in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Their mission is inspired by their own journey, growing from divorced families to a thriving family of six, as they strive to transform relationships globally. Find out more about Robert and Sharla at: https://masteryourmarriagepodcast.com/ Follow on Social at: https://www.instagram.com/masteryourmarriage/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sacred celebrations and rituals create memorable moments with our family that we will remember all our life. In this episode we talk about the daily rituals in our life that ground us, and help us become more present to the life around us. We also discuss how to design rituals that helps us navigate through joyful and difficult transitions. A very important transition is how we leave the old year and welcome the new. Our guest today will help us bring these sacred celebrations into our family life in 2024. Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed. has spent 23+ years helping people integrate mind, body and spirit for wholeness. As an intuitive life and business coach, speaker and author, she is a creative force when to comes to releasing pain, healing wounds, transforming old stories into new beginnings, and celebrating the beauty and joy of life’s milestones.  Elizabeth guides women through a self-care and ritual process where grief and gratitude can live side by side. A firm believer of the power of community, she guides her clients to create connections, so they aren’t left to carry weight of their grief alone. As a Life Coach and Shamanic practitioner, she brings a unique blend of traditional coaching techniques and ancient wisdom to her practice. Elizabeth is the author of two books – Smart Self-Care for Busy Women and Sacred Celebrations, Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions. To learn more about Elizabeth go to elizabethbarbour.com Follow Elizabeth on social media at: FB: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbarbour IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabthbarbour/  Sacred Celebrations book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTXRL56  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can parents inspire their teens in challenging times? To address this question I have invited Ed Gerety to be our guest. Ed Gerety has been an inspirational speaker to tweens and teens for 28 years, He is an author, and podcast host of “Parents Navigating the Teen Years”. At 20 years of age, Ed established his own business dedicated to helping others develop as leaders and to reach out and make a difference. Since that time, Ed has shared his powerful message in all 50 states, Canada, and Europe. And his greatest creds are that he is a father to two high school students. This is such a great conversation. We talk about the difference between motivating and inspiring your teen. And how to empower your teens to be resilient in these challenging times. We talk about the traps parents can fall into. Ed and I talk candidly about our own experiences as parents. Contact Ed at https://www.edgerety.com/education/contact/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgerety/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices