Shows
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensVaping, Delta-8, and Teens: What Moms Need to KnowAre you worried about how easy it is for your tween, teen, or college-age child to get alcohol, weed, vapes, or “wellness” gummies—and not sure where to even start the conversation?
In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen talks with Pam Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Pam explains how today’s substances (like Delta-8, synthetic THC products, and vaping) are more accessible and more potent, why mental health and substance use are so tightly linked, and why clear parental...
2025-11-1733 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensParenting Sensitive TeensDo you have a teen who feels everything deeply—who’s easily overwhelmed, deeply compassionate, or just needs more downtime than others?Have you ever wondered whether your child’s sensitivity is actually a superpower rather than a weakness?
In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist, empath, and New York Times bestselling author, joins Colleen O’Grady to explore how parents can understand and support their highly sensitive teens. Dr. Orloff shares how sensitivity and empathy—often misunderstood—are powerful traits that can help teens grow into caring, grounded adults when they have the right support. Fro...
2025-11-1038 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensCalm Teenage AnxietyWhen your teen snaps or shuts down, could anxiety be hiding underneath?What can you do—today—to support them without “fixing” them?
Colleen talks with therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW about recognizing teen anxiety (including surprising signs like irritability and anger), the biological and cultural drivers (from hormones to social media and admissions pressure), and what actually helps at home. They unpack why quick fixes backfire, how to communicate about hard topics, and ways to modify expectations, build self-esteem, and set boundaries over blanket restrictions (e.g., muting or curating feeds instead of banning apps). S...
2025-10-1333 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHelp Teens Transform Stress into GrowthDo you ever feel like stress is running your life? And are you worried about how stress is affecting your teen’s confidence and resilience?
In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes stress expert Dr. Rebecca Heiss, author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You. Dr. Heiss shares her powerful, research-backed approach to using stress as a source of energy and growth rather than something to avoid or suppress. She explains why trying to “calm down” often backfires, why stress can actually be a sign of meaning and purpose, and how...
2025-10-0638 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensEmpowering Teens from the Inside OutDo you ever wonder how you can help your teen truly love themselves from the inside out? Or how you as a mom can stay grounded and respond from love instead of fear when your teen pushes your buttons?
In this empowering episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Debra Beck, founder of Empowered Teens and Parents and award-winning author of My Feet Aren’t Ugly and What If Your Teen Isn’t the Problem?. Debra shares her own stories, practical tools, and compassionate wisdom for raising confident teens while staying steady...
2025-09-2934 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensLife of AND: Thriving at Home and WorkHave you ever felt like you’re running on empty—giving everything to your family, your work, and your home, yet never feeling caught up? Do you wonder if balance is even possible for moms in today’s world?
In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Tiffany Sauder about what it really means to redefine work–life balance. Tiffany shares her journey from burnout to creating a sustainable rhythm where career, family, and self can thrive together. Through practical examples and honest stories, she helps moms understand how to clarify pr...
2025-09-2244 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Handle School AvoidanceIs your tween or teen suddenly refusing school—or saying they’re “sick” every morning? How do you tell what’s normal pushback versus a red flag that needs support?
In this conversation, Colleen and pediatric psychologist Dr. Ariana Hoet unpack school avoidance—what it is, why it happens, and how moms can respond without escalating morning battles. You’ll hear how anxiety fuels avoidance (and why avoidance strengthens anxiety), the power of gradual exposure and tiny “wins,” and how to get granular: identify the real barrier (safety fears, social stress, learning struggles, sleep/screens), co-create a stepwise plan, and...
2025-09-1536 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensRaise Conscious Teens Through CreativityWant your teen to swap scrolling for soul-filling creativity? Curious how “mind-watching” (kids’ word for mindfulness) can calm thought-storms and build resilience?
In this episode, Colleen talks with artist and youth-mental-health advocate Rafael McMaster, founder of Indivisible Arts. Rafael shares how a 30-minute “Fundamental Life Tools” practice—taught in kid language and paired with an hour of hands-on art—helps teens regulate emotions, focus, and reconnect with purpose. You’ll hear how peer mentorship supercharges buy-in, why phones naturally disappear when real-life creativity is compelling, and how gratitude “G-flips,” intention setting, and compassion turn chaos into clarity—at home, in school, an...
2025-09-0146 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensLove (Oxytocin Response) or Fear (Stress Reaction)What if you could shift your child’s behavior not with consequences, but with calm? What if the most powerful tool you have is love—biochemically speaking?
In this eye-opening episode, Colleen O’Grady welcomes trauma and adoption expert Bryan Post to unpack the neuroscience behind stress and connection in parenting. Bryan explains how fear-based reactions (driven by cortisol) and love-based responses (driven by oxytocin) shape our children’s behaviors—and our reactions to them. Drawing from his own story as an adoptee, Bryan introduces the concept of “stress-sensitive children,” emphasizing that behaviors we label as “bad” often stem from un...
2025-08-1847 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensThe Words We SayAre the words you're speaking building connection or creating distance with your teen?Could everyday phrases be unintentionally fueling your child’s anxiety or shame?
In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, Colleen O'Grady talks with Amy Hughes—mother of nine, writer, parenting coach, and author of the upcoming book Words Like Honey. Together, they explore the profound impact of the words we speak to our children, especially during the teen and young adult years. Amy shares how common phrases like “hurry up” or “don’t be sad” can trigger stress responses in kids and how language rooted in fear...
2025-08-1137 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensKeeping Families Close After H.S.Are you worried that your relationship with your teen will fade once they leave home? Have you ever wondered what your role as a mom should look like once your child becomes an adult?
In this powerful episode of the Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady is joined by seasoned therapist and executive coach Catherine Hickem to explore the often-overlooked transition between parenting teens and maintaining connection with adult children. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Catherine shares hard-won wisdom about managing fear, adjusting expectations, and nurturing lifelong bonds. The conversation di...
2025-08-0448 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens"You're So Hormonal!"Are your teen’s mood swings more than “just hormones”?Are your own symptoms—fatigue, anxiety, or low libido—being dismissed as “normal”?
In this powerful episode, Colleen O'Grady interviews Dr. Julie Taylor, functional medicine physician and author of The Hormone Manual, about the misunderstood role hormones play in both teens and moms. Dr. Taylor debunks the myth that hormones are simply a “female issue” to be silenced, minimized, or medicated. Instead, she explains how hormones—especially progesterone and testosterone—are central to our emotional and physical well-being. From gut health in childhood to PMS, PMDD, birth control, perimenopause...
2025-07-0737 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensCreate Calm with Your Teen
Do you feel like your home energy often mirrors your teen’s mood—and not in a good way? What if you could shift the atmosphere in your home without saying a word?
In this episode, Colleen O’Grady talks with Lisa Danahy, yoga therapist and founder of the nonprofit Create Calm, about how moms can bring more peace and regulation into their homes—and themselves. With decades of experience in education and yoga-based therapy, Lisa explains the role of the autonomic nervous system and the vagus nerve in our stress responses, and why physical practices—not just menta...
2025-06-3044 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensSummer and ScreensIs your teen glued to their screen this summer? Do you know the difference between typical teen behavior and true digital distress?
In this powerful episode, Dr. Jennifer Zumarrarga, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins Colleen O’Grady to talk about the growing issue of digital distress—the emotional strain and anxiety caused by excessive screen use. Together, they explore how screens are impacting teens' mental health, from sleep issues to depression and even self-harm. Dr. Zumarrarga shares how her clinical work has evolved as digital habits have become a root cause of many emotional and behavioral issu...
2025-06-2341 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensRisky Behavior and the Teen BrainAre you worried your teen will experiment with alcohol, vaping, or other risky behaviors?Do you wonder how to have those crucial conversations without getting shut down—or tuned out?
In this powerful episode, Dr. Crystal Collier joins Colleen to unpack the science behind teen decision-making, impulsivity, and risk. With compelling insights from her own story and decades of research, Dr. Collier explains how dopamine, brain development, and social pressure collide in the adolescent years. She shares how high-risk behaviors like vaping, binge drinking, and overusing tech can alter executive functioning—and what parents can do to h...
2025-06-1644 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTeens, ADHD, and Big EmotionsAre you parenting a teen with ADHD and wondering why they seem so emotionally intense? Have you ever felt helpless watching your child spiral from rejection or frustration, unsure how to support them?
In this deeply compassionate and eye-opening episode, Colleen interviews Jheri South—a mom of seven neurodivergent children, ADHD coach, and parent mentor—about the often overlooked emotional side of ADHD, especially Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Jheri shares her raw and inspiring journey from being a single mom in survival mode to becoming an empowered advocate and guide for parents of neurodivergent teens. Together, they disc...
2025-06-0950 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensIs Your Teen College Ready?Are you wondering if your teen is truly ready for college? Are you stressed about the admissions process, student debt, or helping your teen find their path? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help.
In this inspiring and practical episode, Colleen interviews Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready. Shellee shares how her son’s big dream of going to Harvard launched her on a mission to help families get their teens into best-fit colleges—without going into debt. Drawing from both personal experience and years of expert consulting, Shellee explains what “college ready” r...
2025-05-1945 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMoney Lessons Every Teen NeedsHave you ever felt anxious or even judged when trying to teach your teen about money? Are you wondering how to raise a teen who values true wealth—not just material possessions?
In this powerful episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen welcomes Elizabeth Husserl, financial advisor and author of The Power of Enough, for a refreshing conversation about helping teens develop a healthy relationship with money. Elizabeth shares how our own relationship with money—whether rooted in scarcity, comparison, or abundance—directly shapes how our teens view financial wellbeing. Instead of chasing endless “more,” Elizabeth...
2025-04-2845 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensYour Child's Greatness: Overcoming Imposter SyndromeAre you worried your teen doubts themselves no matter how hard they work? Do they brush off compliments or beat themselves up when things don’t go perfectly?In this powerful episode, Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, psychologist and author of Your Child’s Greatness, joins Colleen to explore how imposter syndrome shows up in teens—and how parents can help prevent it. Lisa shares how imposter syndrome stems from not internalizing success, overvaluing others, and defaulting to perfectionism. Drawing from personal stories—including her daughter's fencing journey—Lisa highlights the importance of embracing failure, savoring sm...
2025-04-2140 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens#317 Three Minutes That Could Change Your Entire Mom DayDo your mornings start with chaos and a mental to-do list that never ends?What would shift in your day if you took just three intentional minutes for yourself each morning?In this deeply affirming and humorous episode, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Erin Morrison, author of Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood. Erin shares how a simple daily practice—rooted in short reflections and compassionate reminders—can transform a mother’s emotional landscape. From real talk on “mom bods” and meltdowns to metaphors like “feelin...
2025-04-1445 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensDread or Dream: Teens and Family VacationsAre you dreaming of a peaceful family vacation but dreading the inevitable teen drama? Have you ever come home from a trip feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation?In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen O’Grady sits down with family travel coach Laura Rahn to explore how family vacations can become meaningful, memory-making experiences rather than stress-filled disasters. Together, they unpack why so many well-intentioned trips go off the rails—hint: it often starts before the bags are even packed. Laura shares her “Dream, Design, Depart” process...
2025-04-0737 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens# 313 How to Raise a Self Driven TeenHave you ever wondered if trusting your teen more could actually make them more responsible? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying and feeling like it’s your job to control everything in their life?In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, co-authors of The Self-Driven Child and their latest workbook, The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child. Together, they explore how fostering a sense of autonomy in teens can actually make them more motivated and resilient. They d...
2025-03-1742 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens312 Happy, Healthy, Confident TeensAre you struggling to guide your teen through the ups and downs of adolescence? Do you wish they could be more confident, resilient, and self-motivated in facing life’s challenges?In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Ran Anbar, author of The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy, and Confident. Dr. Anbar shares practical strategies to help teens take control of their emotions, shift their mindset, and build resilience. Through years of counseling thousands of adolescents, he’s discov...
2025-03-1030 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat is Conscious Parenting?Do you find yourself caught in constant battles with your teen, unsure of how to truly connect? Have you ever wondered how your own emotions and reactions shape your relationship with your child?In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady speaks with transformational coach Anne Marie Chereso about the power of conscious parenting. They explore how self-awareness is the foundation for authentic connection and why parenting from a place of presence—not fear—can help reduce drama and conflict. Anne Marie shares her personal experiences navigating parenting challenges and of...
2025-03-0339 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens"I Hate Myself" Turning Self-Hatred into Self-LoveHave you ever noticed your teen being overly critical of themselves, no matter how much reassurance you offer? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a leading psychiatrist and expert in adolescent mental health. Together, they dive into the complex and often hidden struggle of teen self-hatred. Dr. Aguirre shares how self-hatred differs from temporary self-doubt, often becoming deeply ingrained in sensitive teens. He discusses how it can lead to self-destructive behaviors, the connection between sensitivity and self-worth, and why traditional ap...
2025-02-2444 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensDeep Waters of MotherhoodHave you ever felt powerless watching your child face mean girl drama or generational challenges?In this episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle to discuss the deep waters of motherhood, particularly the struggles of raising teenage daughters. Melanie shares her journey of uncovering generational patterns, healing from past wounds, and guiding her daughter through the painful reality of mean girl culture. As a mother, she discovered that unresolved personal struggles can impact parenting, making it crucial to confront our own "dragons." Through Caroline’s experiences, they disc...
2025-02-1741 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTeen Depression Gone ViralAre you worried about whether your teen is just moody or actually struggling with depression? Do you wonder how much of their emotional ups and downs are connected to digital media?In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Meredith Gansner, a child psychiatrist and researcher, to discuss the rising rates of teen depression in the digital age. Together, they explore how social media, online interactions, and excessive screen time contribute to adolescent mental health struggles. Dr. Gansner shares insights from her research and he...
2025-02-1042 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensStop Arguing for GoodAre you tired of daily arguments with your teen? Do you feel like no matter what approach you take—being firm or being gentle—nothing seems to work? In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Dr. Paul Sunseri a seasoned family therapist and author of Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make It Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids. Together, they dive into the challenges of parenting strong-willed teens and explore why traditional parenting strategies often fall short with oppositional kids. Dr. Sunseri shares his journey of working with hig...
2025-02-0349 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensBuild Trust with Your TeenAre you struggling to connect with your teen amidst the chaos of modern parenting? Do you feel like the constant demands of academics, extracurriculars, and social media have created a wall between you and your child? If so, this episode of Power Your Parenting: Mom's the Teen Podcast with Colleen O’Grady and guest Susan Caso offers invaluable insights into building trust and fostering meaningful relationships with your teen.In this episode, Colleen and Susan explore the challenges of parenting in today’s high-pressure world and emphasize the importance of creating emotional safety and conn...
2025-01-2738 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensSimplifying College ReadinessAre you feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of college readiness for your teen? Do you wonder how to support them without adding to their stress—or yours? This episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens tackles these concerns head-on with expert guest Philip Bates, a former educator and principal, now working in college prep at UWorld. Together, Colleen O’Grady and Philip walk moms through how to prepare their teens—whether they’re unsure of their future path, striving for Ivy League dreams, or just figuring out what’s next after high school. From creat...
2025-01-1344 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHappy to HelpAre you a mom juggling endless to-dos, only to wonder if it’s even possible to please a teen? Do you find yourself questioning whether perfectionism or people-pleasing is really helping you—or anyone in your family? You’re not alone, and this episode dives deep into these challenges with warmth and humor.In this episode, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with author and podcast host Amy Wilson to unpack the invisible workload moms carry, the pressures of perfectionism, and the delicate art of balancing love with boundaries. Drawing from her new book, Happy to...
2025-01-0644 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Raise Empowered and Resilient GirlsAre you ready to raise empowered, resilient girls who can thrive in today's world? Do you want to help your daughters find their voice, reach their potential, and hold onto their confidence while navigating societal pressures?In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady dives into the complexities of raising confident and self-assured daughters in a culture rife with gender biases and beauty pressures. Joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, author of Sexism and Sensibility: Raising Empowered Resilient Girls in the Modern World, the conversation explores practical strategies to...
2024-12-2337 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensCoffee Talk with Moms Who've Been Through ItAre you feeling unprepared for the intense emotions and challenges of raising teens? Do you wonder if other moms are going through the same struggles with friendships, independence, and emerging adulthood?In this special 300th episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady invites four close friends—moms who’ve been through it all—for an honest and heartfelt conversation. Together, they reflect on the middle school and high school years, navigating everything from shifting friendships and social media pressures to the bittersweet milestones of teenage independence. They share raw and relatabl...
2024-12-1646 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhen Teens Feel the Weight of the WorldDoes your teen often seem overwhelmed by the weight of the world? Are you unsure how to help them navigate anxiety, self-esteem, and the challenges of today’s fast-paced, digital world?In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Dr. Jodi Aman, a social work expert with decades of experience helping teens overcome anxiety and build self-confidence. Together, they unpack why today’s teens are more anxious than ever and discuss actionable strategies for managing mental health. Dr. Aman highlights the role of validation, agency, and purpose in easing...
2024-12-0942 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHoliday Tips and Tricks to Stay SaneAre the holidays stressing you out with endless to-do lists, decorating, and cooking? Do you wonder how to make this time joyful for your family without losing your sanity? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen O'Grady invites chef, designer, and mom Marcela Valladolid to share her best tips for staying sane during the holiday season. Together, they tackle how to let go of perfection, manage holiday stress, and create a warm, joyful environment for your family. Marcela emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, embracing simplicity, and focusing on the...
2024-11-2530 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMoms in RecoveryAre 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...
2024-11-1840 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTreating Anxiety Through WritingAre 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 fo...
2024-11-1133 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens294 Moms in Business: The Real TalkHow 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...
2024-11-0437 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat to Know Before They GoAre 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. Sh...
2024-11-0446 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensNature=Happier and Healthier TeensAre 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. Th...
2024-10-2142 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensSleep Deprivation in TeensAre 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 de...
2024-10-1448 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTeens and BoundariesMoms, 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 th...
2024-10-0740 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensGetting Teens Out of Their RoomsAre 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, desp...
2024-09-3036 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTeens and MisinformationHow 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 ar...
2024-09-2344 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Raise Securely Attached Teens Part 2Are 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 shap...
2024-09-0949 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensRaising Securely Attached TeensAre 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...
2024-09-0238 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens#284 You'll Make It (And Your Teens Will Too)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...
2024-08-2647 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensAre You a "Teen" Pleaser?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 di...
2024-08-0533 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensReal Talk: What Parents Fight AboutAre 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...
2024-07-1542 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMaking Peace With Your BodyMoms, 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...
2024-07-0146 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensGive Your Teens What Technology Can'tAre 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...
2024-06-1752 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat Grieving Teens NeedAre 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...
2024-06-1041 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensAvoid the Summer SlideAre 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...
2024-05-2734 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTeach Teens to Value HonestyHas your teen ever lied to you? If so, how did you handle it?In this show we are going to discuss 4 common myths about honesty that make teens lie more and 4 strategies that teach kids to value honesty. Besides discussing lying, honesty and trust we are going to talk about all things respect. Have you ever said to your teen, "You need to respect me," and what does that really mean? Did your teen respect you more after you told them that.Todays guest is Colleen Doyle Bryant is the author of five books...
2022-12-1934 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat's Your Mom Story?In this episode I talk with guest host Sherry Duson, MA, LPC, LMFT about The Mom Story. Every mom has her own Mom Story even if you're not fully aware of it. Concious or unconcious The Mom Story is still playing in the background of your mind. A common theme of the Mom Story is "Am I a good mom or a bad mom?"Typically, when your daughter leaves home and you feel her absence, is when you start to become aware of the first draft of the Mom Story . The first draft tends to be full...
2022-06-2049 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat You're Doing MattersAs you start a new semester, I want to encourage you--What You're Doing Matters!It's easy to feel like what you're doing does NOT matter, because it can feel like a thankless job, you're not getting the results you want, and you feel powerless to change your teen.The truth is what you’re doing matters. You have an impact on your teens. It would be impossible not to have an impact on your teens. A better question is, are you impacting them in a positive way or negative way.I discuss ways to...
2020-09-0721 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensSpeak Life and See the Good in Your TeenIn this episode I interview Kari Kampakis. She is author of the new book Love Her Well: 10 Ways to Find Joy and Connection with Your Teenage Daughter. We dive into her book and explore ways to speak life and see the good in your teenage daughter and different ways to be your daughter's emotional coach, Kari ends her book with 50 prayers for your teenage daughter and she shares some of her top prayers. This episode is full of sage advice.Kari is a top parenting blogger and national speaker from Birmingham, Alabama whose previous books for teen g...
2020-08-3150 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat to Do With (Teen) Drama Thinking: "Everyone Hates Me"Does your teen tend to say extreme generalizations like "everyone at school is so fake", "all the teachers are mean," or "I have no friends." These kind of statements can drive you crazy. You think your daughter is being so overdramatic or you think geez my son is so negative.Why does this bother you? Teens often speak in one extreme or the other. This can be called binary thinking, black and white thinking or all or nothing thinking. The problem is this type of thinking is hurtful to your teen and to others.If...
2020-08-2425 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens"MOM, Why Don't You Trust Me!"Has your teen ever said to you, "Why don't you trust me?" My guess is they have. This usually happens when you’ve questioned what your teen said, or you’ve said no to something he/she really wanted to do.When a teen says, "You don't trust me," it can be confusing for moms. In this episode we will explore why moms get confused when teens say, "You don't trust me!" We'll look at why teens say that and what they are really up too.Should we trust our teens? This is the...
2020-08-1719 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat's Your Story?In this episode we explore the stories we tell ourselves and how they impact our lives and relationships. We have now lived in six months of uncertainty and this certainly has impacted us. And one huge way it impacts us is it shapes the stories we tell ourselves. Some of these stories we are aware of and many we are not aware of. The stories in the background of our mind can do the most damage to our energy, health and our vitality.We will explore some of these unconscious stories that we don't want and how...
2020-08-1022 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMom, Is There More For You?Is there more for you?In the teenage years you focus on your son or daughters future. You want them to have every opportunity possible and you’d sacrifice everything to make that happen. You want them to get the internship in Spain. You want them to get into the best university. But at some point this sometimes quiet and other times really loud voice thinks, "What about me???" Are you tired of your corporate job? Do you regret quitting your career when you had kids, because you've been out of the work force for so...
2020-08-0344 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensA Surprising Way to Be a Leader in Your HomeIn this episode we talk about a surprising way to be a leader in your home. My good friend Sue Ludwig and I were talking about Dr. Jill Bolte Taylors quote, "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into the space," and how this quote changed her business, family and her personal life.Sue Ludwig is the President and Founder of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT), an organization full of passionate neonatal therapists who aim to improve developmental outcomes for premature and sick infants in the NICU.Sue practiced as a neonatal oc...
2020-07-2742 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensAre You A Reactive Or Responsive Parent?What is the difference between a reactive parent and a responsive parent? Why does this matter? This distinction can change your life, your family and your relationship with your teen.If you want to create a secure attachment with your teen you want to be responsive and not reactive. You want to make sure you’re responding in healthy ways instead of reacting in ways that are detrimental to you and your teen.No parent signs up to be a reactive parent, it happens automatically. In this episode we explore the 4 characteristics of a...
2020-07-2023 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensStand Up to SextingHow do you safeguard your teens from Sexting? To answer this question I interview two experts.Heather Boynton who is a mother of four (three who are currently teens) and is a professor of Child Development at Clovis Community College where she teaches a variety of classes including child and adolescent development.AND Christy Monson who has an M.S. in Counseling Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy from University of Nevada at Las Vegas. She established a successful counseling practice in Las Vegas, Nevada where she works with children and their families.Recently C...
2020-06-2944 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHealthy or Stress Eating or Eating DisorderIn this episode we have a very special guest Dr. Anna Tanner.Dr. Anna Tanner, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, CEDS, is the Vice President of Medical Services for Veritas Collaborative, a national healthcare system for the treatment of eating disorders. She is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist who has spent over 20 years of her career working with complicated adolescent patients with a special emphasis on treating patients with eating disorders.I invited Dr. Tanner to be a part of this show to talk about healthy eating, stress eating and eating disorders in our teens...
2020-06-1542 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTeens Need Novelty and So Do ParentsWhat is novelty? Anything that’s new, different, or unusual that gets our attention. Novelty happens naturally for our teens during a normal year with school activities, programs, dances and musicals, soccer games, graduation dances, parties and interacting with hundreds of teens in a day. Also novelty happens naturally in the summer with camps, vacations, work, mission trips, internships and foreign exchange programs.However, because we are still in the middle of a pandemic and many are still shelter-in-place, our favorite things to do and go to places are shut down. We are experiencing a lack of no...
2020-06-0824 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensSummer Tips for an Unusual TimeSummer is here! How do you feel? Are you excited, relieved, or more stressed?The moms I have talked to feel let down because many of their plans have been cancelled. Recently I talked to a couple that looked forward to going to Hawaii every other year and they had to cancel their trip this summer. Many of us have had our fun summer plans cancelled and therefore mom, dad and kids are disappointed. Instead of moms feeling relief about the summer, we're stressed and plagued with the question of what am I going to do with my...
2020-06-0127 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens#069 Well-Being in An Extra Stressful TimeIn this episode I have a vibrant conversation with my friend and colleague Megan McNealy.Megan believes well-being is the greatest asset we have. She knows this one personally. Twelve years ago Megan was super successful in her wealth management business, and yet her body was giving out on her. She had crippling rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and kidney cancer. Megan was able to turn this around. Her formula for her recovery is in her award winning book Reinvent the Wheel: How Top Leaders Leverage Well-Being for Success -- her book was featured on the Top 20 Must-Reads...
2020-05-1842 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensDon't Miss These Precious YearsIn this episode I talk about how to get the most out of your relationship with your teen their junior and senior year in High School.When your teen is a junior or senior, what do you think it will be like? Are your expectations positive, (I look forward to having more quality time with my son and watching his soccer games) or is it negative (It's going to be a huge battle all year to get my daughter to take her school work seriously?) After listening to moms, expectations tend to default towards the negative their...
2020-05-1126 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensTeens, Screens, and QuarantineIn this episode I am bringing you another powerhouse guest to help your through this quarantine time with your teen. . .Diana Graber.Diana Graber is the author of “Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology” (HarperCollins Leadership). She is the founder of Cyber Civics, an innovative digital literacy curriculum being taught in 44 US states and internationally, and Cyberwise, an information portal for digital parents.I interviewed Diana in the 52nd episode back in November on How to Keep Teens Safe Online. And ya’ll really loved that podcast. Diana...
2020-04-2731 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Gently Get Back on TrackThis episode addresses how to gently get back on track. In the beginning of the pandemic our adrenaline was buzzing and we reached for comfort food, drank lots of alcohol, and binge watched our shows. This all made sense when we were in the acute phase of the pandemic, but now six weeks in we have entered into a chronic phase. The numbing takes a toll on how we feel. We can feel blah, sleepy, irritable and default into the why bother syndrome because we have gotten off track.I have invited Elizabeth Barbour as our guest...
2020-04-2041 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHelp to Motivate Teens with Online School and Create MomentumHey moms I know none of you signed up to have your teens quarantined in your homes doing online school. This only adds more pressure on you. Are your teens procrastinating and not motivated? Are they spending way too much time on their phones? Are your seniors worried about getting to go to college in the fall? And what will college admissions look like next year?I wanted to bring in an expert that can help you with this. Neha Gupta is the founder of College Shortcuts, which is a leading college admissions consulting firm that has...
2020-04-1341 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Recover and Rebound Fast Part TwoIn this episode we talk about How to Recover and Rebound Fast Part Two. Last episode I focused on how you can recover by paying attention to you (and not ignoring your needs), honoring your feelings, and asking for help and setting boundaries. Part one is designed to help you recover first, Part two helps you recover with your teen and family and rebound fast. Part one is answering the question "what just happened?" in you. Why did I get so triggered?Part two is answering these questions. What just happened with my teen and what do...
2020-04-0627 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Recover and Rebound Fast After DramaIn this time when you are quarantined with your teens, and dealing with the daily bad news of covid-19, stock market, and the economy, you can see an increase in drama in your homes. I want to give you some tools on how to recover and rebound fast after drama. I want to help you dial down the drama and stress because high levels of this is going to weaken your immune system and hurt family relationships.What do you do after the big fight? Do you take intentional action to recover and rebound fast or do...
2020-03-3024 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMessy Houses and Meltdowns: 6 Guidelines for These Unprecedented TimesThis is an unprecedented time in our history. The definition of unprecedented means, "never done or known before." Our old life has been temporarily suspended. This week we enter into a whole new realm. Mom, soon Your inner alarm is going to go off and you are going to feel like, "Okay everyone needs to get out of the house and get back to school,NOW!" Your kids will feel the same way. They want to get back to what they typically do. Everyone in your family is going to feel restless and off kilter this week…becau...
2020-03-2325 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat is a Mom Going to Do?Moms, I want to encourage you in this global crises. I know your life is up in the air and upside down and for this reason I wanted to give you eight practical ways to stay grounded and steady in these uncertain times. First, I want you to know that I am here for you. This is a very difficult and scary time for all of us, and especially hard on you moms. Your kids and teens are going to be home from school and quarantined in your homes for several weeks at least... And the hardest p...
2020-03-1722 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat’s Your Biggest Fear . . . About Your Teen?This episode talks about the biggest drain to your energy, vitality, and your life. Fear...especially all the fear around your teen and parenting your teen.If you are a parent of a teenager; you can't escape fear. You are going to experience fear. The challenge is how to make the fear useful.Unbridled and unconscious fear can cripple you and drain you of all your energy, joy, and happiness. In order to not let fear dominate your life, you need a way to manage your fear.This starts with being aware of...
2020-03-0931 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens3 Practical Ways to Dial Down the StressWe can't always go to a tropical island to escape stress. In this episode I give you 3 practical ways to dial down the stress by...
being kind to yourself
dialing down the drama
being intentional instead of reactive, specifically about the way you think about your teen and how you spend time with them.
This episode is full of tips and takeaways that can dial down your stress today.We live in a stressful culture. Stress has become the new normal. We need to be proactive to resist this trend, and bring down the stress...
2020-02-1733 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Think About Your TeenWhat you think about your teen greatly impacts you, your parenting and your teen.How you think about your teen is not hidden from your teen. It is very evident to them. You wear the delight, the joy or the fear, sadness or anger on your face. How you think about your teen comes out in your words. It comes out in your actions. It comes out in your questions. It comes out in your body language.How you think about your teen is the deep work of parenting. How do you think about your te...
2020-02-1027 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat Moms Should and Should Not TolerateIn this episode you'll explore what moms should and should not tolerate. An important question to ask yourself at the start of a new year is, "What am I tolerating in my life?" Clue, if you are not enjoying your life and you feel drained and you cant remember the last time you had a really good day, there is a strong chance you are tolerating something you should not be tolerating.What do I mean when I say tolerating? You are putting up with things in your life that you do not want. These th...
2020-01-2727 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Get a Positive Response From Your TeenI have spent a lot of time listening to what frustrates moms. At the top of the list is not being able to communicate to their teens. When I dig down and ask the moms what they mean by this, they say they want an open, authentic, and positive response from their teen. Because if you don’t get a positive response you are not going to have the conversation or the behaviors/results you want.The million-dollar question is, “How do you get a positive response from your teen?”There are many aspects to this q...
2020-01-2025 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMom, Be Kind to YourselfMoms have no problem being hard on themselves, but often have a hard time being kind to themselves.Moms don’t do this intentionally. It happens by default, because we are taking care of everyone else's needs we forget and don't take the time to care for our own needs. This is not very kind.My last episode was on expectations. Because we live in a culture of perfectionism we are often striving after unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves. We end up feeling defeated and that’s not very kind either.We live...
2020-01-1322 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhat Do You Expect?This episode focuses on expectations and parenting. To be human is to have expectations. Our expectations can help us feel hopeful. They can help us get through hard times and transitions. But they can also cause parents a lot of pain and be the impetus for drama. Recently, one mom told me, "I have been so much happier lately. Since I have adjusted my expectations, things have been so much better between me and my teenage daughter. This got me thinking about how big a role expectations play in parenting. They have a big impact on you and...
2019-12-1632 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensGratitude: Are You Feeling It?This episode is about, Gratitude: Are You Feeling It? Even though Thanksgiving is just a few days away, this podcast is about (way) more than just Thanksgiving, this info is relevant 365 days a year. In this episode we will talk about why gratitude is good for us. It’s the gateway to true joy and even miracles. We’ll explore why being grateful is challenging at times and definitely not our natural state in this culture. Also, we’ll look at practical steps to put some genuine gratitude back into your life so that you are really feeling it.O...
2019-11-2521 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens#052 How to Keep Your Teens Safe OnlineIn this episode I discuss How to Keep Your Teens Safe Online. with Diana Graber.Snapchat, Instagram, Fortnite, cyberbullying, sexting, and technology addiction are some of the digital concerns that keep today’s parents up at night. Moms toss and turn, worry, second guess themselves about their rules and boundaries about all things digital. This is why I brought in an expert in the field to address your questions.Diana is the author of “Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology” (HarperCollins Leadership). She is the founder of Cyber Ci...
2019-11-1130 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensParenting: Through the Lens of ExperienceToday we are going to look at parenting, through the lens of experience. There are many lenses in which we can examine parenting, like mindset. Today we will focus on the lens of experience. The goal of this podcast is to dial up thriving positive experiences with your family and dial down the negative ones by becoming aware of several X-factors that rob you of enjoying the teenage years. This is especially applicable as we approach the holiday season.Often there are parts of the parenting experience that we are not aware of, or we haven’t ye...
2019-11-0427 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Get A Sincere Apology From Your TeenIn my work I talk a lot about how to prevent and dial down the drama. A crucial part of this is how to repair the relationship after the conflict or the big blow up. And the good news is that you can repair the relationship. The first step is to give a sincere apology. And this can be challenging for teens.Have you ever asked your teen for an apology and got, "SORRY" or "SORRY you think I’m an idiot." or "SORRY that you are so sensitive." This is an insincere apology and doesn't make yo...
2019-10-2822 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow to Help Your Teen Figure Out What's Next After High SchoolToday we are going to talk about how to help your teen figure out what's next after High School.Are there any moms out there that have teens who have no idea what they want to do after High School? I'm sure a lot of you do. Have you noticed how much drama comes from questioning or talking with your teen about the future? I frequently see these big decisions, like, what am I going to do after high school, stirs up a lot of anxiety. Therefore this anxiety can make it hard to have a conversation...
2019-10-2133 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens6 Keys to Being a Happy MomOkay, in this podcast we are going to get real. Is it possible to be happy and be a mom of a preteen or teenager? And when I say happy, I mean are you truly happy? One definition of happy says, "feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life, situation." Do you feel pleasure and enjoyment in your life? Do you feel pleasure and enjoyment from being a mom?Many moms don't, and it is a source of shame.This episode will look at six guaranteed ways to be an unhappy mom and how to...
2019-10-1429 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensDo You Say Yes When You Really Mean No?It's hard to say "no" to an angry, upset, or demanding teen. Moms often feel pushed in the corner and begrudgingly say "yes." But when we do that it's not in the best interest of your teen or you.How do you feel when you say "yes" to your teen when you really wanted to say "no." I know from personal experience and from listening to thousands of moms that it doesn't feel good. You second guess yourself. You stress and worry. You feel disempowered as a mom. And you feel your teen is not protected.
2019-10-0728 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMom. . .It's Not PersonalOften moms are told to "not take things personally," which could be said by a well-meaning spouse. Sometimes those words are said to shut down the conversation that mom desperately needs to have. Well, that's not helpful. However in this episode we are going to explore "it’s not personal." My intention is not to minimize mom's experience, it is to help protect mom's heart and energy. "Taking things personally" can cause so much anxiety, hurt, anguish, sadness, suffering and just sucks the life out of you. We will explore what "taking...
2019-09-3028 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensHow Good Can the Teenage Years Get?Do you ever wake up and wonder, "How good can the teenage years get?" or do you think, "How am I going to survive the teenage years?"Many moms just wonder how they are going to survive the teenage years. And that's no surprise since this is one of the most challenging times to parent teens. The problem is, human beings have a propensity to remember only the negative. We can forget that we have good moments with our teens. The negative experiences can erase the positive experiences from our memories. The truth is that th...
2019-09-1822 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensDoes Your Teen Stress You OutDoes your teen stress you out? If you have a normal teenager then the answer should be yes and the reason for that is where they are developmentally and I talk about the science behind that in the podcast. So yes your teen will stress you out. The better question is how often does your teen stress you out and to what degree? In other words whats the intensity of the stress you feel. In this episode I go into the major categories of what stresses parents out like monitoring, worrying about their safety and their future.
2019-09-0926 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensBack to the Routine: Set Yourself up to Have a Great School YearToday we are going to talk about the "4 Steps to Creating the Routine You Want". This is crucial to establish routines that work for you and your family this new school year. It's easy to think that you are starting your year off with a blank slate, but it is never a blank slate. Here’s why. The truth is that the same issues and struggles that drove your crazy last year are going to reappear this year. And why is that? Patterns repeat. Your son and daughter will do what they normally do and then you and...
2019-08-2626 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhy Intentional Downtime is a Big DealThe new school year is starting soon or may have already started. Before the year takes off at full time speed, I want to discuss why intentional downtime is a big deal. With our busy schedules downtime is not going to happen naturally, you have to be intentional. Downtime is a pressure-free zone. It's non-productive time. There is no competition or comparing yourself to others . There is no pressure to get anything done. There is no agenda. There is nothing hanging over your head. Downtime allows for your mind to wander instead of having focused attention. You...
2019-08-1930 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensEveryone Else is Doing It — So Why Can't I . . .?Has your teen ever said anything like, "Mom you are the only one who won't let me . . ." or "Everyone else is doing it so why can't I . . .?" If they have, congratulations you have a normal teenager. Teens from all over the planet use tactics like these to try to manipulate you to get their way.In this episode will look at the many different tactics that teen use. These teenage tactics only work when we are not 100% clear if we are making the right decision. These tactics can open the door to a whole lot of drama....
2019-06-1726 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensWhy Curiosity Makes you a Better ParentIn this episode we'll discuss why curiosity makes you a better human being and parent. You’ll learn how healthy curiosity dials down the drama, and improves your relationship with your teen. Healthy curiosity is the secret ingredient to a well-lived life. Curiosity makes us feel alive, leads to more happiness, boosts achievement and creativity, expands our empathy and strengthens our relationships.Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”.Instilling healthy curiosity to your teens i...
2019-06-0333 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensMother's Day PlusI hope that Mothers' Day was all that you hoped it would be. But if you ended up disappointed, you are definitely not the only one.Heres the problem with Mother's day. I think you come to that day with huge expectations that your kids and partner will somehow make up for everything that was not right in the past year. Realistically on Mother's Day you are still dealing with teen issues and are in the kitchen cooking a meal for your mom or your mother in law. Even on Mother's Day it's hard to h...
2019-05-1328 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensNew Social Anxiety in Teens: Apps, Selfies, and Smart PhonesWhenever I speak to moms I tell them, "This is one of the most challenging times to raise a teen." A huge reason for this is navigating through the treacherous waters of cell phones, social media, and internet with teenagers. Most parents are blind sided with their teens about all thing digital because we didn’t go through this when we were teens. It feels like the iPhone has been around forever but actually it was released in 2007. So your mom didn’t have to deal with these cyber space issues when parenting you.Did you know that...
2019-05-0633 min
Power Your Parenting: Moms With TeensAre You all Mothered OutAre you feeling "All Mothered Out"?You are definitely not alone. This has become a cultural phenomenon for women.In this podcast you will learn why so many moms feel "All Mothered Out" and how you can turn that around.This is the first podcast in my Dial Down the Drama series. I can't believe it, but in less than three months my book, Dial Down the Drama: Reducing Conflict and Reconnecting to Your Teenage Daughter---A Guide for Mother's Everywherewill be published by Amacom. Because I can't wait to share it with you, I decided...
2016-01-2125 min