Growing Together- Navigating the Rollercoaster of Adolescence Together with Dr. Kimberley Palmiotto

You’ve read the parenting books. You’ve listened to the podcasts. You know you’re supposed to stay calm, pause, and respond instead of react… so why does it all go out the window in the moment? In this honest and deeply relatable episode, we unpack the frustrating gap between knowing better and actually doing better when emotions run high with your daughter. If you’ve ever felt the surge of emotio...

Why does your daughter suddenly back out of things she was excited about? One minute she’s making plans, picking out outfits, and looking forward to an event… and the next, it’s “boring,” “childish,” or “not a big deal.” In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface, and why this behavior is far more about brain development than attitude or indecision. Using a real-life ex...

Parenting teen girls can bring up big emotions, for them and for us. In this episode, Dr. Kimberly Palmiotto explores why conflict with our daughters can activate our nervous system so quickly and how a simple but powerful tool can change everything. Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment, learning to pause allows our brain to regulate, our voice to return to clarity, and our relationship w...

Sex education with tweens and teens can feel so uncomfortable—especially when your daughter starts asking personal questions, sees something online, or starts dating. In this episode of The Nurturing Girls Podcast, Dr. Kimberley Palmiotto is joined by therapist and sex therapist Jillian Amodio for an honest, practical conversation about how to talk to your daughter about sex in a way that’s clear,...

Middle school can feel like everything is falling apart, but what if it’s not a breakdown at all? In this episode, Dr. Kim reframes middle school, and puberty a renegotiation in the parent–child relationship. As your daughter’s brain undergoes major developmental changes, she’s wired to seek autonomy, peer belonging, and independence, often before she has the ability to use consistent emotional re...

The holidays are supposed to feel magical , but for many of us, they also bring overwhelm, moodiness, and emotional meltdowns with our teen girls. In this episode, we unpack why girls often struggle more during the holiday season and why what looks like attitude or ungratefulness is usually a nervous system that’s reached its limit. Between overstimulation, disrupted routines, social pressure, and...

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Sheri, from Teen-Wise, to unpack one of the most misunderstood challenges girls face today: relational aggression, the subtle but painful world of exclusion, friendship breakups, drama cycles, and the unspoken pressure girls feel to fit in. Sheri explains how relational aggression actually begins long before middle school, and then intensifies as girls become...

Middle school is a season of deep change, not just for your daughter, but for you, as her mom. In the final episode of this 4-part series, Dr. Kimberly Palmiotto shifts the spotlight back to the heart of it all: Us as Moms. While your daughter is growing into herself, you may find yourself triggered, exhausted, or wondering where you went in the process. In this episode, we explore: * Why middle s...

She pulls away. ..You try harder. She slams the door... You wonder if you're losing her. In Part 3 of this 4-part series on navigating middle school, Dr. Kimberley Palmiotto explores one of the hardest parts of parenting a tween girl: how to stay connected when she seems to want nothing to do with you. You’ll learn: *Why the push-pull dynamic is wired into her brain and not your fault *How to shif...

Middle school friendships aren’t just complicated, they feel critical to your daughter’s sense of identity, safety, and self-worth. In Part 2 of this 4-part series, Dr. Kim dives deep into what’s happening in your daughter’s outside world. She explores things like friendships, peer pressure, social status, and the rising tide of relational aggression. In this episode, you’ll learn: *Why belonging...

Middle school is more than a milestone, it’s a deep, messy, and transformational chapter for your daughter… and for you. This first episode of Season 2 rolls out part 1 of a 4 part series on navigating Middle School for Moms of Girls. In this episode, Dr. Kimberley Palmiotto helps you understand what’s really going on inside your tween’s changing brain, body, and emotional world. From hypersensiti...

In this episode, we talk about a parenting tool that is underestimated: tone of voice. As moms of tween and teen girls, how we say things often matters more than what we say. During adolescence, a girl’s brain is rewiring and more reactive to emotional cues—especially tone. Your voice becomes her inner voice, shaping how she sees herself and how she handles relationships in the future. Dr. Kim bre...

“I’m her mom, not her friend.” It’s a phrase many moms wear like armor—especially when emotions run high or boundaries are being tested. But what if there is more and this mindset isn't working as well as we think it is? In this episode, Dr. Palmiotto unpacks one of the most common parenting myths and offers a clear, compassionate look at the three foundational parenting styles: authoritarian, per...

If your go-to parenting tools are falling flat and your connection feels like it’s slipping through your fingers, this episode is here to meet you right in that tension. We’ll unpack why the old scripts—rewards, punishments, even heartfelt reasoning—stop working in the tween and teen years (hint: it’s not because you’re doing it wrong). You’ll learn what’s happening in her brain when she seems imp...

You’re trying to hold it together—but your daughter is spiraling, and honestly… so are you. In this episode, we’re getting real about what it means to hold space when your teen is overwhelmed—and your own emotions are bubbling just beneath the surface. We’ll talk about why these moments feel so hard (hint: your nervous system is doing exactly what it was designed to do), and how to bring calm, con...

Why do so many confident girls begin to shrink during adolescence? In this episode we dive into the emotional and developmental forces behind self-doubt and comparison — and how moms can help their daughters rebuild self-worth from the inside out. We’ll explore how it is related to the adolescent brain, the impact of social media and peer dynamics, and the quiet ways perfectionism creeps in. You’l...

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful but often overlooked skills for tween and teen girls: Empathy. How do we help our daughters navigate friendships, conflicts, and social pressures with emotional intelligence rather than just reacting? In today’s fast-paced digital world, where snarky comebacks and digital communication dominates, it’s more important than ever to teach our girls...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Gina Calderone, a physical therapist specializing in the mind-body connection, to explore how emotional stress manifests in our bodies—and how it’s unconsciously passed down through generations. We discuss the hidden impact of unspoken emotions, the weight of self-sacrifice, and why so many mothers hold stress in their shoulders while their daughters feel it in the...

As girls transition from elementary to middle school, their confidence often takes a hit and many times this is directly related to negative self-talk that starts to creep into their daily thoughts. In this episode, we dive into the science behind negative self-talk, why the teenage brain is wired to overanalyze, and how social pressures amplify self-criticism. Join us as we explore practical stra...

Teen girls today are feeling immense pressure to have their lives figured out—leading to anxiety, loneliness, and even an existential crisis. In this episode of we explore why so many teen girls struggle with self-doubt, uncertainty about their future, and a deep sense of loneliness. Rather than focusing on a grand life purpose, the key to helping them is fostering connection, belonging, and a sen...

In this powerful part 2 of my discussion with Dr. JoAnn Finkelstein, we do a deep dive into the hidden ways sexism impacts parenting, relationships, and the lives of teen girls. Topics include: *How society encourages competition between girls *How focusing too much on appearance can hurt their ability to think & perform *How girls are often taught to hide their anger, which prevents them from fee...

In this, part 1, thought-provoking episode of the I talk to Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, psychologist and author of the new book, Sexism and Sensibility. Together, we explore the subtle yet pervasive ways sexism impacts girls and women, from "pink hockey stick stories" to the harmful effects of social media. Dr. Finkelstein shares her personal journey and professional insights on how societal expectati...

Do you ever feel like your influence as a mom fades as your daughter grows into her tween and teen years? In this episode, we uncover the surprising truth: your presence is more impactful than you might think. From groundbreaking studies on risk-taking to practical strategies for navigating conflict, this episode dives into how moms uniquely shape their daughters’ brains, decision-making, and emot...

In this episode, my daughter and I are joined by Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in pediatric skincare and founder of the youth skincare brand, BTWN. Dr. Jeffy shares valuable insights into developing healthy skincare habits for tweens and teens, the importance of a simple skincare routine, and the risks of using inappropriate or excessive products at a young age. We...

In this episode we explore the world of boundaries—what they are, why they matter, and how they shape the mother-daughter relationship during the teen years. Boundaries are essential for building trust, autonomy, and respect, but they can also be challenging to navigate as our daughters grow and seek independence. Boundaries aren’t just about rules—they’re about empowering your daughter to navigat...