Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

Back-to-school season stirs up ALL the emotions for our teens—and for us too. In this replay episode, I’m diving deep into how validation and mutual respect can shift everything at home. Your teen’s emotional world is real, big, and often overwhelming. If we dismiss it, we damage connection. If we validate it, we build trust. Don’t miss this one—it’s a must-listen for parents navigating the rocky...

In this episode of Joyful Courage, I sit down with Zoya Brar to explore the deep connection between stress, the nervous system, and how we show up as parents. Together, we unpack how to regulate before hard conversations, recognize hidden stress, and lean into practical tools like breathwork, mindfulness, and technology boundaries. This conversation empowers parents to see their teens with compass...

Back-to-school season with tweens and teens can stir up anxiety, avoidance, and tricky conversations. In this episode, I share Positive Discipline tools and mindset shifts to help you move from “manager” to “mentor” so your teen feels respected, supported, and believed in. We’ll cover how to center yourself, start with curiosity, set clear agreements, and trust the process—because it’s about life...

Middle school is a major transition, and in this replay episode I talk about how we can prepare—not panic—as our tweens start to explore identity, tech, friendships, risk-taking, and independence. I offer insight into what’s happening developmentally, what we need to normalize (from vaping and friend drama to sex and substance conversations), and how to set healthy boundaries while staying connect...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I dive deep into one of the biggest struggles parents of teens face—wanting to fix our kids’ problems instead of truly seeing and hearing them. I share real-life examples, practical Positive Discipline tools, and introduce my new acronym, VIBE: Validate, Inquire, Breathe, Empathize. By learning to validate our teens’ emotions without rushing to fix, w...

Ever feel like your teen doesn’t quite fit into the “introvert” or “extrovert” box? In this week’s episode, I talk with psychiatrist and author Dr. Rami Kaminski, who introduces the idea of the “otrovert”—someone who thrives as a non-joiner, deeply connected to a few people but resistant to the pull of the group. We explore how embracing this way of being can free parents from pushing kids to “fit...

This solo episode comes straight from my heart. Inspired by my morning routine, I pulled cards and reflected deeply on what it means to take full responsibility for generating the love, connection, and joy I want in my life—especially as a parent of teens. I talk about how we respond to the inevitable unfolding of life, how we often contribute to relationship dynamics without realizing it, and the...

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Jaimie Kelton of the If These Ovaries Could Talk podcast to explore the real experiences of queer parenting, non-bio connection, and the power of chosen family. We dive into the fears, joys, and boundary-pushing truths that come with raising kids in queer households—and why these stories matter to all of us. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or...

In this episode, I’m inviting you to pull up a chair and exhale with me. We’re talking about the messy beauty of midlife, the realities of parenting teens, and what it means to trade the illusion of control for the groundedness of a compass. Whether you’re just entering the teen years or deep in the thick of it, I want you to feel seen, encouraged, and reminded that you’re not alone. I’m also shar...

In this episode, I sit down with Tammy J. Cohen — author of A Text Message Away — to talk about the power of connection through simple, consistent gestures. Tammy shares her personal journey of learning to lead with heart, empathy, and curiosity — even (especially) when the people you love put up walls. We talk about how texting can become a surprisingly meaningful bridge to connection with our ki...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I dive deep into how parents of teens can let go of control, validate their kids’ experiences, and rebuild trust—even when walls have gone up. You’ll hear tools and mindset shifts to dismantle your own armor, hand back energetic responsibility, and meet your teen with curiosity, acceptance, and love. Parenting tweens and teens can feel messy and humbl...

In this episode, I chat with breathwork expert Kurtis Lee Thomas about how simple breathing techniques can help parents of teens manage stress, frustration, and overwhelm. Breathwork isn’t just for crisis moments—it’s a powerful daily tool to calm your nervous system, build resilience, and create more ease in family life. If you want practical strategies to stay present, connected, and lead with j...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I revisit a timeless challenge: how to motivate teens to help out at home and follow through on commitments — without constant nagging or power struggles. I share mindset shifts and practical strategies for building cooperation, breaking through resistance, and nurturing real connection. You’ll hear why letting teens feel natural consequences matters...

In this powerful conversation with Dr. Traci Baxley, author of Social Justice Parenting, we explore how to raise children who embrace equity, compassion, and activism. We unpack hard topics like the N-word, critical race theory (CRT), systemic racism, and the importance of taking action — even when it’s uncomfortable. Dr. Baxley offers practical tools for fostering inclusion at home and in our com...

If you're parenting a tween or teen and feeling like you’re constantly walking on eggshells—this episode is for you. I talk about parenting teens without losing yourself in the process. I share why your peace of mind doesn't have to wait for your kid to change, and how you can tap into presence, groundedness, and calm—even in the messiest moments. I offer three mindset shifts and practical tools t...

My guest today is Ann Garcia, and this episode is full of resources & advice you can use right now. Ann is an expert on paying for college and has two kids in college right now, so she really gets it. Ann starts with an explanation of why some college educations are so expensive, what other options are available, and why you need to define your budget for college. Ann shares tips for staying focus...

In this solo episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I am revisiting the wisdom of episode 428, where I unpack the power of perception in parenting teens—taking a look at how our kids interpret our actions, form beliefs, and make decisions based on what they think we value. I reflect on my own parenting journey and offer insight into the connection between behavior, motivation, and belonging. If yo...

In this powerful episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz about post-traumatic parenting, emotional reactivity, entitlement, and how to raise resilient teens with compassion. We unpack how unresolved trauma can hijack our parenting and how to rewire our responses with awareness and grace. Dr. Robyn shares insights on teaching kids about needs vs. wants, building emoti...

In this episode, I wrap up the Positive Discipline for Teenagers book series with a deep dive into our unresolved teen issues—and how they sneak into our parenting. I reflect on my own experiences and share powerful tools to support healing, self-awareness, and courageous parenting. If you’ve ever wondered why certain challenges with your teen hit so hard, this conversation will help. I’m inviting...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with psychologist and author Natalia Aiza about the emotional and practical challenges of parenting highly dependent young adults. We dive into the ways our own anxiety and desire to protect our kids can lead to unhelpful over-accommodation—and how to lovingly step back without stepping away. Natalia shares insights from her upcoming book and t...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I break down the MAP process—Mirror, Align, Practice—a powerful tool for creating lasting transformation in your parenting. I share real-life stories (including a messy family meeting!) and offer encouragement for showing up with intention, even when it’s hard. You’ll learn why self-reflection matters, how to align with your values, and what brave, ev...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Kate Moryoussef, an ADHD women’s wellbeing coach, author, and mom. Kate shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 — along with one of her children — and we dig into what it really looks like to navigate family life when neurodiversity is part of the mix. Whether or not you or your child have an ADHD diagn...

This week we dive into some of the scarier challenges parents face while raising tweens and teens. As usual, I emphasize the importance of building relationships, life skills, and personal growth. This episode discusses heavy topics like lack of friends, bullying, drug use, sex, suicide, and more, based on chapter 13 of the 'Positive Discipline for Teenagers' book by Jane Nelson and Lynn Lott. I a...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I have a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Christina Olivetti — a writer, educator, and passionate advocate for gender inclusion. Christina shares her powerful journey of raising her transgender son, Jake, and the deeply personal story behind her memoir, About Bliss. We talk about so much — from the importance of gender-affirming care and na...

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I invite you to reflect with me on how our beliefs about our children can shape their behavior and our relationship with them. I revisit some key themes from past episodes and dive deeper into why it’s so important to look inward. When we take the time to examine our own belief systems, we open the door to creating a more positive and empowering envir...