Parenting Anxious Teens | Parenting Teens, Managing Teen Anxiety, Parenting Strategies

Hi Parents! Today’s episode is one that many parents of teens have been waiting for, especially if the thought of your child getting behind the wheel brings up anxiety, fear, or a constant urge to intervene. Learning to drive isn’t just about passing a test. For teens, it’s a major developmental milestone tied to independence, confidence, and responsibility. And for parents, it can feel like one o...

Hi Parents! Adolescence is often framed as something parents must survive, but what if the teen years are one of the most powerful developmental opportunities of a lifetime? In this episode, I’m joined by renowned child development expert Ellen Galinsky to reframe how we understand adolescence and what teens truly need from the adults in their lives. Ellen Galinsky is President of the Families and...

Hi Parents! In this solo episode, we’re diving into how you can help your teen step into the new year with a mindset that feels calmer, more confident, and more sustainable. While January often brings big goals, big emotions, and big expectations, it also brings pressure. Together, we explore why resolutions typically fall apart by the end of the month, how the anxious brain interprets “fresh star...

Hi Parents! Today I sit down with Krista St-Germain to explore the tender, complex reality of supporting a teen through the loss of a parent while also navigating your own grief. Krista is a Master Certified Life Coach, widow, and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast , and her work has helped thousands of women rebuild their lives with compassion, self-trust, and hope after profound loss. Krista and I...

Hi Parents! In today’s episode, I sit down with international parenting coach Mary Van Geffen to talk honestly about what it means to raise a strong-willed child or as Mary playfully calls it, Parenting A Spicy One . If you have a child who feels everything deeply, pushes back hard, or seems immune to traditional strategies, this conversation will feel like a breath of relief. Mary and I explore w...

Hi Parents! In this episode, I’m unpacking a question so many teens, young adults, and parents are quietly wrestling with: Is grad school actually worth it, or is it just the next step everyone feels pressured to take? We talk about why this stage can feel so overwhelming, especially for young adults who have been in school their entire lives and suddenly feel the same pressure they experienced wh...

Hi Parents! Conversations about sex can be one of the most anxiety-triggering moments in parenting, and that goes for both parents and teens. Many parents worry about how to start, what to say, or how to make sure their teen feels comfortable and heard. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Lang , founder of Birds & Bees & Kids and a certified sex educator with nearly two decades of experienc...

Hi Parents! If you’ve ever felt like your days are packed with responsibilities but your mind never truly rests, this episode will help you discover small, grounding rituals that bring calm back into your life and your home. I’m joined by Michelle Maros , cofounder of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life and co-host of the Life Happens podcast. Michelle’s work centers around helping people find happiness a...

Hi Parents! Money can be one of the biggest hidden triggers of anxiety - not just for adults, but for teens too. Whether it’s overhearing financial stress at home or realizing how expensive life can be, today’s teens are feeling that pressure more than ever. In this episode, I explore how money-related stress can quietly shape your teen’s emotional well-being, self-worth, and sense of security and...

Hi Parents! Have you noticed your teen starting to handle challenges differently? Maybe they seem calmer in moments that once felt overwhelming, or they’re beginning to speak up for themselves more. If you’ve been wondering whether all the conversations, coping tools, and encouragement are making a difference, this episode will help you see the signs. I’m breaking down four clear indicators that y...

Hi Parents! Parenting through fear can feel overwhelming, especially when your teen is anxious and you’re trying to stay strong for everyone. But what if the real key to peace isn’t found in control, but in trust - trusting that God is guiding both you and your teen through every step? In this episode, I’m joined by Heather O’Brien , prophetic healing coach, minister, author , and host of the glob...

Hi Parents! Sibling rivalry. Friend drama. Conflict that seems to pop up out of nowhere. For parents of teens, it can feel exhausting and confusing to know how much to intervene or when to step back. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rosina McAlpine , parenting expert, author, and CEO of Win Win Parenting , to explore why sibling and peer rivalry happens, and how we can guide our teens through...

Hi Parents! Is your teen just going through typical teenage ups and downs or could it be anxiety? That’s the question so many parents wrestle with and it’s not always easy to answer. In this episode, I’m joined by Sophia Vale Galano , Licensed Clinical Social Worker, yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and seasoned therapist who has worked with teens and adults in schools, hospitals, and private practi...

Hi Parents! Have you ever wondered why some teens turn to self-harm when they’re in pain? For parents, even the thought of your teen hurting themselves can feel overwhelming and terrifying. You might find yourself asking: Why would they do this? Is it for attention? Did I miss the signs? The truth is, self-harm is rarely about attention. For many teens, it’s a way of coping with intense emotions t...

Hi Parents! Do you ever feel weighed down by parenting guilt? If your teen struggles with anxiety, it’s so easy to blame yourself - wondering if you’ve done enough, said the right things, or somehow made things worse. Guilt can creep in when you set boundaries, when you give space, and even when you try to help. The pressure to “get it right” all the time can leave you second-guessing your every m...

Hi Parents! In this bonus episode, I’m excited to share a special opportunity with you. Monica Virga Alborno is hosting a FREE Intentional Living for Families Summit from Oct. 6th-9th, bringing together a variety of experts who share practical tools, strategies, and encouragement to help parents feel more supported during the holiday season. This audio event is designed to give you insights and st...

Hi Parents! If you’ve ever felt like your child’s anxiety is triggering your own old wounds, this episode will give you tools and hope for breaking the cycle. I’m joined by Dr. Robyn Koslowitz , psychologist, trauma expert, and author of Post- Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be . Dr. Koslowitz is the founder of the Post-Traumatic Parenting model, which...

Hi Parents! If your teen crumbles when it’s time to make a decision, second-guesses everything they do, or constantly worries about making the wrong choice, then this episode is for you. In this conversation, I’m joined by Becky , a Certified Master Life Coach and the creator of the Stand Strong System . Becky helps anxious teens go from reactive to resilient, and she’s here to unpack the connecti...

Hi Parents! If your teen has ever had a panic attack or if you're not sure how to tell the difference between panic and anxiety, then this episode will help you better understand what they might be going through and how you can support them. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Kranzler, licensed clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Handspring Health , where she works with teens experie...

Hi Parents! What happens when you’re the anxious one but you’re also the parent? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeanne Retief, trauma survivor, panic disorder warrior, and founder of FIGGI Beauty , to talk about the raw, unfiltered reality of parenting when you’re still learning how to feel safe in your own body. Jeanne opens up about the breaking point that made her reevaluate everything,...

Hi Parents! How do we raise emotionally grounded, self-aware teens in a world full of noise, pressure, and distractions? This week’s guest, Nellie Harden , believes it starts by understanding the real needs your teen has, and showing up in ways that build worth, safety, and connection. Nellie is a mom of four, a trauma survivor, and founder of The 6570 Family Project - a movement focused on helpin...

Hi Parents! Is your teen too young to be in a relationship? If teen dating triggers a mix of panic, protectiveness, and uncertainty, just know this is one of the most common fears parents face. For parents of anxious teens, this stage can bring a lot of fear and uncertainty. You might wonder if your child is emotionally ready, if they’ll get hurt, or if their self-esteem is tied too closely to som...

Hi Parents! What if preparing your teen for college didn’t have to be overwhelming or anxiety-inducing? In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsay Tanne, founder and CEO of LogicPrep , to unpack the college admissions process in a way that feels supportive and intentional. Lindsay brings a fresh, honest perspective to the world of college prep. She explains how parents can guide their teens without mi...

Hi Parents! What if the biggest warning sign your teen is struggling is silence? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Elliot Kallen, President of A Brighter Day , a nonprofit organization founded in memory of his son Jake, who tragically died by suicide at 19 years old. Elliot shares the heart-wrenching story behind A Brighter Day and how it has since grown into a powerful support system for teens an...

Hi Parents! Have you ever looked at your teen daughter’s outfit and thought, “Is that really what you’re wearing?” Maybe it’s a crop top, short shorts, or something that makes you pause and wonder how to respond without starting a full-blown argument before 8 a.m. Clothing choices can bring up a lot of big feelings, for both you and your teen. You want her to feel confident, body positive, and sel...