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

Hi Parents! What if the secret to helping your anxious teen feel more confident at school wasn’t pushing harder or doing more, but teaching them how to study in a way that works for them? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jessyka Coulter , CEO and Founder of Ace Cookie Tutoring and the creator of The NERDY Method. Jessyka shares how intentional study skills can transform a teen’s mindset, build co...

Hi Parents! What if helping your anxious teen build confidence had less to do with what you say, and more to do with how they move their body? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Neil Sheppard , founder of the Inner Athlete system, to explore the powerful connection between movement and mental health. Neil shares how strength training, structure, and intentional physical activity can help teens mana...

Hi Parents! This week, I’m switching things up and sharing a special conversation where I was the guest instead of the host. I recently joined Beth Hillman on her podcast, Parenting Post-Wilderness , to talk about one of the most important topics for parents today, teen anxiety. We covered what it looks like, how it often hides in plain sight, and what parents can do to better support their anxiou...

Hi Parents! Have you ever noticed how the most critical voice in your life might be your own? That internal dialogue that questions every parenting decision, especially when your teen is struggling with anxiety can be exhausting. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Sue Erhart , author of Lose Your Critic for Good  for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to quiet that inner voice and reco...

Hi Parents! Are you wondering how to help your teen start thinking about college or university without the pressure? For many anxious teens, thinking about life after high school can bring more stress than clarity. The unknowns around applications, decisions, and deadlines can feel overwhelming - and let’s be honest, it can be overwhelming for you too. But summer offers a unique opportunity to beg...

What if supporting your anxious teen didn’t mean constantly doing more - but instead, meant becoming more present, intentional, and self-aware in the moments that matter? In this episode, I’m joined by Holly Swenson - wellness blogger, registered nurse, and author of Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow - to explore how conscious parenting, grounded in self-care and deep inner work, can reshape how we sho...

Hi Parents! Are you worried about summer break feeling stressful? For parents of anxious teens, the end of the school year can bring more tension than relief. With no routine, more screen time, and long days filled with “what now?” moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep your teen busy, happy, and mentally well. Add in your own work schedule and responsibilities, and suddenl...

Hi Parents! Do screen time battles leave you feeling frustrated, drained, or like you're constantly walking on eggshells around your teen? In today's digital world, navigating boundaries around video games, phones, and other screens can feel like a daily power struggle - especially when anxiety is in the mix. In this episode, I’m joined by Scott Novis , a former Disney executive, tech entrepreneur...

Hi Parents! What if the key to helping your anxious teen wasn’t just about them - but started with you? In this episode, we’re exploring the powerful connection between emotional wounds and how they impact parenting, especially when raising teens who struggle with anxiety. I’m joined by Shelly Robinson - certified trauma-informed parent coach, founder of Raising Yourself , and mom of two teens. Sh...

Hi Parents! Have you ever wondered if letting your teen have a drink at home might teach them to be more responsible with alcohol? It’s a question many parents ask themselves - especially when they’re trying to balance trust, safety, and the reality that teens are exposed to alcohol earlier than ever. In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the most common (and complicated) parenting dilemmas:...

Hi Parents! Worried your teen is choosing friends who aren’t the best influence? Maybe you’ve noticed changes in their mood, behavior, or values - and you’re not sure how to step in without being pushy or overbearing. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 ways to help your teen choose healthier friendships - without damaging your relationship or coming across as the controlling parent. These strategie...

Hi Parents, What if easing your teen’s anxiety wasn’t just about therapy or medication - but also about their meals, sleep habits, and screen time? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Matt Bernstein , clinical psychiatrist and CEO of Accord, to explore the powerful, often-overlooked link between metabolism and mental health. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Bernstein shares how everyday choi...

Hi Parents, Is your teen constantly criticizing their body, obsessing over food, or showing sudden changes in eating habits? You’re not alone - and neither are they. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Leslie to explore the deeper roots of disordered eating and body anxiety in teens. We dive into how these struggles often stem from anxiety, low self-esteem and the need for control. Leslie offer...

Hi Parents! Ever feel like you're struggling to understand your teen's behaviour? It can be frustrating when their actions leave you confused, and you’re not sure how to help them. But what if their behaviour is actually sending you hidden messages about what they’re really going through? In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the 5 surprising messages behind your teen’s behaviour that parents...

Hi Parents, Does your teen feel trapped in their own mind - overwhelmed by constant “what if” thoughts or stuck in repetitive behaviors they feel they have to do “just in case”? You're not alone - and neither are they. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Sedley , clinical psychologist, author, and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to explore how anxiety and OCD show up in teens -...

Hi Parents! What if your teen’s moodiness, irritability, or refusal to engage isn’t defiance - but anxiety in disguise? In this episode, I’m joined by Dayna Abraham , bestselling author of Calm the Chaos , National Board Certified educator, and mom of three neurodivergent kids. With warmth and wisdom, Dayna helps parents uncover the hidden signs of anxiety and offers powerful tools for when typica...

Hi Parents! Is your teen struggling, but every time you try to help, they push you away? You’re not alone. Many parents feel stuck in a cycle of offering support, only to be met with resistance, frustration, or complete shutdowns. In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest parenting challenges: why teens reject help - even when they clearly need it - and how you can shift their mindset...

Hi Parents! If you’ve ever watched your teen struggle to fall asleep - only to wake up exhausted, irritable, and even more anxious - you’re not alone. Sleep and anxiety are deeply connected, creating a cycle that’s tough to break. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown , a triple board-certified sleep physician and founder of Restful Sleep MD . She’s also the best-selling author of Beyon...

Hi Parents! Have you ever mistaken your teen’s anger for defiance, only to realize it was anxiety? When teens feel overwhelmed, their emotions can show up as outbursts, leaving parents unsure of how to help. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge , a recognized expert in children’s mental health and founder of the Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health. With 30 years of experienc...

Hi Parents! This week, I’m excited to bring you a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Margolese , a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, OCD, depression, and emotional regulation in children and teens. With years of experience helping families navigate these challenges, Dr. Margolese offers expert insights into supporting your teen’s emotional well-being and managing overwhelming emotions be...

Hi Parents! Are you worried that your teen isn’t learning smart money habits? With financial stress impacting so many families, teaching teens how to budget, save, and make wise spending choices is more important than ever. In today’s episode, we’re diving into financial literacy - one of the most crucial life skills for teens. I’ll be sharing five key strategies to help your teen develop financia...

Hi Parents! If your teen struggles with anxiety, school refusal, or avoidance, you’re not alone. Many parents unknowingly reinforce anxious behaviours by offering constant reassurance or making accommodations to reduce distress - but what if these well-intentioned actions are actually keeping your teen stuck? In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Regine Galanti , a clinical psychologist who work...

Hi Parents! Have you ever caught yourself saying something and thought, Wow, I sound just like my mom or dad? If you're raising a teen with anxiety, you might be passing down more than just personality traits - you could be unintentionally transferring your own anxious patterns. This episode is all about understanding the connection between generational anxiety cycles, how they show up in your fam...

Hi Parents! This week, I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with Beth Hillman , a double-certified parent coach who specializes in helping parents of struggling teens find clarity, confidence, and peace. Beth’s personal journey through her son’s wilderness therapy experience inspired her to support parents navigating similar challenges. Her wisdom and compassion shine through as she shares inv...

Hi Parents! This episode is all about a topic that hits close to home during these colder months: the winter blues and how they affect teen anxiety and mood. If you’ve noticed your teen being more irritable, withdrawn, or just not quite themselves lately, the season might be playing a bigger role than you think. I’m here to help you understand what’s going on and provide you with tools to make thi...