Pivot Parenting: Expert Tips for Navigating Teen and Tween Challenges

When your teen makes a big mistake—like coming home high—it's easy to spiral into shame, blame, or panic. In this raw coaching session, I sit down with two parents navigating that exact moment with their daughter. Together, we unpack what good parenting really looks like when the stakes are high. We explore how to lead with love and follow through with consequences, how to grow into the 2.0 versio...

In today's episode, I sit down with Cora, a mom navigating the complex world of launching her 18-year-old daughter. We dive deep into the three non-negotiable steps every parent needs for a successful launch, the dangerous difference between control and love, and the one thing that happens right before launch that catches parents completely off-guard. What You'll Learn: The 3 essential steps for s...

If your teen struggles to wake up, follow through, or  seems totally oblivious to your family's priorities—you'll feel seen in this one. In this live coaching session with Kat, we dig into the frustration of having a teen who won't just get it together … and what's really happening beneath the surface. We unpack: Why your teen's "irresponsible" behavior might actually be age-appropriate How well-m...

Ever find yourself thinking, "If my kid would just get their act together, life would be so much easier"? Yeah… you're not alone. In this live coaching session, we dig into what's really going on when we get stuck in that headspace—whether it's schoolwork, bedtime routines, or the everyday grind. You love your kid. You're trying your best. But when their struggles drag on (and on), it's SO temptin...

Let's be real—courage usually feels awful. It's uncomfortable, risky, and it often costs us something. But if we're not showing our kids what it looks like to stand up for truth and love people well (especially the hard ones), then we're teaching them to stay silent. And silence is complicity. In this episode, I'm getting bold about the values we need to be modeling at home. From passive-aggressiv...

Is your parenting actually keeping your teen safe—or just an attempt to keep you comfortable? In this episode, we unpack the hidden fears that drive so many of our rules, reactions, and routines as parents. From fear of physical harm to fear of emotional disconnection, we all create "safety systems" that can backfire—leading to control, resentment, and emotional distance. You'll learn: The 2 main...

What if healing your own body image could help your daughter avoid the years of shame, obsession, and insecurity so many of us grew up with? In this powerful episode, we talk about how to build a healthy, connected relationship with your body—and how to model that for your kids (without even saying a word). Whether you're raising daughters, sons, or anyone in between, this one's for you. You'll le...

It's one of the most heartbreaking things a parent can face—when your grown child cuts off communication. In this episode, we explore why this happens, what parents can do about it, and how perfectionism and performance-based love often push the very people we want to keep close... away. I'll share the surprising truth about what God never asked parents to carry, how to untangle what's yours from...

Ever find yourself spiraling about your teen's future—wondering if they'll ever graduate, get a job, or not end up living in your basement forever? In this powerful episode with Casie Fariello, we get real about what happens when our fears blow things out of proportion. Casie shares her raw, honest parenting journey—navigating everything from school refusal and addiction to unconventional paths th...

We all know screens are a huge part of teen life—but how much is too much? In this episode, I'm joined by coach and teen expert Will Kirsop to tackle one of parents' biggest concerns: device dependency. We unpack the real stats (brace yourself), the brain science behind why tech is so addictive, and how screens are impacting your teen emotionally, socially, and physically. But don't worry—this isn...

Ever catch yourself thinking, *"I'm either a good parent or a bad one"... or,  "My teen is either respectful or totally out of control"? That's black-and-white thinking—and it sneaks into parenting more than we realize. In this episode, we dig into how rigid, all-or-nothing thoughts keep us stuck in guilt, frustration, and power struggles. You'll learn: How black-and-white thinking shows up (even...

Your teen is moody, dramatic, needy, and constantly fishing for validation. One minute they want you to help… the next, they're shutting you out. They're one person at home, someone else at school, and you're just trying to figure out who the heck they actually are. If you've ever felt like your teen is a walking tornado of insecurity, pressure, and mixed signals—and you're the one stuck holding i...

If your teen is sad, bored, heartbroken, or frustrated—and you instantly shift into problem-solving mode—this episode is for you. In today's conversation, we're talking about a trap so many loving parents fall into: believing it's our job to keep our teens happy. Whether it's emailing teachers, calling their friend's mom after a disagreement, offering shopping trips to soothe a breakup, or trying...

Every parent has been there—those infuriating moments when your teen's response is a flat, dismissive "I don't care." In this episode, we dig into why that statement pops up and what it really means, so you can handle your frustration and reconnect with your teen.  This one's brought to you by a real-life grocery store moment with my son… and a stranger who felt compelled to weigh in on his "I don...

If you want your teen to speak up for themselves—and for others—but find they shut down, go along to get along, or avoid conflict at all costs, this episode is for you. We're breaking down how to raise teens who know how to set boundaries , communicate clearly , and stand up to injustice —without being rude, reactive, or overwhelmed. And here's the key: it starts with us. In this episode, I'll sha...

Few things hurt more than watching your teen struggle—and knowing they don't feel safe enough to come to you with it. You try to connect, ask how they're doing, offer help… and all you get is a shoulder shrug, an eye roll, or a slammed door. And it leaves you wondering— What happened to us? Why won't they talk to me? Am I failing? In this episode, we're digging into what it really takes to become...

Parenting teens today can feel like trying to hold back a tidal wave. We want to protect them, guide them, and set them up for success—but how do we do that without burning out or pushing them away? In this episode, we're tackling three crucial parenting strategies: Setting Boundaries with Technology —How to create limits that actually stick, without constant battles. Why Kids Don't Always Need Th...

No parent wants to hear that their child is being mistreated. Unfortunately, bullying is a common challenge many kids face. In this episode, I'm joined by teen confidence expert Joey Mascio to share the most effective strategy for helping your child become less of a target and break free from bullying. Joey offers a fresh, empowering perspective—including why he says "there's no such thing as a bu...

When your teen dramatically declares their life is "over" , it can feel impossible to know what to say or do. Should you fix it? Downplay it? Toughen them up? In this episode, we're diving into what's really happening developmentally when your teen spirals, why their emotions feel so intense, and how your response plays a powerful role in shaping their mental resilience. You'll learn practical too...

If the thought of talking to your teen about dating makes you cringe, you're not alone—but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, I'm sharing what actually works when it comes to having meaningful, non-awkward conversations with your teen about relationships, boundaries, and emotional safety. We'll cover two key points: The conversation strategies that actually work —but only once you've...

Parenting a teen can feel like riding a roller coaster—especially when they're hungry, tired, or stressed. In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable world of teen mood swings and how they impact not only your teen, but your entire family's atmosphere. I share three powerful takeaways that will help you transform chaos into calm: • Why It Happens: Understand the driving forces behind teen moo...

If you've ever felt like every interaction with your teen turns into a battle, you're not alone. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.) can make parenting feel like an exhausting, never-ending power struggle. In this episode, I'm joined by a seasoned therapist who specializes in working with teens and their families to navigate the challenges of O.D.D. We'll dive into what's really going on beneat...

It's easy to get caught up in the daily battles—unfinished homework, messy rooms, and getting your teen to just do what they're supposed to do. But if we're only chasing short-term compliance, we risk infantilizing our teens, missing what they're actually struggling with, and losing opportunities to teach emotional skills that last a lifetime. In this episode, we're talking about how to shift your...

Ever feel  stuck ? Maybe it's in your emotions, your habits, your relationships—or the way you and your teen communicate (or don't). In this episode, I'm unpacking a powerful insight I had while talking with friends about midlife dating, parenting teens, and why we all struggle to make changes—even when we want to. It all comes down to sensation chasing—why we do what we do (or don't). Understandi...

Are you tired of feeling like every conversation with your teen turns into a battle of wills? In this episode, I'm diving into why telling teens what to do is a recipe for power struggles—and what you can do instead. I'll break down the three key dynamics at play that most parents overlook and share practical ways to step out of the tug-of-war while strengthening your connection. The result? More...