The Parenting Connection | build connection, parenting styles, depression in teens, anxiety in teens, Christian parenting

Most moms don’t talk about this out loud… but it’s one of the most painful parts of parenting a struggling child—being blamed for everything. The outbursts. The distance. The disrespect. And somewhere in the middle of it, you start wondering… is this actually my fault? But what if your child isn’t blaming you because they don’t care… what if they’re doing it because they don’t know how to handle w...

You can see the potential in your child. You know how capable they are. But when it actually matters—raising their hand in class, trying something new, speaking up around others—they hesitate, second-guess themselves, or quietly step back. As a parent, it’s confusing and heartbreaking to watch because you know there is so much inside them… yet they don’t seem to see it themselves. In this episode,...

Sometimes the hardest part of parenting isn’t the behavior—it’s watching a child you know is amazing start to question their worth. You see them hold back, doubt themselves, compare themselves to others, or say things like “I’m just not good at anything.” And no matter how much you encourage them, it doesn’t seem to stick. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child truly believe in themselves,...

What if the most powerful tool for protecting your child’s mental health —is the emotional attachment they feel with you? In this episode, we’re talking about something every parent needs to understand: strong emotional attachment between parent and child is one of the most protective factors against anxiety and depression. This isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness and opportunity. Today’s worl...

If you were raised to “toughen up,” keep emotions in check, and push through no matter what—but now you’re parenting a child who seems emotionally overwhelmed, sensitive, shut down, or reactive—this episode is for you. Generation X parents are raising Generation Z kids using many of the same approaches they grew up with… yet the results feel painfully different. The conversations blow up. The conn...

Most parents say they want a confident child — but that’s not really what you’re longing for. What you want is for your child to feel like themselves again. To walk into the room and bring light with them instead of tension. To open up instead of shutting down or clinging. To choose connection, not because they were told to — but because it feels good again. And if confidence were the answer, it w...

Have you ever noticed that no matter what you try, your child either pushes back or shuts down? One moment you’re trying to be gentle so you don’t damage the relationship… and the next you’re firm because nothing else seems to work. And somehow, both approaches leave you feeling disconnected, frustrated, and wondering why your child resists you even when you’re doing your best. In this episode, I’...

What is your emotional level this holiday season? With all the hustle, bustle, expectations, and unexpected things that sometimes come flying your way, how do we continue to tap into the spirit of peace inside ourselves first so that we can then pass it onto our families and in our homes? Listen in to 3 different ways that can help you be aware, prepared, and how to move through the sometimes hard...

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child still feels your influence, you’re not alone. Most moms don’t realize how many quiet, unseen ways they shape their child’s motivation, confidence, and emotional world—without saying a single word. In today’s episode, we’re exploring the surprising power a mother carries just through her presence, her energy, and the atmosphere she creates at home. You’ll...

You’ve probably looked at your December calendar and thought, “It all fits… I should be able to do this.” But there’s that quiet voice that whispers, “I can’t keep this pace and still feel like myself.” If that feels familiar — not because you’re behind, but because you carry so much — this episode will help you understand why. We’re talking about the difference between having time to do everythin...

Are you a Christian mom walking on eggshells around your teen? One wrong word sparks an argument, and before you know it—you’re both in a blow-up. You want to stay calm, you try to follow what the books and experts say… but nothing seems to stick. In this episode, I’ll show you the surprising reason why—and it has nothing to do with your teen’s behavior, and everything to do with your emotional en...

If your teen seems unmotivated or dependent on you to make every decision… the issue might not be their maturity. It might be how much control they feel coming from you—even if it’s based in love. In this episode, we’re digging into the unseen reason so many well-meaning Christian moms accidentally block their child’s confidence and motivation. You’ll learn why giving your teen more space, tr...

You don’t need to fix everything. You just need a better place to start. The Connected Mom Reset  shows you how—for just $22. What if your child’s behavior isn’t the real problem? The truth is, most “bad behavior” isn’t rebellion—it’s a reflection of low self-worth. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening inside your child when they act out, withdraw, or shut down. You’ll...

Sometimes the hardest thing to forgive… isn’t your child — it’s your own past. The truth is, many Christian parents carry pieces of their own story that are hard. Maybe it was control, neglect, or emotional distance. Those old wounds don’t just disappear — they quietly shape your parenting style, the way you respond to your child’s anxiety, and even the atmosphere in your home. In this episode, yo...

You don’t have to be a “forceful parent” to parent with force. Sometimes it hides in a sigh, a tone, or that quiet look of disappointment we don’t even notice. But our kids feel it—and when they do, they pull away. In this episode, we’ll uncover the subtle ways fear sneaks into our parenting and how to replace it with calm, love-based leadership that invites connection instead of resistance. Most...

Have you ever tried to get your teen or young adult to open up—only to be met with silence or one-word answers? You’re not alone. Many Christian parents struggle to build connection when their child seems withdrawn, anxious, or distant. In this episode, you’ll discover why traditional parenting styles often backfire when a child is struggling, and what really helps them feel safe enough to talk ag...

When a child acts entitled, it’s easy to see it as defiance or selfishness — but in this episode, we talk about a powerful truth: entitlement isn’t pride, it’s pain wearing armor. Beneath every “me-first” behavior is a child who feels empty inside, disconnected, or unseen. Drawing from both scripture and psychology, Amy explains how genuine connection — not control or correction — is what truly fi...

As parents, nothing is harder than watching your child struggle with anxiety or depression. I know this firsthand—and I often look back wishing I had the tools and awareness I have now. In this episode, In this episode, I’m sharing the 11 most powerful things I’ve learned that parents can do to help prevent anxiety, depression, and mental illness in their kids. These aren’t quick fixes or cures—bu...

Even the best Christian parents can slip into parenting from disappointment or disapproval—and it weighs heavier on kids than we realize. At the root of every struggle is the fear of “I’m not enough,” and when our children feel our disappointment, it reinforces that fear in their core. In this episode, we’ll uncover why disappointment isn’t a healthy motivator, how it sneaks in as “tough love,” an...

Have you been inspired over the last few days from Charlie Kirk, even though your grieving his loss?  In today’s episode, I’m sharing five powerful lessons inspired by Charlie Kirk that can help you build connection, strengthen your child’s faith, and create a home where love and responsibility thrive. These aren’t just theories—they’re practical truths you can start modeling and teaching rig...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking your teen is being a “brat”? The sass, eye-rolls, and pushback can be so frustrating—but what if their behavior isn’t defiance, but a signal of something deeper? In this episode, I’ll show you how shifting your perspective and energy as a mom can change the way you connect with your child—even in the hardest moments. You’ll hear about a mom of a high-schooler...

Does your child’s behavior leave you feeling anxious or powerless? Many parents find their emotions rising and falling with what their kids are doing. In this episode, I introduce the idea of self-leadership —learning to manage your own emotions first so you can show up as a steady, confident leader in your home. We’ll explore how one person’s shift in energy can change an entire relationship, and...

As Christian parents, we often underestimate just how much our belief—or lack of belief—shapes our child’s life. In this episode, I share why your opinion of your child is never neutral. Whether you communicate faith and confidence, or worry and doubt, it becomes part of their self-image. We’ll unpack five powerful reasons why believing in your child is essential for their mental health, and how i...

Ever feel like you're responsible for helping your kids to be happy? Or ever feel like your kids are the reason you're not happy? In this episode, I interview Sharon Lamar, life coach of the popular podcast, The Single LDS Woman, and we discuss the importance of each woman and mom to be able to navigate themselves to a healthier and happier place without relying on others (co-dependency). Sharon a...

Are you trying to walk the line between accepting your strugglling child, and also making sure they know that you don't approve? In this episode, we dig into why acceptance has nothing to do with you're approval. And how your disapproval is more damaging than we realize. But there is a way to love your child, be there for them, and show them that they matter all while still holding your standards....