Think New Thoughts

What if the reason you're feeling overwhelmed and exhausted isn't because you have too much to do—but because you're trying to live in two chapters of your life at once? Sometimes we move into a new season of life but keep holding on to the expectations, responsibilities, and beliefs from the last one. And without realizing it, we make it harder to feel joy or move forward. In this episode you'll...

Think New Thoughts is back! After a little detour, we're returning to the original name—and opening up the conversation to anyone who wants to live with more faith, intention, and joy. Have you ever wanted to change your mind but worried about what people would think? Or been so sure about someone—including yourself—that you stopped wondering what else might be possible? In this episode, you'll di...

It's easy to believe that the best thing to do when your teenager does something wrong is punish them.   But what if that isn't true? Your punishments might actually be doing more harm than good.  In this episode, you'll discover… What most parents think their punishments are accomplishing. Three ways using punishments actually works against you if you're trying to create a relationship of honesty...

Parenting teenagers is a demanding job. Have you ever wondered if what you're doing as a mom is actually making a difference? Or felt like giving up because it seems like it isn't?  In this episode you'll discover: The real reason you feel like giving up. The truth about your impact as a mom. A new way to think about your efforts that can renew your commitment and faith. Press play to hear about a...

You want your teen to become confident and capable—but some of the ways you're trying to help may be doing the exact opposite. In this episode, you'll discover: Two common ways of responding when your teen struggles that can actually weaken their confidence What confidence really is—and why struggling, making mistakes, and feeling negative emotions are part of building it How to help your teen thi...

Saying no to your teenager can feel tricky—especially when you want to hold a boundary without being harsh, controlling, or damaging your relationship. So how do you stay firm in your decision without being a jerk? :) In this episode, you'll discover: What to do before you say no so you can approach the conversation with less fear and more love How to be clear about your decision while still carin...

Hard conversations with your teen can feel stressful before they even begin.  But what if better communication starts  before you decide what to say? In this episode, you'll discover: Why focusing on how your teenager might react can make you more anxious about the conversation The first thing to look at before deciding what to say or how to say it How to walk into difficult conversations with mor...

Have you ever replayed something in your mind that you wish you had handled differently—and cringed every time you think about it? In this episode, I'm sharing a pretty embarrassing (and now hilarious) experience that gave me the chance to practice what I preach about making peace with the past. You'll discover: The thought that will keep you stuck in embarrassment, blame, or regret when you wish...

If you've been feeling worn down as a mom, some of your energy may be going toward something you don't even realize you're doing. In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation I had with Danny DeJesus on The Next Baseline about the emotional energy we spend fighting against things we can't change, and what becomes possible when we let go. In this episode, you'll discover: Why trying to change things...

Sometimes parenting teenagers doesn't look anything like you thought it would. When you can't change what your teenager is choosing, or what is happening to them, you might feel discouraged, frustrated, or even hopeless.  In this episode, you'll discover: The real reason you may feel stuck in disappointment, anger, or resentment when parenting doesn't look the way you expected Where your power act...

You probably had a picture in your mind of who your teenager would be—what they'd care about, the choices they'd make, even the relationship you'd have. But what happens when the teenager you actually have doesn't match the one you imagined? In this episode, you'll discover: The grief many moms experience on the journey of raising teenagers A surprising way forgiveness can help heal your pain A ne...

  When your teenager makes choices that affect you, it can be easy to get frustrated—not just with what's happening right now, but with what you're afraid those choices might mean for the future. In this episode, I'm using a very ordinary frustration around food to show you a tool you can use with all kinds of parenting situations. You'll learn: The most important distinction that will help you de...

Do you ever feel exhausted trying to get your teenager to make good choices, have a better attitude, or do what you've asked? In this episode, you'll discover: How to know what's actually yours to manage as a mom and what belongs to your teenager Some common ways you may be crossing that line without even realizing it How staying on your side of the line can make parenting feel so much less exhaus...

Have you ever been frustrated trying to get your teenager to understand something that seems so obvious to you? Maybe you think it's important to keep a clean room, stay on top of schoolwork, go to church, or make certain choices—and your teenager just doesn't see it the same way. In this episode, you'll discover: What you actually want when you're trying to get your teenager to see things your wa...

If you want to understand why parenting your teenager can feel so hard—and what you can actually do to find more joy in it—this episode will give you the foundation for everything else we talk about on the podcast. In this episode, you'll learn: The five parts of a tool called the Model How the five parts work together How to start using this tool today to find more joy as you parent teenagers Lis...

When your teenager is going through something hard, of course you want to help—but your first instinct might not be as helpful as you think. In this episode, you'll learn  The difference between cuddling and coddling  And how the way you think about a challenge can either weaken or build confidence for you and your teen. ▶️Press play to learn how to support your teenager through hard things while...

What if some of the things you expect yourself to do as a mom are actually sucking the joy out of parenting? In this episode, you'll discover: How trying to protect your teen from hard emotions and hard experiences can drain your energy and leave you discouraged How to stop measuring your success as a mom by your teenager's choices and outcomes Why you don't have to know exactly what to do—and how...

You've asked nicely. You've reminded them. You've explained yourself. And your teenager still isn't listening. So eventually, you get louder. If yelling sometimes feels like the only thing left to do when your teen won't cooperate, this episode will help you understand what's actually happening in those moments—and what you can do differently. In this episode, you'll discover: Why you can end up y...

 You followed through. You gave the consequence. And your teenager still didn't change their behavior. If you've ever wondered why consequences don't seem to work with your teen, the problem may not be the consequence itself—it may be what you're expecting it to do. In this episode, you'll discover: The mistake many parents make when giving consequences to teens What a consequence can—and can't—ac...

Do you ever find yourself resenting your teen for all the sacrifices you make for them—and then feeling bad that you feel that way? Resentment doesn't mean you don't love your kids. Instead of pushing it away, you can learn to understand what it's trying to tell you. In this episode, you'll discover: Why resentment can creep into your parenting even when you really love your kids Two different way...

There's one argument you can have with your teenager over and over again—and you're never going to win it. The good news? Once you stop trying to, parenting your teen can become a whole lot easier. In this episode, you'll discover: The argument at the root of so much conflict with your teen that you can never win Why that's actually good news A simple tool to help you feel clear about what is—and...

Do you ever feel guilty about all the things you're not doing—or not doing as well as you think you should? In this episode, you'll discover: Why we hang on to mom guilt 3 questions that can help you understand the message guilt has for you 2 concrete ways to use guilt productively and let it go Tune in to find out how to welcome guilt as a visitor without inviting it to become a permanent roommat...

You replay the conversation you wish you'd handled differently. You notice another mom who seems more patient, more connected, or more confident. And when your teenager makes a choice you desperately wish they wouldn't, a little voice wonders,  What did I do wrong? Being hard on yourself can feel productive—like it's what keeps you learning, growing, and becoming a better mom. But what if it isn't...

Do you feel like you're constantly reminding, nagging, or correcting your teenager—and somehow it always turns into a battle of wills? If you're exhausted by constant reminders, arguments, and resistance from your teenager, this episode offers a refreshing shift in perspective. Instead of relying on demands that often lead to frustration for both parent and teen, you'll discover how replacing them...

Have you ever tried to apologize to your teenager after an argument, only to have the conversation create even more conflict? In this episode, you'll learn how to lay down your weapons of war and approach difficult conversations in a way that helps your teen feel safe, respected, and more willing to connect. If you're an LDS mom who wants your home to feel more peaceful and your relationship with...