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Parenting Anxious Teens | Parenting Teens, Managing Teen Anxiety, Parenting Strategies
Parenting Anxious Teens | Parenting Teens, Managing Teen Anxiety, Parenting Strategies
Author: Monica Crnogorac - Teen Anxiety & Confidence Coach, Teen Anxiety Specialist
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Parents, do you worry about your teen’s emotional well-being and how anxiety may be affecting their daily life? Have you felt helpless or unsure about how to support your teen through their struggles? Are you concerned about the long-term impact of anxiety on your teen’s mental health? Are you looking for guidance and support from experts who understand what you’re going through and can provide practical advice to your teen for navigating this journey?
Hi, I’m Monica Crnogorac and I’m so excited that you’re here on Parenting Anxious Teens. Things may seem smooth and easy for me now, but they weren’t always this way. I remember what it felt like to be a teen and feel overwhelmed, alone, confused, and frustrated. Even though I had the awareness of how I was feeling, I still struggled to overcome the heavy emotions because I was afraid of letting anyone in. I was hoping I would be able to ignore it and shove it under the rug without really needing to address it. What happened? My feelings of anxiety and overwhelm intensified and that freaked me out.
I needed to find a way to free myself from the hole I dug, so I finally decided to work with someone who helped me let go of the burdens of anxiety I was carrying for years. It wasn’t easy and it made me shed a few tears, but I was able to release the pain and move forward to living a life where anxiety doesn’t have the driver seat. Let me tell you, the time, energy, and money I put towards my own transformation is what inspired me to help teens today. Resolving my own anxiety allowed me to uncover the secret to overcoming big emotions in an easy, manageable, and adaptive way. After falling in love with the self-growth journey, I went to school to get educated and certified so I can empower you and tell you everything I know.
Inside this podcast, we explore the nature of non-clinical anxiety, uncovering its triggers, signs and symptoms, and the profound impact it has on a teen’s life. Parents, you will learn how to understand, support, and empower your teens through their struggles with anxiety. You’ll learn actionable steps you can take to create a supportive environment at home and help your teen manage their anxiety effectively. But we don’t stop there. I bring on expert guests, share anxiety hacks, and equip both teens and parents with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with stress, and navigating those turbulent waters with grace and strength.
We are going to simplify teenage anxiety for you because I want you see your teen happy, confident, and thriving. I want you to be able to have a strong and supportive relationship with them where everyone feels understood and supported. Most importantly, I want to help them reach their full potential despite what they’re going through. So, grab your favourite drink, get in some comfy clothes and let’s dig in.
You can find me here:
Instagram: @__consciouscoach
Work with me: www.consciouscoach.biz
Connect: monica@consciouscoach.biz
Hi, I’m Monica Crnogorac and I’m so excited that you’re here on Parenting Anxious Teens. Things may seem smooth and easy for me now, but they weren’t always this way. I remember what it felt like to be a teen and feel overwhelmed, alone, confused, and frustrated. Even though I had the awareness of how I was feeling, I still struggled to overcome the heavy emotions because I was afraid of letting anyone in. I was hoping I would be able to ignore it and shove it under the rug without really needing to address it. What happened? My feelings of anxiety and overwhelm intensified and that freaked me out.
I needed to find a way to free myself from the hole I dug, so I finally decided to work with someone who helped me let go of the burdens of anxiety I was carrying for years. It wasn’t easy and it made me shed a few tears, but I was able to release the pain and move forward to living a life where anxiety doesn’t have the driver seat. Let me tell you, the time, energy, and money I put towards my own transformation is what inspired me to help teens today. Resolving my own anxiety allowed me to uncover the secret to overcoming big emotions in an easy, manageable, and adaptive way. After falling in love with the self-growth journey, I went to school to get educated and certified so I can empower you and tell you everything I know.
Inside this podcast, we explore the nature of non-clinical anxiety, uncovering its triggers, signs and symptoms, and the profound impact it has on a teen’s life. Parents, you will learn how to understand, support, and empower your teens through their struggles with anxiety. You’ll learn actionable steps you can take to create a supportive environment at home and help your teen manage their anxiety effectively. But we don’t stop there. I bring on expert guests, share anxiety hacks, and equip both teens and parents with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with stress, and navigating those turbulent waters with grace and strength.
We are going to simplify teenage anxiety for you because I want you see your teen happy, confident, and thriving. I want you to be able to have a strong and supportive relationship with them where everyone feels understood and supported. Most importantly, I want to help them reach their full potential despite what they’re going through. So, grab your favourite drink, get in some comfy clothes and let’s dig in.
You can find me here:
Instagram: @__consciouscoach
Work with me: www.consciouscoach.biz
Connect: monica@consciouscoach.biz
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Hi Parents!
Anxiety in teens isn’t just a “thinking problem” - it’s a body-based experience that affects how they feel, react, and cope. In this episode, Dr. Russell Kennedy, The Anxiety MD, shares a new perspective on understanding and supporting anxious teens.
Dr. Kennedy explains why traditional logic, reassurance, or problem-solving often doesn’t work for teens with anxiety, and what helps a dysregulated nervous system feel safe. He introduces the concept of “alarm” in the body, helping parents recognize when their teen is anxious versus simply emotional or oppositional.
This episode provides compassionate, practical steps parents can take today to help their teens rebuild internal safety, navigate panic and meltdowns, and manage anxiety in a way that actually works. It’s a must-listen for parents who want to understand the real root of anxiety and empower their teens to thrive.
P.S. His book is a must-read - I already have it in my cart and can’t wait to dive in!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
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Hi Parents!
Are you concerned about how your teen is navigating alcohol, especially during the transition from high school to college?
In this episode, Dr. Rob Turrisi, a leading researcher in adolescent health and behavioural decision-making, shares practical, evidence-based strategies that parents can use to help their teens make informed and safe choices. Rob explains how teens make decisions around alcohol, what factors influence those choices, and why understanding these patterns is key for parents. He also discusses the vulnerable transition to college, the importance of teaching protective behaviours, and why allowing teens to drink at home does not prevent risky drinking.
Rob highlights the rising rates of blackout drinking and alcohol use disorder among emerging adults and shares communication strategies, including monitoring, modelling, and balancing warmth with clear expectations, that can influence long-term decisions.
This episode provides actionable advice for parents who want to empower their teens to make smart, healthy choices around alcohol.
If you’d like to read any of Rob's research articles, please click here.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
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Hi Parents!
Pelvic floor health is rarely talked about, but it plays a huge role in overall well-being for both teens and adults. In today's episode, Dr. Sara Reardon, known as The Vagina Whisperer, explains why these conversations are essential and offers practical strategies for parents to approach them confidently.
Sara covers topics like periods, sex, pelvic floor strength, and self-care practices for young athletes and active teens. She explains why awareness and education around pelvic health can prevent pain, discomfort, and long-term issues, while also helping teens feel more in tune with their bodies. Parents will leave this episode with actionable tips for introducing these topics, encouraging healthy habits, and fostering open, shame-free communication with their children.
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Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
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Hi Parents!
Do your teens feel intense pressure to perform or struggle with self-doubt?
Today I’m chatting with Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, who shares practical strategies parents can use to support teens navigating high expectations and performance pressure.
Dr. Lisa explains how self-doubt and perfectionism can develop early and why societal pressures can intensify them. She provides tools for parents to help teens manage performance anxiety, shift their focus from perfection to growth, and recover from setbacks without fear of failure. Lisa also offers advice on giving feedback, encouraging healthy risk-taking, and nurturing resilience so teens can thrive in school, sports, and social settings.
This episode has actionable guidance for parents who want to help their teens face challenges confidently, develop a healthy mindset around success, and navigate life’s pressures without being overwhelmed.
Sign up here to get free tools from Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, including guided exercises, conversation scripts, and strategies from Your Child’s Greatness.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 of the most nerve-wracking phases of raising an anxious teen.
My guest today is Nigel Tunnacliffe, Co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country and one of the fastest-growing education companies in America. Nigel founded Coastline with a powerful mission: to eradicate car crashes by teaching safe, confident drivers for life. His team has trained over 250,000 teen drivers across multiple states and works closely with parents navigating this exact stage of life.
In this conversation, we talk about why parents play such a critical role in their teen’s driving education, how parental anxiety can unintentionally impact teen confidence, and what actually helps anxious teens develop healthy habits, calm decision-making, and trust behind the wheel.
If you’re parenting a teen who’s nervous about driving or you’re the anxious one, this episode will help you feel more grounded, informed, and confident in how you support them through this milestone.
👉🏻 Want a FREE parent course? Coastline Academy is offering this to the first 10 sign-ups using the coupon code PARENTING - grab your spot today!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
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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 Work Institute, former Chief Science Officer at the Bezos Family Foundation, and the author of The Breakthrough Years, one of the most highly praised parenting books of 2024. Drawing from decades of research and direct conversations with young people ages nine through nineteen, Ellen explains why teens don’t want to pull away from parents but instead seek a different kind of relationship rooted in collaboration, respect, and trust.
In our conversation, we explore what executive function skills really are and why adolescence is such a critical window for developing them. Ellen shares how parents can nurture these skills without controlling or rescuing, and how everyday conflict can be transformed into shared problem-solving using her Shared Solutions framework. We also talk about anxiety, pressure, and distraction in today’s world, and why positive risk-taking plays such an important role in building competence, confidence, and resilience.
This episode is especially meaningful for parents who feel overwhelmed by their teen’s emotions, behaviour, or motivation and are searching for guidance that feels hopeful, science-backed, and practical. Ellen brings a deeply compassionate and empowering perspective that challenges common myths about teens and invites parents to see adolescence not as a crisis to endure, but as a breakthrough season for connection and growth.
If you’re parenting a tween or teen, supporting an anxious child, or wanting a stronger, healthier relationship with your adolescent, this conversation will leave you with a renewed sense of clarity, possibility, and confidence in what truly helps teens thrive.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 starts,” and the simple shifts parents can make to help their teens stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. We walk through why so many teens quit their goals early, how to break down big ambitions into meaningful, achievable steps, and why emotional awareness matters more than the size of the goal itself.
If you’re looking to help your teen build resilience, consistency, and self-trust going into the new year, this episode will give you practical tools, deeper insight, and the encouragement you need.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 dig into where the familiar “five stages of grief” came from and why they were never intended to describe how real people move through loss. We talk about what grief often looks like behind closed doors, how widowhood can reshape your identity, and why learning to trust your emotional process is such an essential part of healing.
We also talk about how teens grieve differently, how to recognize grief beneath certain behaviours, and how to support them without trying to fix the pain. Krista shares guidance on navigating birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in ways that honour the parent who died while giving everyone space to feel what they feel.
More about Krista:
Krista is a grief and post-traumatic growth expert who rebuilt her life after losing her husband to a drunk driver in 2016. Through therapy, mindset work, and coaching tools, she found a path forward, and now helps widows do the same. Her work has been featured in Psychology Today, Medium, Parents Magazine, and more.
If you’re supporting a grieving teen or grieving yourself, I hope this conversation brings you comfort, clarity, and permission to move at the pace that feels right for you. It’s a conversation I know will support so many.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
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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 what truly defines a Spicy One and why their behavior can look so different from their peers. We get into why classic discipline often backfires and what actually helps them feel safe, seen, and cooperative. Mary also explains what’s happening beneath the surface during intense moments and how parents can stay calm, kind, and firm even when emotions escalate.
More About Mary:
Mary is an international parenting coach who specializes in helping moms of strong-willed, deeply sensitive kids. Through her training as a Simplicity Parenting counselor and Professional Co-Active Coach and her own lived experience raising a spirited child, Mary teaches parents how to stay regulated, compassionate, and confident when the heat rises. With more than 400,000 parents following her daily insights on Instagram and thousands completing her transformative programs, she’s become a trusted voice for families learning to parent differently.
If you’ve been craving guidance on how to support your strong-willed child, reduce power struggles, and build deeper connection without losing your boundaries, this episode will give you clarity, comfort, and practical tools. I know so many parents will feel seen in this conversation.
Quiz: How Spicy Is Your Household?
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
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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 when choosing universities in high school, only now the stakes feel bigger. I explore the emotional and financial cost of making decisions from confusion, why teens often default to grad school out of fear or familiarity, and how to help your young adult slow down long enough to get clear about what they actually want.
I also open up about my own journey - why even at 29 I’m still figuring out my path, and why not having everything mapped out in your early twenties is completely normal. This conversation is meant to bring relief, perspective, and direction, both for anxious young adults and for parents wanting to support them without adding more pressure.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 experience helping parents navigate these conversations with confidence. Together, we explore why starting conversations about sex early helps build trust and open communication that lasts a lifetime. Amy shares simple, honest ways to approach “the talk” with calm and humor, how to respond when your teen feels anxious or shuts down, and ways to teach boys about respect and consent.
More About Amy:
Amy Lang is a nationally recognized sexuality educator, speaker, and author who has spent nearly 20 years helping families have open, shame-free conversations about sex and relationships. Through her platform, Birds & Bees & Kids, and her podcast Just Say This, Amy provides practical, age-appropriate guidance that helps parents raise informed and confident young people. She’s known for her humor, empathy, and ability to make even the most uncomfortable topics feel approachable.
If you’re looking for resources to support these conversations at home, Amy recommends Sex Talks with Tweens (her book) and Protecting the Gift by Gavin de Becker - two insightful reads that help parents guide their teens with confidence and safety.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 and peace through mindfulness, compassion, and meaningful daily practices. She’s also the author of Dear Friend, a heartfelt collection of reflections and affirmations to help readers reconnect with themselves in the midst of life’s noise.
In this episode, you’ll learn how simple, consistent rituals can bring more calm into your home and ease anxiety for both you and your teen. You’ll also discover why dedicating just 1% of your day to mindfulness can shift your mood, focus, and patience in powerful ways.
More About Michelle:
Michelle Maros is a writer, mindfulness teacher, and the cofounder of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, an organization dedicated to spreading inner peace and personal empowerment through mindfulness and compassion.
With a background in journalism and training as a registered yoga teacher, Michelle brings a unique blend of heart, honesty, and wisdom to her work. Through her teachings and her book, she reminds us that peace isn’t found in grand gestures, it’s built through small, loving choices each day.
If you’ve been craving calm amidst the chaos, this conversation will remind you that peace isn’t about perfection but rather about presence, one mindful moment at a time.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 what you can do to bring calm and reassurance back into these conversations. You’ll learn how to recognize when your teen’s anxiety might actually be rooted in financial worries, how to talk about money without adding more fear, and how to teach simple money habits that build confidence instead of stress.
We’ll also talk about how to create a home environment where money feels like a topic of trust rather than tension. You’ll walk away knowing how to model a balanced, mindful relationship with money, help your teen develop healthy financial habits, and show them that their worth has nothing to do with what they have or don’t have.
So take a deep breath and let’s talk about how to help your teen feel emotionally safe and confident when it comes to money.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 your teen is truly growing beyond anxiety. These are the shifts I consistently see in teens who are learning to regulate their emotions, build confidence, and trust themselves again. You’ll discover what healthy progress actually looks like, how to recognize it in your own teen, and how to keep supporting that growth without stepping in too much or reigniting anxiety.
We’ll talk about what emotional awareness looks like in real life, the powerful impact your own reactions have on your teen’s calm, and how to help them become their own advocate instead of their toughest critic. You’ll leave this episode with simple, practical ways to create a more peaceful home and strengthen your connection along the way.
I’ll also share how I’ve watched these exact transformations unfold inside my signature program, Awakening You: An 8-Week Self-Growth & Confidence Program for Teens with Anxiety™. This program helps teens manage anxious thoughts, strengthen their mindset, and develop lasting tools for self-trust, calm, and confidence.
If you’re ready to better understand your teen’s progress and learn how to keep that momentum going, this episode is for you.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 globally ranked Heal with God podcast. Together, we talk about how to lean into faith when fear feels loud, and how parents can model courage, calm, and confidence by anchoring themselves in God’s truth.
Heather shares how to discern God’s voice in everyday moments, the role of gratitude and prayer in easing anxiety, and how self-awareness can help you respond to your teen with love instead of fear. We also explore what it looks like to break anxious patterns by listening, slowing down, and allowing God to lead both you and your family toward healing.
More About Heather:
Heather O’Brien helps Christians heal by learning to hear God’s voice. She guides people toward forgiveness, spiritual restoration, and deeper connection with God, reminding us that through Him, even the deepest wounds can be healed.
She also hosts a workshop every third Monday of the month. It’s an opportunity to lay down the things that keep you feeling anxious or uncertain and invite God to bring healing and clarity into your heart.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing this parenting thing on your own, this conversation will remind you that faith doesn’t remove the fear - it transforms it.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 it without adding fuel to the fire.
Dr. Rosina shares insights from research that reveal the three main ways kids resolve conflict - coercion, negotiation, and disengagement - and explains why teens often use very different approaches with siblings compared to friends. We also dive into the fascinating role of birth order, what to watch out for when rivalry crosses into bullying, and the values-based strategies parents can use to help their teens build healthier, stronger relationships.
More About Dr. Rosina:
Dr. Rosina McAlpine is an internationally recognized parenting expert, author, and CEO of Win Win Parenting. Through her workplace parenting education programs, she helps busy working parents balance career and family life while navigating everyday parenting challenges such as screen time, emotional regulation, and sibling conflict. Dr. Rosina’s practical, evidence-based approach has been featured widely in the media, and her programs support parents, carers, and educators across Australia and beyond.
If you’ve ever worried about constant bickering at home or felt unsure how to help your teen manage peer tension, this episode offers both practical tools and a sense of relief that you’re not alone in facing these challenges.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 practice across California. Sophia brings both professional expertise and a holistic approach to mental health that helps parents and teens alike feel more grounded and supported.
Together, we talk about how parents can tell the difference between normal teen behavior and signs of anxiety, how to communicate in ways that actually open the door instead of shutting it, and what steps to take if your teen is resistant to talking at all. Sophia also shares when it’s time to consider extra support and how to approach that process without adding more stress for your teen.
Her book, Calming Teenage Anxiety, offers even more guidance and practical tools for parents who want to better understand their teen’s emotions and create a sense of calm and connection at home.
More About Sophia:
Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW, is a therapist based in California who specializes in working with both adolescents and adults. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and earned her LCSW in 2018. In addition to her thriving private practice, she supervises associate therapists and has extensive experience in residential, inpatient, outpatient, and educational settings.
Beyond her clinical work, Sophia is also a certified yoga instructor, Master Reiki Practitioner, and certified in sex therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and forensic social work. She’s passionate about integrating evidence-based therapy with holistic tools to help clients navigate anxiety, trauma, and personal growth.
This conversation is both practical and deeply compassionate, reminding you that you don’t need to have all the answers to be a safe place for your child.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 they don’t yet have the tools to manage.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why teens self-harm, what it’s really about, and how parents can respond in a way that is supportive rather than reactive. We’ll talk about the emotional needs behind self-harm, how it often connects to anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism, and the crucial role parents play in creating safety and open communication.
Whether this is something your teen is currently struggling with or a topic you want to be prepared for, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical steps to help you approach this difficult subject with confidence and care.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 move.
In this solo episode, I’m diving into how parenting guilt shows up and why it can feel so heavy when your teen is anxious. More importantly, we’ll talk about how to release it, so you can support your teen with confidence instead of constantly questioning yourself.
I’ll share how guilt can actually fuel anxiety for both you and your teen, the mindset shifts that make space for more calm and clarity, and simple practices that help you show up as the grounded, supportive parent your teen needs most.
Whether you’ve been carrying parenting guilt for years or it’s just starting to show up in your home, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to let go of the weight and step into a more confident, compassionate role in your parenting journey.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
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 strategies you can use at home right away, while also helping you feel less overwhelmed during this busy time of year. If you’d like lifetime access to the sessions, you can upgrade with the All-Access Pass and as a listener of Parenting Anxious Teens, you’ll receive $5 off when you use the code MONICA at checkout.
👉🏻 Register for the free event here.
👉🏻 Upgrade with the All-Access Pass and use code MONICA for $5 off.
This is a wonderful way to connect with expert voices, discover new strategies, and feel more supported as a parent this holiday season.
More About Monica Virga Alborno:
Featured in Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider, and Parents, Monica Virga Alborno is a former Fortune 500 energy engineering executive turned entrepreneur. She is the founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats, the only established retreat company in the Americas welcoming children and WandHERwild, a podcast and digital community for the modern mother.
Originally from New Jersey and now based in Norway, she has lived on four continents, visited more than 80 countries, and is raising two globally rooted children. Her work is fueled by a passion for experiential learning, holistic self-development, and building communities that empower families.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram



