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

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’m sharing why being too soft and too tough actually create the same problem—and the overlooked third way that changes everything. You’ll learn why your child’s resistance isn’t defiance, but a natural response to disconnection, what “Counter Will” is and how it’s working against you, and how to lead with calm, confident authority that keeps your child’s heart open. If you’re longing to guide your child without fear, force, or guilt… this conversation will meet you right where you are. You don’t need to fix everything. You just need a better place to start. The Connected Mom Reset shows you how—for $22.

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 things that may come up for you over the next few weeks and stay more connected to a feeling of peace and love throughout this time. You don’t need to fix everything. You just need a better place to start. The Connected Mom Reset shows you how—for $22.

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 hear stories that open your eyes to how influence really works… and how small shifts can change everything between you and your teen. Tune in—you might just walk away seeing your role in a completely new light. The Connected Mom Reset —for $22.

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 everything and actually having the bandwidth to show up the way you want to. I’ll share what both science and scripture say about this — including a fascinating HeartMath study showing that your child feels your energy before they hear your words, and the story of Mary and Martha through the lens of modern motherhood. This isn’t about adding more to your list, but shifting how you enter the season so you can be more present and actually enjoy what you’re working so hard to create. And if you're already sensing strain before the holidays even begin, stay with me until the end — I’ll share a simple three-day reset that can help soften the weight you’re feeling and change the energy in your home. You don’t need to fix everything. You just need a better place to start. The Connected Mom Reset shows you how—for $22.

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 energy. You’ll hear a few personal stories plus the real reason why “just walking away” or “taking a breath” isn’t enough. I’ll introduce you to a deeper, faith-based method for shifting your emotional state out of what I call the Red Zone—so that you can parent from peace, not panic. If you’re frustrated with parenting through teen anxiety or disconnection, and want to build a warm, Christ-centered relationship with your child, this episode is for you. It’s not just about stopping the next blow up—it’s about never getting there in the first place.   You don’t need to fix everything. You just need a better place to start. The Connected Mom Reset shows you how—for $22.    

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, trust, and ownership isn’t permissive—it’s powerful. And how shifting your energy, not just your parenting tactics, is the real key to rebuilding connection and raising a self-led teen. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells or doing all the emotional heavy lifting, this conversation will show you how to release control, restore trust, and lead your home from peace. You don’t new parenting strategies, just a shift in your relationship. The Connected Mom Reset shows you how—for just $22. Website:  Amy Fraughton Coaching

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 learn the difference between disobedience and emotional emptiness, and why trying to correct behavior without healing their sense of worth will always backfire. When a child believes they’re not good enough, no amount of discipline can make them whole—but the right kind of connection can. This episode will give you a completely new lens for understanding your child’s struggles—and the power to help them heal. You’ll learn how to recognize when your child’s confidence has been replaced with shame, how your own energy influences their self-worth, and how to rebuild it through calm, steady love. Once you understand the spiritual and emotional roots of their behavior, you’ll stop fighting battles that never needed to be fought—and start leading your child back to peace, strength, and connection. Website: www.amyfraughtoncoaching.com Free Consult:  Book from my calendar here.

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, you’ll learn how letting go of the pain from your past can help you build deeper connection with your kids today. We’ll talk about forgiveness through the lens of Christian parenting — how grace restores peace, how healing your own heart helps your teen regulate theirs, and why true influence begins when you stop parenting from pain. This is where generational cycles end… and love begins. Ready to parent from peace, not past pain?   Ready to parent from peace, not past pain? The Connected Mom Reset gives you the exact shift you need—for just $22. Check out my website. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change.  

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 of us are doing our best to raise kind, capable kids—but it gets tricky to guide them to things that are good for them, that they are resisting.    Listen in on the what's, why's and how's around removing force out of your parenting and raising a child with healthy agency. Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide and take the first step today. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change.  

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 again. You’ll learn a fresh perspective that brings both peace and hope—one that shifts the focus from fixing your child to creating safety through your presence. When you understand what’s underneath your child’s silence—whether it’s anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm—you’ll begin to see that they’re not shutting you out to be difficult… they’re protecting their heart. That insight changes everything about how you show up. If you’ve been longing for deeper conversations, trust, and closeness with your child, this episode will show you how faith, calm energy, and emotional awareness can transform your relationship. It’s a must-listen for Christian parents who want to move past surface behavior and finally rebuild the connection that helps their child feel seen, understood, and loved. Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide and take the first step today. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change.

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 fills that emptiness. When kids feel emotionally and spiritually full, they stop grasping for attention and start giving from the heart. You’ll learn how to respond to entitled behavior through love, empathy, and faith-based connection instead of frustration or shame. Amy also shares research showing that parental warmth reduces entitlement and that faith-filled homes built on service and compassion grow more grateful, humble kids. This episode will help you see entitlement in a new light and remind you that connection really is the cure for an empty heart. 💛 Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide and take the first step today. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change.

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—but they are habits and mindsets that, when practiced early and consistently, build resilience, confidence, and connection in your teen. And if your child is already seeing a therapist, counselor, or on medication, these steps can be the perfect complement to professional support. You’ll hear practical and faith-filled insights on: How your energy as a parent sets the tone for your child’s emotional health. The difference between teaching kids their worth versus tying it to grades, friends, or outside achievements. Why sleep, diet, and exercise are the simplest but most overlooked protectors of mental health. How to help your teen build resiliency, bounce back from setbacks, and find God’s hand in hard situations. The impact of social media, video games, and comparison—and how to shift toward gratitude, service, and outward focus. At the heart of it all, your child needs to know they matter, they are loved unconditionally, and that their worth comes from God—not from the world. And one of the most powerful ways to teach this is to model it yourself. 👉 Don’t forget—I’ve made a free printable checklist of all 11 ways so you can keep them handy.  Free List of the 11 Steps:  Click here Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide and take the first step today. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change.  

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,” and why it creates disconnection instead of growth. Through stories, scripture, and real examples, you’ll see how shifting from disappointment to love helps your child feel safe, valued, and motivated from a place of possibility—not fear.   Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide and take the first step today. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change. Email:  hello@amyfraughton.com  

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 right away. We’ll dive into the importance of putting faith in Christ first, having the courage to speak truth even when it’s unpopular, and making family connection a top priority. You’ll hear how these principles don’t just shape your child’s behavior, but their inner confidence and identity. When you model courage, responsibility, and gratitude in your daily life, your kids don’t just learn it—they feel it, and it becomes part of who they are. By the end of this episode, you’ll have five clear parenting principles you can weave into your home in simple, everyday ways. From creating new family rhythms to helping your child own their choices, these are tools that bring real healing and connection. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about how to guide your child, this episode will give you fresh hope and a framework you can lean on with confidence. ________ Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide and take the first step today. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change. Learn more about helping your struggling child on my website here.   I'd love to connect with you - you can email me here:  hello@amyfraughton.com 

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 who seemed fine on the outside but was constantly fighting and melting down at home. Like many parents, she tried labeling and punishing the behavior, but it only created more distance. When she learned to shift her own approach first, the relationship began to heal and trust was rebuilt. In this episode, I’ll share three strategies to help you do the same: (1) care for yourself first so you can respond instead of react, (2) see your child as empty, not defiant, and (3) lead with compassion that creates safety and closeness. These shifts can transform the atmosphere in your home and bring you and your teen closer together.   Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide and take the first step today. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change.

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 why leading yourself with calm and faith allows your child to feel safer and more connected. Instead of reacting out of fear or frustration, you’ll learn how to create a new rhythm of peace and influence in your family. You don’t have to wait for your child to change before things get better. Tune in to discover how self-leadership can transform your parenting and open the door to deeper connection. Want a simple, powerful way to start reconnecting with your child? Grab your free copy of The Miracle Cycle™ guide. If you're in need of a specific path and plan to navigate your situation with your child, jump on a free consult call .

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 it becomes the fuel they need for growth, confidence, and healing. I’ll also share 10 common ways that we as parents unintentionally don’t believe in our kids, even when we think we’re loving them. From overprotection, low expectations, or criticizing more than praising, to letting our own fears drive the conversation—these habits quietly plant seeds of self-doubt in our children. But the good news is, once you recognize them, you can shift into parenting from belief and encouragement, without guilt or shame. Ultimately, believing in your child is more than a mindset—it’s a spiritual practice. Just as Christ saw Simon as Peter, “the Rock,” before he became it, we too can hold a vision of who our children truly are and can become. When we choose faith over fear, we mirror God’s love for them, helping them see themselves through His eyes. Imagine the healing and strength that could unfold in your home if your child knew—without a doubt—that you fully believe in them.   Download The Miracle Cycle Guide here. Download the How To Feel Close Guide here. Learn more about the Miracle Connection Program here.      

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 also unveils the one thing she helps her clients turn around in order for them to feel more peace, joy, and contentment in their life - which then in turn affects every other area of their life. Join us for a fun conversation on defining love, loving others, and self love and finding it as a woman in todays world. Also, enjoy Sharon's Summer Rewind Playlist by clicking here. And you can find Sharon on her Podcast here. Register for my online Workshop The Connection Code here.

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. Jump in and let's talk about it all! Want more in connecting more with your older child?  Check out this LIVE Workshop:  The Connection Code Download this Free Guide:  How to Get Close If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and just want to feel close to your child again, let’s talk—this free consult call could be the first step to real change.      

Have you ever said something to your child that sounded spiritual—but later wondered if it actually created more pressure than peace? In this episode, we’re talking about emotional manipulation in Christian parenting: what it looks like, why it’s often unintentional, and how it affects your child. You’ll learn the 3 most common ways Christian parents accidentally use guilt, fear, or spiritual authority to control behavior—and why these well-meaning efforts can actually damage trust and connection. But this isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness and healing. I’ll share what “clean parenting” looks like instead, and offer gentle, faith-filled alternatives that help you lead with love, not fear. If you want to raise a spiritually grounded child who also feels emotionally safe and deeply loved, this episode will help you shift your energy and your words so your faith brings healing—not harm. Download this FREE Guide:  How to Feel Close Again