I'm diving deep into teaching life skills to teens—from driving and money management to cooking and getting their first job. If you're stressed about whether your teen is "ready" to launch, this episode is for you. I share how I navigated the messy middle of raising two very different kids, why mistakes are actually gifts, and how to stop micromanaging and start believing in your teen's ability to figure things out. Learn when to step in, when to let go, and how shifting from "this is who my kid is" to "this is where they are" changes everything. Perfect for parents of teens aged 13-18. For full transcript and show notes: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-619-life-skills-for-launching-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
I sat down with pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to discuss her groundbreaking new book about transforming teen conflict into connection. We explored rejection sensitivity in teens with ADHD, perfectionism and procrastination, and why our adolescents shut down or explode over simple feedback. Dr. Lockhart shares practical strategies for parents struggling with teens who feel misunderstood, offering compassionate approaches to building bridges instead of walking on eggshells. If you're parenting a tween or teen who seems unreachable, or you're tired of everything feeling like a battle, this conversation offers hope and actionable guidance for reconnecting with your child. Find more info about my guest and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-618-loving-the-teen-you-have-with-dr-ann-louise-lockhart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this replay episode, I'm getting real about having the courage to let go as our teens approach adulthood. I share my own journey parenting two very different kids. I talk about why our teens need space to develop crucial life skills like organization, time management, and problem-solving before they leave home. It's not just about getting them to college; it's preparing them to thrive there. I offer practical tools like family meetings, regular check-ins, and emotional honesty to help you build the connection that makes letting go possible. Let's navigate this together. For more info and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-339-solo-having-the-courage-to-let-go/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this eye-opening conversation, I speak with pediatric sleep expert Jessica Bryant about the silent epidemic affecting our teenagers: chronic sleep deprivation. We uncover how overscheduled lives, screens, and caffeine are stealing the 8-10 hours teens desperately need—and how sleep loss mimics mental health issues, tanks academic performance by 40%, and threatens their developing brains. Jessica shares actionable strategies parents can implement tonight: creating wind-down routines, modeling healthy sleep habits, and setting boundaries around devices and activities. Your teen's success, mood, and wellbeing literally depend on sleep. This conversation could change everything—don't wait until it's too late. Find out more about the guest and complete show notes at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-616-teen-sleep-solutions-with-jessica-bryant-what-parents-need-to-know/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today I'm sharing powerful insights that transformed how I navigated my teens' adolescent years—and they're thriving now in college because of it. If you're caught between wanting control and knowing you need to let go, this episode is your lifeline. I break down the critical differences between boundaries, rules, and agreements, and why getting this wrong keeps you stuck in power struggles. Your teen's brain is wiring for independence RIGHT NOW, and the approach you take today determines whether they launch successfully or struggle. I'm giving you the exact framework that helps parents move from conflict to collaboration before it's too late. For more show notes and info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-615-end-the-power-struggles-boundaries-rules-agreements-for-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today is a replay - I'm diving into one of the biggest challenges we face as parents of teens: letting go of energetic responsibility. If you're exhausted from holding the weight of your teen's schoolwork, choices, and future while they seem to coast along, this episode is for you. I'll explain why our kids can't truly learn responsibility until we stop carrying it for them, share my own raw story about my daughter and vaping, and give you the tools to stay connected without taking over. Learn how to hand back what's theirs—their grades, their motivation, their consequences—while still showing up with love and faith. It's messy, it's hard, but it's the path to raising capable young adults. For more info and show notes go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-372-solo-energetic-responsibility-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I'm breaking down how to build real trust with your teenager—the kind where they believe you when you say "you can tell me anything." It's not about what we say, but how we show up when mistakes happen. I share practical ways to stay calm during the hard conversations, validation techniques that work, and how our daily micro-moments cement safety. If you want your teen to come to you first (not last) when they're in trouble, this episode gives you the roadmap for becoming their soft landing during adolescence. For more info and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/episode-613-how-to-be-the-parent-your-teen-actually-turns-to/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Joyful Courage, I sit down with Emily Redondo, a mom, author, and survivor of addiction, to talk about the messy, beautiful reality of parenting. We dive into how shame, regret, and perfectionism can hold us back—and how modeling courage and embracing mistakes are powerful models for our kids. Emily shares her experience with recovery, self-forgiveness, and building honest relationships with her children, even through discomfort. This conversation is packed with insights on autonomy, navigating teen years, and showing up authentically as a parent. For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-612-emily-redondo-on-recovery-family/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Part four of my Middle School Mini Series is here! In this episode, I share powerful Positive Discipline tools that build connection and courage with your tween or teen. From family meetings and special time, to curiosity, validation, encouragement, and rituals—these practices create belonging and strengthen relationships during the messy middle school years. Parenting in adolescence isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence, connection, and long-term growth. If you’ve been craving practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement, this is the episode for you. Tune in and let’s navigate middle school parenting together with courage and curiosity. Parents, you don’t want to miss this! For more show notes, resources and info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-611-middle-school-series-part-four-connection-and-courage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this powerful episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I sit down with certified peer recovery specialist, family consultant, TEDx, speaker and author Lisa Katona Smith to talk about how parents can stay calm, connected, and effective when teens experiment with substances, in active addiction, recovery or face big struggles. We explore Lisa’s Parallel Recovery approach — staying regulated, setting clear limits, and leading with curiosity instead of panic. You’ll learn why “detaching with love” isn’t enough, how to avoid piling your emotional “coat” onto your kids, and practical scripts for hard conversations. If you’re parenting tweens or teens through stress, substance use, or mental health challenges, this episode is a must-listen. For more show notes and info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-610-lisa-katona-smith-talks-teen-substance-use/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Middle school is the perfect training ground for life skills — and in part three of the Middle School Series on Joyful Courage, I’m sharing how we can guide our tweens and teens as they practice the tools they’ll need for independence, resilience, and healthy relationships. From self-regulation and problem solving to organization, time management, communication, and self-advocacy, I unpack why these skills are still developing, why mistakes matter, and how we can model calm, curiosity, and confidence as they learn. Tune in for encouragement and practical tips to help your kids grow through the ups and downs of adolescence. Find more show notes and info at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-609-middle-school-series-part-3-life-skills-to-nurture/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week’s Joyful Courage Podcast, I sit down with therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano to talk about helping teens manage anxiety while staying grounded as parents. We explore how to meet our kids with empathy, guide them toward support without fixing, and keep conversations about mental health open and natural. Sophia offers practical tools from her book Calming Teenage Anxiety plus fresh insight on resilience, therapy, and when to seek extra help. If you’re ready to feel steadier and more connected as you support your teen, tune in and get inspired by this compassionate, hopeful conversation. For more info and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-608-calming-teenage-anxiety-with-sophia-vale-galano/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Parenting teens in the digital age is no small task. In this episode, I talk with Jean Twenge about the realities of screen time, social media, and AI. We dive into why it’s important to own our mistakes, set clear limits, and remember that phones are a privilege—not a right. Jean shares real-life examples from her own family, and we get into the challenges of parental controls, pushback from teens, and how to encourage critical thinking around tech use. This conversation is packed with practical insight and encouragement for parents navigating today’s digital landscape. For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-607-dr-jean-twenge-and-the-10-rules-for-tech-with-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, I dive into the tough but essential conversations we need to be having with our middle schoolers — around tech, social media, consent, substances, mental health, and more. I remind parents that silence doesn’t protect our kids; it leaves them to figure things out through peers or the internet. Instead, we can lead with curiosity, plant small conversational seeds, and revisit these topics over time. Our job isn’t to have the perfect talk, it’s to show up again and again with openness, honesty, and love. Staying connected is the key to guiding them forward. For more show notes and resources go to https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-606-middle-school-series-part-two-essential-conversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Middle school is a wild ride — bodies changing, moods shifting, friendships evolving, and parents wondering how to keep up. In this first episode of my four-part middle school series, I unpack the developmental landscape of early adolescence and share how we can shift from managing to mentoring our kids. Listen in for insight on belonging, peer influence, critical thinking, and why curiosity is your greatest parenting tool during these years. You’ll also get practical conversation starters for tough topics like tech, sex, and mental health. Middle school can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Let’s navigate it together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week’s Joyful Courage Podcast, I welcome Alyssa Campbell, author of Big Kids, Bigger Feelings. We dive into what’s really going on in our teens’ nervous systems and how parents can support them through big emotions, transitions, and tough conversations. We talk about the power of rest, family meetings, and shifting from talking about our kids to talking with them. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your teen regulate, feel connected, and build trust, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical tools and encouragement for parenting teens with intention and heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Parenting a teen with neurodiversity, mental health challenges, or a fiery personality can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re realizing senior year is here and boundaries have been blurry. In this week’s Joyful Courage podcast, I respond to a listener questions by sharing some practical scripts and strategies for setting limits with firmness and kindness, handling explosive pushback, and rebuilding connection (even if resentment has crept in). It’s not too late to step into your authority while preserving your relationship. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s packed with hope, real-life language you can use today, and encouragement for parents who feel stuck. Tune in now and take action this week. For more show notes and support, go to https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-603-building-structure-and-connection-with-older-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Carrying on with the back-to-school season theme and all the big emotions it brings for teens — and for parents. In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I’m revisiting my conversation with parent coach Sarah Rosensweet to talk about validation, trust, and connection during this challenging transition. We dive into why control backfires, how curiosity opens doors, and ways to stay steady when teens push us away. I share my own parenting struggles, including navigating a teen dropping out, while Sarah offers practical guidance for supporting growth and resilience. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of raising teens, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable insights. Find full show notes and more info at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-221-sarah-rosensweet-talks-peaceful-parenting-and-letting-go-during-the-teen-years/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Back-to-school season stirs up ALL the emotions for our teens—and for us too. In this replay episode, I’m diving deep into how validation and mutual respect can shift everything at home. Your teen’s emotional world is real, big, and often overwhelming. If we dismiss it, we damage connection. If we validate it, we build trust. Don’t miss this one—it’s a must-listen for parents navigating the rocky weeks of school transition. Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-290-solo-show-validation-mutual-respect-back-to-school/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Joyful Courage, I sit down with Zoya Brar to explore the deep connection between stress, the nervous system, and how we show up as parents. Together, we unpack how to regulate before hard conversations, recognize hidden stress, and lean into practical tools like breathwork, mindfulness, and technology boundaries. This conversation empowers parents to see their teens with compassion, repair relationships, and find presence in everyday moments. Listen in to feel grounded, supported, and inspired. For more info about the guest and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-600-zoya-brar-talks-parenting-stress-and-nervous-system-awareness/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
arkansas mama
just came across this. a little helpful but hurtful. I am the mom that is having a hard time w step mom so any insight on that