Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens
Casey O'Roarty
Welcome to the Joyful Courage Podcast - a place where parents of tweens and teens come to find inspiration, information and encouragement in the messy terrain of adolescenceThis season of parenting is no joke - and while the details of what we are all moving through might be slightly different, we are having a collective experience.This is a space where we center building relationship, nurturing life skills, and leaning into our own personal growth.My name is Casey O’Roarty, I am a parent coach, Positive Discipline LEad Trainer, and captain of the adolescent ship over at Sproutable. I am also a speaker and published author. I have been working with parents and families for over 20 years and continue to navigate being a mom with my own two young adult kids.I am honored that you are here… Please give back to the pod by sharing it with friends, or on social media, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify - work of mouth is how we grow!Thanks - enjoy the show!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 11, 2025 • 33min
Eps 607: Dr. Jean Twenge and the 10 Rules for Tech with Teens
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
Sep 8, 2025 • 50min
Eps 606: Middle School Series Part Two - Essential Conversations
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
Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
Eps 605: Middle School Series Part One - Growth, Change and Belonging
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
Sep 1, 2025 • 53min
Eps 604: Alyssa Blask Campbell on Parenting Big Feeling Teens
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
Aug 28, 2025 • 37min
Eps 603: Building structure and connection with older teens
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
Aug 25, 2025 • 51min
Eps 602: Revisiting peaceful parenting and letting go of our teens with Sarah Rosensweet
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
Aug 21, 2025 • 26min
Eps 601: Revisiting Validation, Mutual Respect and Back to School
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
Aug 18, 2025 • 58min
Eps 600: Zoya Brar Talks Parenting, Stress, and Nervous System Awareness
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
Aug 14, 2025 • 41min
Eps 599: How to Talk to Your Teen About the New School Year
Back-to-school season with tweens and teens can stir up anxiety, avoidance, and tricky conversations. In this episode, I share Positive Discipline tools and mindset shifts to help you move from “manager” to “mentor” so your teen feels respected, supported, and believed in. We’ll cover how to center yourself, start with curiosity, set clear agreements, and trust the process—because it’s about life skills, not perfect grades. Join me for practical, compassionate strategies to keep connection strong as the school year begins.
For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/ eps-599-how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-the-new-school-year
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 11, 2025 • 41min
Eps 598: Revisiting the real work of parenting through the middle school years
Middle school is a major transition, and in this replay episode I talk about how we can prepare—not panic—as our tweens start to explore identity, tech, friendships, risk-taking, and independence. I offer insight into what’s happening developmentally, what we need to normalize (from vaping and friend drama to sex and substance conversations), and how to set healthy boundaries while staying connected. You'll hear practical ways to show up with presence, foster emotional safety, and handle tough moments with intention. This is your invitation to be proactive, emotionally available, and ready to walk the bridge to adolescence with compassion and courage.
For deeper show notes and more info, go to https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-484-the-real-work-of-parenting-during-the-middle-school-years/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
