Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

Feeling overwhelmed by parenting teens? This discussion focuses on finding your inner peace amid the chaos. Discover practical mindset shifts to maintain calm and set loving boundaries. Learn the importance of being present and how empathy can strengthen your relationship with your adolescent. The conversation also emphasizes kindness and firmness in parenting strategies. Plus, there's a powerful breathing technique to help you stay grounded during challenging moments. Reclaim your peace and enjoy the parenting journey!

Ann Garcia, a fee-only fiduciary advisor and author of 'How to Pay for College', shares her expertise in funding college education. She breaks down why college costs are soaring and offers alternative options. Listeners gain insights on budgeting, the importance of communication with teens about financial planning, and when it might be appropriate to consider student loans. Ann also discusses scholarship opportunities and navigating the FAFSA and CSS Profile to maximize financial aid, empowering families for a successful college journey.

In this solo episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I am revisiting the wisdom of episode 428, where I unpack the power of perception in parenting teens—taking a look at how our kids interpret our actions, form beliefs, and make decisions based on what they think we value. I reflect on my own parenting journey and offer insight into the connection between behavior, motivation, and belonging. If you’ve ever felt stuck around your teen’s performance or attitude, this episode is a must-listen for positive discipline tools, connection, and real talk. I know you'll love it - listen in! Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-428-considering-the-power-of-perception/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz about post-traumatic parenting, emotional reactivity, entitlement, and how to raise resilient teens with compassion. We unpack how unresolved trauma can hijack our parenting and how to rewire our responses with awareness and grace. Dr. Robyn shares insights on teaching kids about needs vs. wants, building emotional regulation, and the importance of letting teens make mistakes. If you’re parenting teens and feel stuck in old patterns, this conversation offers tools, validation, and real hope. Tune in to feel seen, supported, and empowered. More info and detailed show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-584-post-traumatic-parenting-with-dr-robyn-koslowitz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I wrap up the Positive Discipline for Teenagers book series with a deep dive into our unresolved teen issues—and how they sneak into our parenting. I reflect on my own experiences and share powerful tools to support healing, self-awareness, and courageous parenting. If you’ve ever wondered why certain challenges with your teen hit so hard, this conversation will help. I’m inviting you to shift from reactive to reflective, from fearful to courageous. Tune in to gain clarity, connection, and practical steps forward in your parenting journey. For more info and resources, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-583-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-7-are-your-issues-getting-in-your-way/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with psychologist and author Natalia Aiza about the emotional and practical challenges of parenting highly dependent young adults. We dive into the ways our own anxiety and desire to protect our kids can lead to unhelpful over-accommodation—and how to lovingly step back without stepping away. Natalia shares insights from her upcoming book and the SPACE model, reminding us that while we can’t force our kids into therapy or independence, we can shift the environment. We explore real-life examples, including turning off the phone at night, reducing codependence, and letting our kids experience natural consequences. If you’ve ever wondered how to support your struggling teen or young adult without enabling them, this episode is full of validation, practical tools, and compassion. Tune in to feel seen and empowered—you are not alone, and your efforts matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I break down the MAP process—Mirror, Align, Practice—a powerful tool for creating lasting transformation in your parenting. I share real-life stories (including a messy family meeting!) and offer encouragement for showing up with intention, even when it’s hard. You’ll learn why self-reflection matters, how to align with your values, and what brave, everyday practice looks like. If you’re ready to shift the dynamic in your family and parent with more connection and purpose, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical parenting support rooted in personal growth and real-life experiences. Find more information and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/ eps-581-map-a-tool-to-transform-your-parenting/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Kate Moryoussef, an ADHD women’s wellbeing coach, author, and mom. Kate shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 — along with one of her children — and we dig into what it really looks like to navigate family life when neurodiversity is part of the mix. Whether or not you or your child have an ADHD diagnosis, this conversation is rich with insight around emotional regulation, self-compassion, parenting with presence, and taking care of your own mental wellbeing. We talk about the unique challenges women face with ADHD, how emotional sensitivity shows up in everyday life, and why calm and self-awareness are essential for our relationships. Kate also introduces us to EFT (tapping) — a powerful tool for shifting energy and supporting self-regulation. If you're raising kids (neurodiverse or not), and you're looking for real tools and support for your own emotional health, you’re going to get so much from this episode. 🎧 Tune in and take what you need — this one’s for you. For more info and show notes: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-580-mom-has-adhd-too-parenting-and-self-compassion-with-kate-moryoussef/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we dive into some of the scarier challenges parents face while raising tweens and teens. As usual, I emphasize the importance of building relationships, life skills, and personal growth. This episode discusses heavy topics like lack of friends, bullying, drug use, sex, suicide, and more, based on chapter 13 of the 'Positive Discipline for Teenagers' book by Jane Nelson and Lynn Lott. I advocate for open communication, harm reduction, curiosity, and providing unconditional love and support to help adolescents navigate these challenges. Can't wait to hear what you think - Find more show notes and info about our sponsors at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-579-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-6-handling-scary-behaviors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I have a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Christina Olivetti — a writer, educator, and passionate advocate for gender inclusion. Christina shares her powerful journey of raising her transgender son, Jake, and the deeply personal story behind her memoir, About Bliss. We talk about so much — from the importance of gender-affirming care and navigating medical decisions, to the emotional highs and lows that come with parenting a transgender child. Christina’s honesty, wisdom, and compassion shine through, and she offers incredible insights for parents who are walking a similar path or simply want to understand and support the trans community better. She also speaks about her involvement with Free Mom Hugs, a national organization offering love and support to LGBTQ+ families — a truly inspiring part of the conversation. I encourage all parents to tune in. Whether you’re raising a trans child or want to show up more fully as an ally, this episode is an important listen. Let’s keep growing, learning, and showing up with love. Find more show notes and info about our sponsors ata: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-578-love-gender-and-advocacy-with-cristina-olivetti/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices