Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

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

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I invite you to reflect with me on how our beliefs about our children can shape their behavior and our relationship with them. I revisit some key themes from past episodes and dive deeper into why it’s so important to look inward. When we take the time to examine our own belief systems, we open the door to creating a more positive and empowering environment for our teens and tweens. I talk about the value of self-awareness, curiosity, and our own ongoing growth as parents. You’ll hear practical ways to approach everyday parenting challenges—ways that come from seeing our kids as capable and resilient human beings. My hope is that this episode encourages you to explore your beliefs, shift your perspective, and find new ways to connect more meaningfully with your children. For more info and show notes, go to https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-480-power-of-examining-beliefs-we-hold-about-our-teens-and-tweens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I want to take a moment to share some personal updates with you. As my husband undergoes cancer treatment, I’ve made the decision to replay some powerful past episodes of the podcast that I believe are just as relevant and impactful today. One of those episodes is a conversation I had with Oren Jay Sofer, the author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication. In our talk, Oren beautifully weaves together his experiences with meditation and communication to show how we can bridge the gap between inner mindfulness and how we connect with others. We dive into the heart of mindful parenting—focusing on presence, curiosity, and intention—and discuss simple, practical ways to bring these qualities into our everyday lives. I encourage you to really listen in. You’ll hear strategies for embracing those all-important mindful pauses, nurturing a genuine sense of curiosity, and shifting from blame to identifying needs in your relationships. These tools aren’t just theory—they can truly transform the way we show up for our kids, our partners, and ourselves. Let’s lean into these conversations together, with compassion and care. Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-174-learning-to-be-a-more-mindful-communicator-with-oren-jay-sofer/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are revisiting Episode 388 - and it's a good one! I’m breaking down 4 powerful steps to build trust and connection—even when your teen shuts you out. This isn’t a behavior problem—it’s a relationship one. You’ll reflect on your own reactions, learn how to truly listen, and show up in ways your teen can trust. Let’s get real, get honest, and rebuild connection—together. For show notes and more go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/solo-4-steps-being-support-teen-needs/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is a dive deep into the concept of mistaken goals in parenting teens, exploring how our kids' challenging behaviors are often rooted in unmet needs like attention, power, revenge, assumed inadequacy, and excitement-seeking. I break down each mistaken goal, sharing how parents can recognize the hidden messages behind their teen’s actions and respond with empathy, connection, and positive discipline. If you’re struggling with power struggles, risky behavior, or feeling disconnected, this series is for you. Listen now to gain practical strategies and fresh insights that will transform your relationship with your teen. For more information and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-574-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-5-why-do-they-act-like-that/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back again with a follow up replay - this episode was recorded the same week as my show with Dr. Bryson (the one revisited in eps 572). I loved the convo so much I was inspired to go deeper into trusting our teen’s development. This show goes into what is happening in the teen brain and how to work WITH our kids to promote relationship and autonomy over time. Enjoy! Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-512-trusting-our-teens-development/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ready to launch your teen with confidence? Revisit this episode featuring Dr. Tina Bryson! As an acclaimed parenting expert, Dr. Bryson dives deep into how to support your teen without falling into fear-based parenting. Discover why worrying less can actually help your teen thrive, how to strike the perfect balance between support and independence, and why allowing mistakes is crucial for your teen's growth. Dr. Bryson even shares her own heartfelt experiences of sending two of her teens off to college—and how different those journeys were. Whether your teen is college-bound or just starting high school, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss. Tune in now! For more show notes and information go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-511-avoiding-fear-based-parenting-with-dr-tina-bryson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices