
Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens
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!
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 51min
Eps 571: Power, Revenge, and Parenting Clarity
In this week's episode, I dive into the mistaken goals of power and revenge, exploring how kids' behaviors often reflect deeper beliefs about belonging, safety, and significance. I share raw personal stories about my own children, highlighting how misinterpreting their actions led to disconnection—and how shifting from reactivity to curiosity transformed our relationships. This conversation challenges parents to look beneath the surface, embrace emotional discomfort, and engage in responsive, relationship-changing parenting. Listen to grow, reflect, and reconnect.
Get more info and full show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-571-power-revenge-and-parenting-clarity/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 5, 2025 • 54min
Eps 570: Positive Discipline for Teens Part 4 – Life skills and navigating screens
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I dive into chapters 10 and 11 of Positive Discipline for Teenagers by Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott. I explore what the chapters share about building strong relationships with teens, prioritizing life skills over punishment, and creating supportive structures. I also share practical strategies for managing teen tech use while balancing connection and boundaries. Tune in for empowering parenting tips that support positive discipline and intentional adolescent growth.
For more info and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-570-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-4-life-skills-and-navigating-screens/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 28min
Eps 569: Revisiting 2 Assumptions That Support Parenting Teens
In today’s solo show, I’m inviting you to rethink your assumptions about your teen’s behavior. When we believe our kids are doing the best they can — and realize only they can solve their own problems — everything shifts. I share powerful tools for staying curious, building empathy, and letting go of control. Want deeper connection with your teen? Listen now and discover new parenting insights that can change everything.
Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-311-2-assumptions-that-support-parenting-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 28, 2025 • 44min
Eps 568: Positive Discipline for Teens Part 3 - Centering encouragement
In Episode 568, I dive into Part 3 of Positive Discipline for Teens, exploring family meetings, special time, and the difference between empowering and enabling teens. I share real stories, powerful parenting shifts, and practical strategies to build connection, trust, and resilience. If you're ready to stay curious when furious comes first, nurture independence, and create a thriving family dynamic, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and grow alongside your teen!
For more show notes go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-568-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-3-centering-encouragement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Eps 567: Revisiting Mental Spring Cleaning with Dr. Aprile Andelle
It's time to revisit mental spring cleaning! If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from your teen, or caught in the trap of perfectionism, you need to listen to this powerful podcast. We dive into the real struggles of parenting, emotional health, and how to stop living in self-judgment. Learn how to respond instead of react, reconnect with yourself, and model emotional intelligence for your family. This episode is a must for any parent ready to shift the family dynamic and reclaim their inner strength. Listen now!For more show notes and info on sponsors, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/throwback-thursday-eps-270-with-dr-aprile-andelle/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 21, 2025 • 44min
Eps 566: Positive Discipline for Teens Part Two – The mindset shift
I hope you’ll tune in this week as I highlight chapters 4, 5, and 6 of Positive Discipline for Teens by Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott. These chapters dig into powerful mindset shifts around mistakes, motivation, and communication—areas where so many of us Gen X parents were shaped differently. When stress hits, it's easy to default to what we know. But there’s a different way. Let’s explore how connection, curiosity, and emotional growth can transform how we show up for our teens.Find the full show notes here: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/podcasts/eps-566-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-two-the-mindset-shift/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 17, 2025 • 45min
Eps 565: Parenting Teens with the End in Mind
In this episode, we explore long-term parenting goals and how to parent teens with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Instead of getting stuck in daily power struggles, we’ll zoom out and focus on raising emotionally healthy, self-sufficient young adults. Learn how to let go of control, build connection, and trust your teen’s growth process. This is the episode for you if you’re looking for parenting strategies that nurture resilience, independence, and a strong lifelong relationship.Find more show notes and info about our sponsors at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-565-parenting-teens-with-the-end-in-mind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 2025 • 46min
Eps 564: Positive Discipline for Teens Part One - Transitioning into adolescence
In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts and insights on the first three chapters of Positive Discipline for Teens by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott. We are focusing on the transition into adolescence - It’s not about rebellion or bad behavior; it’s brain development, identity, and change. I’ll share real stories and insights to help you recognize the signs and feel more confident parenting your teen. If you’re wondering, “Is my child becoming a teen?”—this episode is for you. Tune in and feel more connected, informed, and supported.Find more show notes and info about sponsors at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-564-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-one-transitioning-into-adolescence/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 10, 2025 • 44min
Eps 563: Active Acceptance vs resistance while parenting teens
So much is calling for acceptance right now — in our lives and in parenting — and it can feel really hard. In this episode, I explore the difference between resistance, passive acceptance, and active acceptance — the powerful, grounded path that helps us stay connected, calm, and intentional with our kids. I’ll walk you through six practical steps to shift out of emotional reactivity and into compassionate presence. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in power struggles, this episode is for you. Let’s grow our capacity to meet life as it is — with strength, clarity, and love.Find show notes and information about our sponsors at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-563-active-acceptance-vs-resistance-while-parenting-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2025 • 44min
Eps 562: Adolescence on Netflix and raising good men
As parents, we must stay engaged in our teens' world—especially when it comes to online influences. In this episode, I dive into the powerful Netflix series Adolescence, exploring themes of teen isolation, cyberbullying, and the dangerous pull of toxic masculinity. We'll discuss how to help our boys navigate these challenges with curiosity, open conversations, and Positive Discipline. Join me as we unpack the "manosphere" and its impact while offering tools to foster emotional intelligence and resilience in our sons. Let’s raise thoughtful, empathetic young men—together. Tune in now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices