Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

Latest Episodes:

Eps 625: Revisiting building the house of Positive Discipline as parents of teens Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Building a strong parenting foundation with teens isn't about quick fixes—it's about creating a supportive container for their growth. In this replay episode, I break down my "House of Positive Discipline" framework, starting with the most critical piece: your own personal development. From there, we layer in relationship-building, systems and routines, and finally those in-the-moment tools you need. This isn't about having all the answers; it's about understanding how these pieces work together to support your teen's journey while strengthening your connection. If you're navigating the messy terrain of adolescence, this episode offers a practical roadmap.

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Eps 624: College Admission Truths with David Blobaum Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by college admissions? I sat down with David Blobaum, a national test prep expert, to demystify the entire process. We discuss how test-optional policies really work, what admissions officers actually look for, and why prestigious schools aren't always the best choice. David shares insider secrets like using the Common Data Set to decode admissions criteria and understanding when to submit (or skip) test scores. Most importantly, we shift the focus from just getting in to ensuring your teen graduates and thrives. If you're navigating college applications with your teenager, this conversation will ground you in what truly matters.

Find more show notes at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-624-college-admission-truths-with-david-blobaum/

Learn more about 2025 Living Joyful Courage Coaching Week at www.besproutable.com/ljccoachweek

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Eps 623: Saying "No" to our teens Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

I'm sharing something crucial about setting boundaries with teens that most parents miss. When our teenagers push back against our "no," our nervous systems can get completely hijacked by their anger and disappointment. In this episode, I break down the neuroscience of what happens in these heated moments and offer practical tools using curiosity and validation to stay grounded. I'll show you how to hold firm boundaries while maintaining connection, even when your teen is furious. If saying "no, not yet" feels impossible without losing your cool or caving completely, this episode will transform how you navigate these tough conversations with confidence.

Find more show notes and info at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-623-saying-no-to-our-teens/

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Eps 622: College Reality Check From My Son Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with my son Ian, a college sophomore, for an honest conversation about navigating college life in 2025. We discuss communication strategies between parents and college students, balancing academics and social life, managing finances and groceries, maintaining health and wellness, and building independence. Ian shares what goes through his mind when I reach out, how he stays organized, and his advice for parents wondering what their college kids are really up to. This candid mother-son conversation offers valuable insights for parents of teens preparing for or already in college, revealing what works and what doesn't in staying connected.

For more show notes go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-622-college-reality-check-from-my-son/

For more information and to enroll in the Living Joyful Courage Coaching Week, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/ljccoachweek/

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Eps 621: Revisiting Consciously practicing connection, curiosity, and presence with ourselves and others Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

I'm diving deep into the messy, beautiful work of parenting teens with intention and compassion. In this episode, I explore why changing our parenting patterns feels so hard (hint: it's like forging a new path through the forest), how to practice non-attachment while staying fiercely committed, and the power of pausing to check in with ourselves throughout the day. I share real talk about trusting your gut, honoring your family's unique journey, and remembering that whatever challenge you're facing right now is just one snapshot in the bigger picture. Perfect for parents seeking connection over control.

For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-466-consciously-practicing-connection-curiosity-and-presence-with-ourselves-and-others/

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Eps 620: Meditation as a parenting tool with Katie Krimitsos Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

As a parent coach working with families for over 20 years, I've learned that raising teenagers requires us to pause before reacting. In this episode, I sit down with meditation expert Katie Krimitsos to discuss how mindfulness helps parents navigate adolescent chaos without making things worse. Katie shares practical ways to go within, manage parental anxiety, and stay grounded when your teen's choices trigger you. If you're struggling with teen defiance, school issues, or feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers accessible tools for staying present during your teen's most challenging moments.

For show notes and more info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-620-meditation-as-a-parenting-tool-with-katie-krimitsos/

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Eps 619: Life Skills for Launching Teens Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

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/

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Eps 618: Loving the teen you have with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

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

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Eps 617: Revisiting Having the Courage to Let Go Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

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/

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Eps 616: Teen Sleep Solutions with Jessica Bryant: What Parents Need to Know Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

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/

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