Moms of Tweens and Teens

Latest Episodes:

How to Help Your Teen Plan for College (Without the Debt) with Shellee Howard from College Ready Aug 19, 2025

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🎓 Feeling overwhelmed by the college process? You’re not alone.

Whether your teen is unsure about their future or you’re wondering how you’ll ever afford college, this episode is packed with wisdom, clarity, and hope.

I’m joined by Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready and mom of four—all of whom graduated debt-free, including a Harvard grad. Shellee shares how she turned her own confusion and frustration into a mission to help families navigate the college process with confidence, strategy, and clarity.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:

Why most families start in the wrong place when planning for college
How to help your teen discover who they are and what lights them up
What makes a standout college essay (and how her son got into Harvard!)
Why so many teens feel lost—and what to do about it
How to explore options without pressure and avoid massive debt
The ONE thing that can make all the difference

Whether your kid is a planner or a dreamer (or doesn’t even want to think about college yet), Shellee’s insight will help you support them with compassion, strategy, and a realistic plan.

Where to find Shellee:

FREE RESOURCE: Shellee is offering my listeners a free 30-minute consultation to help you get clear on what’s next. Visit 👉 https://collegeready.plan.info

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan

Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/

Contact Shellee to set up free consultation: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Check out Shellee’s bestselling book: How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money – https://amzn.to/3JjfNsW

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

Moving, Clutter, and Creating Community | Interview with Ali Wenzke, Author of The Art of Happy Moving Aug 12, 2025

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Have you recently moved—or are you simply trying to feel more at home where you are? In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Ali Wenzke, author of The Art of Happy Moving, who has moved 10 times in 11 years and brings a wealth of wisdom on building community, letting go of clutter, and finding joy in life’s transitions.

We dive into:

The emotional side of moving (and why it’s not talked about enough)
Practical, doable decluttering tips (even with sentimental items and kids!)
How to make new friends as an adult without the pressure
Supporting kids through the challenges of a move
Why gratitude and connection are the real keys to happiness—wherever you live

✨ Whether you’re preparing for a move or just looking to deepen your sense of belonging, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, empowered, and inspired to take your next step.

📘 Grab Ali’s book, The Art of Happy Moving:

📸 Follow Ali on Instagram: https://instagram.com/alliewenzke

🌐 Visit her blog: https://artofhappymoving.com

💗 Learn more about the Moms of Tweens and Teens Community: https://momsoftweensandteens.com

📱 Follow Moms of Tweens and Teens on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Embracing God’s Love in the Middle of Our Mess with Jennifer Thompson Aug 05, 2025

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In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Jennifer Thompson—blogger, speaker, and author of Return to Jesus—for an honest conversation about faith, shame, healing, and the unconditional love of God.

Jennifer shares her powerful story of overcoming self-worth struggles and performance-based faith, including her experience with post-abortive shame and how a Bible study helped her finally understand that she is fully loved and accepted by God. Through raw honesty and vulnerability, Jennifer reminds us that we don’t have to hide the parts of our story that feel broken—we can bring them to Jesus and find redemption and peace.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt unworthy, distant from God, or unsure of their place in faith. Jennifer’s gentle, compassionate message is a breath of fresh air for weary hearts.

You’ll hear about:

Why Jennifer believes our hardest struggles are where connection and healing begin
How to move from performance-based faith to a deeper relationship with God
Practical ways to abide with God in everyday life (yes, even in the laundry and late-night feedings)
Encouragement for moms who feel unseen, overwhelmed, or ashamed of parts of their past
A beautiful invitation to experience God’s love—no matter where you are in your faith journey

Mentioned in this episode:

➡️ Jennifer’s new book: Return to Jesus

➡️ Connect with her at https://jenthompsonauthor.com/

➡️ Read her blog: Truly Yours, Jen - https://trulyyoursjen.com/

➡️ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyyoursjen/

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

How to Help Your Teen Discover Their Strengths and Find Purpose and Direction with Dana Roefer Jun 24, 2025

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Do you have a tween or teen who struggles to get excited about their life or find a sense of direction? It can feel overwhelming as a parent knowing how to support them.

As a parent, do you struggle to know how to motivate them or know how to help them discover their gifts and what they love to do?

As a parent, you want them to find purpose, but how can you help them find the right path in the midst of all the pressures and uncertainty of next steps and everyone else’s expectations?

Well I’m excited to have Dana Roefer is with us today to talk about all of these things. We are diving into How to Build an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Our Tweens and Teens.

Dana serves as the Vice President of Faith Driven Entrepreneur for Teens. Entrepreneurship has been at the heart of Dana’s career, both in launching her own ventures and supporting others in building theirs. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs gain clarity, navigate challenges, and bring their ideas to life.

Alongside her husband, Matt, Dana also founded the Grand Rapids Children's Business Fair and Journey Academy, creating opportunities for young people to explore innovation and entrepreneurship.

What We Talk About:

Supporting unmotivated tweens and teens: How to help your child find purpose and direction when they’re unsure of what they want to do.
Building an entrepreneurial mindset: Why fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in teens can help them navigate life’s pressures and challenges.
Dana’s background: How Dana’s career in entrepreneurship led her to create resources for teens, including the Faith Driven Entrepreneur for Teens program.
Asking “why” before “what” and “where”: Why it’s crucial to help teens discover their “why” before making major decisions like college or career choices.
The importance of curiosity and self-discovery: How exploring your teen’s interests and strengths early on can lead to greater clarity and confidence.
Overcoming pressure and comparison: How to help teens deal with societal expectations, academic pressure, and self-doubt.
The Faith Driven Entrepreneur for Teens program: A 12-episode digital course that helps teens discover their strengths, explore different careers, and connect with inspiring stories from entrepreneurs.
Practical ways to get teens involved: How volunteering, exploring various activities, and asking insightful questions can help teens discover their interests and strengths.

Where to find Dana and Faith Driven Entrepreneur for Teens:

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Reparenting Yourself and Breaking Generational Cycles with Shelly Robinson Jun 03, 2025

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Do you ever wonder why you get so reactive about what your tween or teen says or does? One minute, something they say doesn’t bother you, and the next, you feel like you’re about to lose it? What’s going on with that?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Shelly Robinson, a certified conscious parenting coach, the founder of Raising Yourself, and the creator of the Connected Kid Toolkit. Shelly is passionate about helping parents break generational cycles and build emotionally connected homes. With over half a million parents around the world engaging with her work, Shelly is transforming families one step at a time.

Her work has been featured on platforms such as MindValley, GoZen, Raised Good, and Good News LA. Shelly has a wealth of wisdom to share, so I’m excited for you to hear her insights. You can find her resources at shellyrobinson.com.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Shelly’s personal story and what led her to become a conscious parenting coach and the founder of Raising Yourself.
The concept of reparenting—what it really means and why it’s such a vital process for today’s parents.
A three-prong approach to parenting that helps parents do deep inner work while raising their children and healing generational wounds.
The importance of emotional regulation—why it starts with the parent, not the child, and how we can practice it in everyday situations.

Where to find Shelly:

Website: shellyrobinson.com.

The Connected Kid Toolkit: https://www.shellyrobinson.com/parenting-tools/connected-kid-toolkit/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising_yourself/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisingyourself/

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

The Crucial Years: How To Lay A Strong Foundation For the Teen Years , Interview with Dr. Sheryl Zielger Apr 29, 2025

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Did you know that the ages between 6 and 12 are often referred to as ‘the forgotten years’? In reality, these years are some of the most crucial in shaping our kids’ mental health and development. In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Sheryl Ziegler back to the show to share insights from her upcoming book, The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood.
Dr. Ziegler is a seasoned clinical psychologist, play therapist, podcast host, and author with over 20 years of experience. She has appeared as a mental health expert on major platforms, including The Today Show, The Doctors, and CNN, offering invaluable guidance to parents everywhere.
In today’s conversation, we dive deep into the overlooked but essential years of middle childhood, exploring why these years between 6 and 12 are so foundational for kids’ mental health. We also discuss the impact of early puberty, modern challenges, and the growing pressures kids face in today’s digital world. Dr. Ziegler shares practical advice for parents on how to support their child’s mental health, resilience, and self-esteem during this transformative time.

Where to find Dr. Sheryl Ziegler:

Website: https://drsherylziegler.com/

Her book - The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood (Ages 6-12): https://amzn.to/4iADtVM

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

How to Get Your Teen to Get Enough Sleep & Why It Matters: Expert Tips from Pediatric Sleep Strategist Jessica Bryant Feb 18, 2025

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Do you struggle to get your teen to go to bed at a decent time?
Are they so overloaded with homework and activities that late nights seem unavoidable?
Do mornings feel like a constant battle to get them up?

Jessica Bryant, representative of the Better Sleep Council (BSC), internationally recognized pediatric sleep strategist, keynote speaker, and the founder of Sleep Happy Consulting, is dedicated to answering the questions exhausted parents have about their kid’s sleepless days and nights.

In a world that often prioritizes relentless busyness, Jessica is a staunch advocate for placing rest at the forefront of family life. She firmly believes that well-rested kids have the potential to make a profound impact on the world. Jessica is passionate about helping families prioritize rest and create calmer, more rested homes.

Where to find Jessica:
Here website: https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleephappy/
Link to Better Sleep Council's research on teen sleep mentioned on the show: https://bettersleep.org/uncategorized/teens-and-sleep-2/
Is your teen struggling to wake up in the morning? Grab Jessica’s Free Bedtime Chart Here > https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/free
Her Podcast, Sleep Happy: https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/podcastAll her free resources: https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/free-stuff

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

How To Navigate Grief and Loss and Find Joy Again, A Sacred Interview with Krista St. Germain Feb 11, 2025

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None of us get through this life without experiencing grief and loss. The question is, how do we work through that loss and come to believe that we can actually love our lives again?

My special guest today is Krista St-Germain, who knows firsthand what it means to face unimaginable loss since tragically and unexpectedly losing her spouse in 2016, leaving her with a title she never thought she’d have: widow.

Now a Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert, life coach, and host of the Widowed Moms Podcast, Krista has been able to take from her own experience and help hundreds of widows navigate their lives after loss and not only survive but thrive and love their lives.

In this episode, we’re going to dive deep into grief and loss -

How do we navigate all the feelings?
What the biggest myths about grief are.
What post-traumatic growth is, and how this can make a huge difference in our healing process.
How we can support our kids through grief and loss.
And how we can come to not just survive but thrive.

Where to find Krista and Resource Shared:
Website: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachkrista/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachingwithkrista/
Free Download:

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

The Parent-Teen Connection: Transforming Parent-Teen Relationships with Susan Caso Feb 04, 2025

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Parenting a teenager isn’t easy. Maybe your teen used to talk to you about everything, and now they’re constantly in their room and barely say a word. Or maybe every conversation seems to turn into an argument, and you’re struggling to connect. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and today’s episode is for you.
I’m thrilled to have Susan Caso join us on the podcast. Susan is a therapist, consultant, and speaker with over 20 years of experience helping parents, teens, and families strengthen their relationships. She’s here to share insights from her new book, The Parent-Teen Connection: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships, endorsed by Children’s Hospital Colorado and Crisis Text Line.
In this conversation, Susan shares actionable strategies for building trust, creating emotional safety, and fostering a sense of belonging within your family. We dive into the challenges parents face when their teens push them away and how to overcome these obstacles to form lifelong bonds.
Let's dive in!
Where to find Susan:
Website: https://susancaso.com/
Get Her Book: The Parent-Teen Connection
Interested in our Moms of Tweens and Teens Book Club? Reach out to me, Sheryl, at sheryl@momsoftweensandteens.com

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Mindfulness for Moms: Finding Calm in the Chaos with Kelly Smith Jan 28, 2025

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Welcome to the Moms of Tweens and Teens Podcast!

Moms, let me ask you this: Do you ever feel like your mind is racing a hundred miles a minute like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel of to-dos, worries, and “what ifs”? It’s so easy to get distracted or feel overwhelmed when life demands so much from us. But what if there was a way to train our minds to slow down, reset, and find calm amidst the chaos?

That’s exactly why I’m so excited to have Kelly Smith with us today. Kelly is a meditation teacher, yoga instructor, and the founder of Yoga For You. She’s also the host of two incredible podcasts, Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama (A collection of guided meditations for mothers at all stages of motherhood from expectant mothers to those with adult children. This is a podcast of meditations created by a mother for mothers, which are go-to resources for busy moms looking to find peace in their day.

Her new book, Meditation for the Modern Family, is a breath of fresh air, filled with practical meditation techniques designed for real-life families. Kelly’s approach is warm, relatable, and so needed—especially for moms of tweens and teens navigating this wild and wonderful stage of parenting.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty or just want to feel more grounded, this episode is for you.

So take a deep breath and let’s dive in!
Where to find Kelly:
Website: https://www.yogaforyouonline.com/
Podcast: Mindful In Minutes - https://www.yogaforyouonline.com/copy-of-podcast
Podcast: Meditation Mama - https://www.yogaforyouonline.com/meditation-mama
Her Book - Mindfulness for the Modern Family: https://www.yogaforyouonline.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyouonline/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyuAzAFsNzcypnAa1XSlnog

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/