Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

Latest Episodes:

# 346 Parenting Sensitive Teens Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Do you have a teen who feels everything deeply—who’s easily overwhelmed, deeply compassionate, or just needs more downtime than others?
Have you ever wondered whether your child’s sensitivity is actually a superpower rather than a weakness?

In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist, empath, and New York Times bestselling author, joins Colleen O’Grady to explore how parents can understand and support their highly sensitive teens. Dr. Orloff shares how sensitivity and empathy—often misunderstood—are powerful traits that can help teens grow into caring, grounded adults when they have the right support. From defining what it means to be an empath, to setting healthy emotional boundaries, to helping sensitive teens manage overwhelm, Dr. Orloff offers practical wisdom for parents and heartfelt encouragement for anyone raising a deeply feeling child. Together, Colleen and Dr. Orloff discuss how sensitivity can be both a gift and a challenge, and how moms can nurture these qualities without taking on too much themselves.

Guest Bio: Dr. Judith Orloff

Dr. Judith Orloff is a psychiatrist on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty and a New York Times bestselling author whose books include The Genius of Empathy, The Empath’s Survival Guide, and her newest children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. She specializes in helping highly sensitive people and empaths thrive in an often overwhelming world. Dr. Orloff has spoken at the American Psychiatric Association, Google, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, and TEDx, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Teen Vogue, and Scientific American. Learn more at DrJudithOrloff.com.

🌿 Three Takeaways for Moms

1. Sensitivity is a Strength — Being an empath or highly sensitive teen is not a flaw. With the right understanding, it becomes a gift that fosters compassion, intuition, and creativity.

2. Healthy Empathy Requires Boundaries — Moms and teens alike need to learn the difference between healthy giving and overgiving; empathy is strongest when it includes discernment and self-care.

3. Create Space for Regulation and Connection — Encourage your teen to take breaks, breathe, and find quiet time. When moms model calm and self-awareness, it teaches teens how to manage emotional intensity in healthy ways.

Find out more: https://drjudithorloff.com/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/judith.orloff.md

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# 345 Is Your Daughter Ready Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Are our daughters really prepared for today’s challenges?
And how can moms balance protecting their girls’ innocence with preparing them for the real world?

In this episode, I talk with Kari Kampakis, bestselling author, podcaster, and mom of four daughters, about her new book Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges. Kari shares wisdom from decades of parenting, writing, and mentoring teen girls—covering everything from truth and integrity to friendship, discernment, and relationship red flags. Together, we explore how to help our daughters root their identity in something solid, use their power for good, and navigate social pressures with wisdom and grace. Kari also offers a heartfelt reminder to moms: give yourself grace—you’re doing better than you think.

About Kari Kampakis

Kari Kampakis is a nationally known author, speaker, and podcaster from Birmingham, Alabama. She’s the author of Love Her Well, More Than a Mom, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, Liked, and her newest release, Is Your Daughter Ready? Her books have been used widely in small groups and churches across the country. Kari’s writing has been featured in outlets like The Huffington Post and TODAY Parents. She’s passionate about helping moms and daughters grow in faith, confidence, and healthy connection.

Three Takeaways

Root identity early: Plant deep truths about who your daughter is before the world defines her.
Model discernment: Teach her to trust her gut, spot red flags, and set boundaries with grace.
Protect relationships: Don’t label people as toxic—address behaviors, avoid burning bridges, and remember that kindness wins long-term.

Learn more at karikampakis.com

Follow at https://www.instagram.com/karikampakis/

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# 344 The Loneliness Epidemic in Teens: What Moms Can Do Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Have you noticed your teen spending more time online but seeming more withdrawn in real life?
Are you wondering if what your teen is experiencing is normal teenage behavior—or signs of something deeper, like loneliness?

In this powerful episode, we dive into The Loneliness Epidemic in Teens. Research shows that about half of adolescents today report feeling lonely—and many experience this at least once a week. Our guest, Lucy Rose, founder and leader of The Cost of Loneliness Project, shares eye-opening insights on what chronic loneliness looks like, how it differs from normal teenage growing pains, and why it has skyrocketed since COVID. Together, we explore practical ways moms can recognize signs of loneliness, start compassionate conversations, and help their teens rebuild real-life connections in an age dominated by screens.

Guest Bio:
Lucy Rose is the founder and leader of The Cost of Loneliness Project. A global relationship builder and award-winning expert in pharmaceutical health strategy, regulatory affairs, and communications, Lucy is committed to raising awareness about the personal, societal, and economic costs of loneliness. Through her work, she helps individuals, families, and communities create a culture of connectedness that fosters healthier, longer, and happier lives.

Three Takeaways:

Loneliness is not just sadness—it’s a lack of connection. Chronic loneliness impacts physical and emotional health, and it’s on the rise among teens.
Connection is a muscle. Teens who spend most of their social time online may forget how to initiate or maintain real-life friendships—but those skills can be relearned.
Model connection at home. Create small family rituals, put down the screens during meals, and show your teen that relationships take intention, empathy, and time.

Find out more at: https://www.thecostofloneliness.org/

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#343 Free Play, Less Stress Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

What if boredom is the birthplace of your teen’s creativity—and your sanity? And what if your own playfulness is the most powerful “parenting tool” you’re not using?

In this episode, internationally recognized play designer and RISD professor Cas Holman (creator of the RIGAMAJIG and author of Playful) shows us why free play—play that’s freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated—is essential for teens and adults. We talk about releasing judgment, embracing possibility, and reframing success (hint: it’s not the perfect selfie at the summit). Cas explains why boredom matters, how “consuming” play (scrolling) differs from “generative” play (making), and offers practical ways moms can invite more low-pressure play into everyday life—without becoming their teen’s cruise director.

Guest bio paragraph:
Cas Holman is an internationally recognized designer, educator, and play advocate. A longtime professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cas created RIGAMAJIG, a large-scale building kit used in thousands of schools and museums, and is featured on Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. Their new book, Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity, distills two decades of designing for play, leading workshops at places like Google, Disney, and Nike, and collaborating with child-development experts to help all of us—kids, teens, and adults—reconnect with true play.

Three takeaways:

Boredom is productive. Letting teens linger in boredom helps them notice what they actually need and choose self-directed, creative action.
Reframe success. Swap “Did we reach the top?” for “Did we connect?”—and watch stress melt while curiosity rises.
Model, don’t manufacture. You don’t need to entertain your teen; be playful yourself. Release judgment, embrace possibility, and let “good enough” be great.

Learn more at: https://casholman.com/

Follow at https://www.instagram.com/casholman/

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# 342 Calm Teenage Anxiety Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

When your teen snaps or shuts down, could anxiety be hiding underneath?What can you do—today—to support them without “fixing” them?

Colleen talks with therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW about recognizing teen anxiety (including surprising signs like irritability and anger), the biological and cultural drivers (from hormones to social media and admissions pressure), and what actually helps at home. They unpack why quick fixes backfire, how to communicate about hard topics, and ways to modify expectations, build self-esteem, and set boundaries over blanket restrictions (e.g., muting or curating feeds instead of banning apps). Sophia shares practical scripts, “what to say/what to avoid,” and mom-first strategies like leading by example and using preventive care long before a crisis.

Sophia Vale Galano is a licensed clinical social worker serving teens and adults in California. With experience across residential, inpatient, outpatient, and school settings, she specializes in adolescent anxiety and parent coaching. Her new book, Calming Teenage Anxiety, gives parents concrete tools and phrases to support anxious teens with clarity and compassion.

Three takeaways:

Listen before you fix. Validation opens the door; advice can slam it shut.
Boundaries beat restrictions. Curate tech (mute/restrict/positive follows) rather than blanket bans to protect self-esteem and trust.
Model what you want to see. Your therapy, rest, limits, and self-care quietly teach your teen how to manage anxiety.

Learn more at: https://sophiagalano.com/book/

Follow at:https://sophiagalano.com/book/

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#341 Help Teens Transform Stress into Growth Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever feel like stress is running your life? And are you worried about how stress is affecting your teen’s confidence and resilience?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes stress expert Dr. Rebecca Heiss, author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You. Dr. Heiss shares her powerful, research-backed approach to using stress as a source of energy and growth rather than something to avoid or suppress. She explains why trying to “calm down” often backfires, why stress can actually be a sign of meaning and purpose, and how parents can model healthier responses to stress for their kids.

With humor, science, and practical tools, Dr. Heiss breaks down her Fear Less Stress Formula—helping moms and teens recognize stress, reframe it as an adventure instead of an ordeal, and take small steps forward instead of freezing or avoiding. She also highlights how storytelling, mindset shifts, and psychological safety at home can empower both parents and teens to thrive.

Stress isn’t the enemy—it’s energy your body gives you to rise to challenges.
Stories shape outcomes—choose the one that best serves you and your teen.
Model the response you want—your emotional tone sets the “symphony” at home.

Find out more at: https://rebeccaheiss.com

Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccaheiss/

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# 340 Empowering Teens from the Inside Out Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever wonder how you can help your teen truly love themselves from the inside out? Or how you as a mom can stay grounded and respond from love instead of fear when your teen pushes your buttons?

In this empowering episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Debra Beck, founder of Empowered Teens and Parents and award-winning author of My Feet Aren’t Ugly and What If Your Teen Isn’t the Problem?. Debra shares her own stories, practical tools, and compassionate wisdom for raising confident teens while staying steady as a parent in today’s fear-driven culture. Together they explore self-acceptance, social media’s impact, conscious parenting, and how to turn emotional triggers into opportunities for connection.

About Debra Beck
Debra Beck is a mentor, retreat facilitator, and bestselling author who has dedicated decades to helping families heal, reconnect, and thrive. Through her retreats, mentoring, and books, she empowers both teens and parents to shift from fear to love, building stronger relationships rooted in authenticity, compassion, and trust.

Takeaways

Model self-acceptance — Teens absorb how you speak about yourself, so practice compassion toward your own body and choices.
Shift from fear to love — Recognize when you’re triggered, pause, breathe, and return with calm energy before addressing your teen.
Guide through experiments — Instead of strict control, invite your teen to try small experiments (like putting their phone away) so they can feel the difference themselves.

Find out more at: https://empoweredteensandparents.com/

Follow on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/debra.beck.1806

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# 339 Life of AND: Thriving at Home and Work Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty—giving everything to your family, your work, and your home, yet never feeling caught up? Do you wonder if balance is even possible for moms in today’s world?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Tiffany Sauder about what it really means to redefine work–life balance. Tiffany shares her journey from burnout to creating a sustainable rhythm where career, family, and self can thrive together. Through practical examples and honest stories, she helps moms understand how to clarify priorities, reduce guilt, and find peace in the middle of busy seasons.

Tiffany Sauder is a wife, mom of four daughters (ages 5 to 16), entrepreneur, podcast host, and keynote speaker. After years of chasing big dreams while burning out, she developed a new framework she calls “Life of AND”—where family, career, and self-care coexist in harmony. Tiffany now equips women to own the ordinary so they can unlock extraordinary lives, showing them how to be intentional, present, and ambitious without losing themselves.

Balance is alignment, not perfection — True balance happens when your time and money reflect your priorities and values, not when you split time evenly.
Get clear and intentional — Ask your kids what matters most to them, set boundaries, and let go of unnecessary guilt.
Outsource the ordinary — Don’t waste precious energy on tasks that can be delegated; save your time for connection, growth, and joy.

Learn more at https://www.tiffanysauder.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiffany.sauder/

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# 338 How to Handle School Avoidance Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Is your tween or teen suddenly refusing school—or saying they’re “sick” every morning? How do you tell what’s normal pushback versus a red flag that needs support?

In this conversation, Colleen and pediatric psychologist Dr. Ariana Hoet unpack school avoidance—what it is, why it happens, and how moms can respond without escalating morning battles. You’ll hear how anxiety fuels avoidance (and why avoidance strengthens anxiety), the power of gradual exposure and tiny “wins,” and how to get granular: identify the real barrier (safety fears, social stress, learning struggles, sleep/screens), co-create a stepwise plan, and partner with the school. They offer concrete scripts, role-plays, and motivation-finding questions so your teen feels both validated and capable—and you’re not stuck at 7 a.m. stalemates.

Dr. Ariana Hoet is Executive Clinical Director at the Kids Mental Health Foundation and a pediatric psychologist serving primarily immigrant families in primary care. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Pediatric Psychology/Neuropsychology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, training the next generation of behavioral health professionals. A trusted national voice, Dr. Hoit has been featured by USA Today, CNN, Good Morning America, and Newsweek. Her passion is translating research into practical, family-ready tools.

Three takeaways:

Validate, then move forward: Empathize with the real feeling (“This is hard and scary”) and avoid the “just get over it” trap. Then use graduated exposure—tiny steps toward school—to shrink anxiety’s power.
Get specific to solve: Pinpoint the blocker (safety fears, bullying, skill gaps, not knowing where to sit at lunch, sleep debt, screens, or possible learning differences). Specific problem → specific plan (role-play scripts, identify “safe people/places,” consider tutoring/evaluation, adjust sleep and tech).
Build the village & motivation: Coordinate with teachers/counselors, connect your teen to belonging (clubs, teams, arts), and discover their reasons to go (friends, activities)—not just adult reasons like grades.

Learn more at: https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/about/our-team/clinical-director

Follow on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/kidsmentalhealthfoundation/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/arianahoetphd/?hl=en

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# 337 Foster a Growth Mindset in Teens Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Are your teens labeling themselves—“I’m just bad at math,” “I’ll never get this”? What if one small language shift could help them persist, problem-solve, and bounce back?

In this conversation, we unpack Growth Mindset through the lens of real classrooms and real homes. We explore why praising “smart” backfires, how to swap outcome praise for process praise (effort, strategies, persistence), and how to make “not yet” part of your family vocabulary. We dig into the Pygmalion effect (kids rise to expectations), the line between Growth Mindset and toxic positivity, and why frustration is often the signal that learning is happening. You’ll leave with concrete scripts, dinner-table routines that normalize mistakes, and simple ways to turn goals into daily practice steps your teen can control.

Guest bio:
Annie Brock is a former high-school English teacher and library director turned learning-experience designer. A long-time advocate of Growth Mindset, she co-authored The Growth Mindset Coach (over 200k copies sold) and continues to write and speak on practical ways educators and parents can cultivate perseverance and love of learning. Annie lives in Kansas with her husband, Jared, and their two kids.

Three takeaways:

Praise the process, not the person: Swap “You’re so smart” for “I can see the strategies you used and how hard you worked.”
Make “not yet” a house word: Reframe “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet,” then choose one next step.
Normalize mistakes: Share your own flubs and fixes; make home the safest place to struggle, analyze what didn’t work, and try differently.

Find out more at: anniemaebrock.com

Follow Annie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-brock-690889132/

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