Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

In this solo episode, I'm getting real about navigating the holiday break with your teen. I'll walk you through the both/and of this season—how to hold hope and anxiety at the same time, including the grief that might be present. We'll explore how break is actually a low-stakes laboratory where teens practice essential life skills like managing unstructured time and problem-solving boredom. I'm sharing powerful language shifts that move you from exhausted cruise director to connected partner, plus a three-part gratitude practice to close the year with intention. If you're feeling anxious about break, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools. For show notes and more info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-635-winter-break-with-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful replay from last year, I team up with my business partner Julietta Skoog and the incredible Dr. Shefali to reframe everything you think you know about the holiday season. We explore how to stay present with yourself and your teens when expectations run high and chaos feels inevitable. I guide you through grounding practices, Julietta shares practical strategies for involving your kids meaningfully, and Dr. Shefali delivers her signature perspective-shifting wisdom about cultural expectations. If you're feeling overwhelmed by holiday pressure or worried about family dynamics, this conversation will help you reclaim your power and actually enjoy this season. Guest Description Julietta Skoog, a Positive Discipline trainer and our early years lead and parent coach at Sproutable. She has spent extensive time in schools as a school counselor and school psychologist. She’s a sought after expert facilitating parents and educators world-wide. Julietta practices what she preaches with her own three kiddos. Dr. Shefali Tsabary received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University.  She specializes in the integration of western psychology and eastern philosophy, bringing together the best of both worlds for her clients. She is an expert in family dynamics and personal development, teaching courses around the globe. Dr. Shefali’s written four books, three of which are NYT best sellers, including “The Conscious Parent” and “The Awakened Family.”   Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-535-holiday-presence-connection-with-dr-shefali/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During this week's solo show, I am digging back into one of the biggest parenting struggles: the illusion of control. As a parent educator with nearly 20 years of experience, I'm breaking down why trying to control our teens backfires and how shifting to influence transforms everything. Learn why getting out of your teen's way doesn't mean permissive parenting, how to move from the driver's seat to the passenger seat, and why relationship-centered parenting beats rewards and consequences every time. If you're struggling with power struggles, school avoidance, or screen time battles, this episode offers a completely different approach that actually works. For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-332-solo-show-the-challenges-of-giving-up-control-with-our-teens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Runyon, a child psychotherapist with 22 years of experience and author of "Free to Fly." We tackle some uncomfortable truths about modern parenting—how our well-intentioned approaches might actually be contributing to our kids' struggles. Nicole shares why children are "canaries in the coal mine," sending us messages through their behavior about toxic environments (yes, including screens). We discuss the misunderstood concept of gentle parenting, why therapy isn't always the answer, and how natural consequences build resilience. If you're exhausted from hovering and rescuing, this conversation will help you reclaim your authority with love. Nicole offers practical wisdom about allowing discomfort—both yours and theirs—to foster true independence. For more show notes and info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-632-therapy-may-not-be-the-answer-for-discouraged-teens-with-nicole-runyon/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this solo show replay, I'm reflecting on what life teaches us through the messiness of parenting teens, navigating marriage, and building a business. In this vulnerable episode, I share three powerful lessons from each area of my life—from recognizing that our teens know what they want, to learning that surrender isn't giving up but meeting life as it unfolds. Whether you're struggling with connection, feeling burned out, or questioning your parenting, this episode reminds you that flexibility, self-care, and trust in the process aren't optional—they're essential. Listen to discover how intentional soul care and choosing growth over resistance can transform your journey. For more info and show notes for this episode at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-253-solo-show-three-things/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices