Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

Eps 633: Revisiting Control vs Influence While Parenting Teens

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/ [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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Eps 632: Therapy may not be the answer for discouraged teens with Nicole Runyon

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/ [https://www.besproutable.com/?post_type=podcast_cpt&p=5661] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Eps 631: Revisiting three things that are real in the right here right now

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/ [https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-253-solo-show-three-things/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Eps 630: Help for the self destructive teen with Katie May

In this week's interview episode, I sit down with licensed therapist Katie May to discuss one of parenthood's hardest challenges: supporting teens through self-destructive behaviors and overwhelming emotions. Katie, founder of Creative Healing Teen Support Centers and author of "You're On Fire, It's Fine," shares proven DBT strategies that actually work. We dive deep into mood-dependent behavior, validation techniques, and why your nervous system regulation matters more than you think. If you're watching your teen struggle with anxiety, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts and feel helpless about how to help without making things worse, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and genuinely hopeful about what's possible. For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-630-help-for-the-self-destructive-teen-with-katie-may/ [https://www.besproutable.com/?post_type=podcast_cpt&p=5653] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Eps 629: Revisiting gratitude and finding acceptance

In this Thanksgiving replay episode, I'm reflecting on gratitude during challenging times—and trust me, 2020 tested us all. I share how we can be grateful not for our struggles, but for who we become when we choose to grow through them. You'll hear about the spiral of personal growth and why we keep facing the same challenges (spoiler: we're different each time). I discuss self-regulation, staying centered when life knocks us off balance, and how to allow experiences to change us for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]