Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

Do you find yourself caught in constant battles with your teen, unsure of how to truly connect? Have you ever wondered how your own emotions and reactions shape your relationship with your child?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady speaks with transformational coach Anne Marie Chereso about the power of conscious parenting. They explore how self-awareness is the foundation for authentic connection and why parenting from a place of presence—not fear—can help reduce drama and conflict. Anne Marie shares her personal experiences navigating parenting challenges and offers insight into how our own unresolved emotions can affect the way we interact with our children. Through mindfulness, self-reflection, and a commitment to emotional regulation, moms can transform their relationships by fostering deeper understanding and trust.

Author, Meditation Teacher, and Transformational Coach, Annmarie Chereso empowers parents, children and families to discover authentic happiness and true success.

With over two decades of expertise, Annmarie has trained educators, students, and parents globally through online courses, coaching, speaking engagements, workshops, and retreats. She’s collaborated with renowned leaders including Dr. Shefali Tsabary and The Conscious Leadership Group.

This episode highlights three key takeaways for moms. First, true connection with your teen starts with self-awareness—when you understand your own emotional triggers, you can respond rather than react. Second, resisting the urge to control your teen’s experience and instead acting as a compassionate witness allows them to navigate challenges while feeling supported. Lastly, making space for daily joy, even in small ways, helps shift the energy in your home and fosters a more positive parent-child dynamic. By embracing conscious parenting, moms can create a calmer, more connected relationship with their teens.

Learn more at https://annmariechereso.me/

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

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Have you ever noticed your teen being overly critical of themselves, no matter how much reassurance you offer?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a leading psychiatrist and expert in adolescent mental health. Together, they dive into the complex and often hidden struggle of teen self-hatred. Dr. Aguirre shares how self-hatred differs from temporary self-doubt, often becoming deeply ingrained in sensitive teens. He discusses how it can lead to self-destructive behaviors, the connection between sensitivity and self-worth, and why traditional approaches—like simply telling a child they are loved—often fall short. Instead, he highlights the power of deep listening, validation, and helping teens recognize and embrace their unique strengths.

Our guest Dr. Blaise Aguire is the author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Hatred and Realize Why You’re Wrong About You. Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Founding Medical Director of McLean Hospital’s adolescent dialectical behavior therapy program.

This episode offers three key takeaways for moms of teens. First, listening without immediately trying to fix or dismiss a teen’s emotions is one of the most powerful tools for connection. Second, acknowledging and valuing a teen’s personal interests—rather than comparing them to siblings or societal expectations—helps foster self-acceptance. Lastly, small acts of self-compassion, such as recognizing personal strengths and moments of kindness, can gradually help shift a teen’s self-perception from criticism to self-love. Dr. Aguirre’s insights remind parents that while self-hatred is difficult to tackle, with patience, understanding, and the right support, teens can learn to see themselves with greater kindness and confidence.

Find out more at 3east.org

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Have you ever felt powerless watching your child face mean girl drama or generational challenges?

In this episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle to discuss the deep waters of motherhood, particularly the struggles of raising teenage daughters. Melanie shares her journey of uncovering generational patterns, healing from past wounds, and guiding her daughter through the painful reality of mean girl culture. As a mother, she discovered that unresolved personal struggles can impact parenting, making it crucial to confront our own “dragons.” Through Caroline’s experiences, they discuss the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and the powerful role of a mother’s support in shaping a teen’s confidence and emotional health.

Melanie Shankle is a three-time New York Times bestselling author of Here Be Dragons, Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You. She speaks at events nationwide and co-hosts the wildly popular podcast, The Big Boo Cast. Melanie and her husband, Perry, live in San Antonio, Texas, and are the parents of Caroline.

Three key takeaways from this conversation: First, healing from personal wounds is essential to breaking unhealthy cycles and equipping children with the emotional strength they need. Second, mean girl dynamics can be intense, but teaching teens to set boundaries and stand up for themselves fosters resilience and self-respect. Lastly, moms play a crucial role in helping teens process their experiences by listening, validating their feelings, and guiding them toward positive relationships. Above all, trust that the challenges teens face today can shape them into stronger, more compassionate individuals in the future.

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

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

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Are you worried about whether your teen is just moody or actually struggling with depression? Do you wonder how much of their emotional ups and downs are connected to digital media?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Meredith Gansner, a child psychiatrist and researcher, to discuss the rising rates of teen depression in the digital age. Together, they explore how social media, online interactions, and excessive screen time contribute to adolescent mental health struggles. Dr. Gansner shares insights from her research and her new book, Teen Depression Gone Viral, highlighting how parents can recognize signs of depression, differentiate between typical teen emotions and clinical concerns, and take proactive steps to support their child’s well-being. They also tackle the difficult topic of suicidal ideation, how parents can navigate these conversations, and the importance of maintaining open communication while setting digital boundaries.

Dr. Meredith Gansner is an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and attending child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital. After completing medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, she completed her psychiatry residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a fellowship in child psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance. Her research explores high-risk digital media use in adolescents and managing high-risk digital media habits. She is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry media committee, has written articles about mental health and digital media for The Psychiatric Times,The Boston Globe, and Slate magazine.

Key takeaways from this conversation include the importance of observing your teen’s level of functioning rather than just their emotions, understanding that social media is not inherently harmful but can be risky without guidance, and remembering that parents need support too—caring for yourself helps you better support your teen. With expert advice and practical strategies, this episode empowers moms to feel more prepared to guide their teens through the challenges of growing up in a digital world.

Learn more about Dr. Gansner at https://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/meredith-gansner

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Are you tired of daily arguments with your teen? Do you feel like no matter what approach you take—being firm or being gentle—nothing seems to work?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Dr. Paul Sunseri a seasoned family therapist and author of Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make It Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids. Together, they dive into the challenges of parenting strong-willed teens and explore why traditional parenting strategies often fall short with oppositional kids. Dr. Sunseri shares his journey of working with high-conflict families, uncovering what truly works when it comes to setting limits, reducing arguments, and fostering better communication.

Paul Sunseri, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and father of four who treats children and adolescents with serious mental health conditions. He is the developer of Intensive Family-Focused Therapy (myIFFT.org), a highly effective form of family-based mental health care.

One of the key insights from this conversation is the importance of clarity, consistency, and disengagement in parenting. Dr. Sinceri explains that parents often get trapped in unnecessary arguments because teens use red herrings—distractions and emotional outbursts—to steer the conversation away from responsibilities. He emphasizes that arguing with a teen is never productive and that parents should focus on setting clear expectations without engaging in power struggles. Instead of negotiating endlessly, parents should hold firm boundaries and use practical consequences, such as limiting screen time, until responsibilities are met. Disengagement is another crucial strategy—when a teen escalates, staying calm and walking away removes the emotional fuel that drives the conflict, ultimately leading to fewer power struggles.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Stop engaging in arguments: The moment a conversation turns into a debate or escalates into yelling, step back. Arguments require two participants—when you refuse to engage, the conflict loses its power.
2. Use structured consequences effectively: Screens and privileges should be earned, not given freely. By tying them to responsibilities like homework and chores, teens learn accountability without constant battles.
3. Disengage from emotional explosions: Instead of reacting to tantrums or verbal outbursts, remain calm, state your boundary, and walk away. Over time, this teaches teens self-regulation and reduces dramatic confrontations.

By shifting their approach, parents can create a more peaceful home environment, helping their teens develop responsibility while maintaining a loving connection.

Follow at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sunseri-psy-d-54033b7/

Learn more about Dr. Sunseri and his services, Go to his website at https://www.myiift.org/

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Are you struggling to connect with your teen amidst the chaos of modern parenting? Do you feel like the constant demands of academics, extracurriculars, and social media have created a wall between you and your child? If so, this episode of Power Your Parenting: Mom’s the Teen Podcast with Colleen O’Grady and guest Susan Caso offers invaluable insights into building trust and fostering meaningful relationships with your teen.

In this episode, Colleen and Susan explore the challenges of parenting in today’s high-pressure world and emphasize the importance of creating emotional safety and connectedness at home. They discuss how critical it is for teens to feel a sense of belonging and trust in their parents, not just as enforcers of rules but as compassionate guides who see and accept them for who they are. The conversation highlights the difference between addressing behavior and unconditionally accepting your child as a person. The hosts also delve into the concept of “secure attachment,” which can be nurtured through intentional listening, emotional regulation, and moments of true connection—even in the midst of life’s busyness. Through relatable examples and practical advice, the podcast equips parents to create an environment where their teens feel safe to be open and transparent.

Susan Caso, MA, LPC, helps people find the feeling of connectedness that creates

heartfelt interactions. A sought-after therapist, consultant, and speaker with over twenty

years in clinical practice, Susan has helped parents, teens, couples, and families create

emotional safety to build stronger relationships. Susan holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado.

Susan’s work has been featured in media outlets such as Mother.ly, andThe Hollywood Reporter. She is the author of the Parent -Teen Connection: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships.

Here are three powerful takeaways from the episode:

1. Shift from judgment to acceptance: Teens thrive when they know their parents accept them unconditionally, even when their behavior falls short. Separating the person from the behavior allows you to address issues without damaging the relationship.
2. Listen to understand, not to fix: When teens come to you with concerns, resist the urge to jump straight into problem-solving. Instead, focus on listening, validating their emotions, and empathizing with their experience to build trust and connection.
3. Model emotional regulation and introspection: Your ability to handle stress and reflect on your emotions directly impacts your teen. By staying calm and self-aware, you create a safe space where your teen feels encouraged to share and grow.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for navigating the ups and downs of parenting teens while fostering lifelong connections.

Find out more at susancaso.com

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/susan.caso/

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I have a great episode for you. we are going to talk about toxic relationships. We will answer questions like, “What is a “toxic relationship?” “How do you know if a relationship is toxic or not?” “What does a toxic relationship look like?” This interview will help you help your teens, and give you tips on how to talk to them about their relationship. If you are in a difficult relationship this will help educate you what is healthy and what is toxic. I think you will find this podcast very empowering.

Dr. Heidi Brocke is a Toxic Relationship Awareness & Healing Specialist. After spending 14 years in an extremely emotionally and narcissistically abusive relationship she broke the chains and turned her past into her passion; She left her 24 years career in healthcare to use her life experience and education to be the person she needed when she herself was trapped in the darkness of an unhealthy relationship to provide hope, healing, and freedom to those whose lives have been affected by toxic relation-ships, emotional abuse, and narcissistic behaviors.

Through education, she presents the understanding needed to empower others to walk through fear and into their freedom.Today she has helped hundreds rid and heal their toxic relationships and hosts the popular podcast, It’s not Normal, It’s Toxic-rid your life of toxic people – with over a million downloads worldwide.

She’s an international keynote speaker, recipient of Empowering Women in Business of The Year award by Inspiring Lives Magazine, and has been featured in both Forbes and Time Magazines for the dedication given to her clients and for her work in the toxic relationship area.

To contact Dr. Heidi or take her Toxicity Profile Analysis and Quiz go to https://coachingwithdrheidi.com/

Follow Dr. Heidi on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithdrheidi/ 

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of college readiness for your teen? Do you wonder how to support them without adding to their stress—or yours?

This episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens tackles these concerns head-on with expert guest Philip Bates, a former educator and principal, now working in college prep at UWorld. Together, Colleen O’Grady and Philip walk moms through how to prepare their teens—whether they’re unsure of their future path, striving for Ivy League dreams, or just figuring out what’s next after high school. From creating a plan for standardized testing to encouraging a growth mindset, this episode is full of actionable advice to simplify a daunting process.

Philip Bates was a successful educator and school administrator for 17 years. Now he’s proud to be working for UWorld. Their mission is to develop and launch products to prepare high school students to be successful on the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

In this episode, Colleen and Philip explore practical strategies for guiding teens through the maze of college prep without adding unnecessary pressure. They discuss the importance of starting conversations early—such as casual visits to college campuses during family trips—and how to meet your child where they are emotionally and developmentally. Philip shares his personal and professional insights on balancing academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and life skills like self-management. He emphasizes the value of listening to your teen’s goals and passions rather than imposing your expectations. With a focus on growth mindset and realistic planning, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating junior and senior years, from handling high-stakes tests like the SAT and ACT to making informed decisions about college applications.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Early but Stay Casual: Introduce the concept of college early by visiting campuses casually during trips, but avoid pressuring your child to have everything figured out too soon. Meet them at their current developmental stage.
2. Encourage a Growth Mindset: Standardized tests don’t define your teen’s intelligence or future. Frame them as opportunities for improvement, and help your child focus on progress rather than perfection.
3. Self-Management is Key: Beyond academics, teach your teen essential life skills like managing their time, money, and responsibilities. These are just as critical to their success in college and adulthood as their GPA or extracurriculars.

Tune in to this insightful episode for tools and strategies to empower both you and your teen on the journey to college readiness.

Find out more more at uworld.com

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

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Are you a mom juggling endless to-dos, only to wonder if it’s even possible to please a teen? Do you find yourself questioning whether perfectionism or people-pleasing is really helping you—or anyone in your family? You’re not alone, and this episode dives deep into these challenges with warmth and humor.

In this episode, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with author and podcast host Amy Wilson to unpack the invisible workload moms carry, the pressures of perfectionism, and the delicate art of balancing love with boundaries. Drawing from her new book, Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser, Amy shares laugh-out-loud moments and poignant insights into why moms often overextend themselves and how they can reclaim their time and joy. They explore societal expectations, self-imposed pressures, and how moms can reset the narrative by prioritizing self-care and genuine connection with their teens.

Amy Wilson is the author of the memoir When Did I Get Like This? and

her latest book, Happy to Help. Since 2016 she has been the co-host of

the Webby-honored podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of

Motherhood. Amy is also an actor who appeared on Broadway and as a

series regular on TV sitcoms. She lives with her family in New York City.

Key Takeaways:

1. Perfectionism Isn’t Sustainable: Moms often hold themselves to impossibly high standards, but recognizing and challenging these societal and self-imposed expectations can create space for authenticity and well-being.
2. Redistribute the Invisible Workload: It’s not just about delegating tasks; it’s about teaching others in the household to notice, track, and take ownership of responsibilities.
3. Connection Over Correction: Teens need to know they matter unconditionally. Balance pushing them toward their potential with simply being present and offering support without strings attached.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you can step back, let go of perfectionism, and still thrive as a mom.

Find out more at amywilson.com.

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

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Sacred celebrations and rituals create memorable moments with our family that we will remember all our life. In this episode we talk about the daily rituals in our life that ground us, and help us become more present to the life around us. We also discuss how to design rituals that helps us navigate through joyful and difficult transitions. A very important transition is how we leave the old year and welcome the new. Our guest today will help us bring these sacred celebrations into our family life in 2025.

Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed. has spent 25 years helping people integrate mind, body and spirit for wholeness. As an intuitive life and business coach, speaker and author, she is a creative force when to comes to releasing pain, healing wounds, transforming old stories into new beginnings, and celebrating the beauty and joy of life’s milestones.

Elizabeth guides women through a self-care and ritual process where grief and gratitude can live side by side. A firm believer of the power of community, she guides her clients to create connections, so they aren’t left to carry weight of their grief alone. As a Life Coach and Shamanic practitioner, she brings a unique blend of traditional coaching techniques and ancient wisdom to her practice. Elizabeth is the author of two books – Smart Self-Care for Busy Women and Sacred Celebrations, Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions.

To learn more about Elizabeth go to elizabethbarbour.com

Follow Elizabeth on social media at:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbarbour

IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabthbarbour/ 

Sacred Celebrations book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTXRL56 

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