Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

• Do you ever feel so burdened, overwhelmed, or stressed that hope feels out of reach? And do you wonder how to help your teens hold onto hope when life feels heavy—for them and for you?

In this inspiring conversation, psychologist, author, and speaker Dr. Julia Garcia shares why hope isn’t something you passively wait for—it’s something you practice, one emotional habit at a time. Drawing from behavioral science, storytelling, and her own lived experience, Dr. Garcia reveals the five habits that help us navigate difficult emotions, interrupt cycles of overwhelm, and reconnect with a grounded sense of worth and possibility. She speaks directly to the silent struggles so many moms carry—the shame, pressure, worry, and emotional load that can eclipse hope—and offers a compassionate, practical roadmap for finding your way back to yourself. This episode will help you cultivate hope in your own life and model it for your teens, young adults, and entire family.

Dr. Julia Garcia is a psychologist, author, and internationally recognized speaker dedicated to empowering people through the science of mental health and emotional wellbeing. For nearly twenty years, she has helped educators, students, business leaders, families, and individuals navigate fear, doubt, burnout, and hopelessness by building sustainable habits of healing. Her book, The Five Habits of Hope, blends neuroscience, emotional practice, and real-life stories from people around the world to show that hope is not merely a feeling—it’s a daily discipline. Whether through her TEDx talks, interactive workshops, or national presentations, Dr. Garcia’s mission is to make the tools of hope accessible for everyone.

Three Takeaways for Moms of Teens and Young Adults

1. Hope is a Practice, Not a Personality Trait

You don’t have to feel hopeful to begin cultivating hope. Each of the five habits—reflection, risk-taking, release, receiving, and repurposing—creates a pathway back to emotional regulation, self-worth, and grounded optimism.

2. Your Feelings Don’t Make You Weak—They Make You Real

Emotions leads to overwhelm, burnout, and disconnection. Naming what you’re struggling with, taking emotional risks, and receiving support strengthens your resilience and helps your teen see that emotional honesty is part of wellbeing.

3. Your Kids Need to See Who You Are, Not Just What You Do

When your teens witness you engaging in passion, joy, creativity, rest, advocacy, and purpose—not just managing logistics and meeting expectations. Repurposing your emotions into something meaningful teaches them that hard things can lead to beautiful outcomes.

Learn More at: https://www.drjuliagarcia.com/habitsofhope/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjuliagarcia/

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Have you ever wondered why some conflicts deepen relationships while others tear them apart? What if the very moments that feel the most uncomfortable with your teen—or your partner—could become the doorway to more intimacy and trust?

In this rich and eye-opening conversation, Colleen talks with Anna Lecat—researcher, author of Loving Conflict, intimacy consultant, and global speaker—about how conflict can be a bridge rather than a barrier. Anna shares her powerful framework for “fighting kindly,” transforming hard conversations into moments of connection, courage, and clarity. With stories from her own family, her multicultural life, and her work with couples and executive teams, Anna reveals how naming fears, listening deeply, and expressing humanity can turn everyday tensions into opportunities for deeper love and understanding.

Anna Lecat is the researcher and author of Loving Conflict, an intimacy and conflict consultant, and a global speaker on connection, trust, and collaboration. A proud EO member and triple immigrant, she has built companies and communities across Ukraine, China, the U.S., and now France. With over 25 years of experience supporting couples, executive teams, family businesses, and high-stakes relationships, Anna blends practical tools, embodied practices, and the relational language of dance and play to help people move through conflict, build trust, and create authentic connection—in love, leadership, and life. She believes the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships, and that intimacy is the key.

✨ Three Takeaways for Moms

1. Conflict is an opportunity—not a danger.
When handled with presence and curiosity, conflict becomes a doorway to deeper connection with your teen, not a threat to your relationship.

2. Name the fear beneath the fight.
Behind every tense moment is a fear—of being dismissed, misunderstood, or not enough. When moms and teens identify the fear, defenses soften and true dialogue begins.

3. Model the skills you want your teen to learn.
You teach conflict-resolution not by lecturing, but by showing vulnerability, taking responsibility for your part, apologizing when needed, and demonstrating how adults repair relationships.

Follow Anna at: https://www.instagram.com/anyalecat/

Learn More at: https://annalecat.com/

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In todays show we talk about the importance of awe and wonder. Research reveals that the benefits of being awe-seekers is that you are more generous, curious, and more humble. Is the feeling of awe within our control or does it just happen unexpectedly? How do moms help their teenagers experience more awe? Listen as we discuss.

Today’s guest is Deborah Farmer Kris. Deborah is an education journalist, parent educator Her bylines include PBS KIDS, NPR’s Mindshift, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe Magazine, and Oprah Daily. Deborah’s work is grounded in the two decades she spent as a K-12 teacher and administrator. She has a B.A. from Boston University in English, a B.S. from Boston University in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education from Rutgers University, 2009 for Counseling Psychology. . Her writing has been featured several times in The Washington Post; she is the co-author of the book Building Character in Schools: A Resource Guide; and she is the author of the picture book series All the Time, which has been featured on Oprah Daily, Slate’s Mom and Dad are Fighting and more. 

Learn more about Deborah at ⁠https://www.parenthood365.com/⁠

Follow on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/parenthood365/

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Are you worried about how easy it is for your tween, teen, or college-age child to get alcohol, weed, vapes, or “wellness” gummies—and not sure where to even start the conversation?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen talks with Pam Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Pam explains how today’s substances (like Delta-8, synthetic THC products, and vaping) are more accessible and more potent, why mental health and substance use are so tightly linked, and why clear parental expectations are one of the strongest protective factors. You’ll hear practical, hopeful ways to start ongoing conversations, monitor wisely (without turning into the “drug police”), and support your child’s mental health so they’re less vulnerable to addiction.

About Pam Jenkins
Pam Jenkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, the leading national nonprofit focused on preventing and treating addiction and supporting long-term recovery. With a lifelong career in public health and health communication, Pam has led large-scale initiatives in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and substance use. She has worked on government campaigns about marijuana, youth alcohol use, and created widely recognized public-health symbols like the red dress for women’s heart disease. Today, Pam leads Shatterproof’s policy advocacy, prevention programs, and family resources, all aimed at transforming how America understands and addresses addiction.

3 Key Takeaways for Moms

1. Access and potency have changed—your expectations still matter.
   Teens can easily access highly potent substances (like Delta-8 and other synthetic THC products, vapes, and stronger marijuana) in gas stations, convenience stores, and online. Even so, clear parental disapproval is one of the strongest protections against teen use. Don’t assume your kids “just know” how you feel—say it plainly and repeat it often.

2. Mental health and substance use are inseparable.
   Anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and social isolation all increase a teen’s vulnerability to drugs and alcohol—and drug use can, in turn, worsen or even trigger serious mental health issues like crippling anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Monitoring your child’s mood, behavior, friendships, grades, and social connectedness is as important as watching for the substances themselves.

3. Monitor early, talk often, and stay curious—not panicked.
   Effective prevention starts young: secure medications at home, know your child’s friends, stay engaged with school, and watch for changes in behavior or peer groups. Have many short, specific conversations—especially before parties or transitions—using curiosity (“What usually happens at those parties?”) rather than accusations. You don’t have to be an expert; you just need to be present, clear about your values, and willing to keep the dialogue going well into their college years.

   Find out more at: https://shatterproof.org/

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

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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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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

1. Root identity early: Plant deep truths about who your daughter is before the world defines her.

2. Model discernment: Teach her to trust her gut, spot red flags, and set boundaries with grace.

3. 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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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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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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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 Cass 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). Cass 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:
Cass Holman is an internationally recognized designer, educator, and play advocate. A longtime professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cass 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:

1. Boredom is productive. Letting teens linger in boredom helps them notice what they actually need and choose self-directed, creative action.

2. Reframe success. Swap “Did we reach the top?” for “Did we connect?”—and watch stress melt while curiosity rises.

3. 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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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:

1. Listen before you fix. Validation opens the door; advice can slam it shut.

2. Boundaries beat restrictions. Curate tech (mute/restrict/positive follows) rather than blanket bans to protect self-esteem and trust.

3. 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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