Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting and looking for ways to stay balanced? Have you ever wondered if that glass of wine at the end of the day is helping or holding you back?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, host Colleen O'Grady dives into the topic of alcohol use among moms, the rise of addiction since COVID, and how recovery can reshape both personal and family dynamics. Joined by licensed addiction counselor and author Sarah Allen Benton, Colleen explores the nuanced challenges that moms in recovery face, from finding healthy ways to cope with stress to navigating the emotional toll that addiction can have on relationships with teens. Benton shares her personal experiences and insights on what it means to live a "recovery lifestyle," addressing the importance of emotional sobriety and how addiction can affect every area of life.

Key insights include the importance of creating sustainable self-care practices that don’t rely on substances. Benton emphasizes that managing stress as a parent often means saying “no” to additional commitments and removing the cultural expectation to do it all. This episode also highlights how families can support a parent in recovery, setting up boundaries that strengthen family bonds and empower teenagers to process any lingering anger or hurt. Benton stresses the need for open communication and suggests resources like support groups and counseling to help families rebuild trust and stability.

Sarah Allen Benton is a licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Addiction Counselor, and Mental Health Counselor. She has been a parent in recovery from alcoholism for more than 18 years. She is co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC, offering clinical and business support services to innovative addiction and mental health companies. Her recently released book, Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle can be found anywhre books are sold.

Learn more about Sarah at https://www.bentonbhc.com/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bentonBHC

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Are you noticing anxiety in your teen or young adult and wondering how you can help them manage it? Do you feel like you're constantly in problem-solving mode but wish you could understand their experiences better?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, host Colleen O’Grady invites licensed psychotherapist Duygu Balan to discuss practical strategies for moms navigating their children's anxiety. Together, they explore the unique pressures facing today's youth, including the impact of social media, heightened global awareness, and an unpredictable world. Balan, co-author of Confidently Chill: An Anxiety Workbook for New Adults, highlights how expressive writing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, stress reduction, and resilience, helping young people externalize their worries and separate genuine concerns from imagined fears. The conversation emphasizes creating an environment where teens feel heard and supported in their journeys toward independence.

Balan’s approach, known as the Balan Method, offers a structured yet flexible way to help teens manage anxiety. It encourages creating a calming environment, grounding the body through breathing exercises, and using writing prompts to explore thoughts and feelings. These techniques help teens transform abstract anxieties into manageable, real-life actions. Through writing exercises, Balan shows how teens can externalize worries, clarify goals, and build confidence. Moms are encouraged to guide teens gently through these practices, keeping communication open and validating their children's experiences without pressure or judgment.

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

Find out more about Duygu at https://www.duygubalan.com/

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How do you prioritize self-care and personal growth while balancing the demands of your business and raising teenagers? What strategies have you found helpful for maintaining open communication and connection with your teens while managing your workload?

In this podcast episode, Colleen O'Grady engages in an insightful conversation with Leona Burton, exploring the unique challenges and triumphs of being both a mother and a business owner. They discuss the intricacies of balancing entrepreneurship with raising children, especially during the often tumultuous teen years. Leona shares her journey of founding Moms in Business International and her experiences with juggling a fast-paced career while raising six children of varying ages. Their conversation sheds light on the pressures moms face to "do it all," the societal expectations that often lead to feelings of guilt, and the importance of creating a supportive community for moms who need to balance business growth with family life. The episode emphasizes the importance of clarity, intention, and being kind to oneself amidst the chaos of parenting and working.

Leona Burton is a dynamic entrepreneur, high-performance coach, and the founder of MIB International, the world’s largest community for women and mums in business. With over a decade of experience in business development, she has become a prominent figure in empowering women to achieve success. As a Forbes-featured Jack Canfield Advanced Success Coach, Leona specializes in guiding others through personal and professional growth, focusing on areas like visibility, sales, and marketing. Her leadership extends beyond the business realm, as she is a passionate advocate for mental health and personal well-being, balancing her career with being a mother to six children.

Key takeaways from this episode highlight the importance of intentional time management and prioritizing both personal well-being and family needs. The conversation reinforces the idea that perfection is unattainable and that embracing the messy, imperfect moments is part of both parenting and business ownership. Leona and Colleen stress the value of open communication, not just with children but within one's own support network. Moms are encouraged to trust their intuition, practice self-care, and set boundaries to avoid burnout. The episode ultimately serves as a reminder that while the journey is challenging, with a clear vision and community support, moms can thrive in their dual roles as parents and professionals.

Follow Leona at https://www.instagram.com/leonaburtonofficial/

Learn more about Mums/Moms in Business at https://mib.international/about-mib-international/

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the college preparation process for your teen? Do you wonder what steps you should be taking to support them through each year of high school?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady speaks with Dr. Pamela Ellis, author of What to Know Before They Go, to break down how parents can help their teens navigate the journey to college without unnecessary stress. Dr. Ellis emphasizes that college preparation should not feel overwhelming and should be done gradually throughout the high school years. She discusses the importance of identifying the right college fit for your teen, taking into account academic, social, financial, and vocational factors. Dr. Ellis also debunks common myths around the college admissions process, such as the misconception that it’s difficult to get into most colleges and that the sticker price reflects what everyone pays. She reassures moms that the majority of colleges are accessible and affordable with many offering generous scholarships.

Pamela Ellis, MBA, PhD—The Education Doctor®—partners with busy parents to help their teen find a college that feels like home without over-paying. As an award-winning CEO and consultant, Dr. Pamela’s experience with the education system includes advising school districts, community organizations, and institutes of higher education. She founded Compass College Advisory in 2010 and has served over 1,000 families. 95% of their students have been admitted to their top-choice colleges and the average scholarship is $75,000. Dr. Pamela is a highly sought-after speaker and author of the best-selling book What to Know Before They Go: College Edition. Dr. Pamela graduated from Stanford University and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and she earned a doctorate from the Stanford University School of Education.  

Key takeaways include the value of starting the college conversation early by helping teens identify what is important to them in a school, from social environment to academic focus. Dr. Ellis advises that research and preparation should be a gradual process, beginning with building good study habits in freshman year and shifting to researching schools and writing college essays by junior and senior year. Finally, she reminds parents to take care of themselves during this process, ensuring that they can offer support without becoming overwhelmed themselves.

Learn more about Dr. Ellis at: https://theeducationdoctor.com/

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

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Are you looking for ways to foster happier and healthier habits in your teens? Have you ever wondered how spending time outdoors could benefit both your teens and your relationship with them?

In this episode of the Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady discusses the powerful role that nature plays in the development and mental well-being of tweens, teens, and young adults. Joined by experts Dr. Pooja Sarin Tandon and Dr. Danette Swanson Glassie, the conversation dives into how nature can improve executive functioning, cognitive skills, and resilience in teens. The guests emphasize that exposure to nature helps develop life skills, such as planning, decision-making, and building strong social connections, all while reducing stress and anxiety. They also highlight that nature doesn’t have to mean grand adventures; even small, nearby nature experiences, like walking in a park or stargazing, can have a big impact.

POOJA SARIN TANDON, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a general pediatrician and researcher at the Seattle Children’s Hospital, an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and the director of health at the Trust for Public Land. She has published widely on the importance of physical activity, outdoor time, and nature contact for health. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and two children.

DANETTE SWANSON GLASSY, MD, FAAP, is a primary care pediatrician and child advocate. She is the cofounder and board president of the nonprofit BestStart Washington and leads its Project Nature initiative—a program to support pediatric medical professionals as they encourage children to spend time in nature. She is the coeditor of Caring for Our Children. Dr. Glassy lives in the Seattle area and enjoys exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest with her two grandchildren.

Key takeaways from the episode include the idea that nature provides a unique opportunity for teens to practice independence and resilience, as well as giving families a chance to bond in a stress-free environment. Parents are encouraged to integrate nature into everyday life, whether through shared outdoor activities or giving teens the space to explore on their own. Finally, the episode offers a gentle reminder that nature isn’t just for kids; it’s a powerful parenting tool for moms to reduce their own stress and build better connections with their teens.

To find out more about their new book Digging into Nature go to https://www.projectnaturewa.com/naturebooks/

Dr. Tandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-s-tandon-md-mph-672040299/

Dr. Glassy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-glassy-12b00067/

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Are your teens getting the sleep they truly need, or are their packed schedules leaving them drained and stressed? What if a better night's sleep could improve not only their mental health but their academic performance as well?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady dives deep into the topic of sleep deprivation among teens, a growing issue that affects 70% of high schoolers. Colleen is joined by Jessica Bryant, an expert in pediatric sleep and advocate for prioritizing rest in our busy lives. Together, they discuss how sleep deprivation not only impacts teens' mental health, leading to anxiety and depression, but also hinders their academic performance and emotional regulation. They explore why it’s critical for parents to set boundaries around sleep, especially with the distractions of phones and extracurricular activities that extend into late hours. Through real-life stories and expert insights, Jessica emphasizes the importance of creating a sleep routine and being aware of the signs of sleep deprivation, such as trouble waking up or irritability throughout the day.

The conversation highlights three key takeaways for parents: First, sleep is a powerful tool for mental and physical well-being, and lack of it can directly contribute to academic struggles and mood swings. Second, teens often don’t recognize how sleep-deprived they are, so it’s crucial for parents to start conversations about how their bodies feel and encourage good sleep hygiene. Lastly, parents can help their teens by setting an example—putting down their own phones at night, establishing a bedtime routine, and making rest a family priority. These small steps can make a profound difference in reducing stress and creating a more balanced and harmonious home environment.

Jessica Bryant, representative of the Better Sleep Council (BSC), internationally recognized pediatric sleep strategist, keynote speaker, and the founder of Sleep Happy Consulting, is dedicated to answering the questions exhausted parents have about their child’s sleepless days and nights. She achieves this through a range of initiatives, including corporate wellness events, community workshops, and personalized one-on-one support.

Find out more at Better Sleep Council: https://bettersleep.org https://www.instagram.com/bettersleeporg/

Follow Jessica at https://www.instagram.com/sleephappy

https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/

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Moms, have you ever struggled to set clear boundaries with your teen, only to be met with resistance or anger? Do you wonder how to create a space where both you and your teen feel empowered, respected, and connected?

In this episode, host Colleen O'Grady dives deep into the complex but essential topic of setting boundaries with teens, featuring expert therapist Juliane Taylor Shore. They explore the emotional and psychological work required to establish boundaries that stick—boundaries that not only help teens navigate tough situations but also encourage them to trust and respect themselves and others. Julianne discusses the importance of separating feelings from actions, especially when teens are lashing out. Moms are encouraged to understand the difference between a direct request and venting, and how to maintain their own emotional integrity even when things get heated. Through real-life examples, Julianne explains the four key types of boundaries—external, psychological, containing, and physical—and how each one plays a role in creating healthy family dynamics.

Juliane Taylor Shore, LMFT, LPC, SEP, is a therapist, author, and teacher who is creating spaces where people can move into more self-compassion, self-trust, empowerment, and integrity. She regularly teaches and speaks to people from all around the world and translates new understandings in neurobiology into practices that can support brain change. She is the author of Setting Boundaries that Stick: How Neurobiology Can Help You Rewire Your Brain to Feel Safe, Connected and Empowered. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Adam, their daughter, Stella, and their rescue pointer mix, Layla.

Three key takeaways from the episode include: First, setting effective boundaries is more about how we respond to our teens than controlling their behavior; it's about building trust and living into your values. Second, maintaining your own emotional well-being during difficult moments is crucial, which is why practicing self-compassion and learning to pause before reacting is essential. Finally, boundary work is often accompanied by grief as it highlights the painful but necessary process of growth—for both you and your teen. Recognizing and embracing this emotional work is a critical part of parenting through the teenage years.

Find out more at https://www.julianetaylorshore.com/

Follow Juliane on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/julianetaylorshore/

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Are you struggling to get your teen to emerge from their bedroom? Wondering how to connect with your teenager in today’s digital age?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O'Grady sits down with parenting expert Anita Cleare to discuss practical strategies for understanding and connecting with teens, especially when it feels like they’re constantly withdrawing into their own worlds. Anita, author of the new book How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom, shares her personal experiences of parenting teens and the challenges she faced, despite her professional expertise. Together, they explore the importance of respecting teens' autonomy, collaborating with them to solve problems, and using small, meaningful moments to build connection. Anita emphasizes the role of a teen’s brain development in their behavior and how parents can shift from nagging to nurturing by managing their emotions and expectations. They also dive into the concept of avoiding catastrophic thinking, which can escalate conflict, and instead focus on guiding teens through their emotional and social struggles.

Anita Cleare (MA AdvDip) is a parenting expert, writer and coach and co-founder of the Positive Parenting Project a social enterprise which aims to bring the benefits of proven evidence-based parenting strategies to as many parents (and children) as possible.

Her new book How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom tools and strategies for understanding connecting with and being there for your teenager which came out on September 10 th 2024. Anita’s first book, The Work/Parent Switch (known as The Working Parent’s Survival Guide in USA) is a positive parenting guide for working parents.

Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of collaboration, where working with your teen to find compromises fosters cooperation rather than conflict. Little moments matter, as small interactions, like casual chats in the kitchen, can build stronger relationships over time and help teens feel connected. It’s also crucial to understand their world, acknowledging that teens' digital lives and friendships are integral to their identity, while helping them find balance with real-world activities. Lastly, regulating emotions is essential—parents should manage their own stress first, creating a calm atmosphere that can help teens better handle their own emotions and reactions. 

Follow Anita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/anitacleare_parenting/

Learn More about Anita at https://anitacleare.co.uk/

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How do you currently help your teen distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information online? Have you noticed your teen questioning claims they hear on social media, and how do you guide them through those conversations?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O'Grady interviews Alex Edmonds, author of May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases and What We Can Do About It. Together, they discuss the growing challenge of misinformation and how it impacts teens in today’s world. Edmonds breaks down how teens are vulnerable to false claims online and what parents can do to help them navigate this complex digital landscape.

Alex Edmans is Professor of Finance at London Business School. His TED talk "What to Trust in a Post-Truth World" has been viewed two million times; he has also spoken at the World Economic Forum, Davos, and the UK Parliament. In 2013, he was awarded tenure at the Wharton School, and in 2021, he was named MBA Professor of the Year by Poets&Quants. Edmans writes regularly for the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review. His first book, Grow the Pie, was a Financial Times Book of the Year. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. 

The rise of social media and online platforms has made teens more vulnerable to misinformation, as they are frequently exposed to unverified information. Like adults, teens are susceptible to confirmation bias, meaning they gravitate toward information that aligns with their existing beliefs, which makes it harder for them to analyze opposing views critically. Their tendency toward black-and-white thinking further complicates matters, as they often see the world in absolutes, making them more likely to fall for exaggerated or simplistic claims. Teaching teens to engage in critical thinking, question the evidence behind the information they encounter, and assess sources is essential in combating misinformation. Parents play a vital role in this process by fostering an open dialogue, encouraging curiosity, and creating a home environment where critical thinking is valued. In a world dominated by social media influencers and viral content, misinformation spreads rapidly, especially when it taps into teens' cultural identities or trusted public figures, making parental guidance even more important.

Find out more at maycontainlies.com

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

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Are you sick of the constant arguing not only with your teens but also with your husband, father or partner. Would you like to put an end to arguing, or at least dial it down? Well I brought in amazing guests to talk about it.

Our guests today are Linda and Charlie Bloom

Married since 1972, Linda and Charlie Bloom have been working with groups, individuals, couples and organizations to enhance the quality of their relationships and communication skills since 1975. They both have Master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work and have lectured, led seminars and provided consultation at universities and learning institutes throughout the United States as well as internationally. They have written and published four books, Happily Ever After…and 39 Other Myths about Love: Breaking Through to the Relationship of Your Dreams, 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married: Simple Lessons to Make Love Last, Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Stories from Real Couples about Lasting Love, and That Which Doesn’t Kill Us: How One Couple Became Stronger in the Broken Places. Their organization, Bloomwork is dedicated to promoting healthy, fulfilling, and successful relationships for individuals, couples and organizations. Their newest book was just released, An End to Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons for all Relationships.

For great content and to learn more about Linda and Charlie's work go to https://bloomwork.com/

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Are you finding it hard to connect with your teen and wonder how your own upbringing impacts your parenting? Do you know the difference between supporting your teen and rescuing them, and why it matters?

In this episode, Colleen O'Grady continues her conversation with Eli Harwood, diving into attachment styles and how they shape our relationships with teens. Eli explains the four main attachment styles—secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized—and how these patterns manifest in both children and parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in parenting, noting how unresolved childhood issues can shape our responses to conflict with our teens. Eli encourages moms to be present and supportive, not overly controlling or dismissive, which helps create secure attachments. The episode also tackles how to differentiate between rescuing and supporting your teen through life's challenges, and the critical role of emotional regulation in parenting. Finally, Eli shares practical advice on how moms can take care of themselves and model healthy emotional behavior for their teens.

ELI HARWOOD is a licensed therapist who lives in Colorado with her husband, Trevor, and their three children. Eli has been nerding out on attachment research for the past two decades and is on a mission to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time. She continues this mission in her clinical work, her writing, and running her mouth about attachment on social media. When she isn't working to make the world a more secure place, she is playing dress-up with her kids, obsessing about her sourdough starter, and reminiscing about that one time she won a set of globes as a Price is Right contestant.

Takeaways:

1. Healing is crucial—When moms resolve their own emotional baggage, they model healthy attachment behaviors, which helps their teens feel more secure and confident.
2. Secure conflict—Conflict with teens is natural, but how you approach it matters. Avoid leading with anxiety or perfectionism; instead, use conflict as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Learn more about Eli at AttachmentNerd.com.

Follow her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/

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