This week’s podcast is a must-listen for parents navigating the challenges of raising teens in the digital age! I dive into a relatable post from our Joyful Courage for Parents of Teens Facebook group about a mom’s discovery of her 12-year-old’s creative use of tech to bypass school filters. We discuss the struggles of setting screen boundaries, the importance of co-creating agreements, and how to handle these conversations with curiosity and connection rather than confrontation. If you’re dealing with tech-related parenting hurdles, this episode is packed with insights and actionable tips. Don’t miss it!

For more show notes and information about our sponsors go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-545-secret-browsers-hiding-tiktok-middle-school-screen-challenges/

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My guest today is Julietta Skoog, my co-founder and the Early Years Lead here at Sproutable. We’re talking about middle school friendships today.  

We discuss established elementary school friendships changing in middle school. Julietta shares a recent story about her own middle schooler and when it’s appropriate for parents to get involved in friendship drama. We talk about the difference between belonging & fitting in, coaching your kid(s) through discomfort, and how important it is to acknowledge and validate how hard our middle schoolers are working. We end by getting into how we can encourage new friendships & nurture good friendships. 

Takeaways from the show

• Middle school is messy! 
• Your sweet, innocent child being exposed to new things 
• Middle school is a great, lower-stakes time to make mistakes 
• Reflecting on your own middle school experiences & memories to find compassion for your adolescent 
• Kids need at least one or two good friends they can count on 
• Coaching our kids through discomfort 
• When is the time for parents to get involved in middle school drama? 
• Listen, acknowledge, validate, believe, and encourage your middle schooler 
• Middle schoolers need to practice decision making before high school 
• Encouraging new friendships and nurturing good friendships

For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here.

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This show is a replay, and I think you will love it!

I've been reflecting on surrender in parenting and life. Inspired by my morning routines, coaching, and my daughter's journey to thriving independence, I've learned that surrender isn't defeat but trust—letting go of control and embracing what is. Parenting my teens, navigating challenges like mental health struggles and my husband's cancer, taught me to release attachments to outcomes, timelines, and "why" questions. Instead, I focus on being present, curious, and supportive. I've found peace in trusting my kids' paths, holding space for them to grow authentically. This surrender brings freedom and deeper connection in parenting and beyond.

Find more show notes and information about our sponsors at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-380-art-surrender-parenting-teens/

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My guest today is Melissa Esposito, and we’re talking about the power of nature & the power of building a parent community. We discuss expanding the relationships that our adolescents have and the benefits of other adults in your children’s lives. Melissa shares about how and where to find a parent and family community so our youth have other adults in their life to support them. We talk about when you just don’t understand your kid. We wrap up this episode with some suggestions for places & opportunities to volunteer & connect with youth.

Melissa Esposito is cofounder and lead mentor of Feather and Frond forest school, an outdoor wilderness school in Bellingham, WA.

Takeaways:

• BUILD a village for your kid and BE the village for other kids in your community 
• What is wilderness school? 
• The overlap between toddler & adolescent years
• The auntie revolution
• We’re not meant to parent alone
• There’s capacity for community everywhere
• Showing up for kids that aren’t yours 
• There are many opportunities and places are available to volunteer & connect with children in your community 
• We’ve got to be in it for all of us and not just ourselves 
• The connection between nature & community

For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here.

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This week's solo show addresses a parent’s question about engaging a teen who resists meaningful conversations. The parent felt stuck, balancing curiosity and respect with their teen’s avoidance, and wondered how to foster responsibility without resorting to punitive measures. I emphasized the importance of understanding what’s holding teens back, shifting from “won’t” to “can’t,” and focusing on respectful, patient communication. Teens often need space to process emotions and build trust. I encouraged reframing expectations, staying kind and firm, and prioritizing long-term connection. Parenting teens is messy but rewarding, and the key lies in intentionality, patience, and self-awareness. You’re not alone in this journey!

Find more show notes and info about our sponsors at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-542-communicating-beyond-i-dont-know-with-our-teens/

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My guest today is Karen Collins, and we’re talking about creating rituals, especially at the new year. We discuss what rituals are and how to use the near year’s energy as a reset. Karen shares some practices from a recent retreat, including an embodiment exercise, then shares her own new year’s ritual. We talk about setting intention for the year with anchoring words and wrap up on sustaining the work of ritual in chaotic, day-to-day life.

Takeaways from the show

• What are rituals?  
• What’s the difference between a ritual versus something you just do sometimes? 
• Using the new year as a reset 
• The human experience versus the spiritual experience 
• Setting intention with anchor words 
• Falling off is part of the practice 
• Rejuvenation days 
• Keeping your non-negotiables simple 
• Make 2025 a year of self compassion

For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here.

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Happy New Year! I’m embracing the energy of being a deliberate creator, focusing on growth and learning. A listener shared a challenge about their 13-year-old son lying about screen time. While the lie was minor, the parents were troubled by how easily it was told. I encouraged them to approach this with curiosity and love, not punishment. Share disappointment without shaming, revisit agreements, and emphasize that mistakes are opportunities to learn. Trust and honesty grow through connection and communication, not fear or control. Parenting is messy, but every challenge is a chance to grow together.

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My guest today is our early childhood lead, Julietta Skoog, and we’re wrapping up the year talking about screentime & tech. Julietta shares the screen agreements she’s created with her children. We discuss how to help our teens develop a sense of self-awareness around their screen use & why they need opportunities to practice. We talk about how to know when screentime is getting problematic & building trust with your adolescent around screen usage. 

See more show notes, resources and info about our sponsors at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/539-talking-about-screens-again-with-julietta-skoog/

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This week I dig into a parent's struggle with their 16-year-old son's "know-it-all" behavior, which disrupts communication and creates tension. I encourage the parent to reframe their challenge, offer tools and strategies for generating more compassion, curiosity, and emotional honesty and remind them that building connection, using humor, and fostering mutual respect can improve the relationship while navigating this challenging developmental phase. Listen in and let me know what you think!

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My guest today is Dr. Lori Baudino and we’re talking about youth mental health. We chat about teaming up with your child - it’s you & your teen against a challenge, not each other. Dr. Baudino shares ways to find predictability in the bumpy teen years and her “Person, Place, Plan” strategy. We talk about toddler/teen parallels and share some ways to connect with your adolescent.  

Takeaways from the show

• The interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit 
• Observing how your adolescent moves through the world and knowing their coping mechanisms & sensory profile 
• DANCE = differentiate, attach, narrate, consciousness, empathic engagement 
• Thoughtfully bringing lightness to your relationship 
• “Person, Place, & Plan” strategy 
• Your teen wants to be in relationship with you 
• When coping skills are (or seem) destructive 
• Teen years are messy for all families - it’s the terrain 
• Introducing some gray to an adolescent stuck in a black & white mindset 
• Dr. Baudino’s new book: Moving Moments in Childhood

For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here.

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In this solo episode, I talk about how this season, whether it’s the holidays, parenting, or midlife, comes with challenges. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care: schedule health check-ups, move your body, and eat nourishing food. Reflect on habits—are they helping or harming? Tune into your body, notice sensations, and create grounding rituals. Embrace community, therapy, or coaching for support. Life ebbs and flows, but intentional care allows you to navigate challenges better. Your well-being matters—for you and those you love. Show up fully; you’re worth it.

Find full show notes and information about our sponsors at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-536-self-care-tips-for-the-season-youre-in/

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