Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

Colleen O'Grady LPC, LMFT, author, speaker & C-Suite Radio

Colleen O'Grady, MA. is a speaker, trainer and author of the award-winning and best-selling book Dial Down the Drama: Reduce Conflict and Reconnect with Your Teenage Daughter---A Guide for Mothers Everywhere. Colleen shares her wisdom from twenty-five years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist which translates into over 50,000 hours of working with parents and teens. Colleen, known as the parent-teen relationship expert helps you raise the bar of what's possible for the teenage years. Colleen not only knows this professionally she has been a mom in the trenches with her own teenage daughter. You really can improve your relationship with your teen and dial up the joy, peace, and delight at home and work. Every episode is geared to uplift you, give you practical parenting tips that you can apply right away and keep you current on the latest in teen research and trends.

  1. Aug 3

    Mom Reset: From Depletion to Radiance

    Have you become so busy taking care of everyone else that you've forgotten how to take care of yourself? In this inspiring conversation, Colleen welcomes Cherie Ashana, author of The Sacred She Reset, to discuss why so many moms feel depleted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves during midlife. Cherie shares her own story of burnout and how it led her to create a framework for helping women move from exhaustion to radiance. Together, they explore how suppressed anger often carries an important message, why self-care is not selfish but essential, and how reconnecting with yourself ultimately benefits your entire family. They also offer practical tools—including breathwork, journaling, and creating daily moments of stillness—to help moms reset their nervous systems and rediscover joy. Three Key Takeaways 1. Your anger may be pointing to unmet needs. Many moms spend years putting everyone else first. Over time, unexpressed needs can build into frustration or rage. Instead of judging your anger, get curious about what it's trying to tell you. 2. Small daily resets restore your nervous system. Even five minutes each morning to breathe, place your hands over your heart, and ask yourself, "How am I feeling today?" can calm your nervous system and help you approach your family from a place of peace rather than depletion. 3. When moms become radiant, everyone benefits. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. The joy, peace, and healthy boundaries you cultivate become the model your family experiences every day. Follow at https://www.instagram.com/cherieashana/ Learn more at: https://awakenedshe.com/ Free Gift: https://gifts.awakenedshe.com/ebook-879895 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Mom Reset: From Depletion to Radiance

  2. Jul 27

    Raising Critical Thinkers in the Digital Age

    How do we raise teens to be critical thinkers so they won't believe everything they read online? In this episode I have a conversation with Julie Bogart who recently published, Raising Critical Thinkers: A Parents Guide to Growing Wise Kids In the Digital Age.  Julie Bogart is the creator of the award-winning, innovative Brave Writer program, teaching writing and language arts to thousands of families every year. She homeschooled her five now-grown children for seventeen years and is the founder of Brave Learner Home, which supports homeschooling parents through coaching and teaching. She has also taught as an adjunct professor of theology at Xavier University. Bogart is the author of The Brave Learner.  Julie helps us think about self-aware critical thinking. As you know today everyone feels like an expert. Our teens look to the internet for their answers and think they have found the truth. In Raising Critical Thinkers, Julie gives us tools to help teens navigate the misinformation they find online so that teens can identify a fact, versus a fiction, or outright lie? Also, she helps us identify the difference between fact, interpretation, evidence, perspective, opinion, prejudice, bias, belief, story, worldview, and what role they play in critical thinking. To learn more about Julie and get her free downloads from her new book go to: ⁠https://raisingcriticalthinkers.com/ ⁠ Follow her on Instagram at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Raising Critical Thinkers in the Digital Age

  3. Jul 20

    Riding Out Teens Emotions

    Have you ever looked at your teen's angry outburst and wondered, "What's really going on underneath?" When our teens slam doors, snap at us, or seem completely irrational, it's easy to react to the behavior we see. But what if those explosive moments are actually covering fear, anxiety, embarrassment, or overwhelm? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Lori Kaufman shares how parents can stop taking their teen's emotions personally, regulate their own reactions, and use emotional moments as opportunities for deeper connection instead of conflict. Guest Bio Dr. Laurie Kaufman is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified high school teacher, and certified mindfulness educator with nearly 30 years of experience working with teenagers, parents, and families. She is the founder of Ebb and Flow Mental Health, where she provides therapy and leads parenting groups based on the internationally recognized Tuning In to Teens program. Dr. Kaufman also serves as a part-time faculty member in the University of Rhode Island's psychology department. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her experience parenting four teenagers, she helps families navigate big emotions with kindness, curiosity, and practical tools. Three Takeaways 1. Every Behavior Has an Emotion Underneath Teens' behaviors often don't make sense until parents understand the emotions driving them. Anger is frequently a mask for anxiety, fear, embarrassment, loneliness, or disappointment. Instead of reacting to the behavior alone, parents can become curious about what lies beneath the surface. 2. Regulate Yourself Before You Parent When emotions escalate, the most important job isn't fixing your teen—it's calming yourself first. Taking a pause, breathing, or stepping away briefly allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. A regulated parent teaches emotional regulation simply by modeling it. 3. Trade Control for Connection As teens grow, parents shift from being managers to becoming trusted consultants. By asking authentic questions, listening with empathy, and maintaining firm but warm boundaries, parents build influence instead of relying on control. The strongest parent-teen relationships combine high expectations with high support. Learn more at: https://www.ebbandflowmentalhealth.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 13

    Are Your Teens Ready for College

    One of the biggest challenges your teen will face when they enter college is self-management. Managing what they eat, managing alcohol , managing stress, managing sleep , managing relationships, exercise and their time. Self- management is everything for the college student without it they don't have their health and they definitely won't make the grade.  Jill and Dave Henry met coaching high school sports in Los Angeles and have been working with teens for nearly fifteen years. With every graduating class, they’ve fielded their student-athletes’ concerns about the transition to college. Determined to help, the Henrys decided to leverage their combined professional skills in research, study design, data analysis, and storytelling (Jill is a veteran statistics teacher, Dave is a Peabody-award winning TV and film editor) to create a fun yet informative resource with the goal of preparing all students to enjoy college without sacrificing their health. Their just released book The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed---How to Manage Food, Booze, Stress, Sex, Sleep, and Exercise on Campus was published in June 2021. This interview is filled with great research, interesting stories, and practical information including how to get your teen to read this book. You can contact Jill and Dave at ⁠greatestcollegehealthguide.com⁠ Follow them on instagram @greatestcollegehealthguide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Are Your Teens Ready for College

  5. Jul 6

    Drive Safely

    Is your teen really ready to drive—or are you handing them the keys before they've earned the responsibility? "Driving isn't a right—it's a privilege that has to be earned." Driving is one of the biggest milestones in a teenager's life—and one of the most dangerous. In this episode, Colleen O'Grady talks with personal injury attorney Brett Jarvis about how parents can prepare teens to become safe, responsible drivers. Brett shares practical advice from both his courtroom experience and his role as a father of three, covering everything from when to begin conversations about driving to family contracts, tracking devices, liability, distracted driving, and what parents should do if an accident happens. This conversation reminds moms that teaching safe driving isn't about controlling teens—it's about protecting lives while preparing them for adulthood. 3 Key Takeaways 1. Driving is a privilege that must be earned—not a right. Parents should look beyond their teen's age and assess maturity, responsibility, honesty, and decision-making before handing over the keys. Clear expectations and consistent consequences are essential. 2. Start teaching long before driver's education begins. Safe driving habits begin in childhood. Parents can model attentive driving, explain traffic rules, discuss the real risks of distracted driving, and have ongoing conversations that grow as children mature. 3. Create clear family rules that prioritize safety over convenience. Written driving agreements, phone-free driving, passenger limits, tracking technology, curfews, and an open invitation to call home for a safe ride can dramatically reduce risks while strengthening trust. Follow at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettjarvisidaho Learn More at: https://www.fellerwendt.com/meet-the-team/brett-jarvis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Drive Safely

  6. Jun 29

    Skills for Resilient Parents and Teens

    Are you raising your child to avoid struggle—or to become resilient enough to overcome it? In this powerful conversation, Colleen sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Jerry Weichman to discuss the mental health skills every parent and teen needs today. Drawing from nearly three decades of working with over 7,000 families—and his own experience growing up with a limb difference—Dr. Weichman shares practical strategies that help kids build resilience, develop healthy self-esteem, and learn to navigate life's inevitable challenges. He also reminds parents that the best way to raise emotionally healthy kids is to practice these skills themselves. 3 Takeaways 1. Resilience is the foundation of mental health. Resilience isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about learning how to respond to it. Dr. Weichman encourages parents to teach their children that when life gets hard, they can get stronger. Instead of rescuing kids from every struggle, parents can help them develop the confidence that comes from solving problems and persevering through challenges. 2. Focus on what you can control. One of the most powerful mental health tools is learning the difference between what you can and cannot control. Parents can help teens shift their energy away from worrying about outcomes, other people, or circumstances, and instead focus on their own attitudes, effort, and actions. This mindset reduces anxiety and increases emotional stability. 3. Model the behaviors you want your teen to learn. Children learn emotional regulation more from watching their parents than from listening to lectures. Dr. Weichman encourages parents to keep teaching moments brief, create space for conversations, prioritize exercise, reduce screen dependence, and care for their own mental health. When parents practice resilience, balance, and self-care, they give their children permission to do the same. Learn more at: drjerryweichman.com Follow on Instagram: @drjerryweichman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Skills for Resilient Parents and Teens

  7. Jun 22

    Money Lessons with Teens

    Are you accidentally raising a teen who knows how to spend money—but not how to manage it? In this episode, Colleen O'Grady talks with real estate investor and financial educator Jonathan Greene about how parents can help teens develop healthy money habits, financial confidence, and long-term thinking. Jonathan shares lessons he learned from his father, practical ways to talk about money at any age, and why financial literacy starts with conversations—not lectures. Key Takeaways 1. Start Talking About Money Early—and Often Money shouldn't be a taboo topic. The earlier parents begin discussing how money works, the more comfortable and confident kids become. Even simple conversations about groceries, housing, and family expenses help teens understand the real value of money. 2. Teach Financial Skills Through Everyday Life Kids learn best through experience. Whether it's comparing prices, selling unused items online, managing an allowance, playing money-based board games, or helping make purchasing decisions, everyday situations create powerful financial lessons. 3. Focus on Learning, Not Judgment When teens make money mistakes, treat them as teaching opportunities rather than reasons for punishment. Curiosity, conversation, and reflection help teens develop better financial habits far more effectively than criticism or shame. Learn more at: https://www.trustgreene.com/  Follow at:  https://www.instagram.com/trustgreene/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Money Lessons with Teens

  8. Jun 15

    Bringing Calm to Your Teens

    I’m excited to have Hunter Clarke Fields (AKA Mindful Mama) back with us today, to tell us about her new book, Raising Good Humans Every Day. Hunter shares some very practical tips to help us busy and often stressed moms to come back to calm. Make sure you stay to the end of the episode where she shares a wonderful meditation that you will want to listen to over and over again. Hunter Clarke-Fields MSAE, E-RYT (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a Mindfulness Mentor, Mindful Mama Podcast Host, Mom, Global Speaker, and Number 1 Bestselling Author of “Raising Good Humans” with a New Book: “Raising Good Humans Every Day” (Aug 1, 2023). Hunter has over 20 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and helps moms bring more calm and family cooperation into their daily lives. She is a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, the creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training, and has taught mindfulness to thousands worldwide, including a recent trip to Egypt. Hunter presents talks on parenting, is a certified teacher of Parent Effectiveness Training. In addition, Hunter coaches smart, accomplished, over-stressed individuals on how to cultivate mindfulness. Hunter is the mother of two active daughters, who challenge her every day to hone her craft! Her work has appeared in CNBC Make It, Parade, Paleontology, Motherhood Moment, The Hollywood Digest, along with on ABC Portland, NBC Milwaukee, and CBS South Bend,Kansas Public Radio, and many podcasts. And as part of her self-care, Hunter likes to do Scottish country dancing. Learn more about Hunter at ⁠https://MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠ Follow Hunter on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmamamentor/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Bringing Calm to Your Teens
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4.7
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365 Ratings

About

Colleen O'Grady, MA. is a speaker, trainer and author of the award-winning and best-selling book Dial Down the Drama: Reduce Conflict and Reconnect with Your Teenage Daughter---A Guide for Mothers Everywhere. Colleen shares her wisdom from twenty-five years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist which translates into over 50,000 hours of working with parents and teens. Colleen, known as the parent-teen relationship expert helps you raise the bar of what's possible for the teenage years. Colleen not only knows this professionally she has been a mom in the trenches with her own teenage daughter. You really can improve your relationship with your teen and dial up the joy, peace, and delight at home and work. Every episode is geared to uplift you, give you practical parenting tips that you can apply right away and keep you current on the latest in teen research and trends.

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