Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

Colleen O'Grady LPC, LMFT, author, speaker & C-Suite Radio
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Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

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. #317 Three Minutes That Could Change Your Entire Mom Day

    3D AGO

    #317 Three Minutes That Could Change Your Entire Mom Day

    Do your mornings start with chaos and a mental to-do list that never ends? What would shift in your day if you took just three intentional minutes for yourself each morning? In this deeply affirming and humorous episode, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Erin Morrison, author of Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood. Erin shares how a simple daily practice—rooted in short reflections and compassionate reminders—can transform a mother’s emotional landscape. From real talk on “mom bods” and meltdowns to metaphors like “feelings are like laundry,” the conversation covers how small mindset shifts can help moms feel more grounded, connected, and confident. Erin emphasizes that empowerment doesn’t mean being perfect—it means believing in your goodness, even on the messy days. Together, Colleen and Erin remind moms that it's not personal—it's developmental—and that motherhood is an ongoing experiment, not a performance. As the creator of The Conscious Mom, Erin's approach to motherhood gives mothers exactly what they need: tools to make tiny shifts and create big change. With two master's degrees in Counseling from Columbia University and a specialization in conscious parenting, Erin uses her down-to-earth, non-judgmental style to help mothers f feel more confident, connected & calm. As a mom of two, she understands the dynamics of parenting-and lives them herself so she can help parents everywhere dramatically and positively improve their relationships with their children. Three Takeaways: You don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom. Let go of the pressure to get it all right. What your kids need most is your presence, not your perfection. Start your day with you. Taking just a few minutes in the morning for reflection, gratitude, or a grounding ritual can completely change your energy—and what you bring to your family. Believe in your child, even when you can’t believe their story. When your teen spirals into dramatic thinking, stay grounded. Your belief in them—even when they don’t believe in themselves—is an anchoring force. Find out more at https://theconsciousmom.com/ Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/itstheconsciousmom/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  2. Dread or Dream: Teens and Family Vacations

    APR 7

    Dread or Dream: Teens and Family Vacations

    Are you dreaming of a peaceful family vacation but dreading the inevitable teen drama? Have you ever come home from a trip feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen O’Grady sits down with family travel coach Laura Rahn to explore how family vacations can become meaningful, memory-making experiences rather than stress-filled disasters. Together, they unpack why so many well-intentioned trips go off the rails—hint: it often starts before the bags are even packed. Laura shares her “Dream, Design, Depart” process, helping families clarify the purpose of their trip, communicate expectations ahead of time, and include teens in the planning process so everyone feels heard and invested. Laura Rahn is a retired educator and a certified Family Travel Coach. She lives in Virginia with her husband and wonderful dog. As a military BRAT, she has been traveling her whole life. Laura has been involving her two adult daughters in the vacation planning process since they were old enough to have a voice and loves sharing her passion for family travel with others. One key takeaway is that clear communication is everything—bringing your teen to the table early allows for shared expectations and fewer meltdowns. Another is to define the "why" of your vacation before picking the "where"; when everyone understands the purpose, the rest falls into place. Finally, moms are reminded not to lose themselves in the hustle—you matter too, and it’s okay to want something out of the vacation that’s just for you. After all, a truly great family trip leaves everyone feeling restored and connected. Follow on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/groups/seldomadullmoment  Learn more about Laura at https://www.seldomadullmoment.com/  Freebie: bit.ly/42xgCFH  PDF of "The Busy Parents Guide to Start Planning that Dream Vacation with your Family" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
  3. Why Anxiety Drives Anger in Teens

    MAR 31

    Why Anxiety Drives Anger in Teens

    Does your teen frequently get angry? In this episode, we talk about what anxiety-driven anger looks like in our teens. Kelsey Torgerson Dunn, MSW, LCSW, specializes in anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. She opened her group practice, Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, in early 2017. She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness skills, and often finds that just having someone on your side is the most helpful part of counseling. Kelsey recently published When Anxiety Makes You Angry written for teens.  “Using a proven-effective approach rooted in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), When Anxiety Makes You Angry will help you identify the anxiety beneath your anger, accept difficult emotions—rather than fighting or trying to ignore them—and learn healthy coping and self-regulation skills to help you find emotional balance. You’ll also discover how to “train your brain” to stop and think before reacting; and how to choose calm over chaos when faced with the things that trigger your anxiety or anger. To learn more contact Kelsey at https://www.kelseytorgersondunn.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithkelsey/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  4. What's Behind Their Screens

    MAR 24

    What's Behind Their Screens

    3500 TEENS ・ 2 RESEARCHERS ・ 1 QUESTION What are adults missing about teens and technology? A lot. Harvard University Project Zero researchers, Common Sense Media collaborators, and real-life parents Emily Weinstein and Carrie James are the authors of BEHIND THEIR SCREENS: What Teens are Facing (and Adults are Missing). In their book, James and Weinstein combine their years of research on technology use by adolescents—including data gathered during the first year of the COVID pandemic—to explore how teens use their phones, messaging apps, social media, and more to navigate their real-world relationships in new and surprising ways. The authors also have the benefit of the expertise of teens themselves. By working with dozens of middle and high school students across the United States—part of the authors’ Teen Advisory Council—Weinstein and James explain in adolescents’ own words why they do what they do online, and what tweens and teens wish their parents understood about the connected world they're living in. Emily Weinstein is a Research Director at Project Zero at Harvard and a Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education. Carrie James is a sociologist and Principle Investigator at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the author of Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap (MIT Press). The authors' work has been covered in Time, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, and the Atlantic, and they are sought-after speakers on teens and technology. You can learn more at www.behindtheirscreens.com         Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  5. # 313 How to Raise a Self Driven Teen

    MAR 17

    # 313 How to Raise a Self Driven Teen

    Have you ever wondered if trusting your teen more could actually make them more responsible? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying and feeling like it’s your job to control everything in their life? In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, co-authors of The Self-Driven Child and their latest workbook, The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child. Together, they explore how fostering a sense of autonomy in teens can actually make them more motivated and resilient. They discuss the critical difference between control and influence, the importance of parents being a non-anxious presence, and how stepping back can help teens step up. Through relatable examples and real-life experiences, they illustrate how letting go of excessive monitoring and trusting teens to navigate their own decisions—while still providing guidance—can lead to stronger relationships and more self-sufficient young adults.  William Stixrud, Ph.D. is a clinical neuropsychologist and a faculty member at Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University Medical School. He lectures and writes widely on the adolescent brain, meditation, and the effects of stress, sleep deprivation, and technology overload on the brain. He is on the board of the David Lynch Foundation.    Ned Johnson is the founder of PrepMatters and the coauthor of Conquering the SAT: How Parents Can Help Teens Overcome the Pressure and Succeed. A sought-after speaker and teen coach for study skills, parent-teen dynamics, and anxiety management, his work has been featured on NPR, NewsHour, U.S. News & World Report, Time, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.   Here are three key takeaways from this conversation: First, teens need to develop a sense of control over their own lives to build confidence and resilience—over-managing them often backfires. Second, maintaining a calm and supportive presence as a parent is more effective than reacting with anxiety, as emotions are contagious. Lastly, success isn’t defined by a perfect academic record or a linear path—giving kids room to make mistakes and learn from them is one of the greatest gifts a parent can provide. This episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on parenting and practical ways to create a more positive, less stressful dynamic with your teen. Learn more at https://theselfdrivenchild.com/ Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theothernedjohnson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  6. 312 Happy, Healthy, Confident Teens

    MAR 10

    312 Happy, Healthy, Confident Teens

    Are you struggling to guide your teen through the ups and downs of adolescence? Do you wish they could be more confident, resilient, and self-motivated in facing life’s challenges? In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Ran Anbar, author of The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy, and Confident. Dr. Anbar shares practical strategies to help teens take control of their emotions, shift their mindset, and build resilience. Through years of counseling thousands of adolescents, he’s discovered that small changes—like the words teens use, their ability to visualize success, and how they manage fear—can lead to profound growth. He also discusses the impact of sleep, social media, and self-talk on teen well-being, offering parents tools to support their children in developing independence and emotional strength. Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP, is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics. He offers counseling and hypnosis services at Center Point Medicine in La Jolla, California, and in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Anbar is the author of the acclaimed Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis: A Journey to the Center (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021), as well as a regular columnist for Psychology Today Online. Dr. Anbar is the founder of Center Point Medicine, serving the mission of making mental health care more accessible for children. Here are three key takeaways from the conversation: First, the words we use—both as parents and teens—shape our reality. Encouraging positive language and shifting from “I can’t” to “I will” can transform confidence and motivation. Second, learning to manage emotions and fears is a crucial skill. Rather than dismissing fears, parents can help their teens face them with imaginative solutions, empowering them to handle stress more effectively. Lastly, giving teens space to make mistakes is essential. Overparenting, whether through micromanaging or bulldozing obstacles, can hinder their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Instead, parents should transition from being enforcers to supporters, allowing teens to develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well into adulthood. Learn more at: https://www.centerpointmedicine.com/ Follow on https://www.linkedin.com/in/ran-anbar-246b1829/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min
  7. What is Conscious Parenting?

    MAR 3

    What is Conscious Parenting?

    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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  8. "I Hate Myself" Turning Self-Hatred into Self-Love

    FEB 24

    "I Hate Myself" Turning Self-Hatred into Self-Love

    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 Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blaisemd/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
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4.7
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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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