Defining success is tricky, especially when it comes to your teenager. Would you say your teen is successful? Would you say your teen was successful? These are uncomfortable questions for both you and your teen. Here's why. This culture defines success in terms of ranking from the highest to...
Read MoreI love being around teenagers. They have an energy and joy that's contagious. When you can get past the drama, you can see the teenager's wonderful attributes and qualities, many of which we have lost as adults. Yes, teens can be emotionally reactive, but they can also...
Read MoreYou are going to love this episode. Today we are going to dive into a teenager's emotional life. I think what makes parenting teens so challenging is dealing with their intense emotions. Sometimes you're the target of their emotional storms and sometimes they turn their...
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I am taking an online defensive driving course. I could say I am taking the course because I wanted to lower my car insurance, which is partially true. But the truth is, I was speeding and got a ticket. There you have it. The secret...
Read MoreHow do we talk to our teens about friendships, dating, sex, and consent—without panicking, preaching, or pushing them away? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Bronwen Carroll, pediatric emergency medicine physician, mom of four, and child protection advocate. With over 20 years of...
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It seems so simple. In your head, it's super clear. All you need her to do is clean her room. That's not asking too much. It's the least she can do. You are having guests over, and you are cleaning the rest of the house, plus...
Read MoreMidlife moms are carrying so much—parenting teens, managing work, holding families together, and often supporting aging parents at the same time. It’s no surprise so many moms feel emotionally depleted, overstretched, and quietly burned out. In this episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Allison Alford,...
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Yes, teen girls can be drama queens, but moms can be drama mamas. "How? Our disrespectful, moody, entitled, and defiant daughters can push our buttons. And what happens when they push our buttons? We get angry and frustrated very quickly. We fire words right back at our daughters that...
Read MoreIs your teen’s behavior a sign that something is “wrong”… or could it be part of normal development in a high-pressure world? When should parents seek help—and when might labels actually do more harm than good? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down...
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Is your happiness dependent on your teen's happiness? Here's why I asked you this question. Last week, a mom told me with a big smile on her face, "I guess it's time to go back to my recovery meeting." I asked her, "Why?" She told me that...
Read MoreDo you have a teen whose emotions feel huge and explosive—and nothing you say seems to calm things down? Do you find yourself reacting out of fear, walking on eggshells, or second-guessing whether you’re doing any of this “right”? In this episode, Colleen O’Grady talks with...
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My teen is so stubborn. He argues about everything She won't listen to anything I say If I say one thing, he blows a gasket I'll ask her about her day, and all she says is fine. She's so disrespectful. It's like she's in her own little world Do any of these...
Read MoreIf your teen tends to be negative, don't worry; you're not the only one. Cheryl was taking my Power Your Parenting Program. On one of our calls, she said, "Most of the drama happens because my daughter Abby is so negative." I asked her to give...
Read MoreWhat do you worry about? If you haven't worried about anything this past week, then don't read this article. But I'm guessing you have. :) Even the most enlightened and spiritual will find themselves in a state of worry. We worry about different things. We worry about our...
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I Wish...
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Recently, a mom told me, "I'm so sick of hearing the song, It's the most wonderful time of the year, everywhere I go. Really . . . the most wonderful time of the year??? Here's the deal. The holidays can be a huge setup for teen...
Read MoreAs you embark on the incredible journey of motherhood, I want you to know that you are not alone. Over the past 30 years, as a marriage and family therapist, I've had the privilege of listening to countless moms share their fears, worries, and truths...
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I was talking to Chelsea, a 15-year-old girl, a few days ago. She's gorgeous and tall, yet she looked small sitting on my office couch. I asked her what was going on. She looked out the window and said, "Everyone hates me at school. I am...
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You want the best for your teen. You want her in the best school, taking the best classes. You want her involved and developing her abilities and skills. You want her to be challenged, and all this is important for her brain development. But there is...
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Mothers have an amazing skill. Since your daughter was a baby, you have learned how to tune in to her every look, movement, and sound she's ever made. By the time your daughter is a teenager, your 'tuning in' skill is highly developed. Now, it...
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