Parenting Anxious Teens | Parenting Teens, Managing Teen Anxiety, Parenting Strategies

Hi Parents! In this episode, I’m joined by Cathy Cassani Adams, LCSW - therapist, author, educator, and co-host of the Zen Pop podcast, for a powerful conversation about what it really means to help girls build a strong sense of self. So often, we focus on confidence and achievement, but confidence alone doesn’t protect our girls from anxiety, self-doubt, or people-pleasing. Today, Cathy and I talk about the difference between confidence and a true sense of self, and why so many girls struggle when they learn to look outside themselves for approval instead of trusting their inner voice. We explore the subtle, well-intentioned ways adults can unintentionally undermine a girl’s sense of self, how anxiety can show up when girls feel disconnected from who they are, and what it looks like to support girls without trying to fix or control their emotions. Cathy shares insights from her years of clinical work, teaching, and parenting, offering parents a compassionate and realistic lens for raising girls in today’s high-pressure world. This conversation is especially for parents who want to raise girls who feel grounded, emotionally safe, and secure in who they are - not just confident on the outside, but deeply connected to themselves on the inside. Resources Mentioned: 📚 A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the World 🧐 Enneagram Personality Test Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! In this episode, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian Lee Cotton, author and mindful eating expert, to discuss how parents can help their teens build a healthy relationship with food and foster positive body image. Lee shares practical strategies for creating a home environment where conversations about food, nutrition, and body image are approached with mindfulness, care, and positivity, helping teens feel supported rather than judged. We explore how subtle messages at the dinner table - what you say and how we you it - can shape a teen’s thoughts and behaviours around food and their bodies. Lee helps parents recognize early signs that a teen may be struggling with anxious or disordered eating and offers guidance on how to respond in ways that promote trust, self-awareness, and a balanced approach to nutrition. Whether your teen experiences anxiety around food or you simply want to create a mindful, supportive home environment, this episode is full of actionable advice and insights parents can start using today. 📚 A Nourishing Perspective Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Fear and stress are a natural part of life but for anxious teens, these feelings can feel overwhelming and limiting. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Heiss shares how parents can help their teens harness the power of stress, transform fear into growth, and build resilience. Rebecca explains the science behind fear and stress, including the instinctual limitations that often hold us back, and offers the Fear[less] Stress formula for navigating uncertainty. Parents will learn practical ways to guide teens through school pressures, social challenges, and life transitions, all while modelling healthy stress management themselves. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help teens approach fear and anxiety with confidence, curiosity, and courage - turning what feels like setbacks into opportunities for growth. 👉🏻 Learn more about Rebecca's Fear[less] Masterclass. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Loneliness is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to teens. Today I’m joined by Lucy Rose, founder of The Cost of Loneliness Project, to explore why loneliness is not simply about being alone and how it often hides beneath anxiety, withdrawal, and silence in adolescents. Lucy brings a unique perspective from her work in public health, medicine, and communication, including her leadership role at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a trained clinician, she helps families reframe loneliness not as a personal failure, but as a shared human experience that shapes emotional wellbeing, connection, and resilience. In our conversation, we discuss how loneliness can exist even in busy, loving homes, why teens may struggle to name or express it, and how family environments play a powerful role in helping teens feel emotionally supported - without parents needing to fix or rush emotions away. We also explore what meaningful connection looks like in everyday moments, how parents can support their teens through presence rather than pressure, and why loneliness should be understood as a collective responsibility rather than something teens or parents must navigate alone. If your teen struggles with anxiety, emotional withdrawal, or feeling disconnected and you’re unsure how to help without pushing, this episode offers a compassionate, grounded perspective that will help you support connection, resilience, and emotional safety at home. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! It’s normal for teenagers to pull away, retreat to their rooms, or become more private but for parents, it can feel isolating, frustrating, and even painful. In this episode, Anita Cleare, parenting coach and author of How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom, shares strategies for navigating these tricky dynamics with patience and confidence. Anita explains why a teen’s bedroom isn’t just a space - they’re practicing independence, managing emotions, and figuring out who they are. She offers practical ways for parents to reach out, stay connected, and foster open communication without forcing interactions. You’ll hear how to manage your own feelings of rejection or worry, create small daily habits that strengthen connection, and encourage teens to share their experiences in a safe, supportive way. If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap when your teen withdraws, this conversation helps you understand how to maintain a loving, connected relationship. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Parenting is challenging, especially when your teen struggles with anxiety or strong emotions. Hunter Clarke-Fields, #1 bestselling author and mindfulness teacher, shares practical strategies for helping parents manage their own stress while supporting their teens with compassion and clarity. Hunter shares how mindfulness isn’t just meditation - it’s a way of showing up in everyday moments, responding rather than reacting, and modelling healthy emotional regulation for your teen. She discusses breaking generational patterns, repairing connections after conflict, and weaving mindfulness into real-life parenting moments without adding pressure or overwhelm. This episode has actionable tips for parents who want to be calmer, more present, and more effective in guiding their teens through challenges - while showing them how to manage emotions and stress in a healthy, sustainable way. 👉🏻 Mindful Mama Podcast 👉🏻 FREE Stop Yelling Guide Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! I’m excited to welcome Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a physician, Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Founder of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication. With decades of experience working directly with teens and families, Dr. Ginsburg is a leading expert in adolescent health and a trusted voice on supporting teen mental well-being. He is also the author of Lighthouse Parenting: Raising Your Child With Loving Guidance for a Lifelong Bond, a book that provides parents with practical strategies to guide, support, and connect with their teens in meaningful ways. In this episode, Dr. Ginsburg shares evidence-based insights on how parents can nurture confident, resilient teens without adding pressure or stress. We dive into recognizing the signs of anxiety, understanding the impact of peer influence, and turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. He introduces the concept of Lighthouse Parenting, a balanced approach that combines guidance, support, and emotional connection to help teens build lifelong resilience and strong mental health habits. This conversation provides parents with research-backed strategies to navigate adolescence and help their teens thrive in today’s world. 👉🏻 FREE Stress Management Plan Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Do you notice that your teen is highly sensitive or easily overwhelmed? Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and empath, explains how parents can recognize and support highly sensitive teens, who often experience anxiety more intensely than their peers. Dr. Orloff introduces her newest children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, sharing the story of Aurora, a sensitive rabbit learning to embrace her emotions. She connects this story to real-life guidance for anxious and highly sensitive teens, including the importance of alone time, healthy coping strategies, and ways to manage shame or bullying. This conversation provides parents with actionable insights into the behaviours of highly sensitive teens, how to nurture their emotional well-being, and tools to help them centre themselves when anxiety and overwhelm strike. Whether your teen is introverted, intensely empathetic, or easily stressed, this episode is full of practical advice for fostering resilience and self-acceptance. More Books by Judith: 📚 The Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People 📚 The Genius of Empathy: Practical Skills to Heal Your Sensitive Self, Your Relationships, and the World Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Anxiety in teens isn’t just a “thinking problem” - it’s a body-based experience that affects how they feel, react, and cope. In this episode, Dr. Russell Kennedy, The Anxiety MD, shares a new perspective on understanding and supporting anxious teens. Dr. Kennedy explains why traditional logic, reassurance, or problem-solving often doesn’t work for teens with anxiety, and what helps a dysregulated nervous system feel safe. He introduces the concept of “alarm” in the body, helping parents recognize when their teen is anxious versus simply emotional or oppositional. This episode provides compassionate, practical steps parents can take today to help their teens rebuild internal safety, navigate panic and meltdowns, and manage anxiety in a way that actually works. It’s a must-listen for parents who want to understand the real root of anxiety and empower their teens to thrive. P.S. His book is a must-read - I already have it in my cart and can’t wait to dive in! Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Are you concerned about how your teen is navigating alcohol, especially during the transition from high school to college? In this episode, Dr. Rob Turrisi, a leading researcher in adolescent health and behavioural decision-making, shares practical, evidence-based strategies that parents can use to help their teens make informed and safe choices. Rob explains how teens make decisions around alcohol, what factors influence those choices, and why understanding these patterns is key for parents. He also discusses the vulnerable transition to college, the importance of teaching protective behaviours, and why allowing teens to drink at home does not prevent risky drinking. Rob highlights the rising rates of blackout drinking and alcohol use disorder among emerging adults and shares communication strategies, including monitoring, modelling, and balancing warmth with clear expectations, that can influence long-term decisions. This episode provides actionable advice for parents who want to empower their teens to make smart, healthy choices around alcohol. If you’d like to read any of Rob's research articles, please click here. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Pelvic floor health is rarely talked about, but it plays a huge role in overall well-being for both teens and adults. In today's episode, Dr. Sara Reardon, known as The Vagina Whisperer, explains why these conversations are essential and offers practical strategies for parents to approach them confidently. Sara covers topics like periods, sex, pelvic floor strength, and self-care practices for young athletes and active teens. She explains why awareness and education around pelvic health can prevent pain, discomfort, and long-term issues, while also helping teens feel more in tune with their bodies. Parents will leave this episode with actionable tips for introducing these topics, encouraging healthy habits, and fostering open, shame-free communication with their children. 👉🏻 FREE 7-Day Trial of the V-Hive App Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Do your teens feel intense pressure to perform or struggle with self-doubt? Today I’m chatting with Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, who shares practical strategies parents can use to support teens navigating high expectations and performance pressure. Dr. Lisa explains how self-doubt and perfectionism can develop early and why societal pressures can intensify them. She provides tools for parents to help teens manage performance anxiety, shift their focus from perfection to growth, and recover from setbacks without fear of failure. Lisa also offers advice on giving feedback, encouraging healthy risk-taking, and nurturing resilience so teens can thrive in school, sports, and social settings. This episode has actionable guidance for parents who want to help their teens face challenges confidently, develop a healthy mindset around success, and navigate life’s pressures without being overwhelmed. Sign up here to get free tools from Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, including guided exercises, conversation scripts, and strategies from Your Child’s Greatness. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents! Today’s episode is one that many parents of teens have been waiting for, especially if the thought of your child getting behind the wheel brings up anxiety, fear, or a constant urge to intervene. Learning to drive isn’t just about passing a test. For teens, it’s a major developmental milestone tied to independence, confidence, and responsibility. And for parents, it can feel like one of the most nerve-wracking phases of raising an anxious teen. My guest today is Nigel Tunnacliffe, Co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country and one of the fastest-growing education companies in America. Nigel founded Coastline with a powerful mission: to eradicate car crashes by teaching safe, confident drivers for life. His team has trained over 250,000 teen drivers across multiple states and works closely with parents navigating this exact stage of life. In this conversation, we talk about why parents play such a critical role in their teen’s driving education, how parental anxiety can unintentionally impact teen confidence, and what actually helps anxious teens develop healthy habits, calm decision-making, and trust behind the wheel. If you’re parenting a teen who’s nervous about driving or you’re the anxious one, this episode will help you feel more grounded, informed, and confident in how you support them through this milestone. 👉🏻 Want a FREE parent course? Coastline Academy is offering this to the first 10 sign-ups using the coupon code PARENTING - grab your spot today! Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram