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

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  117 | Why Your Anxious Teen Resists Change and What You Can Do About It 15.09.2026 20min

  Hi Parents! Does it ever feel like your teen knows exactly what to do but still doesn't do it? Maybe you've had countless conversations about their anxiety. You've broken the goal into manageable steps, encouraged them, reassured them, and reminded them why it matters. They tell you they want things to be different, yet they still struggle to follow through.  Today we explore why understanding anxiety isn't always enough to create change. I explain why anxious teens often resist taking action even when they genuinely want the outcome, how anxiety quietly negotiates by encouraging them to wait until they feel "ready," and why immediate relief so often wins over long-term growth. We also talk about the difference between a teen who doesn't want change and a teen who simply doesn't want the discomfort that comes with change - a distinction that can completely shift the way you support them. Finally, I share practical ways to better understand what's happening beneath your teen's resistance, why medication and building confidence through experience play different roles in recovery, and how to recognize whether your teen is avoiding the goal itself or the uncomfortable feelings they believe the goal will create. If today's conversation resonated with you, you'll love The Parent's Anxiety Toolkit™. Inside the program, I teach parents how to move beyond simply understanding anxiety and confidently support their teen through resistance, uncertainty, and the everyday moments that build lasting confidence, resilience, and independence. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  116 | Why Rescuing Your Teen May Be Holding Them Back with Randi Crawford 08.09.2026 50min

  Hi Parents! One of the challenges of parenting an anxious teen is knowing when to step in and when to step back. As parents, your instinct is to protect your children from disappointment, failure, and discomfort. But what if constantly rescuing them is actually preventing them from building the confidence and resilience they'll need later in life? Today I'm joined by certified parenting and life coach Randi Crawford. Randi helps parents raise confident, independent young adults by shifting away from rescuing and toward coaching. Her work empowers parents with practical tools to support their children while still allowing them to develop the problem-solving skills, confidence, and resilience that adulthood requires. Together, we explore why failure isn't something parents should fear, but something that helps teens grow. We discuss the difference between supporting and rescuing, why stepping in too quickly can unintentionally reinforce anxiety, and how parents can create opportunities for their teens to learn from challenges instead of avoiding them. For more information about Randi Crawford and her coaching programs for parents, be sure to connect with her and explore her resources online. NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  115 | What It Really Takes to Raise Teens Who Thrive with Dr. Michele Borba 01.09.2026 44min

  Hi Parents! Teens are busier than ever before. Their schedules are full, their achievements are impressive, and on the surface, many appear to be doing everything "right." But are they actually thriving? In today's episode, I'm joined by internationally recognized educational psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Michele Borba to explore what it truly means to raise resilient, emotionally healthy teens in today's high-pressure world. Drawing from more than 40 years of research and the insights from her bestselling book Thrivers, Dr. Borba explains why success isn't measured by grades, trophies, or packed calendars - but by the character strengths that help young people navigate life's inevitable challenges. Together, we discuss why today's culture often prioritizes achievement over emotional growth, how removing every obstacle can unintentionally weaken resilience, and why healthy struggle is actually an essential part of development. Dr. Borba shares why qualities like empathy, perseverance, courage, and self-control are some of the strongest predictors of long-term well-being and how parents can intentionally nurture these traits at home. We also explore the difference between teens who simply look successful and those who are genuinely thriving, the role of real-world experiences in building confidence beyond screens, and practical ways parents can support emotional resilience without adding more pressure or expectations. If you've ever wondered whether your teen is truly flourishing or simply keeping up, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and practical strategies for helping them build confidence, resilience, and the character strengths they'll carry for a lifetime. For more information about Dr. Michele Borba, her books, and her resources for parents and educators, be sure to visit her website and explore her latest work. NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  114 | Your Teen Doesn't Need More Confidence, They Need More Evidence They're Capable 25.08.2026 16min

  Hi Parents! Have you ever found yourself thinking, "If only my teen had more confidence..." It's one of the most common things I hear from parents. You watch your teen turn down opportunities, avoid situations they genuinely want to be part of, or hesitate every time anxiety shows up. Whether it's a sleepover, a school trip, a presentation, trying out for a team, or even thinking about going away to college, it's easy to believe confidence is what's missing. But what if confidence isn't actually where the story begins? In today's episode, I share one of the biggest mindset shifts I've had as a teen anxiety coach. Confidence isn't something our teens need before they face something difficult - it's something they build because they faced something difficult. We'll explore why anxiety is often less about avoiding the event itself and more about avoiding the uncomfortable feelings they believe the event will create. We'll also talk about one of the hardest parts of parenting an anxious teen: knowing when to encourage your teen through discomfort and when they may genuinely be overwhelmed. I'll share practical questions you can ask to better understand what's happening beneath the anxiety, why waiting for your teen to "feel ready" can unintentionally keep them stuck, and how small moments of courage become the evidence that builds lasting confidence. If today's conversation resonated with you, you'll love The Parent's Anxiety Toolkit™. Inside the program, I walk you through practical tools, conversation guides, worksheets, and step-by-step strategies to help you support your teen in a way that builds resilience, confidence, and independence - without unintentionally reinforcing the anxiety cycle. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  113 | Part 2: How Parents Can Stay Connected to an Anxious Teen Without Forcing the Relationship with Diane Sorensen 18.08.2026 18min

  Hi Parents! If you haven't listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Diane Sorensen, I highly recommend starting there first. After we finished recording, I realized there was one important part of Diane's story we hadn't had the chance to explore - her daughter's mental health crisis and how that experience shaped both Diane as a parent and their relationship today. In this follow-up conversation, Diane shares what happened, what she learned during one of the most difficult seasons of her life, and how parents can continue showing up with compassion, connection, and hope when their teen is struggling. Whether you're currently navigating a difficult season with your teen or simply want to strengthen your relationship before challenges arise, I hope this conversation reminds you that healing is possible and that no family has to navigate these moments perfectly. NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  112 | Part 1: How Parents Can Stay Connected to an Anxious Teen Without Forcing the Relationship with Diane Sorensen 11.08.2026 39min

  Hi Parents! Have you ever felt hurt, rejected, or frustrated when your teen pulls away, shuts down, or doesn't seem interested in talking?  In today's episode, I'm joined by Diane Sorensen, a certified transformational life coach, former educator, and creator of the Chaos to Connection podcast. Diane brings more than three decades of experience supporting children and families, along with powerful personal insights from navigating her own daughter's mental health challenges. Together, we explore one of the biggest struggles many parents face: how to stay connected to an anxious teen when they seem resistant to connection. Diane shares why teens often need something very different from what parents assume, and why trying harder to connect can sometimes create more distance. We also discuss why parents frequently personalize their teen's withdrawal, what resistance and emotional shutdown may actually be communicating, and how our own childhood experiences and parenting patterns can influence the way we respond. Diane offers practical guidance for staying grounded during difficult moments, building trust over time, and creating a relationship where teens feel safe enough to come to you when they need support. If you've ever wondered how to maintain a strong connection with your teen without forcing conversations, fixing problems, or taking their behaviour personally, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and actionable tools you can start using right away. NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  111 | How Attachment Styles and Emotional Safety Shape Teen Food Behaviours with Somatic Nutritional Counsellor Stephanie Mara 04.08.2026 1t 1min

  Hi Parents! Today’s episode is such an important conversation because we’re exploring something that often gets misunderstood in conversations around teens, anxiety, and food. I’m joined by Stephanie Mara, a Somatic Nutritional Counsellor, somatic psychotherapist, and the creator of Somatic Eating®, a therapeutic approach that combines nervous system science, trauma work, attachment, and nutrition. Stephanie’s work helps people understand that food behaviours are often not about willpower, discipline, or “bad habits,” but are actually the body’s attempt to create safety, regulation, and comfort. We talk about the connection between attachment styles and eating behaviours and how a teen’s relationship with food is often deeply connected to emotional safety, stress, anxiety, and nervous system regulation. Stephanie explains how food can sometimes become a substitute for connection when emotional needs feel uncertain or unmet, and why healing a relationship with food often requires looking beyond the surface behaviour itself. We also discuss how anxiety and nervous system dysregulation can show up through emotional eating, food restriction, body image struggles, or fixation around eating patterns. Stephanie shares how parents can begin approaching these behaviours with more curiosity and compassion instead of fear or control. This episode is a powerful reminder that food behaviours are rarely just about food, and that understanding the nervous system and emotional attachment can completely shift the way we support our teens. NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  110 | Why Boundaries Keep Turning Into Power Struggles And How to Fix It 28.07.2026 20min

  Hi Parents! Do you feel like every boundary in your home turns into a power struggle? Maybe your teen argues about curfew, avoids homework, pushes back on phone limits, or seems to resist every expectation you set. It can leave you wondering whether you're being too strict, too lenient, or simply getting it all wrong. The truth is, the problem often isn't the boundary itself - it's how that boundary is being experienced by your teen's nervous system. When anxiety is present, even well-intentioned rules can feel overwhelming or controlling, leading to resistance, shutdown, avoidance, or secrecy. But with a few intentional shifts, boundaries can become a source of safety instead of conflict. In this episode, we're exploring the difference between control and structure, why anxious teens often push back, and how calm, collaborative communication can reduce power struggles while strengthening your relationship. And if today's conversation resonated with you, and you're ready to move beyond simply understanding anxiety and start responding with greater confidence, I'd love to invite you into The Parent's Anxiety Toolkit™. In just six weeks, you'll go from feeling overwhelmed, reactive, and unsure of what to do to feeling calm, capable, and confident in how you support your teen. You'll learn not only what to do when anxiety shows up, but why it works, so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start leading with clarity. Inside the program, I'll guide you through my signature 3A Pathway™ Framework - Awareness, Action, and Anchoring - a step-by-step approach that helps you better understand anxiety, respond effectively in the moments that matter most, and create a calmer, more connected home environment. This program was created for parents who are exhausted from feeling like they're doing everything wrong, watching anxiety dictate family life, and worrying about the next meltdown, shutdown, or emotional outburst. It's for parents who want to stop reacting out of fear, reconnect with their teen, and finally feel like they have a plan they can trust. Your teen doesn't need you to have all the answers or to parent perfectly. They need you to feel steady, equipped, and confident. And that's exactly what this program is designed to help you become. If you're ready to rebuild connection, bring more peace into your home, and learn practical tools that create lasting change, you can learn more about The Parent's Anxiety Toolkit™ here. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  109 | How Progress Over Perfection Helps Anxious Teens Build Confidence, Reduce Anxiety, and Create Habits That Stick with Monica Packer 21.07.2026 49min

  Hi Parents! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Monica Packer, host of the About Progress podcast, certified habits and identity coach, and author of Sticky Habits: A Woman’s Guide to Reclaim Happiness, Ditch Perfectionism, and Create Habits That Last. Monica shares powerful insight into how perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking show up in both teens and adults, and why this mindset often fuels anxiety, avoidance, and emotional overwhelm. We talk about what she calls the “Hidden Habit Saboteur” and how it quietly impacts motivation, confidence, and follow-through in teens who feel like anything less than perfect is failure.  We also explore how parents can shift the way they respond to mistakes, grades, and setbacks by helping teens see them as part of growth rather than evidence of failure. Monica shares practical ways to model progress over perfection at home so teens can build confidence through lived experience, not pressure. If you’ve ever watched your teen shut down because something felt too overwhelming or avoid trying altogether because they were afraid of not doing it right, this episode will give you a new lens for understanding what’s really going on underneath the behaviour. NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  108 | How to Help Your Teen When She Has No Friends and Is Struggling with Loneliness with Sheri Gazitt 14.07.2026 42min

  Hi Parents! When your teen feels like they have no friends, it can be heartbreaking to watch and even harder to know how to help. In this episode, I sit down with Sheri Gazitt, friendship expert and founder of Teen Wise, to talk about how parents can support their teen through loneliness without adding pressure or making the situation worse. We explore the important difference between being alone and feeling lonely, and how loneliness can begin to shape your teen’s thoughts, confidence, and self-perception. Sheri shares why trying to fix the problem quickly or pushing friendships too soon can backfire, and what it looks like to take a more supportive, skill-building approach instead. We also talk about small, realistic steps teens can take to begin building connections, even when they feel unsure or hesitant, and how parents can guide them without taking over. If you’ve been worried about your teen’s social life or wondering how to help when they feel left out or disconnected, this episode will give you practical tools and a new perspective on how to support them. FREE Resources from Sheri: 👉🏻 Girl Drama Webinar 👉🏻 Beyond Loneliness Webinar NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  107 | The Biggest Mistake Parents Make When Helping Teens Choose a Career Path and What to Do Instead with Miriam Groom 07.07.2026 47min

  Hi Parents! Helping your teen choose a career path can feel like a lot of pressure, especially when you just want them to be successful, secure, and happy. But what if some of the ways we try to help are making them feel more anxious and stuck? In this episode, I sit down with Miriam Groom, Career Therapist and founder of Mindful Career, to talk about the biggest mistake parents make when guiding their teens through career decisions. We explore why so many teens feel overwhelmed when thinking about their future, and how pressure to choose the “right” or “safe” path can disconnect them from who they truly are. Miriam shares how personality, values, and self-awareness play a critical role in career alignment, and why overlooking these factors can lead to confusion, avoidance, or lack of motivation. We also talk about how to recognize whether your teen is genuinely feeling lost versus appearing unmotivated, and what parents can do differently to support them without adding pressure. If you’ve ever found yourself worrying about your teen’s future or unsure how to guide them, this episode will give you practical, grounded strategies to help them move forward with more clarity and confidence. NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  106 | Why Parents Need the Right Tools to Help Their Teen Navigate Anxiety 30.06.2026 17min

  Hi Parents! What if the most powerful way to help your anxious teen wasn’t about fixing them, but learning how to support them differently? In this solo episode, I’m talking about why having the right tools as a parent can completely change the way your teen experiences anxiety and why your awareness, emotional regulation, and responses matter more than you may realize. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck in constant worry, or unsure how to help your teen without making things worse, this episode is for you. I dive into the hidden ways anxiety can take over the family dynamic, how parents often unintentionally reinforce anxiety out of love and protection, and why becoming a calmer, more confident support system can make such a powerful impact on your teen’s emotional well-being. I also share why I created The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, my 6-week parent program designed to help parents stop feeling helpless and start feeling equipped with the tools, language, and confidence to support their teen through anxiety in a healthier, more connected way. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens Connect With Me on Instagram
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  105 | How to Prepare Neurodivergent Teens for College and Build Self-Advocacy Skills with Dr. Tara Williams 23.06.2026 36min

  Hi Parents! Preparing your teen for college goes far beyond academics, especially if they struggle with anxiety, executive functioning, or are neurodivergent. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tara Williams, executive functioning coach and professor, to talk about how parents can support their teens in building the real-life skills they need to succeed in college and beyond. From time management and organization to emotional regulation and independence, we unpack what true college readiness actually looks like. We also dive into how to help your teen develop self-advocacy skills, so they can communicate their needs, ask for help, and navigate challenges with confidence. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to support your teen and not wanting to do everything for them, this conversation will help you find that balance. Dr. Tara shares practical, realistic ways to start building these skills at home, especially for anxious or neurodivergent teens who may need more guidance and support. Whether your teen is a few years away from college or already starting to think about the transition, this episode will give you tools to help them become more independent, confident and prepared for what’s next, without adding more pressure or overwhelm. 👉🏻 Summer Programs for Teens & College Students NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. 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
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  104 | How Parents Can Model Resilience and Support Teen Mental Health in a Stressful World with Dr. Jerry Weichman 16.06.2026 51min

  Hi Parents! Raising teens in today’s world can feel overwhelming, especially when stress, burnout, and mental health challenges seem more common than ever. Many parents are doing their best to support their teens, but aren’t always sure what actually helps - or how their own stress may be influencing the dynamic at home. In this episode, Dr. Jerry Weichman, clinical psychologist and adolescent specialist with nearly three decades of experience, shares what he’s learned from working with thousands of families navigating these exact challenges. His approach focuses on empowering parents with practical tools and strategies that support both teen mental health and the overall well-being of the family. The conversation explores how resilience is not just something we teach our teens, but something we model through our own behaviours, reactions, and mindset. Dr. Weichman breaks down how everyday family interactions can either support or strain a teen’s mental health, and how small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference over time. We also dive into the early signs of stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm in teens, along with realistic ways to respond that don’t add more pressure. From building healthier routines to shifting how we approach challenges as a family, this episode offers a grounded, actionable perspective for parents who want to raise resilient, emotionally healthy teens. 👉🏻 How to Deal Resource for Teens 👉🏻 Teen Brain Program at The Weichman Clinic NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work. 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
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  103 | How Parents Can Help Teens Find Inner Peace, Build Confidence and Stop Negative Self Talk with Dr. Dravon James 09.06.2026 42min

  Hi Parents! Teens today are under more pressure than ever, and for many, that pressure turns inward as self-criticism, doubt, and negative self-talk. Learning how to support them through those moments, without trying to fix or dismiss their feelings, can make all the difference in how they see themselves and navigate challenges. In this episode, Dr. Dravon James, transformation specialist, author, and founder of Everyday Peace, shares how parents can help their teens build confidence, develop a stronger sense of self, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner peace. Drawing from her decades of experience in leadership, coaching, and personal transformation, she offers a powerful perspective on how self-awareness, forgiveness, and mindset shifts can support emotional well-being in teens. The conversation explores how self-criticism shows up in teens, how parents can guide them toward more compassionate thinking, and why helping teens recognize their own strengths is key to building resilience. Dr. Dravon also introduces the idea that peace isn’t something we have to find outside of ourselves, it’s something we can learn to access and model for our children every day. For parents who want to help their teens move from self-doubt to self-trust, and from pressure to peace, this episode offers meaningful insights and practical ways to support that journey. 👉🏻 Listen to Dr. Dravon's Every Day Peace Podcast 📚 Book Mentioned - The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale 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
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  102 | How Social Media and Doomscrolling Are Impacting Teen Anxiety with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Erica Rozmid 02.06.2026 37min

  Hi Parents! In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Erica Rozmid, a board-certified clinical psychologist and expert in evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT, to explore the impact of social media and screen time on teen mental health. Together, we dive into the growing concern of doomscrolling and how constant exposure to negative content, comparison, and information overload can contribute to anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and low mood in teens. Dr. Rozmid introduces the powerful concept of shifting from “tech monitoring” to “tech mentoring,” helping parents move beyond simply limiting screen time and instead guide their teens toward healthier, more mindful technology use. We explore how parents can recognize when social media use is becoming problematic, what warning signs to look for, and how to support teens in breaking the cycle of excessive scrolling without creating power struggles. This conversation also highlights the importance of modelling healthy digital habits as parents and creating a home environment where technology supports well-being rather than undermines it. If you’re feeling concerned about your teen’s relationship with screens, social media, or their mental health, this episode offers practical tools, expert insights, and a more connected, supportive approach to navigating the digital world together. 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
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  101 | How to Motivate an Unmotivated Teen and Build Focus Resilience and Executive Function Skills with Coach Tom Mandile 26.05.2026 31min

  Hi Parents! Why do some teens stay focused and push through challenges while others seem completely unmotivated? In this episode, I sit down with executive functioning coach, teacher, and championship-winning athletic coach Tom Mandile to explore what is really going on when teens struggle with motivation, focus, and follow-through. With more than 20 years of experience working with students, athletes, and families, Tom shares how the same mental systems that help athletes perform under pressure can also help teens succeed in school, relationships, and everyday life. We talk about why what looks like a motivation problem is often actually a systems problem, and how developing executive functioning skills like time management, impulse control, and goal alignment can dramatically improve a teen’s ability to stay focused and build confidence. In this conversation, you’ll learn why structure often works better than willpower, how parents can support teens after setbacks, and simple strategies families can use to help teens build resilience, discipline, and independence. If you’ve ever wondered how to motivate your teen or help them stay focused when life feels overwhelming, this episode offers practical insights and tools you can start using right away. 👉🏻 Tom's FREE Resource 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
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  100 | What 100 Episodes Taught Me About Parenting Anxious Teens 19.05.2026 19min

  Hi Parents! This is my 100th episode and I can’t believe I’m here! In this milestone episode, I reflect on the journey behind the podcast from the fear I had when I first started, to the vulnerability of putting my voice out into the world, and the moments I genuinely questioned whether I should continue. I share why I originally started podcasting, how I moved away from short-form content into long-form conversations, and what shifted when I realized how powerful this platform could be for truly connecting with parents navigating teen anxiety. One of the biggest themes that continues to come up is how much teens learn from the way you show up as parents - how you respond to stress, how you regulate yourself, and how deeply they are influenced by your emotional patterns. To celebrate 100 episodes, I also introduce my 8-week program for parents of anxious teens, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™ created to help you go from feeling overwhelmed and unsure… to calm, confident, and equipped with the exact tools and language to support your child through anxiety. This episode is a celebration of growth, courage, consistency, and every single listener who has been part of this journey with me. 👉🏻 Book a call here if you have questions about the parent program 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
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  99 | How Parents Can Raise Boys Who Respect Women and Break Cycles of Abuse with Liz Ortenburger 12.05.2026 57min

  Hi Parents! Today we’re diving into an important and often uncomfortable topic, but one that matters deeply for the way our kids grow up to understand relationships, respect, and accountability. I’m joined by Liz Ortenburger, the CEO of SafeNest, Nevada’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit addressing domestic and sexual violence. Liz has spent more than two decades working to protect women and children and to challenge the way communities respond to abuse. Through her leadership at SafeNest, she oversees programs that provide emergency support, prevention education, housing, legal advocacy, and intervention services designed to disrupt cycles of violence before they continue into the next generation. In this episode, we talk about the powerful role parents play in shaping how boys understand respect, responsibility, and relationships with others. Liz shares why prevention starts long before adulthood and how the messages kids absorb at home, both spoken and unspoken, can shape how they treat others later in life. We also discuss how witnessing unhealthy relationship dynamics can impact children emotionally and behaviourally, even when those patterns are subtle. Liz explains why raising boys who hold themselves and others accountable is such an important part of preventing violence and creating safer communities. Throughout our conversation, Liz offers practical insights for parents who want to model empathy, accountability, and respect in their own homes while also having honest conversations with their teens about boundaries, consent, and healthy relationships. This episode is a powerful reminder that the way we talk about respect, conflict, and accountability at home plays a major role in the relationships our children will build in the future. Additional Resources Mentioned in Episode 👉🏻 Futures Without Violence - Coaching Boys into Men Program 📚 Hope Rising 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
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  98 | Why Motherhood Triggers Anxiety and How Moms Can Cope with Psychologist Dr. Terri Bacow 05.05.2026 34min

  Hi Moms! Motherhood brings so much love and for many moms, it also brings a level of worry and pressure they never expected. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Terri Bacow, a New York-based therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting people through major life transitions, especially moms navigating stress and anxiety. Terri and I talk honestly about why motherhood can heighten anxiety, even when everything looks “fine” on the outside. We explore the mental load moms carry, the guilt that creeps in when expectations feel impossibly high, and how constant worry can slowly take away joy and presence. Terri shares how anxiety often shows up as second-guessing, irritability, sleepless nights, and feeling like you’re never doing enough - no matter how hard you try. We also dive into how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help moms understand and interrupt anxious thought patterns instead of getting stuck in them. Terri explains CBT in a very practical, approachable way and offers insight into how small mindset shifts can make a big difference in how moms feel day to day. If you’re a mom who feels overwhelmed, on edge, or quietly struggling with anxiety, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone. Support is possible, and change doesn’t have to feel so heavy. 📚 Goodbye Anxiety: A Guided Journal for Overcoming Worry (for Teens) P.S. First person to email Terri will get a FREE copy of the journal sent to you! 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