Are you constantly worried about your teen's choices and future, especially in the middle of the night? Have you found yourself struggling to connect with your teen, wondering if your parenting approach is truly effective?

In this episode of the Power Your Parenting Moms with Teens podcast, Colleen O'Grady interviews Amy Betters-Midtvedt, author of You'll Make It and They Will Too. Together, they dive into the realities of parenting teens, from dealing with midnight anxiety to navigating challenging relationships. Amy shares her journey of learning to let go of control and focusing on connection with her teens, offering insights on how to balance boundaries with empathy. The conversation also touches on practical strategies for managing teenage friendships, dating, and faith, emphasizing the importance of choosing love over judgment.

Amy Betters-Midtvedt, is a Today Parenting contributing author with more than a million readers and 25 years of experience working with adolescents and families. In both her job as a literacy coach and in her personal life—where she and husband, Todd, wrangle their five children—she has been surrounded by kids and teens and is passionate about serving them. Amy has a master's degree in leadership, curriculum, and instruction.

Takeaways are--Let go of the fear-based approach to parenting, recognizing that trying to control every aspect of your teen's life only creates more conflict. Instead, focus on understanding and guiding them, allowing space for their independence to flourish. Prioritizing connection over constant correction is key—building a strong relationship with your teen is more valuable than always trying to fix their behavior. Look for opportunities when they are open to talk, and listen without judgment. Additionally, embrace flexibility when it comes to faith and values; allow your teen to question and explore their beliefs, and support them as they find their own path, trusting that their journey will be unique and personal.

Learn more about Amy at https://amybettersmidtvedt.com/

Follow Amy on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/amy.betters.midtvedt/

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