Carrying on with the back-to-school season theme and all the big emotions it brings for teens — and for parents. In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I’m revisiting my conversation with parent coach Sarah Rosensweet to talk about validation, trust, and connection during this challenging transition. We dive into why control backfires, how curiosity opens doors, and ways to stay steady when teens push us away. I share my own parenting struggles, including navigating a teen dropping out, while Sarah offers practical guidance for supporting growth and resilience. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of raising teens, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable insights.

Find full show notes and more info at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-221-sarah-rosensweet-talks-peaceful-parenting-and-letting-go-during-the-teen-years/

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Back-to-school season stirs up ALL the emotions for our teens—and for us too. In this replay episode, I’m diving deep into how validation and mutual respect can shift everything at home. Your teen’s emotional world is real, big, and often overwhelming. If we dismiss it, we damage connection. If we validate it, we build trust. Don’t miss this one—it’s a must-listen for parents navigating the rocky weeks of school transition.

Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-290-solo-show-validation-mutual-respect-back-to-school/

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In this episode of Joyful Courage, I sit down with Zoya Brar to explore the deep connection between stress, the nervous system, and how we show up as parents. Together, we unpack how to regulate before hard conversations, recognize hidden stress, and lean into practical tools like breathwork, mindfulness, and technology boundaries. This conversation empowers parents to see their teens with compassion, repair relationships, and find presence in everyday moments. Listen in to feel grounded, supported, and inspired.

For more info about the guest and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-600-zoya-brar-talks-parenting-stress-and-nervous-system-awareness/

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Back-to-school season with tweens and teens can stir up anxiety, avoidance, and tricky conversations. In this episode, I share Positive Discipline tools and mindset shifts to help you move from “manager” to “mentor” so your teen feels respected, supported, and believed in. We’ll cover how to center yourself, start with curiosity, set clear agreements, and trust the process—because it’s about life skills, not perfect grades. Join me for practical, compassionate strategies to keep connection strong as the school year begins.

For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/ eps-599-how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-the-new-school-year

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Middle school is a major transition, and in this replay episode I talk about how we can prepare—not panic—as our tweens start to explore identity, tech, friendships, risk-taking, and independence. I offer insight into what’s happening developmentally, what we need to normalize (from vaping and friend drama to sex and substance conversations), and how to set healthy boundaries while staying connected. You'll hear practical ways to show up with presence, foster emotional safety, and handle tough moments with intention. This is your invitation to be proactive, emotionally available, and ready to walk the bridge to adolescence with compassion and courage.

For deeper show notes and more info, go to https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-484-the-real-work-of-parenting-during-the-middle-school-years/

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In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I dive deep into one of the biggest struggles parents of teens face—wanting to fix our kids’ problems instead of truly seeing and hearing them. I share real-life examples, practical Positive Discipline tools, and introduce my new acronym, VIBE: Validate, Inquire, Breathe, Empathize. By learning to validate our teens’ emotions without rushing to fix, we build trust, create emotional safety, and open the door to authentic problem-solving. If your teen is shutting you out, giving one-word answers, or feeling discouraged, this episode will help you reconnect and influence from a place of love.

Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-597-using-validation-to-reconnect-wtih-your-teen/

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Ever feel like your teen doesn’t quite fit into the “introvert” or “extrovert” box? In this week’s episode, I talk with psychiatrist and author Dr. Rami Kaminski, who introduces the idea of the “otrovert”—someone who thrives as a non-joiner, deeply connected to a few people but resistant to the pull of the group. We explore how embracing this way of being can free parents from pushing kids to “fit in” and instead celebrate who they truly are. If your teen values authenticity over popularity—or you wish you understood them better—this conversation will shift your perspective.

Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-596-being-an-otrovert-with-dr-rami-kaminski/

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This solo episode comes straight from my heart. Inspired by my morning routine, I pulled cards and reflected deeply on what it means to take full responsibility for generating the love, connection, and joy I want in my life—especially as a parent of teens. I talk about how we respond to the inevitable unfolding of life, how we often contribute to relationship dynamics without realizing it, and the courage it takes to choose differently. This is a deep dive into personal growth, mindset shifts, and conscious parenting—imperfectly, but with intention.

Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-382-solo-show-meeting-creating-life-unfolds

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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Jaimie Kelton of the If These Ovaries Could Talk podcast to explore the real experiences of queer parenting, non-bio connection, and the power of chosen family. We dive into the fears, joys, and boundary-pushing truths that come with raising kids in queer households—and why these stories matter to all of us. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally raising kids in today’s world, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughter, and reminders that parenting is a radical act of love.

Find more info and show notes at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-594-queer-parenthood-and-raising-resilient-teens-with-jaimie-kelton/

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In this episode, I’m inviting you to pull up a chair and exhale with me. We’re talking about the messy beauty of midlife, the realities of parenting teens, and what it means to trade the illusion of control for the groundedness of a compass. Whether you’re just entering the teen years or deep in the thick of it, I want you to feel seen, encouraged, and reminded that you’re not alone. I’m also sharing a new offering I’m working on — and I’d love your wisdom as I shape it for this community.

for more show notes and information, go to https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-593-parenting-growth-and-the-power-to-choose/

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