In the year's final episode, Cindy Manko delivers a heartfelt send-off, sharing 50 powerful reminders from this season's Listen Love Launch podcast. Packed with encouragement and wisdom, each reminder is crafted to help you excel in parenting during your teen’s senior year.

Covering everything from emotional regulation to giving your teen space, trusting your instincts, and letting go gracefully, this episode beautifully recaps the essential themes. Cindy's message to all moms is clear: you are enough, and your experiences in this emotional rollercoaster of motherhood are heard and understood. In this episode, Cindy dives into essential parenting insights, including:

• The top skill every teen needs from their parents: listening!

• Understanding that emotions, both yours and your teen's, are not obstacles.

• The importance of setting boundaries, fostering independence, and preparing for adulthood.

• How the RISE method enhances emotional connections.

• Insights into what your teen wishes you understood.

• The importance of celebrating progress rather than pursuing perfection.

• Why experiencing discomfort is crucial for growth, for both you and your teen.

🎉 Plus! Don’t miss:

• Live Gatherings (in-person + Zoom) to help moms transition from parenting teens to supporting adult children. Get support, swag bags, and solidarity. ➤  📍Sign up to stay informed about gatherings.  This survey will help you get plugged into the gathering that is just right for you! https://link.captivationhub.com/widget/survey/m1gBA3XDcqEwz8fbL9eQ

📘 Mentioned:

• The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom’s Eyes — still time to fill it out! [ https://a.co/d/2YguEiH ]

• Weekly Monday newsletter to stay supported year-round [Insert link to sign up]

❤️ Final Note: You’ve shown up. You’ve grown. You’ve listened, loved, and launched.

We’re so proud of you. Stay strong and stay savvy, mama.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with your mom friends who are also navigating this special season. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other moms find this podcast and feel supported!

Stay Connected: 📸 Follow Cindy on Instagram: @MankoCindy 🎙️ Listen to past episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-love-launch-podcast/id1711834519

Let’s embrace this final stretch together—you’ve done a great job, Mom!

As the school year wraps up, Cindy Manko guides moms through the emotional highs and lows of senior year's final months in this poignant episode . Cindy offers practical advice and emotional support to help moms cherish these fleeting moments, reflecting on the transitions and the sweet sorrow of seeing their teens step into the next chapter of their lives.

Cindy also announces exciting developments for the podcast, broadening her support to include all moms of teens. She introduces plans for upcoming face-to-face gatherings and virtual meetings to foster a community of moms who can share laughter, encouragement, and experiences.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The emotional weight of the senior year countdown

• How to manage the last of the “lasts”—final games, performances, and school events

• Maximizing the remaining time with your teen

• Creative strategies to maintain connections with busy teens

• The importance of empowering them toward independence

• Approaching future changes with excitement rather than fear

• How teens carry echoes of their childhood as they return home

Special Announcement: Cindy is hosting in-person gatherings for both current and upcoming senior moms! If you're in Michigan, check the link below to sign up for gatherings near you. Not local? Join the virtual Zoom sessions (complete with a fun swag bag!) to connect with other senior moms.

Resources & Links: 📍Sign up to stay informed about gatherings.  This survey will help you get plugged into the gathering that is just right for you! https://link.captivationhub.com/widget/survey/m1gBA3XDcqEwz8fbL9eQ

 📍 Grab your Journal Project book: [ https://a.co/d/2YguEiH ]

Share the Love! If this episode spoke to you, share it with your mom friends who are also navigating this special season. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other moms find this podcast and feel supported!

Stay Connected: 📸 Follow Cindy on Instagram: @MankoCindy 🎙️ Listen to past episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-love-launch-podcast/id1711834519

Let’s embrace this final stretch together—you’ve done a great job, Mom!

In this episode of the Listen Love Launch Podcast, Cindy Manko tackles the challenging topic of rejection and its effects on youth. She delves into various types of rejection that teens may encounter, including social, academic, and romantic. Cindy emphasizes the importance of recognizing their emotions, building resilience, and enhancing self-worth.

Cindy offers practical strategies for parents to help their teens navigate these difficult experiences. She discusses the importance of seeking support, focusing on strengths, and understanding that rejection is a normal part of life. The episode underscores the vital role moms play in guiding their children through these moments and reframing rejection as an opportunity for learning.

Here's what we're unpacking in today's episode:

• (00:00) Dive into what rejection really means for our kids.

• (01:05) Explore the different arenas where teens might face rejection.

• (02:29) Tips on how parents can help their teens process and bounce back.

• (06:05) Strategies for building resilience and nurturing self-worth.

• (08:44) Finding the right support and ways to move forward positively.

• (13:16) Importance of setting healthy boundaries and practicing self-compassion.

• (16:25) Understanding the crucial role parents play when kids face rejection.

• (18:58) Learning to view rejection not as a setback, but as a stepping stone for growth.

LINKS :

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

• Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

In today’s episode, Cindy discusses her daughter Maria’s tough decision between two sports events, emphasizing the importance of letting teens make their own choices. The episode explores the guilt many moms feel, advocating a shift from controlling “engineering parenting” to nurturing “shepherding parenting.” It offers insights into overcoming misconceptions that a child’s failures reflect on parenting.

Discomfort is part of growth, underscoring the need to trust the process and lean on support networks. If you are feeling overwhelmed,  make sure to sign up for the free discovery call with Cindy to help navigate the challenges of raising resilient teens.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(0:50) - 5 top reasons we feel mom guilt

(1: 05) - 1.  Feeling responsible for every last thing when it comes to our kids.

(1:50) - 2.  Comparing your kids to others, and comparing your parenting to other’s parenting.

(2:39) - 3. You believe your child is a reflection of your parent.

(3:10) - Cindy’s story about mom-guilt  and how she weathered the storm.

(7:00) - The conclusion of the story 

(7:05) - 4.  Prioritizing Protecting over helping them grow and how this creates mom-guilt

(9:00) - 5.  Mom’s unrealistic expectation of themselves.  No one is perfect.

(10:00) - Engineering parenting vs. Shepherding parenting 

(11:55) - God modeled what shepherding looks like.

(12:40) - Facing challenges and the culturally misleading messages.

(14:55) - Connecting with last week's podcast message about normal life challenges

(17:00) - The world will not tiptoe around your kids’ emotions.  How can we help them?

(21:10) - Cindy’s Pep Talk : Be kind to yourself. 

LINKS :

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

• Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

Hey everyone, it’s Cindy Manko here, and today we've got a special episode of Listen Love Launch with a very special guest—my daughter, Nadia! We’re diving deep into how understanding teenage emotions can shape healthier adult relationships. We're sharing our own rollercoaster ride from Nadia's senior year through her leap into adulthood, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows, and how these experiences have strengthened our bond.

We’ll talk about balancing independence with support, making savvy decisions like Nadia's double major in college, and managing the transition from college to career, including her brave battle with clinical depression. So, Moms, join us as we unpack the lessons learned and celebrate the victories in parenting through life’s big changes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(1:30) Meet my daughter, Nadia 

(2:20) - Cracking the code:  helping your teen understand themselves.

(4:45) - Understanding and regulating your emotions helps with having a better outlook on your future.

(6:30) - Nadia’s emotional attachment to things said something, find out what.

(8:00) - What moms can do to help with their teen’s choice making.

(9:40) - When did Nadia go from eyerolls to appreciating her mom.  

(15:05) - Why you shouldn’t always push to figure out “why” with things 

(15:35) - How important is it to do all the senior year “things”, like prom?

(19:20) - The volleyball story and how it taught her to stand up for herself and how to be her own advocate which built confidence.

(24:00) - A MUST!  The habit that MUST be stopped!

(30:40) - Nadia’s Anxiety and Depression and how WE navigated it.  Hear both sides of the story!

LINKS :

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

Depression and anxiety are more than just big emotions—they are real struggles that many teens (and moms) face. In this episode, we dive into what depression and anxiety actually are, how to recognize the warning signs, and ways to support your teen through these challenges. 

We'll also discuss why social media plays a huge role in amplifying anxiety, the dangers of self-diagnosing, and the power of emotional check-ins. As moms, we often want to "fix" things for our kids, but the best thing we can do is listen, validate, and guide them toward help when needed. 

I share personal stories, real-life coaching experiences, and practical strategies to help you support your teen—and yourself—through emotional ups and downs.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 2:00 -  How to distinguish between everyday stress and clinical anxiety/depression

4:25 -  The role of social media in teen anxiety and the risks of self-diagnosing

 6:08 -  Key warning signs that indicate your teen may need help

10:35 - Mom’s role if you suspect your teen has depression or anxiety

12:20 - Strategies to keep depression and anxiety at bay:    How simple daily habits—like sleep, movement, and reducing screen time—can make a huge impact

14:03 - Boredom, and how do they handle it

15:25 - Passion Projects, interests and tinkering with broken toasters 

16:45 - The 3-3-3 Rule for managing anxious thoughts 

                                                                           17:50 -  The power of emotional check-ins for both moms and teens

19:45 -  Why you don’t need to have all the answers—being a steady, loving presence is enough

LINKS 

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

In this episode of the Listen Love Launch Podcast, host Cindy Manko tackles the fiery topic of teenage anger. She delves into the root causes and common triggers, uncovering the emotions that often lurk beneath the surface.

Cindy also shares practical strategies to help teens regulate their emotions and quick techniques to diffuse anger when it flares up.

For parents feeling uncertain about handling their teen’s outbursts, this episode provides valuable insights and tools to respond calmly and confidently, offering support and guidance for navigating these challenging emotional waters.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The real emotions behind teenage anger ✔️ Common triggers that set off emotional outbursts ✔️ How moms can help their teens regulate emotions ✔️ Quick techniques to diffuse anger before it escalates

Listen in to learn more :

(1:00) - Personal story dealing with teenage anger

(4:10) - Why teens get angry

(7:00) - Triggers: Feeling unheard, Academic stress, Social conflicts, and family rules

(9:00) - Anger as a secondary emotion: what’s underneath the anger

(10:00) - Example of diffusing anger: THE LISTEN LOVE LAUNCH approach works

(12:00) - How moms can help regulate their teen’s emotions

(14:35) - Coping Strategies: Their anger is not the boss of them…OR YOU

(21:10) -  Building resilience

(25:23) - Quick and easy fixes to manage anger in the moment

(28:25) -  Deep Issue Anger:  Where to get help when anger is bigger than you can handle

(34:00) - You are not a failure if your teen has anger.

LINKS 

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!.

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

Join Cindy Manko on the Listen Love Launch Podcast as she unveils key strategies for moms during the intense senior year. 

This episode teaches you to pause, breathe, and react with intention, creating a nurturing environment for your teen. Learn essential techniques like the 4-7-8 breathing exercise and how to separate your emotions from your teen's, establishing yourself as a supportive presence.

We also highlight the crucial role of self-care, offering tips like adequate sleep and journaling through "The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes." Embrace these strategies to enhance your support for your teen. For more personalized advice, reach out for a free discovery call and navigate this pivotal time with confidence.

Listen to learn more:

1:00 - What is emotional regulation

2:35 - Key strategy #1:  how to help your teen with emotional regulation: PAUSE

4:00 - Tip to help you regulate:  deep breath exercise

5:15 - Key Strategy #2: Separate your emotions from your teen’s emotions

6:45 - Research on development of your teen’s autonomy 

7:30 - Key Strategy #3: Mindset shift: be a listening board and empathize

10:00 - Tip: Asking open ended questions

10:30 - Key Strategy #4: Model healthy emotional expression

12:30 - The power of being honest and vulnerable with your own emotions.

12:45 - How to handle when you are the dumping grounds for everyone in the family

13:45 - Bonus tip: The importance of self care.

15:05 - An important step Cindy took in her kids’ senior years.

LINKS 

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

• Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

Join Cindy Manko on the Listen Love Launch Podcast as we delve into the complexities of teenage love. Learn why it's normal for teens to be single and how few high school romances end in marriage. We'll discuss statistics and strategies that help alleviate parental worries and provide tools to support your teen's emotional development. Gain insights on fostering open communication, understanding your teen's social circle, and setting appropriate boundaries. Discover how to use real-life stories and media to initiate meaningful conversations about relationships. This episode empowers you to guide your teen through the ups and downs of young love with confidence and understanding.

Listen to learn more:

00:45 - Statistics on teen love

2:05 - A Hallmark of the teenage years is finding their identity and love

3:57 - A parent’s protective instinct to save a child from bad relationships can be harmful

7:40 - Communication:  more listening and less talking/directing

9:45 - Helping them build their belief system

11:50 - Testing out relationships and how communication can steer them in the right direction

13:50 - If they’re feeling it, you need to deal with it.

15:10 - Sorting out your own feeling before dealing with theirs

18:00 - Giving independence builds an individual. Listen, Love, and Launch

21:30 - Giving good examples to compare their relationship with.

24:45 - Keep them focused on other things for a healthy balance of time use.

32:00 - Maintain your relationship with your teen

LINKS 

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

• Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

Ever wondered how to handle the whirlwind of emotions during your teen’s senior year? Join Cindy Manko as we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of this pivotal time. 

We’ll break down the key components of emotions—subjective experiences, physiological responses, and behavioral reactions—and their role in managing how we feel. Understanding these elements helps improve emotional regulation and reduce health risks from suppressing emotions. 

This episode also focuses on acknowledging and expressing emotions constructively, providing a roadmap for smoother transitions as your teen steps into adulthood. Discover how to turn emotions into valuable insights for better interactions and a graceful move towards an empty nest.

Listen to learn more:

1:55 - What are emotions?

2:15 - Subjective experience, or our own perception of life around us.

3:15 - Physiological responses to our experiences 

4:15 - Behavioral responses to the world around us.

5:00 - Research on FEELINGS and holding them in.

6:50 - Emotional Intelligence- why we want to build it.

8:09 - Examples of dealing with our emotions

9:00 - Why we shouldn’t be afraid of Uncomfortable feelings 

12:25 - homework for the week…we don’t get better unless we practice

LINKS 

Free discovery call:

https://www.the.cindymanko.com/11-coaching-page

The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom's Eyes by Cindy Manko

https://a.co/d/2YguEiH

Private Facebook Group just for moms of high school seniors:

www.facebook.com/groups/savvyseniormoms/

CONNECT WITH CINDY:

Instagram: @MankoCindy

Email: [email protected]

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

• Create reminders in your calendar – NEW episodes will be released every Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

• Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom