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

Join Cindy Manko on the Listen Love Launch Podcast as she unveils the RISE method for transitioning your teen from dependency to independence. 

Learn how to use Reflection, Inspiration, Survey, and Enlightenment to navigate this pivotal time. Discover the balance between supporting your teen and letting go, fostering strong family bonds as your child steps into the final months of their senior year. 

Embrace this exciting phase with strategies that turn challenges into opportunities, and don't miss out on a chance for a free one-on-one discovery call to ensure you and your teen feel prepared. 

Together, let's make these moments empowering and memorable.

Listen in to learn more about today's episode :

0:30 - How Cindy can help you one-on-one. Free discovery call

2:15 - Enlightenment definition and connection to raising a teen.

2:00 - Cindy’s review of RISE and how it can help you thrive as a mom.

2:30 - REFLECTION - how it can help give you the confidence to let go

3:35 - INSPIRATION - from reflecting, we can let it inspire us to persevere.

4:35 - SURVEY - Survey through listening and validating your senior

5:38 - Your job is not dead.  You will always be Mom; you will always be needed.

6:07 -  Enlightenment - may the surveying of your senior enlighten you to let go.

6:55 - It takes practice to feel confident

7:10 - Swans and Loons: how their parenting style is like yours!

11:10 - Letting go doesn’t have to be so scary with the RISE Approach.

 

LINKS 

Free discovery call:

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

 

Outline of the RISE Approach:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v2B-iTzgvGDbCrkasicrfzX3tultCxZXVz7uEdZ8WWc/edit?usp=sharing

 

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 explores the art of stepping back to unlock your teen’s potential. 

 

This episode dives into the RISE approach, particularly surveying for success, where Cindy shares tips on observing your teen’s problem-solving skills to boost their independence and self-confidence. She introduces a playful metaphor, urging parents to see the “donut,” not the “hole,” celebrating strengths while acknowledging imperfections. 

 

Embrace the RISE steps—Reflect, Inspire, Survey—to navigate this transformative year with love and confidence, preparing for the enlightening phase of parenting. Tune in for insightful guidance and encouragement.

Listen to learn more:

2:20 - About your teen’s frontal lobe of their brain.

3:30 - What it means to survey your teens 6 step shift

4:20 - Step 1 Pause

6:16 - Step 2 Listen

7:25 - Step 3 State what you heard and Validate

8:02 - Step 4 Listen some more

9:07 - Step 5 State your observation, recycle steps 1-4.

9:30 - Textbook example of the process

10:45 - Fight or Flight…how to save them from it!

13:10 - Step 6 Give Confident inspiration

14:40 - Encouraging you to SURVEY.

 

LINKS 

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 week's episode, Cindy Manko introduces step two of her R I S E approach, emphasizing the importance of inspiring independence in teenagers by treating them as insightful individuals rather than micromanaging their every move. Cindy is also inspired by family therapist Jennifer Kolari’s concept of parents stepping back from acting as a "substitute frontal lobe," striking a delicate balance between guidance and control. Cindy’s words will shed light on how reducing parental intervention allows teens to develop confidence and essential life skills. While challenging, the shift in parental roles paves the way for deeper connections and enduring support as teens journey toward independence. Parents can help teens unlock their full potential by embracing change and allowing them to navigate discomfort and failure independently.  This episode offers valuable insights into transforming your parenting approach and creating a nurturing environment where your teen can truly thrive.

Listen to learn more:

0:30 - Definition of Inspire

1:25 - Why you should join The Savvy Senior Mom private Facebook group

2:05 - Introduction to the parent habit: you should kick to the curb.

3:05 - What is so important about developing the brain’s frontal lobe?

4:00 - What is your job in helping build an independent teen?

6:07 - The challenge to listen and how that helps you build your teen's confidence.

10:37 - “How to Inspire Others” article breakdown.

11:10 - 20:45:  10 ways to inspire your teen inspired by Maggie Wooll 

1.  Compliment your teen

2. Be enthusiastic

3. Have integrity

4. Be empathetic

5. Maintain a positive outlook

6. Practice gratitude

7. Stand your ground

8. Set clear goals and strive for them

9. Have passion

10. Challenge your teen

20:45 - Addressing how hard it is to have a teenager. 

 

LINKS 

Article by Maggie Wooll, MBA  

10 Ways to Inspire Others and Support Long-term Growth

https://a.co/d/aV9ao3w

Reflection questions link:  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14gS7hoPMp_zabjr79HYjur0ged9TM7ohcmC_3aFgAFY/edit?usp=sharing

 

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 us for a heartwarming episode of "Listen Love Launch" as we explore the transformative journey of strengthening mother-daughter bonds during the high school senior year. 

 

Discover the empowering RISE approach—Reflect, Inspire, Survey, Enlighten—that helps moms navigate this pivotal transition with grace and confidence. We'll share practical tips to avoid Quitter's Day and embrace growth while fostering a friendship-based relationship. 

 

Dive into the art of letting go and holding on, celebrating your family's evolving roles. Tune in for insights, warmth, and a strengthened bond on the path to adulthood!

 

Listen to learn more:

0:40 - Intro to the New Year New You Resolution for Moms of Seniors

2:35 - Beating the odds of Quitter’s Day

3:30 - Your senior and senioritis

4:12 - R.I.S.E!  What it mean

5:35 - Step one: REFLECT

7:45 - Cindy’s speech to Moms and their college daughters about letting go.

14:00 - Encouragement to REFLECT

15:10 - Signing off with love and admiration for your dedication!

 

LINKS 

Reflection questions link:  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14gS7hoPMp_zabjr79HYjur0ged9TM7ohcmC_3aFgAFY/edit?usp=sharing

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

Cindy Manko, host of the Listen Love Launch podcast, delves into the emotional whirlwind of high school seniors’ holiday season. As acceptance letters arrive alongside Christmas carols, each one holds the promise of new beginnings while evoking a sense of nostalgia for soon-to-end family traditions.

 

In this week’s episode, Cindy explores vibrant conversations from a Facebook group for moms of seniors, a place where laughter mingles with tears and camaraderie is born from shared exhaustion. She emphasizes the importance of savoring these moments with their seniors amid the bustling holiday and college application season.

 

Cindy encourages listeners to embrace the joy, traditions, and even chaos of this unique time. As they light up this festive season, she urges them to find strength in unity and cherish these fleeting moments. 

 

 

LINKS

The Savvy Senior Mom Series: Creating a blueprint for a successful year:

https://www.cindymanko.com/home

 

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 other Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

• Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom

 

 

 

Episode Summary Cindy Manko, host of the Listen Love Launch podcast, celebrates the 50th episode with a special focus on the emotional journey of parenting high school seniors as they prepare to leave home. Inspired by her own experiences as her oldest child headed off to college, Cindy created this space for moms navigating the same tumultuous transition. In this episode, listeners will dive into the complex emotions that come with this pivotal stage, learning to transform parental worry into empowerment through techniques like journaling and treating listening as a love language. She also shares how  moms can step back from the 'Mrs. Fix-It' role and adopt a 'let them lead' approach, grappling with challenges such as empty nesting and menopause. As families savor graduation milestones and dynamics shifts, this episode guides mothers learning to let go with love. 

LINKS 

 

 

The Savvy Senior Mom Series: Creating a blueprint for a successful year:

https://www.cindymanko.com/home

 

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/

 

On today’s episode -  we're diving into a super important topic on the Listen Love Launch Podcast. Joining us is the fabulous Dr. Janelle Makoviak, or Dr. Mack as we like to call her, who’s a whiz in the world of holistic health and naturopathy. She's here to spill the beans on why self-care isn't just nice—it’s necessary, especially for you moms nearing that empty nest stage. Dr. Mack will share her secrets on tackling those nagging health nuisances like heartburn and headaches before they turn into bigger issues. Plus, we're talking about super simple self-care strategies, like squeezing in 10 minutes of mindfulness or relaxation into your day—because you totally deserve it! So, buckle up and let’s get this wellness party started!

 

Listen in to learn more:

2:00 - Taking care of yourself is taking care of your teen.

4:00 - Embracing the self-care journey

8:30 - Prioritizing sleep habits

13:00 - Influencers on Social Media warning

17:45 - Dr. Mack’s story story

20:15 - Difference between Conventional and Holistic healthcare

24:45 - Journey into Menopause

26:45 - Get ahold of your stress

LINKS 

Connect with Dr. Mack 

www.cherryblossomnaturalwellness.com 

 

Michigan Association of naturopathic Doctors

www.michnd.org

 

The Savvy Senior Mom Series: Creating a blueprint for a successful year:

https://www.cindymanko.com/home

 

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

Kimberly Grustus, founder of Good For You Girls, shares her journey into creating all-natural skincare for teens on our podcast. With a fitness, nutrition, and advertising background and motivated by her daughters' struggles with asthma and allergies, Kimberly developed a skincare line free from harmful synthetic ingredients. This episode highlights the importance of safe, age-appropriate products and mothers' empowering role in their daughters’ health.

We also discuss navigating puberty with a positive mindset, viewing it as a time of potential for building young women's confidence and resilience. The conversation covers the impact of social media and societal pressures, emphasizing open communication and critical thinking to foster healthy self-perception. Kimberly offers valuable strategies for proactive parenting and using empathy and dialogue to manage social media's challenges, providing insights on crafting holistic empowerment strategies for mothers supporting their teens.

 

 

 

Special discount from Kim Grustus’ Good for you girls skin care line:

Go to www.goodforyougirls.com and 

Apply the discount code: SAVVY20

 

Listen in to learn more:

(1:00) About Kim’s Journey to becoming the inventor of Good For You Girls Skin Care Line

(9:00)  The message beyond skincare: positivity surrounding puberty

(13:00) Knowledge is Power.  Teaching critical thinking and all about your teens body. 

(17:00) Confidence comes from knowing what your body needs.  

(18:46) Moms role in teen growth:  empathy, being a sounding board, and a safe place

(20:40) Time of Change means a mom’s effort should be toward personal growth as well as encouraging independence in their teens.  Common conversation revolving around growth.

(26:00) Social Media Influence; how hormones are involved and can create bad habits.  

(32:45)  Less is more…skincare that it is!

 

The Savvy Senior Mom Series: Creating a blueprint for a successful year:

https://www.cindymanko.com/home

 

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 as we delve into the emotional shift from directing our teenagers to supporting their transition into adulthood. This episode explores how parents can ease tensions by stepping back, allowing teens to navigate their own choices and learn from their mistakes.

We also explore the unique challenges faced by parents of senior students, including those with special needs or mental health issues. We discover strategies for setting healthy boundaries and enhancing decision-making support without overstepping. As the holiday season approaches, we emphasize the importance of strong communication patterns to minimize stress and foster meaningful family interactions. 

This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Listen in to learn more: 

• (1:00) What will it look like when you do not control your teen?

• (5:00) Embracing the letting go. 

• Tension is inevitable (6:35)

• The tension is not personal (7:14)

• Listening is the key to diffusing tension(9:40)

• Set Good Boundaries (14:30)

• (19:15) Remembering that we all have our individual battles

• (22:45) Letting go is not losing them

• (24:00) Cindy’s  final encouragement 

 

 

The Savvy Senior Mom Series: Creating a blueprint for a successful year:

https://www.cindymanko.com/home

 

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 other Thursday!

• Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app

Share this episode. Tag #savvyseniormom