Moms of Tweens and Teens

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If you’re a mom who feels like you’re always trying—trying to be more patient, more present, more organized—and yet still end most days feeling like you’re falling short, this episode is for you. 

Today on the show, I’m joined by Carla Ondrasik — a former music executive who helped launch hits like “Genie in a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera, worked with icons like Barbra Streisand and NSYNC, and even discovered the songwriter who would later become her husband, John Ondrasik — the voice behind Five for Fighting.

Carla shares powerful insights from her book, Stop Trying: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More, and explains why “I’ll try” is often just a polite cover for fear, procrastination, and avoidance. She shows how shifting from try to do can change the way we parent, lead, and live—starting with simple changes in how we talk to ourselves and to our kids.

You’ll hear Carla’s own story of moving from behind-the-scenes supporter in the music industry to stepping into the spotlight with a message that helps moms drop the guilt, get honest about what they really want, and take small, doable steps that build confidence.

A few things Carla shares:

• Why “I’ll try” quietly keeps moms stuck, exhausted, and discouraged
• How “try” shows up in parenting and what our kids actually hear
• The difference in your brain between trying and doing
• Carla’s journey from music executive to author and speaker
• Simple language shifts that build confidence for you and your kids

Where to find Carla and her book:

Website: https://www.carlaondrasik.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaondrasik

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

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If you’re parenting a neurodivergent teen and find yourself quietly wondering about their future friendships, independence, or sense of belonging—this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Jamie Pastrano, a licensed social worker, autism advocate, and the co-founder of Synchrony, a groundbreaking social app that officially launched in January 2026.

Jamie’s journey began as a mom raising her son Jesse, who is autistic. Like so many parents of neurodivergent kids, she worked tirelessly to support him through childhood—only to realize that as the teen years approached, one critical question remained unanswered:

How will my child find meaningful connection as an adult?

In this episode, we talk about:

• The often invisible loneliness many neurodivergent teens and adults experience
• Common misconceptions about autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence
• Why traditional social and dating apps often increase anxiety rather than connection
• How Synchrony is reimagining social connection through interest-based matching, built-in safety, and an AI-powered social coach designed to support confidence, independence, and belonging
• Why friendship—not dating—is often the foundation neurodivergent adults need first

If you’ve ever thought, I just want my teen to find their people and feel like they belong, you’ll want to listen to this episode.

To learn more about Synchrony or explore the app, visit joinsynchrony.com.

Where to find Jamie and the app:

Website: https://joinsynchrony.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pastrano/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsynchrony/

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

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If you’re a mom lying awake at night, worried about your tween or teen’s anxiety… this episode is for you.

In this deeply meaningful and hope-filled conversation, I’m joined by Amber Leah, author, speaker, and mom, for an honest heart-to-heart about what it’s really like to walk alongside a child who is struggling with anxiety, stress, and depression.

Amber vulnerably shares her family’s story—watching her son Ollie struggle during his preteen and teen years—and the fear, helplessness, and heartbreak that so many moms quietly carry. Together, we talk about the moments no one prepares you for: the emotional outbursts, the pushing away, the shame that follows, and the constant question of “Am I doing this right?”

We also dive into what actually helped:

• What Amber said (and didn’t say) in the hardest moments
• How to respond when your teen’s anxiety comes out as anger, withdrawal, or disrespect
• Why empathy matters more than lectures when emotions are running high
• How to pause your own reactivity when you’re triggered and scared
• And how faith, practical tools, and connection can bring hope—even when the struggle doesn’t magically disappear

This episode is centered around the powerful book Amber co-wrote with her son, You Are Seen: 90 Devotions to Encourage Stressed and Anxious Teens—a resource born out of real life, real pain, and real healing. The message woven throughout our conversation is one every struggling teen (and mom) needs to hear: You are not broken. You are not alone. You are deeply seen.

If you’re a mom who feels scared, worn down, unsure what to do next—or quietly wondering if anyone understands what you’re carrying—press play and join us for a conversation that will leave you feeling understood, steadied, and a little less alone as you support your tween or teen through anxiety.

Where to find Amber and her and Ollie's book:

You Are Seen: 90 Devotions to Encourage Stressed and Anxious Teens: https://amzn.to/3NGTf7M

Website: https://amberlia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealamberlia/

Ollie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliver.lia22/

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

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It’s so easy to lose it when our kids’ emotions are running high. We tell them to “calm down,” and before we know it… we’re yelling too.

If that sounds familiar, you’re going to love this episode.

My special guest, Lisa Danahy, is a certified yoga therapist, educator, and founder of Create Calm. She’s spent more than 35 years helping kids, parents, and teachers learn practical ways to manage big emotions, regulate their nervous systems, and create more calm at home, in classrooms, and within themselves.

Lisa shares some beautiful, down-to-earth tools you can start using right away — from “balloon breathing” to simple co-regulation practices that help both you and your kids reset in the heat of the moment. These are the kinds of things that actually work when your tween refuses to get out of bed, your teen is rolling their eyes, or you feel your own patience slipping.

You’ll walk away feeling encouraged, equipped, and reminded that calm isn’t about control — it’s about connection.

Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and join us for this hopeful, heart-centered conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

• CreateCalm.org
• Creating Calm in Your Classroom by Lisa Danahy - https://amzn.to/3LLiLaZ
• Moms of Tweens and Teens Membership – community, resources, and workshops to help you connect more deeply with your tween or teen

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

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In this insightful conversation, Dr. Anna Levy-Warren, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Organizational Tutors, breaks down the concept of executive functioning (EF)—the brain processes that help kids and teens organize, plan, focus, and manage their emotions. Discover how everyday tasks like getting ready for school, homework, and handling transitions can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. Dr. Levy-Warren shares actionable strategies to help families support their tweens and teens with EF challenges, while also addressing the role of anxiety and how to manage family dynamics.

Key takeaways & tips:

• Use visual timers so time is seen, not just spoken.
• Do a 5-minute “start together”: help list the first 2–3 steps, then step back.
• Work backward from the real due date, including life events (games, birthdays, church, work).
• Expect a lag in shifting; name it and give a bridge (“Finish that last sentence, then let’s move to shoes”).
• Lead with repair over guilt: “I got activated. I’m sorry. Let’s try that again.”
• Model what you want to see: put your own phone away, breathe, open your calendar.

Where to find Dr. Anna Levy-Warren:

Organizational Tutors: organizationaltutors.com

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

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In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Shelley Branine, and let me tell you—this conversation blew me away. Shelley is a truth seeker, freedom fighter, wife, and warrior mom of two amazing daughters—one of whom actually graduated from college just a week before finishing high school.

As a mom myself, I was inspired hearing her story of how she navigated the college process with her girls and discovered the power of dual enrollment. Shelley explains how high school students can take college courses—often for free or at very little cost—and how this path not only saves families significant time and money but also gives students incredible confidence and real-world experience.

I loved how Shelley shared not just the wins but also her own struggles with student loan debt, the misconceptions about dual enrollment, and the truth about scholarships and college athletics. She brings so much clarity to a topic that feels overwhelming for so many parents and students.

If you’ve ever wondered about alternatives to the traditional (and expensive) college route, this episode is full of hope and practical steps. You’ll walk away knowing how to start the conversation with your guidance counselor, what questions to ask, and how to explore this smarter, debt-free option for your family.

Shelley’s upcoming book, Finish College in High School (coming early 2026), will be an incredible resource, but for now, I can’t wait for you to hear her wisdom and encouragement in this episode.

Where to find Shelley:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelleybranine/

Website and Articles Written by Shelley: https://shelleybranine.com/blog/

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

Send a text

If your teen has been vaping, using weed, lying, or just seems totally unmotivated—and you’re tired of the constant arguments or feeling unsure how to help them turn things around—this episode is for you. 

Amber Hollingsworth is an addiction specialist and creator of the YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down—and in this interview, Amber shares what really helps when teens are experimenting, struggling, or unmotivated to change.

Amber shares 

• Why “waiting for rock bottom” backfires—and what creates change instead
• The #1 most enabling behavior (hint: it’s not giving $20)
• How to "Drop the rope” and get out of the tug-of-war and lower the resistance
• How you want natural consequences vs. parent-imposed punishment to do the teaching
• What true boundaries actually look like: spoiler - they are rules for yourself, not your teen
• How to build “credit” with your teen so your words carry weight

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t be the villain. When you argue, threaten, or lecture, you become the distraction that keeps your teen from looking inward.
• Let the world be the bad guy. Natural consequences teach; parent-made punishments often fuel denial and blame.
• Boundaries are about you. “If you’re arrested, I won’t pick you up”—that’s a boundary. “You can’t leave the house”—that’s a rule you likely can’t enforce.
• Lead with empathy, then influence. “I get why fitting in matters” opens ears; lectures close them.
• Build credibility (“credit”). When your teen feels understood, your guidance finally lands.

Where to find Amber:

• Put The Shovel Down on YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown/videos
• Consults/coaching webiste: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/
• Free Resources: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/free-resources

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

Send a text

Do you have a teen who spends most of their time in their room, glued to their phone, avoiding homework, and tuning you out—no matter what you say or do?
 You’re not alone—and today’s conversation will help you understand what’s really going on and what you can do about it.

In this powerful and practical episode, Sheryl sits down with Dr. Melanie McNally, clinical psychologist, brain coach, and author of Helping Your Unmotivated Teen: A Parent’s Guide to Unlock Your Child’s Potential and The Emotionally Intelligent Teen. Since 2013, Melanie has helped hundreds of adolescents build emotional intelligence, motivation, and confidence—and today, she’s sharing her insights with us.

You’ll hear why so many teens struggle with motivation today, how technology is affecting their brains and emotions, and what we can do as parents to help our tweens and teens develop drive, grit, and goals. You’ll also hear why the first step to helping your teen might be looking at your own phone habits—and how modeling change can make all the difference.

What You’ll Learn (quick hits)

• Why tech disrupts self-regulation—and how to set simple family guardrails
• The listening shift that opens teens up (pause, reflect, then respond)
• Using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators wisely
• Pairing structure with choice (e.g., “one sport + one club,” teen’s choice)
• How to spot small wins and transfer those skills to school

Where to Connect with Dr. Melanie:

Website: drmelaniemcnally.com • Instagram: @drmelaniemcnally
Books: 

Helping Your Unmotivated Teen : https://amzn.to/3IUpRc2

The Emotionally Intelligent Teen: https://amzn.to/3VSlzF8

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

Send a text

Do you ever feel like all your tween or teen eats is buttered noodles or ramen? 🙋‍♀️ I hear this from so many moms — and I’ve been there too! We want our kids to eat healthier and learn life skills, but with everything on our plates, it feels impossible to make it happen.

That’s why I’m so excited about this conversation with Katie Kimball. Katie is a mom of four, a former teacher, and the creator of Kids Cook Real Food, named the best online cooking class for kids by the Wall Street Journal. She’s passionate about helping families build a healthier relationship with food, and she has a gift for teaching kids (and parents!) the skills they need in the kitchen — and beyond.

In this episode, Katie shares:

• How cooking can be a powerful way to connect with our kids and teach resilience.
• Why getting tweens and teens involved in the kitchen is one of the best gifts we can give them.
• Practical ways to help picky eaters expand their palate (without the battles).
• The life skills our kids gain when we let them take ownership and even fail in safe ways.
• How food impacts everything from mood to skin to energy — and how to help our kids notice it too.

This was such a fun and eye-opening conversation. Katie reminds us that teaching our kids to cook isn’t about adding another thing to our never-ending list — it’s about inviting them into everyday life in ways that lighten our load, build their confidence, and set them up for success.

Where to find Katie:

👉 You can grab some of Katie’s free resources at kidscookrealfood.com/tweens-and-teens

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieKimball

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekimballkidscook/
.

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.

Send a text

Feeling burned out? Need some encouragement and inspiration? Or maybe you just need to hear a little reassurance today? 

Well, friend, you are in the right place. I am so excited to welcome our special guest, Tyra Lane-Kingsland, to the show!

Whenever I talk to Tyra, I leave feeling so encouraged, refreshed, inspired, and filled up. She’s like going to an emotional chiropractor!

She is a mother of six, the founder of Inspired Life, a passionate coach, speaker, author, and a true advocate for the well-being of moms everywhere.

In this episode, she brings such wisdom about creating margin, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. Tyra reminds us that our worth is not tied to our children’s achievements or our ability to do it all.

Whether you’re overwhelmed, weary, or just need a little inspiration, Tyra’s words will help you feel lighter, more grounded, and empowered to care for your own heart as you care for your family.

Let’s dive in!

Where to find Tyra:

Website: https://www.inspiredtolivefully.com/about/meet-tyra/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredfully/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyra+Lane+Kingland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredfully

Support the show

Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens

Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Join our Community HERE.

Find awesome resources HERE.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/

Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.