Hi Parents!

Sibling rivalry. Friend drama. Conflict that seems to pop up out of nowhere. For parents of teens, it can feel exhausting and confusing to know how much to intervene or when to step back.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rosina McAlpine, parenting expert, author, and CEO of Win Win Parenting, to explore why sibling and peer rivalry happens, and how we can guide our teens through it without adding fuel to the fire.

Dr. Rosina shares insights from research that reveal the three main ways kids resolve conflict - coercion, negotiation, and disengagement - and explains why teens often use very different approaches with siblings compared to friends. We also dive into the fascinating role of birth order, what to watch out for when rivalry crosses into bullying, and the values-based strategies parents can use to help their teens build healthier, stronger relationships.

More About Dr. Rosina:

Dr. Rosina McAlpine is an internationally recognized parenting expert, author, and CEO of Win Win Parenting. Through her workplace parenting education programs, she helps busy working parents balance career and family life while navigating everyday parenting challenges such as screen time, emotional regulation, and sibling conflict. Dr. Rosina’s practical, evidence-based approach has been featured widely in the media, and her programs support parents, carers, and educators across Australia and beyond.

If you’ve ever worried about constant bickering at home or felt unsure how to help your teen manage peer tension, this episode offers both practical tools and a sense of relief that you’re not alone in facing these challenges.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

Is your teen just going through typical teenage ups and downs or could it be anxiety? That’s the question so many parents wrestle with and it’s not always easy to answer.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sophia Vale Galano, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and seasoned therapist who has worked with teens and adults in schools, hospitals, and private practice across California. Sophia brings both professional expertise and a holistic approach to mental health that helps parents and teens alike feel more grounded and supported.

Together, we talk about how parents can tell the difference between normal teen behavior and signs of anxiety, how to communicate in ways that actually open the door instead of shutting it, and what steps to take if your teen is resistant to talking at all. Sophia also shares when it’s time to consider extra support and how to approach that process without adding more stress for your teen.

Her book, Calming Teenage Anxiety, offers even more guidance and practical tools for parents who want to better understand their teen’s emotions and create a sense of calm and connection at home.

More About Sophia:

Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW, is a therapist based in California who specializes in working with both adolescents and adults. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and earned her LCSW in 2018. In addition to her thriving private practice, she supervises associate therapists and has extensive experience in residential, inpatient, outpatient, and educational settings.

Beyond her clinical work, Sophia is also a certified yoga instructor, Master Reiki Practitioner, and certified in sex therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and forensic social work. She’s passionate about integrating evidence-based therapy with holistic tools to help clients navigate anxiety, trauma, and personal growth.

This conversation is both practical and deeply compassionate, reminding you that you don’t need to have all the answers to be a safe place for your child.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

Have you ever wondered why some teens turn to self-harm when they’re in pain?

For parents, even the thought of your teen hurting themselves can feel overwhelming and terrifying. You might find yourself asking: Why would they do this? Is it for attention? Did I miss the signs? The truth is, self-harm is rarely about attention. For many teens, it’s a way of coping with intense emotions they don’t yet have the tools to manage.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why teens self-harm, what it’s really about, and how parents can respond in a way that is supportive rather than reactive. We’ll talk about the emotional needs behind self-harm, how it often connects to anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism, and the crucial role parents play in creating safety and open communication.

Whether this is something your teen is currently struggling with or a topic you want to be prepared for, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical steps to help you approach this difficult subject with confidence and care.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

Do you ever feel weighed down by parenting guilt?

If your teen struggles with anxiety, it’s so easy to blame yourself - wondering if you’ve done enough, said the right things, or somehow made things worse. Guilt can creep in when you set boundaries, when you give space, and even when you try to help. The pressure to “get it right” all the time can leave you second-guessing your every move.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into how parenting guilt shows up and why it can feel so heavy when your teen is anxious. More importantly, we’ll talk about how to release it, so you can support your teen with confidence instead of constantly questioning yourself.

I’ll share how guilt can actually fuel anxiety for both you and your teen, the mindset shifts that make space for more calm and clarity, and simple practices that help you show up as the grounded, supportive parent your teen needs most.

Whether you’ve been carrying parenting guilt for years or it’s just starting to show up in your home, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to let go of the weight and step into a more confident, compassionate role in your parenting journey.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

In this bonus episode, I’m excited to share a special opportunity with you. Monica Virga Alborno is hosting a FREE Intentional Living for Families Summit from Oct. 6th-9th, bringing together a variety of experts who share practical tools, strategies, and encouragement to help parents feel more supported during the holiday season.

This audio event is designed to give you insights and strategies you can use at home right away, while also helping you feel less overwhelmed during this busy time of year. If you’d like lifetime access to the sessions, you can upgrade with the All-Access Pass and as a listener of Parenting Anxious Teens, you’ll receive $5 off when you use the code MONICA at checkout.

👉🏻 Register for the free event here.

This is a wonderful way to connect with expert voices, discover new strategies, and feel more supported as a parent this holiday season.

More About Monica Virga Alborno:

Featured in Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider, and Parents, Monica Virga Alborno is a former Fortune 500 energy engineering executive turned entrepreneur. She is the founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats, the only established retreat company in the Americas welcoming children and WandHERwild, a podcast and digital community for the modern mother.

Originally from New Jersey and now based in Norway, she has lived on four continents, visited more than 80 countries, and is raising two globally rooted children. Her work is fueled by a passion for experiential learning, holistic self-development, and building communities that empower families.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

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Hi Parents!

If you’ve ever felt like your child’s anxiety is triggering your own old wounds, this episode will give you tools and hope for breaking the cycle.

I’m joined by Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, psychologist, trauma expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. Dr. Koslowitz is the founder of the Post-Traumatic Parenting model, which helps parents heal their inner child while raising their real-world child with resilience and compassion.

In our conversation, Dr. Koslowitz shares her powerful “trauma app” metaphor, explains why trauma so often impacts our parenting, and walks us through the 5 subtypes of Post-Traumatic Parenting. We also talk about her R2 Parenting framework - Responsive and Responsible - and how it compares to other parenting styles.

If your teen struggles with anxiety, you’ll hear how their struggles might bring up your own trauma, and most importantly, what you can do to respond without passing that pain along.

More About Dr. Robyn Koslowitz:

Dr. Robyn Koslowitz is a psychologist and trauma expert who helps parents recognize how their own childhood experiences influence their parenting today. Through her Post-Traumatic Parenting model, she guides parents to break free from inherited patterns, heal their inner child, and raise resilient, emotionally secure kids. Her work combines clinical expertise with compassionate insight, offering parents both understanding and actionable tools.

This episode is filled with powerful insights and practical tools for parents of anxious teens. Dr. Koslowitz reminds us that while our inner child can’t raise a child, the very act of parenting our real-world children can become part of our own healing journey.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

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Hi Parents!

If your teen crumbles when it’s time to make a decision, second-guesses everything they do, or constantly worries about making the wrong choice, then this episode is for you.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Becky, a Certified Master Life Coach and the creator of the Stand Strong System. Becky helps anxious teens go from reactive to resilient, and she’s here to unpack the connection between perfectionism and decision-making anxiety.

We talk about why some teens struggle to make even small decisions, what perfectionism actually looks like, and the mistakes parents often make when trying to help. Becky also shares simple, powerful ways you can support your teen without taking over or walking on eggshells, even in those high-stress moments.

More about Becky:

Becky is a Certified Master Life Coach, former high school teacher, and mom with lived experience navigating anxiety. She’s the creator of the Stand Strong System - a holistic approach that helps anxious teens build resilience and teaches their parents how to truly support them. Her work is grounded in empathy, real-life tools, and a deep understanding of what teens and parents are really going through. 

Get your free resource here and tune in - this episode is full of practical advice, relatable stories, and mindset shifts that can really make a difference!

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

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Hi Parents!

If your teen has ever had a panic attack or if you're not sure how to tell the difference between panic and anxiety, then this episode will help you better understand what they might be going through and how you can support them.

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Kranzler, licensed clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Handspring Health, where she works with teens experiencing anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.

In our conversation, Amy breaks down the key differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks and explains what panic disorder really is. You’ll learn how to respond if your teen is in the middle of a panic attack, what to avoid in those moments, and how to support teens who live in fear of having another one.

We also talk about what evidence-based treatment for panic disorder looks like, and how parents play a vital role in that process.

More About Dr. Amy Kranzler:

Dr. Kranzler previously ran the adult DBT program at Montefiore Medical Center and was the Associate Director of the CBT Training Program. Amy brings a wealth of clinical experience and a passion for helping young people feel safe, seen, and supported in their mental health journey.

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to support your teen through panic or the pressure to be perfect, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical tools you can start using right away.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

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Hi Parents!

What happens when you’re the anxious one but you’re also the parent?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeanne Retief, trauma survivor, panic disorder warrior, and founder of FIGGI Beauty, to talk about the raw, unfiltered reality of parenting when you’re still learning how to feel safe in your own body. Jeanne opens up about the breaking point that made her reevaluate everything, and how she’s learning to heal not just for her child, but with her child.

More About Jeanne:

Dr. Jeanne Retief is a former international human rights expert turned mental wellness advocate, and the founder of FIGGI Beauty - a brand built on the belief that beauty and healing can coexist. After years of working in high-stakes legal environments, Jeanne was diagnosed with panic disorder, prompting her to reimagine not just her career, but her relationship with herself. Today, she combines her lived experience, academic insight, and soulful honesty to support others navigating anxiety, trauma, and parenthood. Jeanne is passionate about redefining what strength looks like - especially for women who’ve spent years holding it all together - and uses her platform to champion nervous system care, emotional safety, and truth-telling as tools for growth.

We explore how anxiety shows up in the body, what it looks like to parent through panic, and why self-regulation isn’t about perfection, but about presence. Jeanne also shares how she began to break inherited emotional patterns and what it really means to model safety when your nervous system is still dysregulated.

This is an episode for every parent who’s ever felt like they’re “too much” or “not enough.” Jeanne reminds us that healing is messy, parenting is vulnerable, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just stay present.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

How do we raise emotionally grounded, self-aware teens in a world full of noise, pressure, and distractions? This week’s guest, Nellie Harden, believes it starts by understanding the real needs your teen has, and showing up in ways that build worth, safety, and connection.

Nellie is a mom of four, a trauma survivor, and founder of The 6570 Family Project - a movement focused on helping parents step into leadership during their teen’s most formative years. With a background in biology and psychology, she brings a refreshing blend of science, life experience, and heart to the conversation.

In this episode, we explore the 5 core needs every teen has, how to recognize when those needs are going unmet, and what you can do starting today to become a steadier, more intentional presence in your child’s life.

More About Nellie:

Nellie Harden is a family life and leadership coach who guides parents through the often-challenging middle ground between childhood and adulthood. She empowers them to lead with purpose, so they can raise teens who are confident, resilient, and emotionally secure. Her work is rooted in the belief that every child is worthy, and that parents have the power to shape that belief by how they lead.

If you're parenting an anxious or emotionally sensitive teen, this conversation will help you shift from managing chaos to creating connection.

P.S. If you loved hearing from Nellie and want to dive deeper into her work, you can find her resources and everything about The 6570 Family Project right here.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

Connect With Me on Instagram