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

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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

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Hi Parents!

Is your teen too young to be in a relationship?

If teen dating triggers a mix of panic, protectiveness, and uncertainty, just know this is one of the most common fears parents face. For parents of anxious teens, this stage can bring a lot of fear and uncertainty. You might wonder if your child is emotionally ready, if they’ll get hurt, or if their self-esteem is tied too closely to someone else’s opinion. You might even have a family boundary like no dating until 16, but still worry how to enforce that without pushing your teen away.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into one of the most common questions I hear: How do I know if my teen is ready for a relationship - and how do I talk to them about it without sounding like I’m panicking?

We’ll explore what dating looks like for teens today, the average age they start exploring relationships, and how anxiety, both your teen’s and your own, can shape the conversation. I’ll walk you through how to create an open dialogue about dating, without losing your boundaries, your values, or your connection with your teen.

Whether your teen is already dating or you’re just starting to think ahead, this episode is filled with clear guidance and supportive reminders to help you navigate this sensitive season with compassion and confidence.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

What if preparing your teen for college didn’t have to be overwhelming or anxiety-inducing? In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsay Tanne, founder and CEO of LogicPrep, to unpack the college admissions process in a way that feels supportive and intentional.

Lindsay brings a fresh, honest perspective to the world of college prep. She explains how parents can guide their teens without micromanaging, what really matters when choosing a school, and how to avoid common myths that lead to unnecessary stress. We also explore how parents can foster independence, reduce anxiety, and approach this season with more curiosity and less pressure. 

More About Lindsay:

Lindsay Tanne launched LogicPrep over a decade ago while a student at Harvard. Today, her company is a global college admissions consultancy offering test preparation, academic support, and strategic guidance through every step of the college journey. With a team of over 50 advisors, coaches, and tutors, LogicPrep has helped thousands of families pursue higher education with less stress and more clarity.

Lindsay’s mission is simple but powerful: to help students succeed in ways that reflect who they are, and to help parents stay connected along the way. Tune in to hear how you can support your teen’s journey to college with less pressure, more purpose, and a whole lot more peace.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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

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Hi Parents!

What if the biggest warning sign your teen is struggling is silence?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Elliot Kallen, President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization founded in memory of his son Jake, who tragically died by suicide at 19 years old. Elliot shares the heart-wrenching story behind A Brighter Day and how it has since grown into a powerful support system for teens and families navigating stress, depression and suicidal thoughts.

More About Elliot:

Elliot Kallen is the President and Co-Founder of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing teen suicide by providing free mental health toolkits, school-based events, and resources for both teens and parents. Since launching in 2015, the organization now reaches between 5,000 and 10,000 families each month.

Elliot’s mission began with unimaginable loss. Jake never shared the pain he was carrying, until his final letter. That letter changed everything for Elliot and his family, exposing the silent battles many teens face and the urgent need for better conversations and accessible mental health support. What started as a personal tragedy has since become a national movement offering education, connection, and hope.

In our conversation, Elliot opens up about what parents need to know - the signs that often go unnoticed, what to say when you’re worried, and why it’s so important to normalize mental health discussions at home. He offers practical tools, compassionate insight, and real hope for any parent who feels lost or unsure of how to help.

Whether your teen has opened up about their struggles or tends to keep things in, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with powerful takeaways and actionable next steps - and most importantly, the reminder that you’re not alone in this.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

Have you ever looked at your teen daughter’s outfit and thought, “Is that really what you’re wearing?” Maybe it’s a crop top, short shorts, or something that makes you pause and wonder how to respond without starting a full-blown argument before 8 a.m.

Clothing choices can bring up a lot of big feelings, for both you and your teen. You want her to feel confident, body positive, and self-expressed but you also want her to understand what’s appropriate for school, family gatherings, or the world outside your home. And somewhere in the middle, your own anxiety gets triggered, often by your past, your fears, and the very real pressure to get it “right.”

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the layers behind these clothing conflicts. We’ll talk about why your teen might be dressing the way she is, how to respond without shame or shutdown, and what’s actually helpful when your instinct is to lay down the law. You’ll hear about the messaging girls receive around fashion, how peer pressure and limited options shape their wardrobe, and why setting boundaries doesn’t have to mean controlling your daughter’s self-expression.

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 if the secret to helping your anxious teen feel more confident at school wasn’t pushing harder or doing more, but teaching them how to study in a way that works for them?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jessyka Coulter, CEO and Founder of Ace Cookie Tutoring and the creator of The NERDY Method. Jessyka shares how intentional study skills can transform a teen’s mindset, build confidence, and reduce academic anxiety. We explore why so many teens don't love to learn, what actually gets in their way, and how study habits rooted in strategy and support can shift everything.

More about Jessyka:

She’s a passionate educator and teen study skills coach who teaches teens how to study smarter, not harder, so they can learn to love learning again. Her work is all about equipping students with the tools they need to thrive and helping parents feel more supported along the way.

Plus, we talk about Jessyka’s upcoming event, Learn It! Open Your Teen’s Mind and Feed It, a free back-to-school series launching August 4th. With over 30 expert interviews (including mine!) and practical tools on everything from study strategies to emotional regulation, it’s the perfect resource to start the school year with clarity and support.

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 if helping your anxious teen build confidence had less to do with what you say, and more to do with how they move their body?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Neil Sheppard, founder of the Inner Athlete system, to explore the powerful connection between movement and mental health. Neil shares how strength training, structure, and intentional physical activity can help teens manage anxiety, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with their sense of self.

More About Neil:

Neil Sheppard is a performance coach, the founder of the Inner Athlete system, and owner of Dynamic Sport Group in Oakville, Ontario. With a strong foundation in youth development, physical literacy, and strength and conditioning, Neil helps teens and athletes develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of emotional well-being through movement.

His approach was born from personal experience - after years of high-level sport and physical labor, Neil faced multiple injuries and a loss of athletic identity. Stuck in the in-between of not injured enough for therapy, but not strong enough to train, he began rebuilding both physically and emotionally. That process laid the groundwork for the Inner Athlete system, which bridges the gap between rehab and performance.

Today, Neil helps young people tap into the power of their bodies as a path to self-trust, mental strength, and long-term growth. We’ll dive into why movement can be such a powerful tool for self-regulation, how it boosts self-trust, and why progress is the mindset teens need most right now.

Whether your teen is an athlete or just trying to feel more comfortable in their own skin, this conversation offers a fresh, practical lens on what it really takes to feel strong, physically and emotionally.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

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Hi Parents!

This week, I’m switching things up and sharing a special conversation where I was the guest instead of the host.

I recently joined Beth Hillman on her podcast, Parenting Post-Wilderness, to talk about one of the most important topics for parents today, teen anxiety. We covered what it looks like, how it often hides in plain sight, and what parents can do to better support their anxious teen, especially during the school year when demands are high and confidence can run low.

In this episode, we explore the emotional experience of anxiety from a teen’s perspective, how parents can respond with empathy rather than fear, and why creating emotional safety is more powerful than trying to fix the problem. I also share a bit of my own story and why I’m so passionate about helping teens build resilience, self-trust, and coping tools that actually stick.

Beth creates such a welcoming space for real, heartfelt conversations, and I’m honored to have joined her show. I hope this episode leaves you feeling more equipped, more grounded, and more connected to your teen, no matter where they are on their mental health journey.

Tune in to listen, and if you find it helpful, pass it along to a fellow parent who needs it too.

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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