In this episode of The Living Wholehearted Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kristin Valerius, a pediatric psychologist and faith-filled leader, to talk honestly about parenting teens in an anxious world. Together, we explore how anxiety can be a signal of what we value most, why parents don’t need to rescue kids from every hard feeling, and how repair—not perfection—builds lasting connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your teen (and yourself) navigate big emotions with grace, resilience, and faith, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

Key Takeaways

1. Anxiety as information – Anxiety isn’t just a problem; it reveals what we value and can guide us toward growth.
2. The tipping point of anxiety – It becomes unhealthy when it blocks daily functioning or life-giving activities.
3. Validation before solutions – Teens feel calmer and more open when parents reflect their emotions before jumping into advice.
4. Repair matters more than perfection – Messing up is inevitable; owning it models humility, grace, and belonging.
5. Parents must regulate themselves too – Self-care, honesty about limits, and modeling resilience are essential for healthy homes.
6. Connection in their world – Entering your teen’s passions (even video games or music you don’t love) creates trust and closeness.
7. Hold the long view – Parenting teens can feel unrewarding, but grace reminds us that growth is a process, not a final arrival.

Website: www.sundstromclinic.com

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We LOVE that you’ve decided to join us this week for the Living Wholehearted Podcast. We hope you enjoyed the conversation, tips, and resources to help you transform every relationship that matters most to you. If you think this will help someone you know, make sure you send it their way or share on socials. Tag us @living_wholehearted and @terramattson! Don't forget to FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss an episode and help spread the word by leaving us some stars on a review. Thanks for partnering with us to help more leaders, just like you, who want to live and lead with integrity at home, work and in the community. Go to livingwholehearted.com and sign up to receive our free leadership tips and updates delivered to you in our monthly newsletter. And, if you’re a girl mom, check out mycourageousgirls.com.  

Until next time, be the leader you would follow!

 

Grateful for you,

Jeff & Terra

 

To connect with Jeff & Terra Mattson and Living Wholehearted, go to:

 

INSTAGRAM

@TerraMattson

@Living_Wholehearted

@MyCourageousGirls

 

FACEBOOK

@WeAreLivingWholehearted

@MyCourageousGirls

 

WEBSITES

LivingWholehearted.com

TerraMattson.com 

MyCourageousGirls.com

 

RESOURCES

Shrinking the Integrity Gap 

Shrinking the Integrity Gap e-Course 

Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace

Dear Mattsons 

Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters

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