When our kids make choices that scare or disappoint us, it’s tempting to tighten our grip. But control and love can’t coexist. In this episode, I explore the raw struggle of letting go..why it feels so painful, how fear keeps us stuck, and what it looks like to release control without abandoning our children or losing ourselves.

Disclaimer: The thoughts shared here come from my own parenting and faith journey. Please remember this podcast is not a replacement for professional counseling or medical guidance.

If you’d like to partner with us and support the podcast, consider sponsoring an upcoming episode by making a donation of any size to Parenting Through the Hard by clicking here.

Your support keeps this podcast running—and all donations go directly toward production costs and helping to continue this mission.

For more resources, encouragement, and ways to walk this journey together, visit parentingthroughthehard.com. You’ll find tools, workshops, and hope-filled conversations to remind you that you’re not alone.

This week, I’m introducing something new—short Hope in the Hard reflections in between our regular podcast episodes. These are simple, honest moments to pause and reconnect. In this first one, I talk about prayer when you have no words, and how silence can still be sacred.

In the middle of parenting teens and young adults, it's so easy to lose myself in the storm—caught between my children’s needs, my expectations, and the constant fear of what might go wrong. In this episode, I invite you into a quiet, honest conversation about what happens when we lose our inner voice—and how we can return to it through love, faith, and connection.

Disclaimer: The thoughts shared here come from my own parenting and faith journey. Please remember this podcast is not a replacement for professional counseling or medical guidance.

If you’d like to partner with us and support the podcast, consider sponsoring an upcoming episode by making a donation of any size to Parenting Through the Hard by clicking here.

Your support keeps this podcast running—and all donations go directly toward production costs and helping to continue this mission. 

After a year and a half away from the mic, I’m stepping back into this space with a story I never expected to tell. Two days after releasing my last episode, my mom—who loved me with steady, unconditional love..passed away.

Grief and parenting through hard seasons have reshaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They’ve taught me that control was never the answer, faith had to become part of the story, and showing up authentically means naming the mess as much as the beauty.

This relaunch episode is dedicated to my mom, and it marks a new chapter for Parenting Through the Hard, one rooted in honesty, hope, and grace.

Disclaimer: The thoughts shared here come from my own parenting and faith journey. Please note that this podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or medical advice.

If you’d like to partner with us and support the podcast, consider sponsoring an upcoming episode by making a donation of any size to Parenting Through the Hard [by clicking here].

Your support keeps this podcast running and goes directly toward production costs, allowing us to continue our mission.

For more resources and hope-filled tools, visit parentingthroughthehard.com

As I navigate through a deeply personal and challenging time, today's episode signifies a monumental shift in my life, one that I know will leave a lasting impact. In the midst of this, I've made the decision to take a break from recording to focus on being present with my family. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Have you ever found yourself trying to do all the right things with your child, pouring all your love and so, so much energy into parenting, only to start to question if you are even on the right path? Sometimes, even our best intentions can steer us off course.

In this episode, we cover:

• An audiobook revelation that challenged my perspective on parenting.
• The comparison trap we often fall into as parents.
• Reevaluation of societal norms
• Parental pressure and guilt
• Three things to think about if you are struggling with your teen

Click here if you are interested in receiving information about the opportunity to join an online support group with other moms who "get it".

👉If the link doesn't work (technology 🙄), you can also find my email listed below.

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About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard," originally titled Unyielding, is presented by Pathways to Hope Network—a parent-led non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.

Explore Additional Support:

• SCHEDULE a time to meet with me by clicking here
• EXPLORE our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for once-a-week encouragement💙)
• ACCESS local and national resources: Pathways Resources
• READ more on our blog: Pathways Blog
• FIND answers to common questions: Pathways FAQ

Connect with Us:

• JOIN our community on Facebook: Through the Hard Facebook
• For questions, reach out via email: [email protected]

Are you exhausted, barely keeping your head above water, wondering if the next wave of fear will be the wave that finally takes you out? Well, friend, reframing is one powerful way you can start to protect your peace. 

In this episode, we cover:

• How discomfort is a part of every decision we make as parents.
• How trying a new parenting approach involves confronting pain and discomfort, questioning ourselves, and pushing through doubt.
• How each fear we experience presents an opportunity to overcome challenges, build resilience, and deepen self-understanding.
• Our tendency to join the "crazy train" of fear-driven thoughts and actions.
• All the different roles we play as a parent and the ONE we don't.
• A fear mapping process I use to help me reframe my perspective and navigate challenges when I'm stuck in fear.

Click here to have my Fear Mapping PDF sent to your email inbox.
👉Remember, it will take a few minutes to hit your inbox (check your spam folder if you don't see it).

___________________________________________________________________________

About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard," originally titled Unyielding, is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—a parent-led non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.

Explore Additional Support:

• SCHEDULE a time to meet with me by clicking here
• DELVE into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
• ACCESS local and national resources: Pathways Resources
• READ more on our blog: Pathways Blog
• FIND answers to common questions: Pathways FAQ

Connect with Us:

• JOIN our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
• STAY connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
• For questions, reach out via email: [email protected]

In today's episode, we are going to take a look at some common fear triggers. How many of them resonate with you? We'll discuss the vicious cycle of fear, and what I've learned about the role of mirror neurons in my relationship with my teen. I'll also share some ways that I've been trying to break the cycle of fear in my own life & improve communication with my teens and adult children.
___________________________________________________________________________

About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard," originally titled Unyielding, is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—a parent-led non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.

Explore Additional Support:

• SCHEDULE a time to meet with me by clicking here
• DELVE into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
• ACCESS local and national resources: Pathways Resources
• READ insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
• FIND answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ

Connect with Us:

• JOIN our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
• STAY connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
• For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

As we step into a new year, there's NO BETTER TIME to kickstart healthy habits and cultivate self-compassion. 

In this special rerun of Episode 32, we revisit an insightful discussion with Megan Dahlman, a Certified Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and mom of boys. Megan shares invaluable insights for moms navigating challenging seasons of chaos and uncertainty, emphasizing the crucial first steps on their self-compassion journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Initiating Self-Care: Megan guides us through the initial steps moms can take to prioritize self-care amid chaotic circumstances.
2. Unexpected Benefits: Discover the unforeseen positive outcomes that emerge when you invest energy in your healing journey.
3. The Mind-Body Connection: Explore the significant role your body plays in influencing your mental health and overall well-being.

Links from the Original Episode:

• YouTube channel: VigeoFit YouTube
• Instagram: Megan Dahlman's Instagram
• FREE Jumpstart Tips: VigeoFit Jumpstart Tips
• Jumpstart 30 Course: VigeoFit Jumpstart Course

___________________________________________________________________________

About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.

Explore Additional Support:

• Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
• Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
• Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
• Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ

Connect with Us:

• Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
• Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
• For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

Welcome to the final episode of 2023, where we take a reflective journey through some of my favorite clips of Through the Hard and Unyielding.

Join us as we revisit the memorable moments and lessons learned.....
Segment 1: Episode 10 Moving Through the Unknown with Purpose
Segment 2: Episode 27 Embracing Imperfection: Why You Need to Let Go of the Need to Fix Your Teen
Segment 3: Episode 12 What No One Tells You About Youth Probation
Segment 4: Episode 37 React Less, Respond More: Parenting Tips for Mindful Communication
Segment 5: Episode 35 The Role of Self-Reflection in the Healing Process
Segment 6: Episode 13 When the Challenge Changes You - Blake's Story
Segment 7: Episode 41 The Learning Curve: Stage 2 of Learning to Parent a Teen in Crisis
Segment 8: Episode 38 Connection vs. Control: Finding the Right Balance in Your Parenting Approach

As we close this chapter, I'd like to extend my sincerest thanks for allowing me to be a small part of your parenting journey. May the coming year bring joy, discovery, and shared wisdom.

Thank you for being a part of our podcast community. Wishing you hope and healing in the year ahead!

___________________________________________________________________________

About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" ,originally titled Unyielding, is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.

Explore Additional Support:

• Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
• Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
• Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
• Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ

Connect with Us:

• Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
• Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
• For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]