Are you dreaming of a peaceful family vacation but dreading the inevitable teen drama? Have you ever come home from a trip feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen O’Grady sits down with family travel coach Laura Rahn to explore how family vacations can become meaningful, memory-making experiences rather than stress-filled disasters. Together, they unpack why so many well-intentioned trips go off the rails—hint: it often starts before the bags are even packed. Laura shares her “Dream, Design, Depart” process, helping families clarify the purpose of their trip, communicate expectations ahead of time, and include teens in the planning process so everyone feels heard and invested.

Laura Rahn is a retired educator and a certified Family Travel Coach. She lives in Virginia with her husband and wonderful dog. As a military BRAT, she has been traveling her whole life. Laura has been involving her two adult daughters in the vacation planning process since they were old enough to have a voice and loves sharing her passion for family travel with others.

One key takeaway is that clear communication is everything—bringing your teen to the table early allows for shared expectations and fewer meltdowns. Another is to define the "why" of your vacation before picking the "where"; when everyone understands the purpose, the rest falls into place. Finally, moms are reminded not to lose themselves in the hustle—you matter too, and it’s okay to want something out of the vacation that’s just for you. After all, a truly great family trip leaves everyone feeling restored and connected.

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Does your teen frequently get angry?

In this episode, we talk about what anxiety-driven anger looks like in our teens.

Kelsey Torgerson Dunn, MSW, LCSW, specializes in anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. She opened her group practice, Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, in early 2017. She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness skills, and often finds that just having someone on your side is the most helpful part of counseling.

Kelsey recently published When Anxiety Makes You Angry written for teens.  “Using a proven-effective approach rooted in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), When Anxiety Makes You Angry will help you identify the anxiety beneath your anger, accept difficult emotions—rather than fighting or trying to ignore them—and learn healthy coping and self-regulation skills to help you find emotional balance. You’ll also discover how to “train your brain” to stop and think before reacting; and how to choose calm over chaos when faced with the things that trigger your anxiety or anger.

To learn more contact Kelsey at https://www.kelseytorgersondunn.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithkelsey/

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3500 TEENS ・ 2 RESEARCHERS ・ 1 QUESTION

What are adults missing about teens and technology? A lot.

Harvard University Project Zero researchers, Common Sense Media collaborators, and real-life parents Emily Weinstein and Carrie James are the authors of BEHIND THEIR SCREENS: What Teens are Facing (and Adults are Missing). In their book, James and Weinstein combine their years of research on technology use by adolescents—including data gathered during the first year of the COVID pandemic—to explore how teens use their phones, messaging apps, social media, and more to navigate their real-world relationships in new and surprising ways. The authors also have the benefit of the expertise of teens themselves. By working with dozens of middle and high school students across the United States—part of the authors’ Teen Advisory Council—Weinstein and James explain in adolescents’ own words why they do what they do online, and what tweens and teens wish their parents understood about the connected world they're living in.

Emily Weinstein is a Research Director at Project Zero at Harvard and a Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education. Carrie James is a sociologist and Principle Investigator at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the author of Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap (MIT Press). The authors' work has been covered in Time, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, and the Atlantic, and they are sought-after speakers on teens and technology. You can learn more at www.behindtheirscreens.com

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Have you ever wondered if trusting your teen more could actually make them more responsible? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying and feeling like it’s your job to control everything in their life?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, co-authors of The Self-Driven Child and their latest workbook, The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child. Together, they explore how fostering a sense of autonomy in teens can actually make them more motivated and resilient. They discuss the critical difference between control and influence, the importance of parents being a non-anxious presence, and how stepping back can help teens step up. Through relatable examples and real-life experiences, they illustrate how letting go of excessive monitoring and trusting teens to navigate their own decisions—while still providing guidance—can lead to stronger relationships and more self-sufficient young adults.

 William Stixrud, Ph.D. is a clinical neuropsychologist and a faculty member at Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University Medical School. He lectures and writes widely on the adolescent brain, meditation, and the effects of stress, sleep deprivation, and technology overload on the brain. He is on the board of the David Lynch Foundation.

 Ned Johnson is the founder of PrepMatters and the coauthor of Conquering the SAT: How Parents Can Help Teens Overcome the Pressure and Succeed. A sought-after speaker and teen coach for study skills, parent-teen dynamics, and anxiety management, his work has been featured on NPR, NewsHour, U.S. News & World Report, Time, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

Here are three key takeaways from this conversation: First, teens need to develop a sense of control over their own lives to build confidence and resilience—over-managing them often backfires. Second, maintaining a calm and supportive presence as a parent is more effective than reacting with anxiety, as emotions are contagious. Lastly, success isn’t defined by a perfect academic record or a linear path—giving kids room to make mistakes and learn from them is one of the greatest gifts a parent can provide. This episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on parenting and practical ways to create a more positive, less stressful dynamic with your teen.

Learn more at https://theselfdrivenchild.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theothernedjohnson/

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Are you struggling to guide your teen through the ups and downs of adolescence? Do you wish they could be more confident, resilient, and self-motivated in facing life’s challenges?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Ran Anbar, author of The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy, and Confident. Dr. Anbar shares practical strategies to help teens take control of their emotions, shift their mindset, and build resilience. Through years of counseling thousands of adolescents, he’s discovered that small changes—like the words teens use, their ability to visualize success, and how they manage fear—can lead to profound growth. He also discusses the impact of sleep, social media, and self-talk on teen well-being, offering parents tools to support their children in developing independence and emotional strength.

Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP, is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics. He offers counseling and hypnosis services at Center Point Medicine in La Jolla, California, and in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Anbar is the author of the acclaimed Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis: A Journey to the Center (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021), as well as a regular columnist for Psychology Today Online. Dr. Anbar is the founder of Center Point Medicine, serving the mission of making mental health care more accessible for children.

Here are three key takeaways from the conversation: First, the words we use—both as parents and teens—shape our reality. Encouraging positive language and shifting from “I can’t” to “I will” can transform confidence and motivation. Second, learning to manage emotions and fears is a crucial skill. Rather than dismissing fears, parents can help their teens face them with imaginative solutions, empowering them to handle stress more effectively. Lastly, giving teens space to make mistakes is essential. Overparenting, whether through micromanaging or bulldozing obstacles, can hinder their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Instead, parents should transition from being enforcers to supporters, allowing teens to develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

Learn more at: https://www.centerpointmedicine.com/

Follow on https://www.linkedin.com/in/ran-anbar-246b1829/

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Do you find yourself caught in constant battles with your teen, unsure of how to truly connect? Have you ever wondered how your own emotions and reactions shape your relationship with your child?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady speaks with transformational coach Anne Marie Chereso about the power of conscious parenting. They explore how self-awareness is the foundation for authentic connection and why parenting from a place of presence—not fear—can help reduce drama and conflict. Anne Marie shares her personal experiences navigating parenting challenges and offers insight into how our own unresolved emotions can affect the way we interact with our children. Through mindfulness, self-reflection, and a commitment to emotional regulation, moms can transform their relationships by fostering deeper understanding and trust.

Author, Meditation Teacher, and Transformational Coach, Annmarie Chereso empowers parents, children and families to discover authentic happiness and true success.

With over two decades of expertise, Annmarie has trained educators, students, and parents globally through online courses, coaching, speaking engagements, workshops, and retreats. She's collaborated with renowned leaders including Dr. Shefali Tsabary and The Conscious Leadership Group.

This episode highlights three key takeaways for moms. First, true connection with your teen starts with self-awareness—when you understand your own emotional triggers, you can respond rather than react. Second, resisting the urge to control your teen’s experience and instead acting as a compassionate witness allows them to navigate challenges while feeling supported. Lastly, making space for daily joy, even in small ways, helps shift the energy in your home and fosters a more positive parent-child dynamic. By embracing conscious parenting, moms can create a calmer, more connected relationship with their teens.

Learn more at https://annmariechereso.me/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/annmariechereso/

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Have you ever noticed your teen being overly critical of themselves, no matter how much reassurance you offer?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a leading psychiatrist and expert in adolescent mental health. Together, they dive into the complex and often hidden struggle of teen self-hatred. Dr. Aguirre shares how self-hatred differs from temporary self-doubt, often becoming deeply ingrained in sensitive teens. He discusses how it can lead to self-destructive behaviors, the connection between sensitivity and self-worth, and why traditional approaches—like simply telling a child they are loved—often fall short. Instead, he highlights the power of deep listening, validation, and helping teens recognize and embrace their unique strengths.

Our guest Dr. Blaise Aguire is the author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Hatred and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Founding Medical Director of McLean Hospital's adolescent dialectical behavior therapy program.

This episode offers three key takeaways for moms of teens. First, listening without immediately trying to fix or dismiss a teen’s emotions is one of the most powerful tools for connection. Second, acknowledging and valuing a teen’s personal interests—rather than comparing them to siblings or societal expectations—helps foster self-acceptance. Lastly, small acts of self-compassion, such as recognizing personal strengths and moments of kindness, can gradually help shift a teen’s self-perception from criticism to self-love. Dr. Aguirre’s insights remind parents that while self-hatred is difficult to tackle, with patience, understanding, and the right support, teens can learn to see themselves with greater kindness and confidence.

Find out more at 3east.org

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blaisemd/

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Have you ever felt powerless watching your child face mean girl drama or generational challenges?

In this episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle to discuss the deep waters of motherhood, particularly the struggles of raising teenage daughters. Melanie shares her journey of uncovering generational patterns, healing from past wounds, and guiding her daughter through the painful reality of mean girl culture. As a mother, she discovered that unresolved personal struggles can impact parenting, making it crucial to confront our own "dragons." Through Caroline’s experiences, they discuss the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and the powerful role of a mother’s support in shaping a teen’s confidence and emotional health.

Melanie Shankle is a three-time New York Times bestselling author of Here Be Dragons, Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You. She speaks at events nationwide and co-hosts the wildly popular podcast, The Big Boo Cast. Melanie and her husband, Perry, live in San Antonio, Texas, and are the parents of Caroline.

Three key takeaways from this conversation: First, healing from personal wounds is essential to breaking unhealthy cycles and equipping children with the emotional strength they need. Second, mean girl dynamics can be intense, but teaching teens to set boundaries and stand up for themselves fosters resilience and self-respect. Lastly, moms play a crucial role in helping teens process their experiences by listening, validating their feelings, and guiding them toward positive relationships. Above all, trust that the challenges teens face today can shape them into stronger, more compassionate individuals in the future.

Learn more at: https://thebigmamablog.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/melanieshankle/

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Are you worried about whether your teen is just moody or actually struggling with depression? Do you wonder how much of their emotional ups and downs are connected to digital media?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Meredith Gansner, a child psychiatrist and researcher, to discuss the rising rates of teen depression in the digital age. Together, they explore how social media, online interactions, and excessive screen time contribute to adolescent mental health struggles. Dr. Gansner shares insights from her research and her new book, Teen Depression Gone Viral, highlighting how parents can recognize signs of depression, differentiate between typical teen emotions and clinical concerns, and take proactive steps to support their child’s well-being. They also tackle the difficult topic of suicidal ideation, how parents can navigate these conversations, and the importance of maintaining open communication while setting digital boundaries.

Dr. Meredith Gansner is an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and attending child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital. After completing medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, she completed her psychiatry residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a fellowship in child psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance. Her research explores high-risk digital media use in adolescents and managing high-risk digital media habits. She is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry media committee, has written articles about mental health and digital media for The Psychiatric Times,The Boston Globe, and Slate magazine.

Key takeaways from this conversation include the importance of observing your teen’s level of functioning rather than just their emotions, understanding that social media is not inherently harmful but can be risky without guidance, and remembering that parents need support too—caring for yourself helps you better support your teen. With expert advice and practical strategies, this episode empowers moms to feel more prepared to guide their teens through the challenges of growing up in a digital world.

Learn more about Dr. Gansner at https://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/meredith-gansner

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Are you tired of daily arguments with your teen? Do you feel like no matter what approach you take—being firm or being gentle—nothing seems to work?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Dr. Paul Sunseri a seasoned family therapist and author of Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make It Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids. Together, they dive into the challenges of parenting strong-willed teens and explore why traditional parenting strategies often fall short with oppositional kids. Dr. Sunseri shares his journey of working with high-conflict families, uncovering what truly works when it comes to setting limits, reducing arguments, and fostering better communication.

Paul Sunseri, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and father of four who treats children and adolescents with serious mental health conditions. He is the developer of Intensive Family-Focused Therapy (myIFFT.org), a highly effective form of family-based mental health care.

One of the key insights from this conversation is the importance of clarity, consistency, and disengagement in parenting. Dr. Sinceri explains that parents often get trapped in unnecessary arguments because teens use red herrings—distractions and emotional outbursts—to steer the conversation away from responsibilities. He emphasizes that arguing with a teen is never productive and that parents should focus on setting clear expectations without engaging in power struggles. Instead of negotiating endlessly, parents should hold firm boundaries and use practical consequences, such as limiting screen time, until responsibilities are met. Disengagement is another crucial strategy—when a teen escalates, staying calm and walking away removes the emotional fuel that drives the conflict, ultimately leading to fewer power struggles.

By shifting their approach, parents can create a more peaceful home environment, helping their teens develop responsibility while maintaining a loving connection.

Follow at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sunseri-psy-d-54033b7/

Learn more about Dr. Sunseri and his services, Go to his website at https://www.myiift.org/

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