The Brainy Moms

Present, Not Perfect: How to Support Your Teen's Mental Health Journey | Jenn Robb


Listen Later

When your child is drowning in mental health struggles, the weight of helplessness can feel crushing. Where do you turn? How do you fight a battle you can't even see? Nurse practitioner and author Jen Robb knows this battlefield intimately. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, she tells Dr. Amy all about it. 

"We were the white picket fence, typical all-American kind of family," Jenn shares, describing how her daughter Chloe's mental health crisis blindsided their family. Like many parents, Jen initially retreated into silence, carrying the burden alone rather than risking judgment from others. That isolation nearly broke her.

Through raw vulnerability and faith-filled wisdom, Jenn guides listeners through the transformative journey from silent suffering to empowered advocacy. She challenges the notion that doctors always know best, encouraging parents to respectfully question treatment plans and seek providers who address root causes rather than simply medicating symptoms. "Your child doesn't have a voice in that circumstance," she reminds us. "No one is going to fight as hard for your child as you will."

The path forward isn't about perfection but presence. Jenn's powerful reminder that "your child doesn't need a perfect mom; they need a present mom" liberates parents from impossible standards while focusing on what truly matters – showing up emotionally and physically while allowing children space to feel their feelings. This delicate balance requires setting healthy boundaries not just for our children, but for ourselves as parents.

Perhaps most profound is Jenn's perspective on surrender. After a terrifying incident where Chloe was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning, Jenn describes hearing God whisper, "As much as you love her, I love her more." This spiritual surrender didn't mean abandoning responsibility, but rather acknowledging her limitations and finding strength beyond herself.

Whether you're currently navigating teen mental health challenges or simply want to be prepared, Jenn's practical wisdom on supporting brain health through technology boundaries, sleep hygiene, and proper nutrition offers valuable tools for every family. Connect with Jenn's supportive community at warriormomcoach.net and discover how to become the warrior your child needs during their darkest battles.

ABOUT US:
The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore. Dr. Amy and her co-hosts have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping moms and kids thrive in life, learning, and relationships. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms

Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Brainy MomsBy Dr. Amy Moore

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

39 ratings


More shows like The Brainy Moms

View all
Planet Money by NPR

Planet Money

30,727 Listeners

The NPR Politics Podcast by NPR

The NPR Politics Podcast

25,791 Listeners

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children by Debbie Reber

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

957 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,863 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,489 Listeners

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

14,881 Listeners

Get the Hell Out of Debt by Cloud10

Get the Hell Out of Debt

234 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,193 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

15,815 Listeners

Parenting with Impact by Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster

Parenting with Impact

36 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,717 Listeners

The Focus Group Podcast by The Bulwark

The Focus Group Podcast

2,568 Listeners

ZOE Science & Nutrition by ZOE

ZOE Science & Nutrition

2,063 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,920 Listeners

THE HABITS & HOME SHOW | Decluttering & Systems for Christian ADHD Moms by Lisa Lizotte | Home Organizer and Habits Coach

THE HABITS & HOME SHOW | Decluttering & Systems for Christian ADHD Moms

169 Listeners