SoloMoms! Talk

Struggling to understand your teenager?

Parenting teenagers can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when faced with extreme behaviors. As a single mom, I understand the challenges firsthand. That's why I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Lisa Bravo, a renowned psychotherapist and author who specializes in helping parents connect with their teens.

In this eye-opening episode, Lisa introduces us to the B.R.A.V.O. Effect, a powerful framework for understanding and responding to teenage behavior. She breaks down the acronym B.R.A.V.O. (Behavior, Relationships, Attitudes, Values, and Opportunities), offering invaluable insights into each component.

• Discover why teenage behavior is often a cry for connection
• Learn the crucial difference between reacting and responding to your teen
• Understand how your own upbringing influences your parenting style
• Explore strategies for building trust and maintaining open communication
• Find out why self-care is non-negotiable for effective parenting

Lisa shares practical advice for managing challenging situations, including a powerful anecdote about de-escalating a potentially dangerous confrontation. She emphasizes that it's never too late to improve your relationship with your teen and offers hope for parents feeling overwhelmed.

If you're parenting solo, Lisa has specific guidance for you. She addresses the unique challenges you face and provides actionable tips for creating balance and maintaining your sanity while raising teenagers.

Whether you're dealing with minor rebellions or more extreme behaviors, this episode offers a compassionate, insightful approach to parenting teens. You'll come away with renewed confidence and practical tools to strengthen your connection with your child.

Don't miss Lisa's book recommendation and details on how to access more of her expertise. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent looking to navigate the turbulent teenage years with grace and understanding.Bravo is also a psychotherapist and uses her framework to help parents navigate the relationship with their teenagers.

2:57 - Teens are trying desperately to connect their parents

3:55 - B.R.A.V.O.

11:05 - Finding middle ground

Value:

To consult with Lisa: www.thebravoeffect.com

Don't parent in silence. Join Solo Moms Connect: https://www.facebook.com/groups/solomomstalk

Blog: www.solomomstalk.com

While listening to Cassandra Spencer's story, these 5 things resonated with me and inspired this bonus episode.

*Considerations:

• Keep record of everything
• Get professional help
• Remember it's about the kids
• Don't be afraid to change your lawyer if necessary
• Take care of yourself

See Episode 24 | Season 3 for Cassandra's story.

Website: www.solomoms-talk.com

Click to register for our Monthly Meet Up.

Intro song from the single "Desperate" by Damien Ellison

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*For information purposes only. NOT legal or professional advice.

After listening to Cassandra's story, I started writing letters to my sons.

This is the story of a solo mom's struggle with the family court system and the loss of custody of her daughter.

Cassandra Spencer is a journalist, court reform advocate, and author.

The story is gut wrenching. Yet heartening. Because she is using her experience to help others churning in the family court system.

When it comes to dealing with divorce and child custody. Be prepared. Don't show up to a gunfight with a knife. You'll get hurt. Worse, your children will get hurt.

• Write down everything & keep good records
• Hire a good lawyer even if it cost you financially.
• Don't let your emotions rule your decisions.
• Remember it's always about the children.

Grab a copy of Cassandra's book, Impact here (affiliate).

website: www.solomoms-talk.com

Click to register for our Monthly Meet Up

IG/Twitter: @jrosemarie1

Intro song: Desperate by Damien Ellison

Summary

Queen D. Michele talks about her life after divorce, being an empty nester, and living in Jalisco, Mexico on today's episode.

In this episode, she shares her inspiring journey os well as the challenges and triumphs of solo motherhood, the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and how living abroad can transform one's life.

Queen reflects on her experiences, from her teaching career to her decision to embrace a new lifestyle in a different country, emphasizing the significance of pursuing joy and purpose.

You are encouraged to consider your own path and the potential for change, as well as the importance of community and support in navigating life’s transitions. Queen also shares insights from her book, "Considerations: A Guide for Moving Abroad," aimed at helping others explore the possibilities of international living.

If you're unsure of what resources you have I encourage you to listen as She explains how living on a small pension and hustling to make up her budget shortfall after retirement wasn't cutting it. After much research and consideration, Queen found her purpose on the shores of Lake Chapala.

Learn more about Queen D. Michele at www.considerationsofthesoul.com. Grab a copy of her book, Considerations: A Guide For Moving Abroad.

Website: www.solomoms-talk.com | Social: CH: @solomoms-talk; IG/Twitter: @jrosemarie1

Free eBook: The Solo Mom Manifesto.

Intro song from the single, "Desperate" by Damien Ellison

Click here to support the show.

Teen addiction is on the rise.

Today's guest Richard Capriola, former substance abuse counselor is the author of The Addicted Teen: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. He clears up some misconceptions about substance use disorder and what to do if a parent suspects a child is addicted.

His book may also serve as a guide to help you help your child if you suspect they are struggling with an addiction.

Connect with Richard at www.helptheaddictedchild.com

Website: www.solomoms-talk.com

Grab a free copy of The Solo Moms Manifesto ebook here.

Intro song from the single "Desperate" by Damien Ellison

Support the show by becoming a Become a Patron!" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Patron.

I was elated to sit down and talk with Boss Mom, Dana Malstaff recently. Dana has built a successful business around mothers as entrepreneurs. She teaches moms how to nurture a business while nurturing their families.

This vibrant solo mom has created an active Facebook group over 55k+ members, mostly mompreneurs during the past 6 years.

Some Takeaways

1. When you're a solo mom the kids are a part of the team
2. Don't disrespect your co-parent in front of the kids
3. Kids don’t have as many choices as their parents
4. What you choose to do now as co-parents will dictate how they act later

Success Tip:

1 minute anchors (19.30)

Connect with Dana at Boss-Mom.com or @boss-mom on FB

Grab your free copy of The Solo Mom Manifesto here.

Connect with SoloMoms! Talk: www.solomoms-talk.com

Intro song from the single, "Desperate" by Damien Ellison

Before today's guest even started having her own children she saw the need to wrap her arms around other peoples' gifts.  

As a social worker, Debbie Ausburn saw the trauma that children in the juvenile court system experienced and wanted to help. So she became a foster mother, raising other people's children solo.

Debbie is the author of Raising Other People’s Children: What being a foster parent taught me about bringing together a blended family.

If you are a foster/step-parent here are some tips from Debbie:

• show kids how to model a healthy relationship
• commitment is stronger than love
• with children, the commitment is one way

Connect with Debbie: www.debbieausburn.com

Grab your copy of Raising Other People’s Children here.

Click to grab your free copy of The Solo Mom Manifesto.

Connect with me - email: [email protected]; IG/Twitter: @jrosemarie1

Intro song from the single "Desperate" by Damien Ellison

On today's episode I talked with Jessica Dawn Russell, Entrepreneur and Mentor to Women. We discussed our relationship with each other as women as well as the relationship we have with our moms.

Jessica grew up with the ideal family makeup in mind.  But although it didn't turn out the way she planned, she remains dedicated to her children while building multiple businesses.

This busy solo mom of two boys is also an educator and coach.  She mentors entrepreneurs and is a real estate, business and productivity mentor.

Jessica inspires women to let go of the past so they can go forward with a little bit more clarity.

Connect with Jessica: FB - Jessica Dawn Russell.

email: [email protected]

Click to grab your copy of The Solo Mom Manifesto. It's yours free for being a loyal listener. Remember you don't have to parent alone.

website: www.solomoms-talk.com

Intro song from the single "Desperate" by Damien Ellison

If you dread being an empty nester, take heart they will still need you. Just not in the same way.

Today's solo episode discuss ways we can be there for our kids, even when the nest is empty.

Also grab a copy of my free ebook, if you are struggling right not with the prospect of being an empty nester after mothering solo.

Click to download free eBook: A Solo Mom's Guide to Empty Nest Syndrome

Connect with me: @jrosemarie1 (IG/Twitter) / CH: @solomoms-talk

Website: www.solomoms-talk.com

Michaela Cox is a widowed solo mom who is also the author of multiple books.

Cox has risen from challenges that comes with being divorced at an early age, the death of her young husband after, and being legally blind.

Yet, you won't hear this mom complaining about any of it. Like so many women mothering solo, she is working on creating an extraordinary life for her and her children.

Connect with Michaela: https://www.myheartfeltmeditations.com

Click here and grab a free copy of my latest ebook: The Solo Mom Manifesto.

Connect with me: @jrosemarie1 (IG/Twitter) CH: @solomoms-talk

Intro song from the single "Desperate" by Damien Ellison (available on iTunes)