The Hot Potato Parenting Podcast

What if your straight-A student still feels totally inadequate? Surprising new research reveals that academic overachievers often struggle with crippling self-doubt and criticism from peers, feeling like anxious "try-hards" despite their success. Dive deep with Tracy on why competence requires more than intelligence - it's that elusive "I'm okay" state of mind.

This episode unpacks the painful paradox of these high-flying students who ace every test yet constantly fear they'll be "found out" as frauds. Though they hide behind stellar grades and extracurriculars, their inner critic whispers, "you're not good enough." 

During the pivotal tween and teen years, even top students grapple with secret insecurities while facing judgment from classmates. The pressure can be crushing. From imposter syndrome to the urge to downplay their gifts,  Tracy candidly explores why overachievers often struggle to appreciate their talents.

Here's what you'll discover:

• Ways to show how to have self-compassion in your perfectionistic child

"Competence is not just about what you know; it's about believing in yourself, feeling confident in your body, and being open to life's challenges. That's the true power of self-awareness." ~ Tracy Crossley

You’re not alone as a parent of young teens.

Although it can feel that way when it comes to “what to do when your sweet child all of a sudden exhibits mood swings or silence.”

It’s time to relax, learn where your responsibility begins and ends as they move through this time. Don’t rescue them from their struggles, resilience is key!

You’re not Dear Abby, but you are a parent who loves your kid, so stop offering solutions. You want a self-determined kid who feels competent, autonomous and connected.  Listen in to hear Kelly and I chat about the thrill of it all!!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Check out being a guide through the challenges of social media.

Ever said, “I do everything for you?” Or something like it? Ugh. Perhaps it was one of those “pull your hair out,” moments, all you want is to get your teens to listen and care. Mmmm, yeah, so let’s move onto what could actually work besides shaming them. First stop sacrificing everything for them (tune in to hear why). Seriously, the frustration and guilt of feeling unheard and unappreciated can cause resentment, but it also causes disconnect too.  There’s a better way to break free from this cycle and improve YOURSELF and your relationship with your teen. It’s time to feel good about parenting without comparison. And hey, if you can get your kid on board, even better!

In this episode, you will hear how:

• Threats, shaming statements & any “controlling” behavior won’t work, learn what does.

Download our free guide on help for your teen with their emotions. Ready to take it up a notch, just for parents we have a 30 page ebook that can give you actionable tips on helping your child.

Nope, it's not a haunted house or you embarrassing them in public. 

A teen’s biggest fear has more to do with expectations and failing. 

Tune into this episode to learn their biggest fear while getting past your feelings that whatever you seem to do it's never right in your teenager's eyes. Maybe you've been told to brush off their eye-rolling and heavy sighs when you happen to breathe in the same room as them. It can leave you feeling frustrated and at a loss for how to connect with them. It's tough, right? This episode is going to give you tips on how to help, connect and find your own boundaries. Yes, you need boundaries too. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how to “supporting” not rescuing your teen from their fears 

Download our free guide on help for your teen with their emotions. Ready to take it up a notch, just for parents we have a 30 page ebook that can give you actionable tips on helping your child.

Your teenager seems to be struggling with peer relationships, maybe it seems out of control? Have you been told to step in and fix things, only to find that it backfires, leaving both you and your teen feeling even more lost and insecure? It's frustrating to see your child struggle with friendships and confidence, isn't it? 

But what if you learned things you could do that would change how you felt and would then impact how your child feels without you forcing an agenda?

There's a better way to deal with these challenges and build resilience in your teen. Learn effective strategies to create a stronger, more emotionally resilient teenager. And an extra benefit is an improvement in their relationship with you.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Take steps toward developing a more positive relationship with your young teen.

Download our free guide on help for your teen with their emotions. Ready to take it up a notch, just for parents we have a 30 page ebook that can give you actionable tips on helping your child.