Send Lauren a text!

Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.

On this episode I'll tell you why it is important and helpful to validate your own feelings as well as your children's. I'll give you examples of how you can practice self compassion as well as offer your children emotional support.

If you are looking for support for your tween or teen and live in Connecticut, check out my private practice, Firefly Counseling and Wellness: https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, we’re diving into 3 ways to bring more balance to you and your tween/teen in 2025! 🎉

✨ Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:
1️⃣ Reducing the pressure (on yourself and your kids)
2️⃣ Tackling overscheduling to create more room for connection
3️⃣ Valuing relaxation, creativity, and movement

I’ll also share relatable stories (including some parenting wins and lessons learned) and practical tips for lowering anxiety in your home. 🙌

✨ What’s Bringing Me More Zen:
Stay tuned to the end of the episode when I reveal my word for the year and my goal inspired by my love for reading and how I’m using it to create more balance. 📚

💌 Let’s Connect!

• Website: YourZenFriend.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

If you’re finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it’s the best way to support the show and help parents like you! 💛

Remember, parenting an anxious tween or teen can be tough. Take time today (and every day) to do something kind for yourself. 💕

Enjoy the episode! 🎧✨

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, I’m diving into routines and predictability—how they can help (and sometimes hinder) your anxious tween or teen—and exploring the joy and connection that holiday traditions bring. I’ll also share a peek into my family’s Christmas traditions, both past and present.

Traditions are powerful—they create connection, foster joy, and give us something to look forward to ☺️

💬 Stay Connected:

• Visit yourzenfriend.com for more resources.
• Join our private Facebook group, Your Zen Friend! 💌
• Follow me on Instagram @yourzenfriendpod.

Enjoy the episode and share it with a friend—it’s the best way to help the podcast grow! 🎙️

Parenting an anxious tween or teen is challenging, so I hope you'll take some time today and every day to do something kind for yourself ✨

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Feeling overwhelmed with all the holiday to do's? Guest and friend of the pod, Vicki Smith will help us to clear our schedules of the stuff that doesn't serve us so that we have more time to do the things we enjoy. Self care isn't just about lighting candles and wearing cozy socks. One terrific way to care for yourself, especially during the holidays is to set healthy boundaries. Vicki is here to help us do that!

It's not always easy to distinguish between a 'hell yes' and a 'no' when it comes to invitations or requests. Vicki tells us how we can feel into our body to better guide decisions. Vicki talks about how we often make decisions from a place of fear, obligation and guilt. She helps us identify when we are acting from these emotions and how we can make choices that we don't later regret.

For any of us with people pleasing tendencies, saying no can be super uncomfortable. Vicki helps us to decrease and manage our uncomfortable feelings. This starts with knowing how to politely decline an invitation. Vicki will give us a strategy for this that she calls, "a boundary sandwich." We'll also explore how having more time for yourself to do what you enjoy, will improve your overall holiday experience.  This is your chance to create a holiday season that is truly merrier, without some of the unnecessary stress and pressure.

Also check out my previous episode with Vicki Smith: Ep#41 - People Pleasing and Perfectionism with Vicki Smith
https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/people-pleasing-and-perfectionism-with-vicki-smith/id1646833026?i=1000619209880

Here's where you can connect with Vicki:

• Website -  https://powertothepleasers.com
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075839538976
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/power.to.the.pleasers/

Viki's Bio:
Vicki Smith is a licensed psychotherapist and a coach who specializes in people pleasing and perfectionism. She enjoys working with these issues because she loves seeing people discover their true nature and then share it with the world. Vicki brings both her personal and professional experience into her work with clients. Blending her experience as a mindfulness meditation teacher with her background in body-centered yoga therapy to help clients get to know the whole of their being. Her mission is to help folks not just TALK ABOUT the life they’ve always wanted, but to actually start LIVING IT OUT! When she isn’t working, she is hiking in the woods with her husband and two dogs or traveling to National Parks to explore outside her hometown of Atlanta Ga.

I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:

💬 Stay Connected:

• Visit yourzenfriend.com for more resources.
• Join our private Facebook group, Your Zen Friend! 💌
• Follow me on Instagram @yourzenfriendpod.

Happy Holidays! 🎁✨

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this festive episode, I’m sharing how I’ve shifted my holiday traditions to create more peace and joy during this busy season. Whether you're juggling the magic-making or supporting an anxious tween or teen, it can feel like a lot (especially for us moms 🫠

🎧 Tune in for:

• The traditions I’ve let go of (goodbye, elf shenanigans and cookie parties!)
• What I’ve said YES to, like ordering Chinese food for Christmas dinner 🍜🎄
• How I set boundaries and prioritize meaningful moments with family and friends ❤️
• Tips for embracing imperfection and finding time for self-compassion ✨

If the holiday hustle has you feeling overwhelmed, this episode is here to help you take a breath, let go of the pressure, and enjoy what really matters.

💬 Stay Connected:

• Visit yourzenfriend.com for more resources.
• Join our private Facebook group, Your Zen Friend! 💌
• Follow me on Instagram @yourzenfriendpod.

Happy Holidays! 🎁✨

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Welcome, Zen Friend! ✨ In this episode, we’re exploring why the holiday season can be particularly tricky for tweens and teens with anxiety. From high expectations to social stress and academic pressures, we’ll dive into what makes this time of year challenging and how you can help.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• The impact of high expectations and perfectionism during the holidays
• Why academic demands can feel overwhelming this time of year
• How social anxiety might show up at gatherings
• Strategies for supporting your child, like managing their schedule, encouraging downtime, and validating their feelings
• Why it’s important to help your child face challenges with courage and self-compassion

✨ What’s Bringing Me More Zen:
Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear about a stress-reducing tool I’ve been loving! This is a bit high teach for a self-proclaimed luddite like me, but it’s been a game-changer for simplifying tasks and saving time.

💌 Let’s Connect!

• Website: YourZenFriend.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

🌟 Thank You!
A big shoutout to our amazing editor, SuZen! If you’re finding this podcast helpful, please rate and review it on Apple or Spotify—or even better, share it with a friend.

Remember, parenting an anxious tween or teen is challenging. I hope you’ll take a moment today to do something kind for yourself—you deserve it! 💕

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Welcome, Zen Friend! ✨ In this episode, we’re diving into perfectionism—how it ties to anxiety, how to spot it in your tween or teen, and what you can do to help.

Perfectionism isn’t just about wanting to do things well; it’s often driven by fear and worry. We’ll explore how this anxiety shows up in academics, extracurriculars, body image, and even social settings. I’ll share insights from my experience as a licensed therapist, including why perfectionism is so tricky to treat and how to approach it with compassion.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• Signs your tween or teen might be struggling with perfectionism
• Why perfectionism feels like a "sneaky" type of anxiety
• Practical tips for supporting your child, like fostering a growth mindset and challenging all-or-nothing thinking
• The importance of rest, balance, and modeling self-compassion

Plus, stay tuned for the segment, What’s Bringing Me More Zen—the item I talk about today are perfect for a fun and inexpensive gift (think stocking stuffer)! 🎁 It's also a great treat yo' self item that is perfect in the colder months ⛄️

Links to What's Bringing Me More Zen:
https://a.co/d/aq7s5o5: If you have a TJ Maxx near you this item is much cheaper there!

💌 Let’s Connect!

• Website: yourzenfriend.com 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @yourzenfriendpod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

Remember, parenting an anxious tween or teen is challenging—I hope you'll do something kind for yourself today and everyday ☺️

🌟 If you are enjoying this podcast please take a moment to rate and review it on Apple or Spotify. Or even better, share it with a friend! 💕

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

When your child struggles with anxiety, it’s natural to want to make the anxiety go away. But sometimes our efforts result in making anxiety bigger. In this episode, I'm talking about three common mistakes parents (and sometimes even therapists) make when trying to support children and teens. And most importantly, I'll tell you what you can do instead to help effectively reduce your child's anxiety.

And stay tuned till the end of this episode when I tell you What's Bringing Me More Zen. This week's segment is different than usual because I have actually not been feeling so zen lately. I'll tell you what I've been doing to manage during this difficult time. 

1. Reassuring Too Much or Trying to “Fix” the Problem 

It’s instinctive to want to ease your child’s worries with plenty of reassurance or by solving the problem right away. But too much reassurance can actually send the message that their fears are too big to manage on their own, which can reinforce anxiety. I'll tell you what you can do instead of overly reassuring or rescuing your child from their fear.

2. Avoiding the Things that Cause Anxiety

When a certain situation—like going to school, joining a sports team, or talking to people—causes your child anxiety, it might feel helpful to keep them away from those triggers. While avoiding these situations might bring relief in the short term, it often makes anxiety worse over time, reinforcing the idea that the fear is too overwhelming to face. I'll tell you how using exposure is the key to decreasing fear and teaching your child that they can handle uncomfortable feelings and uncertainty.

3. Dismissing or Minimizing Their Feelings

Sometimes, in an effort to help your child feel stronger, it’s tempting to say things like “There’s nothing to worry about,” or “You’re fine.” While these statements come from a place of love, they can leave your child feeling misunderstood or even ashamed of their feelings. I'll tell you how it's more helpful to validate  emotions—letting your child know that it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling. When kids feel safe and understood, they’re more likely to open up and face their fears with support. 

Finding the Right Balance

Helping your child with anxiety isn’t about making the fear disappear; it’s about supporting them in facing their feelings a little at a time. By validating their emotions, encouraging small steps, and being a steady source of support, you can help them build confidence and resilience. This will make a big difference in helping your child thrive!

I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:

For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, I’m talking about how anxiety often looks confusing in tweens and teens—sometimes appearing as irrational fears or even "bad behavior." Many parents question whether their child’s reactions are actually anxiety or just acting out. Using real stories and examples, I show why these fears may not make sense but are still very real.

Sometimes a kid's fear seems to make no sense. I'll tell you a story of a tween who was only slightly nervous while performing on stage but felt too afraid to buy school lunch. I'll share some of the steps that helped this boy to challenge his fear.

I will encourage you, as a parent, to approach moments like these with compassion. In these anxious moments your kid is not intentionally trying to blow up your day, even though it sometimes feels like it! And I also urge you to have compassion for yourself as well. Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging, and offering yourself some grace is super important!

And stay tuned for What’s Bringing Me More Zen. Here’s a hint: lately, I’ve been crafting... wait for it... for the holidays! Yes, it’s totally unlike me to be this far ahead of the season. I’ll share what I’ve been working on—and actually finishing!

Mentioned on this episode:
Check out Episode #98: Anxiety Symptoms in Kids and Teens That Might Surprise You. Link in the show notes.

https://www.woolandthegang.com/en/products/can-you-feel-it-cushion?taxon_id=3&_gl=1*1vwhiwu*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj4K5BhDYARIsAD1Ly2pAad-drz5ocgSnfpRKSihPbmjmc649-wOOCX44TY8JR5VexOARzVUaAnnVEALw_wcB

https://a.co/d/iteONgb

I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:

For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, we’re getting real about healing. Whether you or your tween or teen are dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, or just about anything else, I’ve got you covered. I’ll talk about some common misconceptions I see in my work with counseling clients, and share my favorite way to look at the healing journey - imagining  a game board of life. This simple analogy can help you, your tween or teen to stay motivated and focused, even when setbacks happen.

What You’ll Hear:

• Healing Realities: How we often expect healing to be a straight line when in fact it's more of a roller coaster 
• The Game Board Analogy: Imagine your recovery like moving a game piece across a board game. Even if you hit a tough spot, you’re still ahead of where you started!
• Supporting Progress: Practical tips for helping you or your child stay on track without losing sight of the progress made.

And stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you, What’s Bringing Me More Zen. I’ll share something that’s been helping me stay cool and comfortable, sleep better all year long. 

Mentioned on this episode:   https://a.co/d/fqtr2Bv

I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:

For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.