Parenting Anxious Teens | Parenting Teens, Managing Teen Anxiety, Parenting Strategies

Hi Parents!

Does it ever feel like your teen knows exactly what to do but still doesn't do it?

Maybe you've had countless conversations about their anxiety. You've broken the goal into manageable steps, encouraged them, reassured them, and reminded them why it matters. They tell you they want things to be different, yet they still struggle to follow through. 

Today we explore why understanding anxiety isn't always enough to create change. I explain why anxious teens often resist taking action even when they genuinely want the outcome, how anxiety quietly negotiates by encouraging them to wait until they feel "ready," and why immediate relief so often wins over long-term growth. We also talk about the difference between a teen who doesn't want change and a teen who simply doesn't want the discomfort that comes with change - a distinction that can completely shift the way you support them.

Finally, I share practical ways to better understand what's happening beneath your teen's resistance, why medication and building confidence through experience play different roles in recovery, and how to recognize whether your teen is avoiding the goal itself or the uncomfortable feelings they believe the goal will create.

If today's conversation resonated with you, you'll love The Parent's Anxiety Toolkit™. Inside the program, I teach parents how to move beyond simply understanding anxiety and confidently support their teen through resistance, uncertainty, and the everyday moments that build lasting confidence, resilience, and independence.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens

Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents!

One of the challenges of parenting an anxious teen is knowing when to step in and when to step back. As parents, your instinct is to protect your children from disappointment, failure, and discomfort. But what if constantly rescuing them is actually preventing them from building the confidence and resilience they'll need later in life?

Today I'm joined by certified parenting and life coach Randi Crawford. Randi helps parents raise confident, independent young adults by shifting away from rescuing and toward coaching. Her work empowers parents with practical tools to support their children while still allowing them to develop the problem-solving skills, confidence, and resilience that adulthood requires.

Together, we explore why failure isn't something parents should fear, but something that helps teens grow. We discuss the difference between supporting and rescuing, why stepping in too quickly can unintentionally reinforce anxiety, and how parents can create opportunities for their teens to learn from challenges instead of avoiding them.

For more information about Randi Crawford and her coaching programs for parents, be sure to connect with her and explore her resources online.

NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens

Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents!

Teens are busier than ever before. Their schedules are full, their achievements are impressive, and on the surface, many appear to be doing everything "right." But are they actually thriving?

In today's episode, I'm joined by internationally recognized educational psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Michele Borba to explore what it truly means to raise resilient, emotionally healthy teens in today's high-pressure world. Drawing from more than 40 years of research and the insights from her bestselling book Thrivers, Dr. Borba explains why success isn't measured by grades, trophies, or packed calendars - but by the character strengths that help young people navigate life's inevitable challenges.

Together, we discuss why today's culture often prioritizes achievement over emotional growth, how removing every obstacle can unintentionally weaken resilience, and why healthy struggle is actually an essential part of development. Dr. Borba shares why qualities like empathy, perseverance, courage, and self-control are some of the strongest predictors of long-term well-being and how parents can intentionally nurture these traits at home.

We also explore the difference between teens who simply look successful and those who are genuinely thriving, the role of real-world experiences in building confidence beyond screens, and practical ways parents can support emotional resilience without adding more pressure or expectations.

If you've ever wondered whether your teen is truly flourishing or simply keeping up, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and practical strategies for helping them build confidence, resilience, and the character strengths they'll carry for a lifetime.

For more information about Dr. Michele Borba, her books, and her resources for parents and educators, be sure to visit her website and explore her latest work.

NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens

Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents!

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "If only my teen had more confidence..."

It's one of the most common things I hear from parents. You watch your teen turn down opportunities, avoid situations they genuinely want to be part of, or hesitate every time anxiety shows up. Whether it's a sleepover, a school trip, a presentation, trying out for a team, or even thinking about going away to college, it's easy to believe confidence is what's missing.

But what if confidence isn't actually where the story begins?

In today's episode, I share one of the biggest mindset shifts I've had as a teen anxiety coach. Confidence isn't something our teens need before they face something difficult - it's something they build because they faced something difficult. We'll explore why anxiety is often less about avoiding the event itself and more about avoiding the uncomfortable feelings they believe the event will create.

We'll also talk about one of the hardest parts of parenting an anxious teen: knowing when to encourage your teen through discomfort and when they may genuinely be overwhelmed. I'll share practical questions you can ask to better understand what's happening beneath the anxiety, why waiting for your teen to "feel ready" can unintentionally keep them stuck, and how small moments of courage become the evidence that builds lasting confidence.

If today's conversation resonated with you, you'll love The Parent's Anxiety Toolkit™. Inside the program, I walk you through practical tools, conversation guides, worksheets, and step-by-step strategies to help you support your teen in a way that builds resilience, confidence, and independence - without unintentionally reinforcing the anxiety cycle.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens

Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents!

If you haven't listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Diane Sorensen, I highly recommend starting there first.

After we finished recording, I realized there was one important part of Diane's story we hadn't had the chance to explore - her daughter's mental health crisis and how that experience shaped both Diane as a parent and their relationship today.

In this follow-up conversation, Diane shares what happened, what she learned during one of the most difficult seasons of her life, and how parents can continue showing up with compassion, connection, and hope when their teen is struggling.

Whether you're currently navigating a difficult season with your teen or simply want to strengthen your relationship before challenges arise, I hope this conversation reminds you that healing is possible and that no family has to navigate these moments perfectly.

NEW: My 6-week parent program, The Parent’s Anxiety Toolkit™, is now open! If you’re raising an anxious teen and feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or exhausted by the constant worry, this program will help you feel more calm, confident, and equipped with practical tools that actually work.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program for Teens

Connect With Me on Instagram