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

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

Hi Parents!

Have you ever felt hurt, rejected, or frustrated when your teen pulls away, shuts down, or doesn't seem interested in talking? 

In today's episode, I'm joined by Diane Sorensen, a certified transformational life coach, former educator, and creator of the Chaos to Connection podcast. Diane brings more than three decades of experience supporting children and families, along with powerful personal insights from navigating her own daughter's mental health challenges.

Together, we explore one of the biggest struggles many parents face: how to stay connected to an anxious teen when they seem resistant to connection. Diane shares why teens often need something very different from what parents assume, and why trying harder to connect can sometimes create more distance.

We also discuss why parents frequently personalize their teen's withdrawal, what resistance and emotional shutdown may actually be communicating, and how our own childhood experiences and parenting patterns can influence the way we respond. Diane offers practical guidance for staying grounded during difficult moments, building trust over time, and creating a relationship where teens feel safe enough to come to you when they need support.

If you've ever wondered how to maintain a strong connection with your teen without forcing conversations, fixing problems, or taking their behaviour personally, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and actionable tools you can start using right away.

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!

Today’s episode is such an important conversation because we’re exploring something that often gets misunderstood in conversations around teens, anxiety, and food.

I’m joined by Stephanie Mara, a Somatic Nutritional Counsellor, somatic psychotherapist, and the creator of Somatic Eating®, a therapeutic approach that combines nervous system science, trauma work, attachment, and nutrition. Stephanie’s work helps people understand that food behaviours are often not about willpower, discipline, or “bad habits,” but are actually the body’s attempt to create safety, regulation, and comfort.

We talk about the connection between attachment styles and eating behaviours and how a teen’s relationship with food is often deeply connected to emotional safety, stress, anxiety, and nervous system regulation. Stephanie explains how food can sometimes become a substitute for connection when emotional needs feel uncertain or unmet, and why healing a relationship with food often requires looking beyond the surface behaviour itself.

We also discuss how anxiety and nervous system dysregulation can show up through emotional eating, food restriction, body image struggles, or fixation around eating patterns. Stephanie shares how parents can begin approaching these behaviours with more curiosity and compassion instead of fear or control.

This episode is a powerful reminder that food behaviours are rarely just about food, and that understanding the nervous system and emotional attachment can completely shift the way we support our teens.

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