Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

• #343 Free Play, Less Stress

  What if boredom is the birthplace of your teen’s creativity—and your sanity? And what if your own playfulness is the most powerful “parenting tool” you’re not using? In this episode, internationally recognized play designer and RISD professor Cass Holman (creator of the RIGAMAJIG and author of Playful) shows us why free play—play that’s freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated—is essential for teens and adults. We talk about releasing judgment, embracing possibility, and reframing success (hint: it’s not the perfect selfie at the summit). Cass explains why boredom matters, how “consuming” play (scrolling) differs from “generative” play (making), and offers practical ways moms can invite more low-pressure play into everyday life—without becoming their teen’s cruise director. Guest bio paragraph:Cass Holman is an internationally recognized designer, educator, and play advocate. A longtime professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cass created RIGAMAJIG, a large-scale building kit used in thousands of schools and museums, and is featured on Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. Their new book, Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity, distills two decades of designing for play, leading workshops at places like Google, Disney, and Nike, and collaborating with child-development experts to help all of us—kids, teens, and adults—reconnect with true play. Three takeaways: Boredom is productive. Letting teens linger in boredom helps them notice what they actually need and choose self-directed, creative action. Reframe success. Swap “Did we reach the top?” for “Did we connect?”—and watch stress melt while curiosity rises. Model, don’t manufacture. You don’t need to entertain your teen; be playful yourself. Release judgment, embrace possibility, and let “good enough” be great. Learn more at: https://casholman.com/ Follow at https://www.instagram.com/casholman/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• # 342 Calm Teenage Anxiety

  When your teen snaps or shuts down, could anxiety be hiding underneath?What can you do—today—to support them without “fixing” them? Colleen talks with therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW about recognizing teen anxiety (including surprising signs like irritability and anger), the biological and cultural drivers (from hormones to social media and admissions pressure), and what actually helps at home. They unpack why quick fixes backfire, how to communicate about hard topics, and ways to modify expectations, build self-esteem, and set boundaries over blanket restrictions (e.g., muting or curating feeds instead of banning apps). Sophia shares practical scripts, “what to say/what to avoid,” and mom-first strategies like leading by example and using preventive care long before a crisis. Sophia Vale Galano is a licensed clinical social worker serving teens and adults in California. With experience across residential, inpatient, outpatient, and school settings, she specializes in adolescent anxiety and parent coaching. Her new book, Calming Teenage Anxiety, gives parents concrete tools and phrases to support anxious teens with clarity and compassion. Three takeaways: Listen before you fix. Validation opens the door; advice can slam it shut. Boundaries beat restrictions. Curate tech (mute/restrict/positive follows) rather than blanket bans to protect self-esteem and trust. Model what you want to see. Your therapy, rest, limits, and self-care quietly teach your teen how to manage anxiety. Learn more at: https://sophiagalano.com/book/ Follow at: https://sophiagalano.com/book/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• #341 Help Teens Transform Stress into Growth

  Do you ever feel like stress is running your life? And are you worried about how stress is affecting your teen’s confidence and resilience? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes stress expert Dr. Rebecca Heiss, author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You. Dr. Heiss shares her powerful, research-backed approach to using stress as a source of energy and growth rather than something to avoid or suppress. She explains why trying to “calm down” often backfires, why stress can actually be a sign of meaning and purpose, and how parents can model healthier responses to stress for their kids. With humor, science, and practical tools, Dr. Heiss breaks down her Fear Less Stress Formula—helping moms and teens recognize stress, reframe it as an adventure instead of an ordeal, and take small steps forward instead of freezing or avoiding. She also highlights how storytelling, mindset shifts, and psychological safety at home can empower both parents and teens to thrive. Stress isn’t the enemy—it’s energy your body gives you to rise to challenges. Stories shape outcomes—choose the one that best serves you and your teen. Model the response you want—your emotional tone sets the “symphony” at home. Find out more at: https://rebeccaheiss.com Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccaheiss/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• # 340 Empowering Teens from the Inside Out

  Do you ever wonder how you can help your teen truly love themselves from the inside out? Or how you as a mom can stay grounded and respond from love instead of fear when your teen pushes your buttons? In this empowering episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Debra Beck, founder of Empowered Teens and Parents and award-winning author of My Feet Aren’t Ugly and What If Your Teen Isn’t the Problem?. Debra shares her own stories, practical tools, and compassionate wisdom for raising confident teens while staying steady as a parent in today’s fear-driven culture. Together they explore self-acceptance, social media’s impact, conscious parenting, and how to turn emotional triggers into opportunities for connection. About Debra Beck Debra Beck is a mentor, retreat facilitator, and bestselling author who has dedicated decades to helping families heal, reconnect, and thrive. Through her retreats, mentoring, and books, she empowers both teens and parents to shift from fear to love, building stronger relationships rooted in authenticity, compassion, and trust. Takeaways Model self-acceptance — Teens absorb how you speak about yourself, so practice compassion toward your own body and choices. Shift from fear to love — Recognize when you’re triggered, pause, breathe, and return with calm energy before addressing your teen. Guide through experiments — Instead of strict control, invite your teen to try small experiments (like putting their phone away) so they can feel the difference themselves. Find out more at: https://empoweredteensandparents.com/ Follow on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/debra.beck.1806 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• # 339 Life of AND: Thriving at Home and Work

  Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty—giving everything to your family, your work, and your home, yet never feeling caught up? Do you wonder if balance is even possible for moms in today’s world? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Tiffany Sauder about what it really means to redefine work–life balance. Tiffany shares her journey from burnout to creating a sustainable rhythm where career, family, and self can thrive together. Through practical examples and honest stories, she helps moms understand how to clarify priorities, reduce guilt, and find peace in the middle of busy seasons. Tiffany Sauder is a wife, mom of four daughters (ages 5 to 16), entrepreneur, podcast host, and keynote speaker. After years of chasing big dreams while burning out, she developed a new framework she calls “Life of AND”—where family, career, and self-care coexist in harmony. Tiffany now equips women to own the ordinary so they can unlock extraordinary lives, showing them how to be intentional, present, and ambitious without losing themselves. Balance is alignment, not perfection — True balance happens when your time and money reflect your priorities and values, not when you split time evenly. Get clear and intentional — Ask your kids what matters most to them, set boundaries, and let go of unnecessary guilt. Outsource the ordinary — Don’t waste precious energy on tasks that can be delegated; save your time for connection, growth, and joy. Learn more at https://www.tiffanysauder.com/ Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiffany.sauder/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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