How Executive Functioning Impacts Tweens & Teens and What You Can Do To Help, Interview wtih Dr. Anna Levy-Warren
Send us a textIn this insightful conversation, Dr. Anna Levy-Warren, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Organizational Tutors, breaks down the concept of executive functioning (EF)—the brain processes that help kids and teens organize, plan, focus, and manage their emotions. Discover how everyday tasks like getting ready for school, homework, and handling transitions can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. Dr. Levy-Warren shares actionable strategies to help families support their tweens and teens with EF challenges, while also addressing the role of anxiety and how to manage family dynamics.Key takeaways & tips:Use visual timers so time is seen, not just spoken.Do a 5-minute “start together”: help list the first 2–3 steps, then step back.Work backward from the real due date, including life events (games, birthdays, church, work).Expect a lag in shifting; name it and give a bridge (“Finish that last sentence, then let’s move to shoes”).Lead with repair over guilt: “I got activated. I’m sorry. Let’s try that again.”Model what you want to see: put your own phone away, breathe, open your calendar.Where to find Dr. Anna Levy-Warren:Organizational Tutors: organizationaltutors.comSupport the showCheck out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources: Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Join our Community HERE. Find awesome resources HERE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.
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Finish College in High School: A Debt-Free Path with Shelley Branine (This blew my mind!)
Send us a textIn this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Shelley Branine, and let me tell you—this conversation blew me away. Shelley is a truth seeker, freedom fighter, wife, and warrior mom of two amazing daughters—one of whom actually graduated from college just a week before finishing high school.As a mom myself, I was inspired hearing her story of how she navigated the college process with her girls and discovered the power of dual enrollment. Shelley explains how high school students can take college courses—often for free or at very little cost—and how this path not only saves families significant time and money but also gives students incredible confidence and real-world experience.I loved how Shelley shared not just the wins but also her own struggles with student loan debt, the misconceptions about dual enrollment, and the truth about scholarships and college athletics. She brings so much clarity to a topic that feels overwhelming for so many parents and students.If you’ve ever wondered about alternatives to the traditional (and expensive) college route, this episode is full of hope and practical steps. You’ll walk away knowing how to start the conversation with your guidance counselor, what questions to ask, and how to explore this smarter, debt-free option for your family.Shelley’s upcoming book, Finish College in High School (coming early 2026), will be an incredible resource, but for now, I can’t wait for you to hear her wisdom and encouragement in this episode.Where to find Shelley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelleybranine/Website and Articles Written by Shelley: https://shelleybranine.com/blog/Support the showCheck out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources: Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Join our Community HERE. Find awesome resources HERE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.
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Drop the Rope: How to Help (Not Enable) Your Teen Struggling with Weed, Vaping, or Alcohol with Amber Hollingsworth
Send us a textIf your teen has been vaping, using weed, lying, or just seems totally unmotivated—and you’re tired of the constant arguments or feeling unsure how to help them turn things around—this episode is for you. Amber Hollingsworth is an addiction specialist and creator of the YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down—and in this interview, Amber shares what really helps when teens are experimenting, struggling, or unmotivated to change.Amber shares Why “waiting for rock bottom” backfires—and what creates change insteadThe #1 most enabling behavior (hint: it’s not giving $20)How to "Drop the rope” and get out of the tug-of-war and lower the resistanceHow you want natural consequences vs. parent-imposed punishment to do the teachingWhat true boundaries actually look like: spoiler - they are rules for yourself, not your teenHow to build “credit” with your teen so your words carry weightKey Takeaways:Don’t be the villain. When you argue, threaten, or lecture, you become the distraction that keeps your teen from looking inward.Let the world be the bad guy. Natural consequences teach; parent-made punishments often fuel denial and blame.Boundaries are about you. “If you’re arrested, I won’t pick you up”—that’s a boundary. “You can’t leave the house”—that’s a rule you likely can’t enforce.Lead with empathy, then influence. “I get why fitting in matters” opens ears; lectures close them.Build credibility (“credit”). When your teen feels understood, your guidance finally lands.Where to find Amber:Put The Shovel Down on YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown/videosConsults/coaching webiste: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/Free Resources: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/free-resourcesSupport the showCheck out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources: Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Join our Community HERE. Find awesome resources HERE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.
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The Truth About Unmotivated Teens (and What to Do About It) with Dr. Melanie McNally
Send us a textDo you have a teen who spends most of their time in their room, glued to their phone, avoiding homework, and tuning you out—no matter what you say or do? You’re not alone—and today’s conversation will help you understand what’s really going on and what you can do about it.In this powerful and practical episode, Sheryl sits down with Dr. Melanie McNally, clinical psychologist, brain coach, and author of Helping Your Unmotivated Teen: A Parent’s Guide to Unlock Your Child’s Potential and The Emotionally Intelligent Teen. Since 2013, Melanie has helped hundreds of adolescents build emotional intelligence, motivation, and confidence—and today, she’s sharing her insights with us.You’ll hear why so many teens struggle with motivation today, how technology is affecting their brains and emotions, and what we can do as parents to help our tweens and teens develop drive, grit, and goals. You’ll also hear why the first step to helping your teen might be looking at your own phone habits—and how modeling change can make all the difference.What You’ll Learn (quick hits)Why tech disrupts self-regulation—and how to set simple family guardrailsThe listening shift that opens teens up (pause, reflect, then respond)Using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators wiselyPairing structure with choice (e.g., “one sport + one club,” teen’s choice)How to spot small wins and transfer those skills to schoolWhere to Connect with Dr. Melanie:Website: drmelaniemcnally.com • Instagram: @drmelaniemcnally Books: Helping Your Unmotivated Teen : https://amzn.to/3IUpRc2The Emotionally Intelligent Teen: https://amzn.to/3VSlzF8Support the showCheck out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources: Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Join our Community HERE. Find awesome resources HERE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.
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From Cooking to Confidence: Helping Teens Develop Life Skills with Katie Kimball
Send us a textDo you ever feel like all your tween or teen eats is buttered noodles or ramen? 🙋♀️ I hear this from so many moms — and I’ve been there too! We want our kids to eat healthier and learn life skills, but with everything on our plates, it feels impossible to make it happen.That’s why I’m so excited about this conversation with Katie Kimball. Katie is a mom of four, a former teacher, and the creator of Kids Cook Real Food, named the best online cooking class for kids by the Wall Street Journal. She’s passionate about helping families build a healthier relationship with food, and she has a gift for teaching kids (and parents!) the skills they need in the kitchen — and beyond.In this episode, Katie shares:How cooking can be a powerful way to connect with our kids and teach resilience.Why getting tweens and teens involved in the kitchen is one of the best gifts we can give them.Practical ways to help picky eaters expand their palate (without the battles).The life skills our kids gain when we let them take ownership and even fail in safe ways.How food impacts everything from mood to skin to energy — and how to help our kids notice it too.This was such a fun and eye-opening conversation. Katie reminds us that teaching our kids to cook isn’t about adding another thing to our never-ending list — it’s about inviting them into everyday life in ways that lighten our load, build their confidence, and set them up for success.Where to find Katie:👉 You can grab some of Katie’s free resources at kidscookrealfood.com/tweens-and-teensYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieKimballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekimballkidscook/.Support the showCheck out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources: Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Join our Community HERE. Find awesome resources HERE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.
The Moms of Tweens and Teens podcast offers encouragement, expert advice, and equips moms with a deeper understanding of the unique needs of their tween or teen and how to meet them where they’re at and support them to thrive. Sheryl Gould is the Founder of Moms of Tweens and Teens, a nationally recognized Parenting Educator, Speaker, and Author of “SOS: The Technology Guidebook for Parents of Tweens and Teens, Get The Answers You Need, Keep Them Safe and Enjoy Your Kids Again” and the forthcoming book, “You're Not Crazy, You’re Not A Bad Parent, And No Your Adolescent Doesn’t Really Hate You.”
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