Moms of Tweens and Teens

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If you’re a mom who feels like you’re always trying—trying to be more patient, more present, more organized—and yet still end most days feeling like you’re falling short, this episode is for you. 
Today on the show, I’m joined by Carla Ondrasik — a former music executive who helped launch hits like “Genie in a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera, worked with icons like Barbra Streisand and NSYNC, and even discovered the songwriter who would later become her husband, John Ondrasik — the voice behind Five for Fighting.
Carla shares powerful insights from her book, Stop Trying: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More, and explains why “I’ll try” is often just a polite cover for fear, procrastination, and avoidance. She shows how shifting from try to do can change the way we parent, lead, and live—starting with simple changes in how we talk to ourselves and to our kids.
You’ll hear Carla’s own story of moving from behind-the-scenes supporter in the music industry to stepping into the spotlight with a message that helps moms drop the guilt, get honest about what they really want, and take small, doable steps that build confidence.

A few things Carla shares:

Why “I’ll try” quietly keeps moms stuck, exhausted, and discouraged
How “try” shows up in parenting and what our kids actually hear
The difference in your brain between trying and doing
Carla’s journey from music executive to author and speaker
Simple language shifts that build confidence for you and your kids
Where to find Carla and her book:
Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More by Carla Ondrasik
Website: https://www.carlaondrasik.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaondrasik
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Check 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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If you’re parenting a neurodivergent teen and find yourself quietly wondering about their future friendships, independence, or sense of belonging—this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Jamie Pastrano, a licensed social worker, autism advocate, and the co-founder of Synchrony, a groundbreaking social app that officially launched in January 2026.
Jamie’s journey began as a mom raising her son Jesse, who is autistic. Like so many parents of neurodivergent kids, she worked tirelessly to support him through childhood—only to realize that as the teen years approached, one critical question remained unanswered:
How will my child find meaningful connection as an adult?
In this episode, we talk about:
The often invisible loneliness many neurodivergent teens and adults experience
Common misconceptions about autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence
Why traditional social and dating apps often increase anxiety rather than connection
How Synchrony is reimagining social connection through interest-based matching, built-in safety, and an AI-powered social coach designed to support confidence, independence, and belonging
Why friendship—not dating—is often the foundation neurodivergent adults need first
If you’ve ever thought, I just want my teen to find their people and feel like they belong, you’ll want to listen to this episode.
To learn more about Synchrony or explore the app, visit joinsynchrony.com.
Where to find Jamie and the app:
Website: https://joinsynchrony.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pastrano/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsynchrony/
Support the show
Check 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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If you’re a mom lying awake at night, worried about your tween or teen’s anxiety… this episode is for you.
In this deeply meaningful and hope-filled conversation, I’m joined by Amber Leah, author, speaker, and mom, for an honest heart-to-heart about what it’s really like to walk alongside a child who is struggling with anxiety, stress, and depression.
Amber vulnerably shares her family’s story—watching her son Ollie struggle during his preteen and teen years—and the fear, helplessness, and heartbreak that so many moms quietly carry. Together, we talk about the moments no one prepares you for: the emotional outbursts, the pushing away, the shame that follows, and the constant question of “Am I doing this right?”
We also dive into what actually helped:
What Amber said (and didn’t say) in the hardest moments
How to respond when your teen’s anxiety comes out as anger, withdrawal, or disrespect
Why empathy matters more than lectures when emotions are running high
How to pause your own reactivity when you’re triggered and scared
And how faith, practical tools, and connection can bring hope—even when the struggle doesn’t magically disappear
This episode is centered around the powerful book Amber co-wrote with her son, You Are Seen: 90 Devotions to Encourage Stressed and Anxious Teens—a resource born out of real life, real pain, and real healing. The message woven throughout our conversation is one every struggling teen (and mom) needs to hear: You are not broken. You are not alone. You are deeply seen.
If you’re a mom who feels scared, worn down, unsure what to do next—or quietly wondering if anyone understands what you’re carrying—press play and join us for a conversation that will leave you feeling understood, steadied, and a little less alone as you support your tween or teen through anxiety.
Where to find Amber and her and Ollie's book:
You Are Seen: 90 Devotions to Encourage Stressed and Anxious Teens: https://amzn.to/3NGTf7M
Website: https://amberlia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealamberlia/
Ollie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliver.lia22/
Support the show
Check 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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It’s so easy to lose it when our kids’ emotions are running high. We tell them to “calm down,” and before we know it… we’re yelling too.
If that sounds familiar, you’re going to love this episode.
My special guest, Lisa Danahy, is a certified yoga therapist, educator, and founder of Create Calm. She’s spent more than 35 years helping kids, parents, and teachers learn practical ways to manage big emotions, regulate their nervous systems, and create more calm at home, in classrooms, and within themselves.
Lisa shares some beautiful, down-to-earth tools you can start using right away — from “balloon breathing” to simple co-regulation practices that help both you and your kids reset in the heat of the moment. These are the kinds of things that actually work when your tween refuses to get out of bed, your teen is rolling their eyes, or you feel your own patience slipping.
You’ll walk away feeling encouraged, equipped, and reminded that calm isn’t about control — it’s about connection.
Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and join us for this hopeful, heart-centered conversation.
Mentioned in this episode:
CreateCalm.org
Creating Calm in Your Classroom by Lisa Danahy - https://amzn.to/3LLiLaZ
Moms of Tweens and Teens Membership – community, resources, and workshops to help you connect more deeply with your tween or teen

Support the show
Check 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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In 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.com
Support the show
Check 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.