In this powerful, hope-filled episode, I sit down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, clinical psychologist and parenting expert, to talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface during the teen years.

She unpacks what to do when your teen shuts down, why nagging and lecturing don’t work, how to reset when you’ve lost your cool, and how to support your teen without losing yourself in the process.

From messy rooms to slammed doors and screen-time battles, this episode will give you practical tools to reconnect with your teen, regulate your own emotions, and build a stronger relationship—without the shame spiral or the power struggles.

Because behind every behavior is a need. And when you meet your child with curiosity instead of control, that’s when real change happens.

💬 Whether you're parenting a tween, teen, or just want to prepare for what's ahead, this one is a must-listen.

• Why the behavior you see isn't the full story (and what to focus on instead)

• How to navigate the belief → behavior gap with empathy

• The best questions to ask your teen (even when they say “I don’t know”)

• A simple strategy to reset yourself before reacting

• How to stop parenting from fear and build connection instead

• Why phones and social media are creating emotional dysregulation—and what to do about it

• When to lean in, when to back off, and how to build trust in the hardest moments

📘 Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s new book: Love the Teen You Have
📲 Follow Dr. Ann-Louise on Instagram: @dr.annelouise.lockhart
🌐 Visit her website: www.anewdaysa.com

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Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today’s episode) into small, doable changes that last.
👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548)

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Ever hit 5:00 pm and suddenly realize… you have no idea what’s for dinner? 😬

In this episode, we’re cutting through the dinner-time chaos with one of the most powerful tools for simplifying your evenings: freezer meals. But don’t worry — this isn’t your typical “spend all Sunday batch cooking” kind of advice. My guest, Nikita from The Freezer Meals Club, shares her zero-fuss approach to make-ahead meals that work for real life (with real schedules, picky eaters, and limited freezer space).

Whether you love to cook or avoid it at all costs, this episode will show you how to turn just one night of dinner into three — without a single extra pan to wash.

• Why freezer meals aren’t just for “supermoms” — and how Nikita stumbled into the system that changed everything
• The simple freezer meal strategy that takes 5 extra minutes (no 4-hour prep required)
• What foods freeze well (and what to skip to avoid soggy surprises)
• How to store and label meals to avoid freezer burn and keep things fresh
• Genius tools and storage tips that don’t require a second freezer
• Why just one batch-cooked meal per week can eliminate 4–6 nights of cooking each month
• How to get your kids involved (or how to use freezer meals to free up time for your kids)

Want Nikita’s help each week? Join the Freezer Meals Club to get weekly freezer-friendly recipes (serves 12+), reheating instructions, remix ideas, and batch-cooking support — all for just $14.40/month with code KATY (doors close Oct 18 and won’t reopen until 2026).

Join Clutter Cure Club
Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with what truly matters?
Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today’s episode) into small, doable changes that last.
👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548)

Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter
Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life.
👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify)

Come Say Hi on Instagram
Behind-the-scenes and real-life simplicity. @katyjoywells

If you’re ready to simplify dinner without the stress, this episode is your permission slip to stop overcomplicating meal prep and start saving time, money, and sanity — one freezer meal at a time.

Ready, Set, Simplify.
— Katy

Let’s face it: parenting today feels harder than ever. We’re juggling schedules, screens, school drop-offs, dinner chaos, and about 4,792 questions from our kids all before 10 am.

So how in the world are we supposed to connect in the middle of all that?

In this heart-opening episode, I’m joined by one of my most trusted parenting experts and dear friends, Caley Kukla, childhood development expert and parent coach, to talk about what real connection looks like in the middle of real life.

We’re busting the myth that you need “quality time” carved out on the calendar to build strong relationships with your kids (spoiler: you don’t need 3-hour crafts or curated Pinterest moments). Instead, Kaylee shares simple, powerful ways to reconnect in your existing routines—car line, mealtimes, even the chaos of the after-school rush.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “failing” at connection because of busy schedules, short tempers, or missed moments—this episode will be a balm for your soul.

• The truth about connection bids—and how to respond to your child’s need for attention without adding more to your plate
• What “serve and return” means (and how it can transform your everyday parenting interactions)
• Why hour-long crafts aren’t required to build deep connection
• How to authentically connect with yourself—so you can better connect with your kids
• What repair looks like when you’ve lost your cool (and why it matters even more than “getting it right”)
• How to stop should-ing yourself and release guilt around not “doing enough”
• Small mindset shifts and systems (like the donation station + body scans) that make a big difference

Join Clutter Cure Club
Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with what truly matters?
Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today’s episode) into small, doable changes that last.
👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548)

Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter
Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life.
👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify)

Come Say Hi on Instagram
Behind-the-scenes and real-life simplicity. @katyjoywells

Please share it with a mom friend who’s feeling overwhelmed or guilty about “not connecting enough.”
Let her know: she’s not behind. She’s just one small moment away from deeper connection.

And if this episode helped you breathe a little deeper—would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps others find the show and join the Simplifier community. 💛

Ready, Set, Simplify.
—Katy