Ever catch yourself thinking, *“I’m either a good parent or a bad one”... or, “My teen is either respectful or totally out of control”? That’s black-and-white thinking—and it sneaks into parenting more than we realize.

In this episode, we dig into how rigid, all-or-nothing thoughts keep us stuck in guilt, frustration, and power struggles. You’ll learn:

• How black-and-white thinking shows up (even when you don’t realize it)

• Why it makes parenting feel so much harder

• The simple mindset shift that opens the door to peace, patience, and real progress

If you’re exhausted from the pressure to be “perfect” or feeling like you always mess it up—this one’s for you.

Want personalized help shifting out of black-and-white traps? Book your free Peaceful Parenting Strategy Call here. Let’s get you out of the extremes—and into a parenting style that actually works.

Your teen is moody, dramatic, needy, and constantly fishing for validation. One minute they want you to help… the next, they’re shutting you out. They’re one person at home, someone else at school, and you're just trying to figure out who the heck they actually are.

If you’ve ever felt like your teen is a walking tornado of insecurity, pressure, and mixed signals—and you're the one stuck holding it all together—this episode is for you.

We talk about:

• Why your teen’s “crazy” behavior isn’t about being broken

• The hidden needs behind their outbursts, shifts, and social shape-shifting

• The one thing they really want from you—even when they act like they don’t

Because your teen doesn’t need to be fixed.
They need to feel safe. Seen. Loved as they are.

If you’re tired of second-guessing every response and walking on emotional landmines, let’s change that. Book your free Peaceful Parenting Strategy Call here.
Let’s rebuild trust—and your sanity—one conversation at a time.

If your teen is sad, bored, heartbroken, or frustrated—and you instantly shift into problem-solving mode—this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about a trap so many loving parents fall into: believing it’s our job to keep our teens happy. Whether it’s emailing teachers, calling their friend’s mom after a disagreement, offering shopping trips to soothe a breakup, or trying to fix boredom with entertainment—many parents overfunction emotionally, thinking they’re being helpful. But here’s the truth: trying to manage your teen’s emotions not only burns you out, it also sends them the message that they can’t handle life on their own.

You’ll learn:

• Why your teen’s hard emotions aren’t a sign you’ve failed

• How to stop rescuing and start strengthening their emotional resilience

• The surprising way your love and guilt might be enabling helplessness

• And how to hold space without trying to “make it better”

✨ Ready to parent with calm, clarity, and real connection—even when your teen is struggling? Book your free Peaceful Parenting Strategy Call here. You don’t have to do this alone—and your teen doesn’t need you to fix everything to thrive.

Every parent has been there—those infuriating moments when your teen’s response is a flat, dismissive “I don’t care.” In this episode, we dig into why that statement pops up and what it really means, so you can handle your frustration and reconnect with your teen.

This one’s brought to you by a real-life grocery store moment with my son… and a stranger who felt compelled to weigh in on his "I don't care" response to me. (Yep, it was that wild.)

I’ll share three powerful strategies:

• understanding the deeper situation behind that “I don’t care.”

• The secret shift that will stop the cycle of conflict and confusion

• How to respond in a way that builds trust, not distance

If you’re ready to transform those hurtful exchanges into opportunities for growth and connection, let’s talk. Book a free Peaceful Parenting Call today, and in just a few minutes, we’ll create a personalized plan to build trust, ease your stress, and help your teen thrive.

If you want your teen to speak up for themselves—and for others—but find they shut down, go along to get along, or avoid conflict at all costs, this episode is for you.

We’re breaking down how to raise teens who know how to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and stand up to injustice—without being rude, reactive, or overwhelmed. And here’s the key: it starts with us.

In this episode, I’ll share:

• Why modeling is the most powerful way to teach advocacy

• The difference between being nice and being kind—and why being nice at your own expense teaches all the wrong things

• How enabling bad behavior (from your teen or others) often starts with avoiding discomfort

• Practical phrases and tools to use when your teen encounters racism, sexism, homophobia, or peer pressure

• How to show them that saying no, asking for what they need, and holding boundaries isn’t “too much”—it’s the foundation of real happiness

Whether your teen is staying silent to keep the peace or lashing out when they finally hit their limit, this episode will help you guide them toward confident, respectful self-advocacy and social awareness.

✨ Ready to raise a teen who knows how to use their voice without losing themselves? Book a free Peaceful Parenting Strategy Call and let’s talk through how to make that happen in your home.

Few things hurt more than watching your teen struggle—and knowing they don’t feel safe enough to come to you with it.

You try to connect, ask how they’re doing, offer help… and all you get is a shoulder shrug, an eye roll, or a slammed door. And it leaves you wondering—What happened to us? Why won’t they talk to me? Am I failing?

In this episode, we’re digging into what it really takes to become a safe person for your teen to open up to. I’ll walk you through the do’s and don’ts that shift the energy from shut down and distance to trust and connection. You’ll learn simple skills that make a big impact—so your teen actually wants to talk to you again. And when that safety is there, it doesn’t just help your teen—it transforms the tone of your whole home.

If you’re tired of feeling shut out or unsure how to reconnect, let’s talk. Book a free Peaceful Parenting Strategy Call here. You don’t have to guess your way through this—I’ve got you.

Parenting teens today can feel like trying to hold back a tidal wave. We want to protect them, guide them, and set them up for success—but how do we do that without burning out or pushing them away? In this episode, we’re tackling three crucial parenting strategies:

• Setting Boundaries with Technology—How to create limits that actually stick, without constant battles.
• Why Kids Don’t Always Need Therapy, Parents Need to Learn Tools—Understanding when their struggles are really a reflection of their environment.
• Raising Independent Teens—How to help them take responsibility for their own lives instead of constantly relying on you to manage everything.

If parenting feels like an uphill battle, there’s a better way. Let’s make it easier. Book a free Peaceful Parenting Call, and in 45 minutes, we’ll create a plan that actually works for your family.

About my guest: Nicole Runyon, LMSW, is an esteemed psychotherapist specializing in parenting, author, and keynote speaker renowned for her expertise in child and adolescent mental health, backed by an extensive 21-year career in the field. Nicole is also the mother of 2 children. You can find her book, Free to Fly right HERE

Instagram and FB- @igenerationmentalhealth
LinkedIn- Nicole Runyon

No parent wants to hear that their child is being mistreated. Unfortunately, bullying is a common challenge many kids face. In this episode, I'm joined by teen confidence expert Joey Mascio to share the most effective strategy for helping your child become less of a target and break free from bullying. Joey offers a fresh, empowering perspective—including why he says "there’s no such thing as a bully", key questions that build confidence, and how to effectively approach school administration when necessary. If your teen is struggling, this episode will give you immediate relief and real solutions.

Tune in now for expert insights that will transform the way you and your teen handle bullying!

To learn more about how to work with Joey, visit him at sidekicktohero.com