Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, I'm taking off my therapist hat and getting real about the challenges of parenting - especially when it comes to raising tweens and teens. Join me for some honest conversation about the ups and downs of this parenting journey! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

✨ I'll share with you:

• Why parenting is ridiculously challenging (and keeps changing just when you think you've figured it out!)
• The special challenges of parenting tweens and teens with anxiety
• The truth about parenting, "experts," myself included
• Some hope and encouragement that will be sure to make you feel better about your own parenting

📚 What's Bringing Me More Zen

• Tune in after the break to discover what's bringing me more zen this week despite feeling "cranky AF"! 😂

💌 Let's Connect!

• Website: yourzenfriend.com
• Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

💪 Encouragement for Parents: Remember that we're all human - even those of us with "answers"! Having knowledge doesn't guarantee perfect implementation, and modeling that imperfection can be valuable too.

Mentioned on this episode: What in The World, by Leanne Morgan:

If you're finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it's the best way to support the show and help more parents of anxious tweens and teens!

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, I'm tackling the Sunday Scaries - those end-of-weekend worries that so many tweens and teens experience. If your child's weekend joy turns to anxiety as Monday approaches, this episode is for you! 😰

✨ I'll share with you:

• How to recognize Sunday Scaries in your tween or teen (including some surprising signs you might not expect!)
• Why anxiety tends to peak right before anticipated events
• The powerful 10-minute worry strategy that helps get those anxious thoughts out
• How to create enjoyable Sunday evening rituals that your teen will actually look forward to
• Important reminders about self-compassion for parents on this journey

📚 What's Bringing Me More Zen

• For all my fellow book lovers, I have a fun book recommendation that had me laughing out loud! This book has a wonky premise that provided introspection on marriage, lots of laughs and a satisfying ending.

💌 Let's Connect!

• Website: yourzenfriend.com
• Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

💪 Encouragement for Parents: Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Supporting an anxious tween or teen isn't easy, but small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Your patience and support matter more than perfection!

If you're finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it's the best way to support the show and help parents like you! 💛

Mentioned in this episode: Husbands by Holly Gramazio

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, I'm diving into something SO many parents tell me about - that feeling of walking on eggshells around their anxious tween or teen. That sense that you're literally tiptoeing through your own house, scared that saying or doing the wrong thing might trigger a reaction that sends your whole family's day into a spiral. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone! 😰

✨ Breaking Free from Walking on Eggshells (Without Losing Your Zen!)

I'll share with you:

• The real reason we fall into this tricky pattern (and yes, I've been there too!)
• Why tiptoeing around anxiety actually makes it grow stronger (I'll tell you about a family who learned this with game night)
• How to set "loving limits" that help everyone in the family
• A practical action step you can take this week
• Ways to support siblings who are caught in this dynamic too

And don't worry - I'm sharing plenty of real-life examples to help you stop walking on eggshells with your anxious tween or teen.

💌 Let's Connect!

• Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

💪 Encouragement for Parents: Here's something I really want you to remember: your child's big reactions? That's anxiety speaking, not their true self. Allowing your child to work through challenging situations will help them learn to manage their anxiety in the long run. You've got this!

If you're finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it's the best way to support the show and help parents like you! 💛

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, I’m talking about a struggle that’s super common for tweens and teens: social anxiety. I’ll cover what it is, how to spot it, and, most importantly, how you can help your child to take healthy risks in social situations.

Social anxiety can show up in many ways, such as avoiding social situations, fearing judgment, or overthinking conversations. These feelings can make it difficult for tweens and teens to connect with others or handle everyday interactions.

🥺 Navigating Social Anxiety in Tweens and Teens

I’ll tell you how to:

• Validate your child's feelings.
• Find everyday opportunities for your child to challenge themself.
• Encourage your child to set manageable goals.
• Celebrate your child’s effort.

And I'll give you some real life examples too!

💌 Let’s Connect!

• Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

💪 Encouragement for Parents: Your child doesn’t need you to be perfect—they need you to stay connected. When you validate their feelings and celebrate their efforts, you create a safe space for them to share their challenges.

If you’re finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it’s the best way to support the show and help parents like you! 💛

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In today’s episode, I’m answering our first listener question from Anna, a fellow Zen Friend, who’s struggling with her own anxiety triggered by her daughter’s anxiety.

✨ Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

Why your anxiety makes sense – Understanding the emotional connection between you and your child.
The Anxiety Feedback Loop – How your child’s anxiety can trigger yours, and how to break the cycle.
Practical strategies – Tips for managing your anxiety so you can better support your child.

I’ll also share relatable stories and practical tips for lowering anxiety in your home. 🙌

✨ What’s Bringing Me More Zen:
Stay tuned until the end of the episode when I share What’s Bringing Me More Zen—Here’s a hint: it’s related to Little House on the Prairie! If you ever loved the books or television series then you are sure to love this!

💌 Let’s Connect!

• Website: YourZenFriend.com
• Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

If you’re finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it’s the best way to support the show and help parents like you! 💛

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.

On this episode I'll tell you why it is important and helpful to validate your own feelings as well as your children's. I'll give you examples of how you can practice self compassion as well as offer your children emotional support.

If you are looking for support for your tween or teen and live in Connecticut, check out my private practice, Firefly Counseling and Wellness: https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, we’re diving into 3 ways to bring more balance to you and your tween/teen in 2025! 🎉

✨ Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:
1️⃣ Reducing the pressure (on yourself and your kids)
2️⃣ Tackling overscheduling to create more room for connection
3️⃣ Valuing relaxation, creativity, and movement

I’ll also share relatable stories (including some parenting wins and lessons learned) and practical tips for lowering anxiety in your home. 🙌

✨ What’s Bringing Me More Zen:
Stay tuned to the end of the episode when I reveal my word for the year and my goal inspired by my love for reading and how I’m using it to create more balance. 📚

💌 Let’s Connect!

• Website: YourZenFriend.com
• Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
• Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
• Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

If you’re finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it’s the best way to support the show and help parents like you! 💛

Remember, parenting an anxious tween or teen can be tough. Take time today (and every day) to do something kind for yourself. 💕

Enjoy the episode! 🎧✨

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

In this episode, I’m diving into routines and predictability—how they can help (and sometimes hinder) your anxious tween or teen—and exploring the joy and connection that holiday traditions bring. I’ll also share a peek into my family’s Christmas traditions, both past and present.

Traditions are powerful—they create connection, foster joy, and give us something to look forward to ☺️

💬 Stay Connected:

• Visit yourzenfriend.com for more resources.
• Join our private Facebook group, Your Zen Friend! 💌
• Follow me on Instagram @yourzenfriendpod.

Enjoy the episode and share it with a friend—it’s the best way to help the podcast grow! 🎙️

Parenting an anxious tween or teen is challenging, so I hope you'll take some time today and every day to do something kind for yourself ✨

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.