Monica Crnogorac - Teen Anxiety & Confidence Coach, Teen Anxiety Specialist
60 episodes
1 week ago
Parents, do you worry about your teen’s emotional well-being and how anxiety may be affecting their daily life? Have you felt helpless or unsure about how to support your teen through their struggles? Are you concerned about the long-term impact of anxiety on your teen’s mental health? Are you looking for guidance and support from experts who understand what you’re going through and can provide practical advice to your teen for navigating this journey?
Hi, I’m Monica Crnogorac and I’m so excited that you’re here on Parenting Anxious Teens. Things may seem smooth and easy for me now, but they weren’t always this way. I remember what it felt like to be a teen and feel overwhelmed, alone, confused, and frustrated. Even though I had the awareness of how I was feeling, I still struggled to overcome the heavy emotions because I was afraid of letting anyone in. I was hoping I would be able to ignore it and shove it under the rug without really needing to address it. What happened? My feelings of anxiety and overwhelm intensified and that freaked me out.
I needed to find a way to free myself from the hole I dug, so I finally decided to work with someone who helped me let go of the burdens of anxiety I was carrying for years. It wasn’t easy and it made me shed a few tears, but I was able to release the pain and move forward to living a life where anxiety doesn’t have the driver seat. Let me tell you, the time, energy, and money I put towards my own transformation is what inspired me to help teens today. Resolving my own anxiety allowed me to uncover the secret to overcoming big emotions in an easy, manageable, and adaptive way. After falling in love with the self-growth journey, I went to school to get educated and certified so I can empower you and tell you everything I know.
Inside this podcast, we explore the nature of non-clinical anxiety, uncovering its triggers, signs and symptoms, and the profound impact it has on a teen’s life. Parents, you will learn how to understand, support, and empower your teens through their struggles with anxiety. You’ll learn actionable steps you can take to create a supportive environment at home and help your teen manage their anxiety effectively. But we don’t stop there. I bring on expert guests, share anxiety hacks, and equip both teens and parents with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with stress, and navigating those turbulent waters with grace and strength.
We are going to simplify teenage anxiety for you because I want you see your teen happy, confident, and thriving. I want you to be able to have a strong and supportive relationship with them where everyone feels understood and supported. Most importantly, I want to help them reach their full potential despite what they’re going through. So, grab your favourite drink, get in some comfy clothes and let’s dig in.
You can find me here:
Instagram: @__consciouscoach
Work with me: www.consciouscoach.biz
Connect: monica@consciouscoach.biz
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Parents, do you worry about your teen’s emotional well-being and how anxiety may be affecting their daily life? Have you felt helpless or unsure about how to support your teen through their struggles? Are you concerned about the long-term impact of anxiety on your teen’s mental health? Are you looking for guidance and support from experts who understand what you’re going through and can provide practical advice to your teen for navigating this journey?
Hi, I’m Monica Crnogorac and I’m so excited that you’re here on Parenting Anxious Teens. Things may seem smooth and easy for me now, but they weren’t always this way. I remember what it felt like to be a teen and feel overwhelmed, alone, confused, and frustrated. Even though I had the awareness of how I was feeling, I still struggled to overcome the heavy emotions because I was afraid of letting anyone in. I was hoping I would be able to ignore it and shove it under the rug without really needing to address it. What happened? My feelings of anxiety and overwhelm intensified and that freaked me out.
I needed to find a way to free myself from the hole I dug, so I finally decided to work with someone who helped me let go of the burdens of anxiety I was carrying for years. It wasn’t easy and it made me shed a few tears, but I was able to release the pain and move forward to living a life where anxiety doesn’t have the driver seat. Let me tell you, the time, energy, and money I put towards my own transformation is what inspired me to help teens today. Resolving my own anxiety allowed me to uncover the secret to overcoming big emotions in an easy, manageable, and adaptive way. After falling in love with the self-growth journey, I went to school to get educated and certified so I can empower you and tell you everything I know.
Inside this podcast, we explore the nature of non-clinical anxiety, uncovering its triggers, signs and symptoms, and the profound impact it has on a teen’s life. Parents, you will learn how to understand, support, and empower your teens through their struggles with anxiety. You’ll learn actionable steps you can take to create a supportive environment at home and help your teen manage their anxiety effectively. But we don’t stop there. I bring on expert guests, share anxiety hacks, and equip both teens and parents with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with stress, and navigating those turbulent waters with grace and strength.
We are going to simplify teenage anxiety for you because I want you see your teen happy, confident, and thriving. I want you to be able to have a strong and supportive relationship with them where everyone feels understood and supported. Most importantly, I want to help them reach their full potential despite what they’re going through. So, grab your favourite drink, get in some comfy clothes and let’s dig in.
You can find me here:
Instagram: @__consciouscoach
Work with me: www.consciouscoach.biz
Connect: monica@consciouscoach.biz
Hi Parents!
This week, I’m switching things up and sharing a special conversation where I was the guest instead of the host.
I recently joined Beth Hillman on her podcast, Parenting Post-Wilderness, to talk about one of the most important topics for parents today, teen anxiety. We covered what it looks like, how it often hides in plain sight, and what parents can do to better support their anxious teen, especially during the school year when demands are high and confidence can run low.
In this episode, we explore the emotional experience of anxiety from a teen’s perspective, how parents can respond with empathy rather than fear, and why creating emotional safety is more powerful than trying to fix the problem. I also share a bit of my own story and why I’m so passionate about helping teens build resilience, self-trust, and coping tools that actually stick.
Beth creates such a welcoming space for real, heartfelt conversations, and I’m honored to have joined her show. I hope this episode leaves you feeling more equipped, more grounded, and more connected to your teen, no matter where they are on their mental health journey.
Tune in to listen, and if you find it helpful, pass it along to a fellow parent who needs it too.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Have you ever noticed how the most critical voice in your life might be your own? That internal dialogue that questions every parenting decision, especially when your teen is struggling with anxiety can be exhausting. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Sue Erhart, author of Lose Your Critic for Good for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to quiet that inner voice and reconnect with your calm, confident center.
Sue shares her deeply personal journey from a high-powered corporate career to becoming a guide for others seeking peace and purpose. We explore how perfectionism and pressure create disconnection, why conventional self-help tools often miss the mark, and how small shifts in awareness can lead to lasting change, without needing to burn everything down and start over.
More about Sue:
Sue Erhart spent decades as a corporate executive and attorney, operating in high-stakes environments where success was measured by external achievements. But behind the scenes, she was grappling with a harsh inner critic that left her feeling stuck, depleted, and out of alignment.
After a personal transformation, Sue created a platform that blends grounded wisdom with spiritual insight to help others reclaim their power and inner clarity. Her book offers a step-by-step method to break free from the grip of self-judgment and step into a more aligned, fulfilling way of living.
Now, she’s on a mission to help others, especially those who've spent years doing things “the hard way” - find a more compassionate path to joy, confidence, and inner freedom.
If you're ready to let go of the mental noise and start parenting - and living - from a place of truth and trust, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Are you wondering how to help your teen start thinking about college or university without the pressure?
For many anxious teens, thinking about life after high school can bring more stress than clarity. The unknowns around applications, decisions, and deadlines can feel overwhelming - and let’s be honest, it can be overwhelming for you too. But summer offers a unique opportunity to begin the conversation in a calmer, more intentional way.
In this solo episode, I’m walking you through how to gently open the door to your teen’s post-secondary future. We’ll talk about how to make the most of campus tours, how to start future-focused conversations without pushing them into panic mode, and why your role as a guide, not the decision-maker, is so important.
You’ll hear a quick story from my own campus visit with my parents, and why so many teens tell me later that they wish they had done more of them. We’ll also go over what to say after a tour, how to help your teen compare schools in a practical way, and what application timelines look like for both Canadian and American parents.
By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a summer game plan that helps reduce anxiety, create clarity, and support your teen in taking confident next steps, one conversation at a time.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
What if supporting your anxious teen didn’t mean constantly doing more - but instead, meant becoming more present, intentional, and self-aware in the moments that matter?
In this episode, I’m joined by Holly Swenson - wellness blogger, registered nurse, and author of Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow - to explore how conscious parenting, grounded in self-care and deep inner work, can reshape how we show up for our teens.
More About Holly:
Holly Swenson is a best-selling, award-winning author, and mom of four. Through her book Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow, Holly offers a refreshing take on modern parenting - one rooted in mindfulness, purpose, and self-compassion. With her unique background as a nurse and mother, she empowers parents to slow down, shift their mindset, and lead from their values instead of stress or guilt.
Holly’s “5 Rights of Parenting” invites parents to tune in to themselves, approach challenges with clarity, and create deeper, more authentic connections with their children. If you’ve ever questioned how to care for your teen without losing yourself in the process, this conversation is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and thrive alongside your child. Parenting can be hard - but it doesn’t have to feel like a constant struggle.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Are you worried about summer break feeling stressful?
For parents of anxious teens, the end of the school year can bring more tension than relief. With no routine, more screen time, and long days filled with “what now?” moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep your teen busy, happy, and mentally well. Add in your own work schedule and responsibilities, and suddenly summer starts to feel less like a break and more like a juggling act.
In this solo episode, I’m talking about what really happens when anxious teens lose the structure of school - and what you can do to help them feel more secure and supported during these unstructured months. You’ll hear why screens become such a tempting escape, how to gently build in a sense of purpose and routine without making it feel like summer school, and how to invite your teen into planning their days so they feel empowered, not controlled.
I’ll also share a fun strategy I personally use with my friends - creating a shared summer list on a Google Doc. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep everyone connected and looking forward to things without the pressure of over-scheduling.
We’ll also explore how to carve out space for your teen to help around the house - not every day, but enough to give them a sense of contribution and accountability. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re the entertainment committee 24/7, I’ve got thoughts on how to shift that dynamic too, so boredom doesn’t always fall back on you.
This episode is filled with easy, doable strategies for creating a summer that feels a little more intentional, a little less chaotic, and a whole lot more connected.
So if you’re already bracing yourself for the summer juggle, this one’s for you.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Do screen time battles leave you feeling frustrated, drained, or like you're constantly walking on eggshells around your teen? In today's digital world, navigating boundaries around video games, phones, and other screens can feel like a daily power struggle - especially when anxiety is in the mix.
In this episode, I’m joined by Scott Novis, a former Disney executive, tech entrepreneur, and father of three who’s spent years helping families create healthier digital habits. Together, we dive into how to set screen time boundaries without the daily meltdowns - and how to foster more connection and cooperation in the process.
More about Scott:
Scott Novis is a serial entrepreneur, author, and former Vice President at The Walt Disney Company with a background in engineering and game development. He’s the founder of GameTruck, the first-ever mobile video game party company, which has now served over 10 million guests across the U.S. Scott is also a passionate advocate for helping families find balance in a tech-driven world. Through his speaking, writing, and innovation, he helps parents and kids build more connected, intentional relationships with technology - without the yelling, nagging, or shutdowns.
Scott shares practical strategies that help teens transition off screens without explosions, explains what’s really happening in their brains when they lose themselves in a game, and how to avoid the all-too-common trap of punishments that backfire. We also explore how anxiety can show up around screen time and how parents can recognize when their teen is using screens to self-soothe - or avoid something deeper.
You’ll walk away from this episode with tools to create smoother routines, reduce conflict, and better understand your teen’s emotional needs when it comes to digital spaces. Scott's insights will help you shift from feeling powerless to empowered, and from reactive to proactive in your parenting.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
What if the key to helping your anxious teen wasn’t just about them - but started with you? In this episode, we’re exploring the powerful connection between emotional wounds and how they impact parenting, especially when raising teens who struggle with anxiety.
I’m joined by Shelly Robinson - certified trauma-informed parent coach, founder of Raising Yourself, and mom of two teens. Shelly specializes in helping parents reconnect with themselves so they can show up more calmly and intentionally in their parenting. Her work invites parents to move beyond reaction and into meaningful, heart-centered connection with their kids.
More About Shelly:
Shelly Robinson is a conscious parenting coach, the founder of Raising Yourself, and the creator of the Connected Kid Toolkit. She helps parents break generational cycles and build emotionally connected homes, with a global community of more than half a million parents engaging with her work. Through her warm, insight-driven approach, Shelly empowers caregivers to heal unresolved childhood wounds and raise their children with greater clarity, compassion, and presence. Her insights have been featured on MindValley, GoZen, Raised Good, and Good News LA, and her work continues to support families in creating grounded, healing-centered homes.
Together, we unpack how your triggers are actually invitations, clues that point toward unhealed parts of yourself. Shelly breaks down how self-awareness and self-compassion can change how you connect with your teen, especially when they’re overwhelmed, shut down, or angry. We also dive into what it means to normalize tough emotions, navigate conflict without projecting, and show up as a calmer, more grounded version of yourself.
By the end of this conversation, you’ll feel seen, supported, and empowered with actionable tools to parent from a place of awareness, not anxiety. Because when you heal - you create space for your teen to heal, too.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Have you ever wondered if letting your teen have a drink at home might teach them to be more responsible with alcohol? It’s a question many parents ask themselves - especially when they’re trying to balance trust, safety, and the reality that teens are exposed to alcohol earlier than ever.
In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the most common (and complicated) parenting dilemmas: should I let my teen drink underage, especially if it’s under my supervision? I’ll walk you through the latest research, debunk some of the myths about “safe drinking environments,” and give you a deeper understanding of how alcohol impacts your teen’s developing brain and emotional well-being.
We’ll also explore the connection between underage drinking and anxiety, and why some teens use alcohol to manage their emotions or mask inner struggles. If you’ve ever worried that your teen might be using substances to cope - or you’re just not sure how to even start this conversation - this episode is for you.
I’ll share practical, real-world strategies for how to approach the topic of alcohol with your teen in a way that builds trust, encourages healthy decision-making, and opens the door to honest communication. We’ll also talk about the long-term risks of early alcohol use, why supervised drinking isn’t always protective, and how to model boundaries that still allow for connection.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of how alcohol affects the anxious teen brain, why setting limits matters more than you think, and how to guide your teen with confidence - without creating fear or disconnect.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Worried your teen is choosing friends who aren’t the best influence? Maybe you’ve noticed changes in their mood, behavior, or values - and you’re not sure how to step in without being pushy or overbearing.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 ways to help your teen choose healthier friendships - without damaging your relationship or coming across as the controlling parent. These strategies are designed to empower both you and your teen with tools for self-awareness, communication, and decision-making.
We’ll talk about what to look for in a healthy friendship, how to open up conversations about peer pressure, and why some teens stay in toxic friendships even when they know it’s not good for them. Most importantly, I’ll walk you through how to support your teen in making better choices - while still honoring their growing independence.
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident in how to guide your teen without lecturing or judging - and you’ll have practical ways to encourage relationships that uplift and support them.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents,
What if easing your teen’s anxiety wasn’t just about therapy or medication - but also about their meals, sleep habits, and screen time?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Matt Bernstein, clinical psychiatrist and CEO of Accord, to explore the powerful, often-overlooked link between metabolism and mental health. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Bernstein shares how everyday choices - from the foods we eat to the light we’re exposed to - can influence anxiety, focus, and emotional regulation.
We break down how metabolic dysfunction (like blood sugar crashes, poor sleep, and blue light overload) can fuel anxiety in teens - and how simple, science-backed changes can help. Dr. Bernstein explains the benefits of a whole-food, high-fat, low-carb diet, how circadian rhythms affect mood, and why walking after meals might be one of the easiest tools for mental wellness.
You’ll also hear why ultra-processed foods are more damaging than we think, how screen time affects the brain, and why sleep is a non-negotiable for well-being. If your teen struggles with anxiety, low energy, or mood swings, this episode offers clarity and hope.
About Dr. Matt Bernstein:
Dr. Matt is a board-certified psychiatrist and CEO of Accord, a platform transforming mental health through metabolic care. A leader in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, he connects brain health to lifestyle habits like nutrition, movement, and sleep. In 2023, he hosted the first public conference on metabolic psychiatry to advance this important conversation.
This episode is packed with practical strategies to help your teen feel calmer, more balanced, and better equipped to thrive - even in a world full of sugar, screens, and stress.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents,
Is your teen constantly criticizing their body, obsessing over food, or showing sudden changes in eating habits? You’re not alone - and neither are they.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Leslie to explore the deeper roots of disordered eating and body anxiety in teens. We dive into how these struggles often stem from anxiety, low self-esteem and the need for control.
Leslie offers insight into what disordered eating actually looks like, the early warning signs to watch for, and why resistance or denial is a common first reaction when teens are approached. You’ll learn how to start supportive conversations without adding pressure, how to help your teen build self-awareness, and why creating healthy habits before college is one of the most important things you can do.
More About Leslie:
Leslie is a triple-certified Life, Health, and Nutrition Coach who specializes in working with teens and parents to overcome disordered eating, body anxiety, and low self-esteem. She is the host of the Healthy Teen Life podcast and offers personalized coaching programs designed to help teens develop balanced relationships with food and themselves.
Her unique program focuses on powerful mindset shifts, empowered eating strategies and self-compassion tools. The result? Confident young adults who overcome weight challenges, develop healthy relationships with food, and unlock their potential for happier, healthier lives.
This episode is filled with practical advice and real-life examples that will help you better support your teen’s mental and physical well-being - with empathy and confidence.
👉 Free Resource: Leslie has generously shared her Free Parent Answers Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating. Use this guide to recognize the signs early and start addressing unhealthy habits right away - before they escalate.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Ever feel like you're struggling to understand your teen's behaviour? It can be frustrating when their actions leave you confused, and you’re not sure how to help them. But what if their behaviour is actually sending you hidden messages about what they’re really going through?
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the 5 surprising messages behind your teen’s behaviour that parents often miss. These messages go beyond the surface-level actions and offer key insights into your teen’s emotional and mental state. By understanding these hidden signals, you’ll be better equipped to respond in ways that build connection and foster trust.
I’ll break down the different types of behaviour - like defiance, laziness, or aggression - and explain what they really mean. Plus, I’ll share strategies for how to approach these behaviours without falling into common parenting traps, like frustration or disconnect. The goal is to help you recognize when your teen is struggling with something deeper than what their actions may show on the surface.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what’s happening behind your teen’s behaviour - and how you can help them in ways that truly make a difference.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents,
Does your teen feel trapped in their own mind - overwhelmed by constant “what if” thoughts or stuck in repetitive behaviors they feel they have to do “just in case”? You're not alone - and neither are they.
In this episode, I sit down with Ben Sedley, clinical psychologist, author, and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to explore how anxiety and OCD show up in teens - and what parents can do to help. With over two decades of experience, Ben has supported teens as they navigate obsessive thinking, anxiety spirals, and the deep shame that often comes with intrusive thoughts. If your teen is struggling and you feel unsure of how to help, this conversation will offer clarity, direction, and hope.
We talk about what OCD really is - beyond the common myths of being neat or orderly - and how intrusive thoughts work, why everyone has them, and when they cross the line into OCD. Ben breaks down how compulsions might momentarily ease anxiety, but often trap teens in a deeper cycle of fear and distress. We also explore the subtle ways parents may unintentionally reinforce anxiety and how shifting to more supportive responses can make a meaningful difference.
Ben’s compassionate, real-world advice reminds us that while we can’t take anxiety away, we can help our kids build the tools they need to live fully - even with fear.
More About Ben:
Ben Sedley is a New Zealand-based clinical psychologist and co-founder of ACT Wellington, where he works with teens, families, and adults using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He’s also the author of several books designed to help kids, teens, and parents better understand and manage anxiety, including:
📖 Stuff That Sucks: A Teen's Guide to Accepting What You Can't Change and Committing to What You Can📖 Stuff That's Loud: A Teen's Guide to Unspiraling When OCD Gets Noisy
This episode is filled with powerful insights to help your teen feel less alone - and more in control - no matter what their mind throws at them.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
What if your teen’s moodiness, irritability, or refusal to engage isn’t defiance - but anxiety in disguise?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dayna Abraham, bestselling author of Calm the Chaos, National Board Certified educator, and mom of three neurodivergent kids. With warmth and wisdom, Dayna helps parents uncover the hidden signs of anxiety and offers powerful tools for when typical parenting approaches fall short.
We explore:
Subtle ways anxiety shows up in teens’ behavior
Why “acting out” might actually be a sign of distress
How to meet your teen where they are using the Calm the Chaos framework
How ahead-of-the-moment plans can prevent anxiety from spiraling
More about Dayna:As the founder of the Calm the Chaos parenting approach, Dayna blends her background in education with lived experience to support families navigating big emotions and challenging behaviors. She’s been featured on NBC, NPR, and Parents.com and is a trusted voice for parents raising anxious or neurodivergent kids.
🎧 She’s also the host of the Calm the Chaos Podcast, where she shares practical tools and inspiring stories to help parents create more peace at home.
This episode has many practical insights to help you create a calmer, more connected relationship with your teen - starting today.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Is your teen struggling, but every time you try to help, they push you away? You’re not alone. Many parents feel stuck in a cycle of offering support, only to be met with resistance, frustration, or complete shutdowns.
In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest parenting challenges: why teens reject help - even when they clearly need it - and how you can shift their mindset without the power struggles. I’ll be sharing three key strategies that will help you validate their emotions, reshape how they view support, and empower them to take ownership of their own growth.
We’ll discuss why so many teens refuse therapy, coaching, or even just talking about their struggles, and why their resistance is often rooted in identity, fear, or past disappointments - not rebellion. I’ll also walk you through a simple but powerful approach to making help feel like a choice, not a demand.
This episode is packed with actionable insights, including:
How to talk about therapy or coaching without triggering defensiveness
Why shifting your language from ‘fixing’ to ‘supporting’ makes all the difference
The role autonomy plays in getting your teen to take the next step
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a roadmap for breaking through resistance and guiding your teen toward the help they actually need - without the arguments or pushback.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
If you’ve ever watched your teen struggle to fall asleep - only to wake up exhausted, irritable, and even more anxious - you’re not alone. Sleep and anxiety are deeply connected, creating a cycle that’s tough to break.
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple board-certified sleep physician and founder of Restful Sleep MD. She’s also the best-selling author of Beyond Tired - A Sleep Physician’s Guide to Solving Your Child’s Sleep Problems for Good. Dr. Brown is passionate about helping families improve sleep for better mental, emotional, and physical health.
In this episode, we dive into why teens are especially vulnerable to sleep struggles, how anxiety disrupts their rest, and what parents can do to help their teen finally sleep well. Dr. Brown shares actionable strategies to improve your teen’s sleep habits and break the anxiety-sleep cycle for good.
I know you’ll walk away from this episode with fresh insights and practical tools to help your teen get the rest they need!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
Have you ever mistaken your teen’s anger for defiance, only to realize it was anxiety? When teens feel overwhelmed, their emotions can show up as outbursts, leaving parents unsure of how to help.
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a recognized expert in children’s mental health and founder of the Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health. With 30 years of experience, she specializes in nervous system dysregulation - a key factor in anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and mood issues.
More about Dr. Roseann:
A bestselling author and top 1% podcast host, Dr. Roseann is known for her C.A.L.M.S. Dysregulation Protocol™, offering simple, science-backed strategies to help parents support their uniquely wired children. Featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Parents Magazine, she’s passionate about helping kids thrive emotionally, behaviourally, and academically.
In this episode, we break down why anxiety can look like anger, what’s happening in your teen’s brain during emotional outbursts, and how you can help them self-regulate and build resilience.
I know you’ll walk away with powerful insights!
👉 Free Resource: Dr. Roseann has generously shared 147 Therapist-Endorsed Self-Regulation Strategies for Children and Therapist’s Essential Coping Skills for Kids and Teens to help parents support their child’s emotional well-being.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
This week, I’m excited to bring you a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Margolese, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, OCD, depression, and emotional regulation in children and teens. With years of experience helping families navigate these challenges, Dr. Margolese offers expert insights into supporting your teen’s emotional well-being and managing overwhelming emotions before they escalate.
More about Dr. Stephanie Margolese:
Dr. Margolese is a staff psychologist at the Jewish General Hospital’s Child Psychiatry Outpatient Department and an Associate Member in McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry. She’s also the co-author of My Brain Team: What to Do When Emotions Run High, a therapeutic resource that helps kids understand and regulate their emotions.
In this episode, we dive into the science behind emotional regulation, how parents can help their teens "close their lid" during emotional outbursts, and why validation is key in building trust. Dr. Margolese also shares practical strategies for guiding anxious teens through fear, avoidance, and low confidence.
I know you’ll walk away from this episode with powerful tools to help your teen manage big emotions and build long-term emotional resilience!
👉 Free Resource: Dr. Margolese has generously shared a free tool to help parents and educators support kids in managing emotions. Download it here: Tools at Home or In the Classroom
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
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Hi Parents!
Are you worried that your teen isn’t learning smart money habits? With financial stress impacting so many families, teaching teens how to budget, save, and make wise spending choices is more important than ever.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into financial literacy - one of the most crucial life skills for teens. I’ll be sharing five key strategies to help your teen develop financial confidence and responsibility. When teens understand how to manage money, they feel more in control, less anxious, and better prepared for adulthood.
We’ll talk about why financial stress impacts teens more than we often realize and how the pressure to keep up with their peers can make money management even harder. I’ll also address some of the biggest financial challenges parents face, from teens spending their money as soon as they get it to struggling with saving or budgeting.
This episode will introduce a simple system to help teens build healthy money habits, including a budgeting approach they can actually stick to. I’ll also share why encouraging your teen to earn their own money can be a game-changer and how a simple mindset shift can help them avoid impulse spending.
Let’s equip your teen with the skills they need to make smart financial decisions - so they can avoid costly mistakes and build lifelong confidence with money!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Hi Parents!
If your teen struggles with anxiety, school refusal, or avoidance, you’re not alone. Many parents unknowingly reinforce anxious behaviours by offering constant reassurance or making accommodations to reduce distress - but what if these well-intentioned actions are actually keeping your teen stuck?
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Regine Galanti, a clinical psychologist who works with children, teens, and families navigating anxiety. We discuss why avoidance strengthens anxiety, how CBT strategies empower teens to face fears, and the role of parents in reducing accommodations while still providing support. Dr. Galanti offers practical steps to help your teen build resilience and confidence - without feeling overwhelmed.
More About Dr. Galanti:
She is a leading expert in anxiety, OCD, and behaviour challenges. She is the founder of Long Island Behavioral Psychology and has been featured in The New York Times and The Washington Post for her work in child and adolescent mental health.
She is the author of:
📖 Parenting Anxious Kids 📖 Anxiety Relief for Teens 📖 When Harley Has Anxiety
As the president of the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP), Dr. Galanti is dedicated to advancing evidence-based treatments for child mental health.
I’m sure this episode will equip you with valuable insights and practical tools to help your teen navigate anxiety and the daily challenges it brings!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps
Book a Free Discovery Call
Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program
Connect With Me on Instagram
Parents, do you worry about your teen’s emotional well-being and how anxiety may be affecting their daily life? Have you felt helpless or unsure about how to support your teen through their struggles? Are you concerned about the long-term impact of anxiety on your teen’s mental health? Are you looking for guidance and support from experts who understand what you’re going through and can provide practical advice to your teen for navigating this journey?
Hi, I’m Monica Crnogorac and I’m so excited that you’re here on Parenting Anxious Teens. Things may seem smooth and easy for me now, but they weren’t always this way. I remember what it felt like to be a teen and feel overwhelmed, alone, confused, and frustrated. Even though I had the awareness of how I was feeling, I still struggled to overcome the heavy emotions because I was afraid of letting anyone in. I was hoping I would be able to ignore it and shove it under the rug without really needing to address it. What happened? My feelings of anxiety and overwhelm intensified and that freaked me out.
I needed to find a way to free myself from the hole I dug, so I finally decided to work with someone who helped me let go of the burdens of anxiety I was carrying for years. It wasn’t easy and it made me shed a few tears, but I was able to release the pain and move forward to living a life where anxiety doesn’t have the driver seat. Let me tell you, the time, energy, and money I put towards my own transformation is what inspired me to help teens today. Resolving my own anxiety allowed me to uncover the secret to overcoming big emotions in an easy, manageable, and adaptive way. After falling in love with the self-growth journey, I went to school to get educated and certified so I can empower you and tell you everything I know.
Inside this podcast, we explore the nature of non-clinical anxiety, uncovering its triggers, signs and symptoms, and the profound impact it has on a teen’s life. Parents, you will learn how to understand, support, and empower your teens through their struggles with anxiety. You’ll learn actionable steps you can take to create a supportive environment at home and help your teen manage their anxiety effectively. But we don’t stop there. I bring on expert guests, share anxiety hacks, and equip both teens and parents with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with stress, and navigating those turbulent waters with grace and strength.
We are going to simplify teenage anxiety for you because I want you see your teen happy, confident, and thriving. I want you to be able to have a strong and supportive relationship with them where everyone feels understood and supported. Most importantly, I want to help them reach their full potential despite what they’re going through. So, grab your favourite drink, get in some comfy clothes and let’s dig in.
You can find me here:
Instagram: @__consciouscoach
Work with me: www.consciouscoach.biz
Connect: monica@consciouscoach.biz
