Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Ask Mom Parenting with Sue Donnellan
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Ways to Reconnect with Your Teen & Build Trust | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:16:27 | |
How do I get my teenager to talk to me without pushing them away? In this episode, I unravel the real reasons behind teen distance, from biological brain shifts to the way we react as parents. I share practical ways to reconnect, including ditching the dramatic sit-downs, choosing more casual settings, and prioritizing truth over immediate correction. We’ll look at how small shifts in communication can help rebuild genuine trust with your adolescent. And I’ll leave you with one challenge: create just one moment this week with your teen where you bring zero agenda. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn:
Parenting a teen isn't about controlling their independence, but rather managing your own reactions to keep communication lines open. By replacing interrogation with curiosity, you protect your bond and guide them through their mistakes safely. Resources:
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| Yelled at Your Child? 3 Ways to Repair It | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:23:03 | |
Can I repair my relationship with my child after losing my temper and yelling? If you’ve ever lost your temper, yelled at your kids, and immediately wondered, Did I just damage my relationship with my child? this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what to do after you yell at your child, how to apologize without over-explaining or making excuses, and why the way you handle the moments after you lose your cool can make a meaningful difference. We’ll also talk about parenting guilt, what real parent-child repair looks like, and how to take responsibility for your behavior without getting stuck in shame or defensiveness. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn:
Real relationship repair isn't about being a perfect parent, it's about stepping up as a calm and intentional leader in your home. Practicing consistent repair creates a foundation of trust that carries into their adulthood, transforming everyday mistakes into powerful lessons in empathy and resilience. Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| Teaching Kids About Money: The Value Lessons Most Miss | 26 août 2026 | 00:33:16 | |
Is your kid good with money, or just good at getting money from you? In this episode, we dive into the right way to give kids money and the crucial lessons about value that most kids never learn. From turning back rubs into earning opportunities, to the ever-changing going rate for picking up dog poop, to using Whole Foods cookies to teach spontaneity and generosity, I’m sharing practical ways to help kids understand how money actually works so they can become more financially capable along the way. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn:
Instead of giving handouts or fixed allowances for basic responsibilities, teach kids that money is exchanged for value-added initiative and guide them to manage, spend, and grow their own funds early. Doing so gives them the real-world experience needed to make thoughtful financial choices.
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| How to Motivate an Unmotivated Child | 3 Strategies to Try Tonight | 12 août 2026 | 00:24:27 | |
What if the key to motivating your child is to stop trying to motivate them? The reality is that motivation grows when kids learn one simple truth: What I do now affects what I get later. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on why trying to manufacture ambition in your kids will drive you crazy, and how shifting the structure around them puts responsibility squarely in their hands.I am sharing practical examples from setting up a family structure where responsibilities come first to using a child's dream to anchor daily habits. I break down how to handle power struggles, screen time battles, and constant nagging without lecturing, so you can help your child build true accountability. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn:
Motivation isn't something you can force; it naturally grows when you set clear boundaries around earned access and let your child experience the real link between today's choices and tomorrow's freedom. When we stop over-functioning and step into the passenger seat, kids gain the space to step up and own their lives. Resources:
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| Raising Kids Who Make Good Decisions in a Distracted World | 29 juil. 2026 | 00:28:57 | |
"Good judgment doesn't suddenly appear when they turn 18. It has to be built in with small everyday moments long before the stakes become higher." In this episode, we talk about how to raise kids who can think critically, pause, and make wise choices in a fast-paced, soundbite-driven world. With stories like my son's sudden college decision over a diner breakfast and real talk about social media algorithms, teenage peer pressure, and empathy , I am breaking down how to give your kids actionable tools for lifelong decision-making. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn:
By staying shockproof as a parent and teaching your kids to mentally roll around in a decision from every angle, you help them develop strong discernment and trust their own gut. Providing low-stakes real-world experiences and encouraging empathy turns fast reactions into thoughtful, lifelong judgment. Resources:
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| Child Safety Tips: What Kids Need to Know About Secrets, Pressure, and Unsafe Adults | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:38:13 | |
"Nice and safe aren't always the same thing." In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the realities of child safety, moving far beyond the outdated "stranger danger" speech. With the insight I gained from serving on a state grand jury for child sexual assault cases and what I've learned professionally about secrecy, grooming behaviors, and peer pressure, we're breaking down how you can empower your kids with practical, non-fear-based safety skills they can use for the rest of their lives. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one’s for you. True protection comes from building an open, non-judgmental circle of trust at home so your children always feel supported to speak up. By layering these safety skills into everyday, low-stakes conversations, you transform fear into lifelong empowerment. Resources
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| You're Not a Bad Mom - You're Burned Out | 24 juin 2026 | 00:23:32 | |
One hard moment doesn't define you as a parent, but burnout can make it feel that way. Have you ever gone to bed after a tough day with your kids and wondered if you're doing any of this right? In this episode, I'm talking about the moments that make so many parents question themselves, like the bedtime battles, the meltdowns, the yelling, the exhaustion, and the guilt that follows. When we're running on empty, it's easy to confuse a hard day with a parenting failure.
I'll share why parenting can feel so overwhelming, how fear and self-doubt can quietly take over our thinking, and what often gets mistaken for "bad parenting." Most importantly, we'll talk about what parents really need when they're stretched too thin and why the answer may be simpler than you think.
If You've Ever Asked Yourself...
...then listen to this one for all the answers.
Parenting was never meant to be perfect, and you don't have to carry the hard days alone!
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources:
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| Co-Parenting Conflict: How to Keep Your Kid Out of the Middle | 10 juin 2026 | 00:25:36 | |
When co-parenting, you can't control the other parent...but you can protect your child from getting caught in the middle!
Co-parenting can feel exhausting when you're trying to navigate different parenting styles, unresolved emotions, schedule changes, and the constant worry about how it all affects your child. In this episode, I'm sharing a different way to approach co-parenting when things feel messy, tense, or completely out of your control.
Rather than focusing on what happens in the other home, we'll talk about where your real influence lives and how creating stability, emotional safety, and consistency in your own home can make a bigger impact than you may realize. If you've ever felt caught between wanting to protect your child and wanting to prove a point, this conversation is for you. If you've ever asked yourself...
...then listen to this one for all the answers.
Creating a safe, steady home for your child doesn't require controlling someone else's parenting. It starts with leading your own home with confidence and consistency!
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources:
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| Gentle Parenting, Military Life & Raising Independent Kids Without a Village | 03 juin 2026 | 01:01:33 | |
If modern parenting feels exhausting, overwhelming, or way more complicated than it needs to be, this conversation will feel like a deep breath. In this episode, I sit down with Joy Alfred Brand for an honest conversation about gentle parenting, military family life, raising independent kids, and what it really means to lead at home without trying to control every move your child makes. We talk about motherhood, entrepreneurship, military marriage, deployments, and the pressure so many parents feel to do everything “right” while quietly wondering why parenting feels so hard. I also share parts of my own story, going from one child to triplets, learning through Montessori, building a business, navigating military life, and slowly realizing that raising capable kids does not come from yelling, over-parenting, or managing every moment for them. It comes from leadership, structure, trust, boundaries, and letting kids build real skills inside the family. If you’re trying to raise respectful, resilient, independent kids without losing yourself in the process, I hope this conversation gives you some encouragement and a little more confidence in the long game. Thank you for listening and being part of this parenting community. If you like this conversation please like or comment your thoughts and subscribe for more updates. Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| How to Help Your ADHD Child Before Medication: What to Try First | 27 mai 2026 | 00:25:59 | |
What if your ADHD child doesn't need more reminders, but a better system? Your child knows where the shoes go. They know the backpack needs to make it to school. And yet somehow, every morning still feels like a scavenger hunt mixed with a power struggle. In this episode, I’m talking about one of the biggest mindset shifts parents can make when it comes to ADHD: stopping the cycle of constant reminders and starting to build systems that actually support how your child’s brain works.
I’m sharing practical ways parents can create calmer routines, reduce chaos at home, and help ADHD kids build lifelong skills without turning every moment into a lecture or battle. This conversation is all about helping parents feel empowered again and showing kids that they’re capable, supported, and understood...not “the difficult one” in the family. If you’ve ever asked yourself…
…then listen to this one for all the answers.
Small shifts at home can change the entire tone of parenting! This episode will help you start looking at your child, and your systems, through a completely different lens.
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources:
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| Are You a People Pleaser? Why That's Hard With a Strong-Willed Kid | 15 mai 2026 | 00:27:54 | |
Parenting a strong-willed kid as a people-pleaser can lead to constant power struggles... but it doesn't have to be that way! If you’ve spent your life trying to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or make everyone happy, raising a strong-willed child can feel exhausting and confusing. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest parenting patterns I see: people-pleasing parents unintentionally giving away their leadership because they’re uncomfortable holding firm boundaries. It might feel kinder to over-explain, soften the “no,” or avoid upsetting your child, but with strong-willed kids, that approach often leads to more negotiating, more pushback, and bigger power struggles. In my own parenting journey, I realized that constantly explaining, negotiating, and trying to avoid conflict was actually teaching my child that my boundaries were flexible. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts that changed everything for me, plus how to lead your child with calm authority without becoming controlling, harsh, or disconnected. If you've ever asked yourself...
…then listen to this one for all the answers. The more you shift from people-pleasing to steady leadership, the easier it becomes to parent your strong-willed child with confidence, clarity, and connection. Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| Authority vs. Influence: Why High Achievers Struggle With Parenting | 06 mai 2026 | 00:09:01 | |
Most high-performing parents approach parenting the same way they approach everything else in life… and it often backfires! If you’re used to leading, achieving, and getting results, it can feel confusing and frustrating when those same skills don’t seem to work at home. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest parenting disconnects I see: relying on authority and control instead of building influence with your kids. It might feel natural to expect quick compliance, but with kids, that approach often leads to resistance, power struggles, and more yelling. In my early parenting years I found myself constantly frustrated, expecting my kids to respond the way adults do… and realizing that approach was actually making things worse. In this episode I’ll walk you through the key shift that changed everything for me, plus how to move from short-term obedience to long-term connection, trust, and self-management. If you've ever asked yourself...
…then listen to this one for all the answers. The more you shift from control to connection, the easier it becomes to lead your kids in a way that actually works. Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| Tantrum or Bad Behavior? What to Do Next | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:25:21 | |
Most parents react to tantrums and bad behavior the same way, and it often backfires!
If your child’s meltdowns all start to look the same, it’s easy to feel stuck, frustrated, and unsure what to do next. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest parenting mistakes I see: treating tantrums and bad behavior like they’re the same thing. They may look similar on the outside, but they need very different responses.
I share a personal story from my own early parenting years when our three-year-old seemed to go from sweet and steady to full meltdown mode overnight, plus the lesson that changed everything for our family. I’ll walk you through how to spot the difference between a child who is overwhelmed versus a child who is testing limits, and share practical strategies for how to respond to each one so you can help instead of making things worse.
If you've ever asked yourself...
…then listen to this one for all the answers.
The more clearly you understand the behavior in front of you, the easier it becomes to respond with confidence!
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources:
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| How to Stop Sibling Fights (Without Playing Referee) | 08 avr. 2026 | 00:27:47 | |
Are you accidentally fueling sibling fights without even realizing it? In this episode, we expose how well-meaning parents can unknowingly assign roles like “the victim” and “the instigator,” trapping siblings in cycles of fighting and tattling that just repeat, day after day. I share the story of how my own attempt to referee a sibling crisis backfired, along with the strategy that finally brought peace back to my house. You’ll hear the three hidden drivers behind sibling conflicts, why stepping in does more harm than good, and the two essential behaviors that let you step back without abdicating your role as a parent.
If you’re tired of playing judge, jury, and referee or exhausted from endless tattling and sibling brawls, this episode will show you how to break the pattern...no yelling, no interrogations, and no picking sides. You’ll learn how to build true conflict resolution skills in your kids that last, so sibling squabbles stop running the household for good.
If you’ve ever asked yourself...
…then listen to this one for all the answers.
Long-term, you’ll see less fighting and reduced tattling. Sibling bonds will grow stronger, not because you micromanaged every spat, but because you taught your kids to resolve things themselves!
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources:
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| Stop the Attitude: How to Build Real Respect (Without Yelling) | 25 mars 2026 | 00:30:25 | |
Is your child’s attitude really about disrespect, or is it a signal you’re missing? In this episode, we dive deep into those familiar moments when simple requests turn into power struggles, and explain the difference between compliance and genuine respect. With relatable stories and actionable mindset and method shifts, we break down how to sidestep attitude, foster cooperation, and build a lasting, respectful relationship with your child - no yelling, lecturing, or micromanaging required. Learn why your child’s pushback isn’t the root problem, but a signal you can decode and respond to for better outcomes. Discover effective strategies for calm leadership, mutual respect, and collaborative problem solving at home, plus practical phrases and mindset shifts to help you hold firm boundaries without damaging connection. Have you wondered:
While compliance does feel good in the moment, a relationship with real respect is what works long-term. Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources:
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| Trusting Your Gut: Intuitive Parenting in a Logical World | 11 mars 2026 | 00:37:54 | |
What do you do when your child tells you something… you can’t explain? In this episode of Ask Mom Parenting, Sue dives into the magical, mysterious, and sometimes unsettling world of parenting intuitive, energy-sensitive kids. Sharing personal stories, Sue reveals the realities of validation, boundaries, and agency when your child experiences things others might dismiss.
Sue unpacks how to respond to your child’s unseen experiences without amplifying fear, why believing them builds trust, and how to guide your kids to become strong, grounded individuals - no matter what they sense. She also covers powerful rituals and tools, like the family “white light shield,” and answers common questions from parents navigating the visible and invisible in their own homes.
If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one's for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Whether you’re a full-blown believer or a loving skeptic, this episode reminds you that parenting intuition is just as much about leadership, curiosity, and connection as any real-world skill. Help your child create strong inner boundaries so they grow into adults who stand tall, no matter what worlds they walk between.
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources:
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| Stop the Power Struggles: Why Rules Aren't Enough | 25 févr. 2026 | 00:35:25 | |
What happens when you have less rules in your home? Learn the missing piece that creates real cooperation from your kids and reduces daily power struggles. In this episode, Sue is joined by Lauren, a mom of four navigating dinnertime chaos, rule overload, and common child behavior challenges many parents face. Together, they discuss what happens when kids meet a house full of rules, why power struggles escalate, and how shifting from “rule-heavy” micromanagement to intentional parenting boundaries and earned privileges can radically transform cooperation, connection, and respectful behavior. Sue breaks down her signature Confident Discipline approach: a practical parenting strategy that focuses on setting just one or two meaningful rules, using boundaries to build independence, and leveraging earned access to motivate self-regulation and better behavior in strong-willed children. Have you asked yourself:
If yes, this episode is for you! What you'll learn:
If you’re looking for parenting tips, discipline strategies that actually work, or positive parenting solutions for a strong-willed child who won’t listen, this episode explains how fewer rules paired with clear boundaries can reduce arguing, backtalk, and daily battles at home. Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| Parenting Decision Fatigue: How to Stop Second-Guessing Yourself | 11 févr. 2026 | 00:26:43 | |
Is every parenting decision starting to feel like a test you can’t study for? Modern parenthood brings a barrage of choices and the relentless pressure to get every single one right. In this episode, Sue dives into decision fatigue: that overwhelming mental exhaustion from juggling the nonstop micro and macro choices of raising kids today. From the tidal wave of advice on social media to the nagging fear of messing up your child for life, she breaks down why it’s harder than ever to trust yourself. Then, Sue shares her tactical, sanity-saving process, the Dynamic Decision Making Process, so you can finally stop second guessing, keep your cool, and make confident choices that actually serve your family. With real-life examples, research-backed stats, and helpful strategies, this episode is your go-to guide for defeating overwhelm and reclaiming your confidence as a parent. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
...this one's for you. What You’ll Learn:
You don’t have to keep living in the hamster wheel of second guessing, guilt, and exhaustion. With the right tools, you can parent with clarity, calm, and far more trust in yourself, and your kid’s future. Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| What to Do When Your Child Is Being Bullied (Without Making It Worse) | 28 janv. 2026 | 00:37:50 | |
Is ignoring bullying really a strategy, or are we just hoping the pain goes away? In this episode, Sue goes where most parenting conversations don’t: the realities of bullying, why telling kids to “just ignore it” isn’t enough, and how to prepare your child to handle cruelty with practical tools, empathy, and grounded confidence. With honest stories (including a karate-chop moment from Sue’s past) and actionable family strategies, you’ll walk away ready to make your home a true anchor when bullies show up. Whether you’re parenting a sensitive elementary schooler, a middle schooler navigating mean girl dynamics, or want to know what to do if your child is the bully, this episode is packed with wisdom and real-life approaches you won’t find in the school handbook. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
...this one's for you. What You’ll Learn:
You can’t prevent every hard moment for your child, but you can give them tools, clarity, and a home base they know will always have their back. Bullying may be a reality of growing up, but with these strategies, it doesn’t have to define your child’s story, or yours! Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| The Gentle Parenting Hangover: Why It's Losing Parents & What Works Long-Term | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:32:59 | |
Are you exhausted from explaining, negotiating, and validating, and still wondering why your kids won’t listen? Gentle parenting promised us peaceful homes and emotionally intelligent kids, but what many parents discovered instead is burnout, buyer’s remorse, and a house full of power struggles. In this season two kick-off, Sue and Randee get real about the downsides of gentle parenting, what actually works, and how to reboot your family culture with leadership parenting - a no-nonsense blend of empathy, boundaries, and real-life accountability. From personal stories to practical steps, they unpack why structure and follow-through trump endless explanation (and why “action, not words” is the new mantra). If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this one's for you. What You’ll Learn:
A balanced, confident parenting approach doesn’t mean stifling empathy. It means pairing compassion with direction and consistency so you can raise kids who adapt, contribute, and thrive in the real world (while reclaiming your own energy and confidence as a parent). Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 Resources:
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| Calmer Parenting Starts Here | 01 janv. 2026 | 00:03:10 | |
Get Kids to Listen Without Yelling, Threats, or Repeating Yourself Welcome to Season 2 of the Ask Mom Parenting podcast! The Ask Mom Parenting Podcast is a reset for overwhelmed parents tired of reacting, over-explaining, and managing emotions all day. Hosted by parenting strategist, author, mom of four, and reformed yeller Sue Donnellan, this show challenges conventional advice and replaces it with calm, leadership-based thinking. You’ll learn how to stop absorbing urgency, communicate with clarity, prevent power struggles, and raise capable kids without fear, shame, or permissiveness. Less reacting. More leadership. Real change starts here. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode and connect with Sue at AskMomParenting.com | |||
| How to Handle Holiday Parenting Stress Without Yelling or Burnout | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:28:06 | |
The Parenting Mindset Shift That Stops Holiday Tantrums, Complaining & Teen Resistance If the holidays feel less like a celebration and more like forced customer service without a coffee break, this episode is for you! Hit play for practical strategies to manage tantrums, whining, meltdowns, tween and teen resistance, overstimulation, and screen battles around the holidays. It all starts with a parenting mindset shift that changed the game for me and many of the parents I've coached. What You'll Learn:
If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| How to Teach Kids Genuine Gratitude Every Day | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:25:49 | |
Practical Ways to Teach Kids Genuine Gratitude Every Day Most parents try to teach gratitude by reminding kids to “say thank you.” But real gratitude isn’t a script. It’s a feeling. And the reason many kids don’t show it has nothing to do with entitlement and everything to do with emotional overwhelm, development, and the ability to receive. In this episode, we’ll uncover why forced “thank yous” backfire, why the holidays make gratitude harder (not easier), and how kids often look ungrateful simply because they don’t yet know how to receive attention or generosity. You’ll learn what genuine appreciation looks like at different ages, how to help kids access it even in overstimulating moments, and the simple daily mantra that turns frustration to appreciation instantly. What You'll Learn:
If you want kids who feel thankful, not just perform it, this conversation will change the way you think about gratitude. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Is Your Teen "Dating" an AI Chatbot? | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:32:34 | |
Artificial Intimacy: Protecting Teens in the Age of AI Companions What happens when your teen’s closest confidant isn’t a person, but a program? In this eye-opening episode of The Ask Mom Parenting Podcast, I am pulling back the curtain on a growing digital dilemma: teens forming emotional or even romantic relationships with AI chatbots. One in five teens are already turning to apps like Character.ai and Replika for comfort, validation, and “connection.” Most parents have no idea it’s happening but behind the friendly avatars and endless empathy lies a silent crisis: dependency, isolation, and emotional confusion that can reshape how an entire generation defines love and belonging. What You'll Learn:
This isn’t a future problem, it’s a right now one. By the end, you’ll know how to spot emotional dependency on AI, create boundaries that stick, and guide your teen back toward what’s real. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Why Teens Really Lie (It's Not What You Think) | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:24:34 | |
The Hidden Reasons Why Teens Lie & What Parents Can Actually Do About It Why do teens lie…even if they have good parents, open conversations, and no reason to hide? In this episode, we're unpacking one of the most misunderstood parenting challenges: lying. You’ll learn how most teens don't lie out of rebellion, but for protection, privacy, and power. I share a personal story of being a “frequent teen liar” and how that insight reshaped my parenting philosophy. Together, Randee and I explore why tightening control only increases deception, and how a calm, curious response can transform dishonesty into trust and growth. What You'll Learn:
Listen through the end for specific age-based examples and my powerful “We Language” strategy that rewires your child’s honesty through trust, not fear. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Parenting a Child With ADHD Without Yelling or Power Struggles | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:30:12 | |
Parenting Children with ADHD: How to Know When to Connect & When to Correct Parenting a child with ADHD can feel like living in a constant guessing game... am I supporting the diagnosis or enabling the behavior? Do I hold the line or hold space? How do I discipline a child whose brain doesn’t respond to discipline the same way? In this episode, we dig deep into the razor-thin line between connection and correction… and why both are essential if you want your child to build self-control, not shame. You’ll learn how to recognize when your child’s brain is in dysregulation mode (and literally can’t hear you), versus when it’s time to teach accountability and follow-through. What You'll Learn:
This episode is for every parent torn between empathy and exhaustion, wondering if their child “can’t” or just “won’t.” You’ll walk away knowing when to lead with connection and when to lead with correction - without guilt, confusion, or chaos. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Your Kid's First Phone: Rules to Set Before You Hand It Over | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:28:21 | |
Kids & Smartphones: Rules Every Parent Should Set Before Handing Over a Phone Handing your kid a phone isn’t a tech decision, it’s a leadership one. In this episode, I'm laying out the mindset and the must-haves that separate a calm, values-driven phone handoff from a chaos spiral. We’ll show you how to define the why, set expectations that actually stick, and avoid the most common trap parents don’t see coming, until it’s too late. What You'll Learn:
If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| How to Build Emotional Intelligence, From Toddlers to Teens | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:32:17 | |
Emotional Intelligence in Parenting: Teach Kids Empathy and Smarter Decisions Easily If you’re tired of meltdowns, backtalk, and power struggles and you want kids who listen, self-regulate, and make wise decisions (at school, online, and with friends) then developing emotional intelligence is your answer. In this episode we're sharing why emotional intelligence is the oftentimes overlooked skill that you should teach your kids and exactly how to incorporate it into your everyday parenting. What You'll Learn:
Teach emotional intelligence, set real boundaries, and get kids listening—starting today. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Back to School Routines That Make Stress-Free Mornings Possible | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:46:26 | |
Stop the Morning Chaos: Back-to-School Routines That Actually Work Back-to-school mornings shouldn’t feel like a battle zone… but for most parents, they do. Shoes disappear. Homework is “forgotten.” Emotions are high before you’ve even had coffee. In this episode of Ask Mom, we're sharing what’s really behind morning chaos (hint: it’s not just about “getting the routine right”) and the surprising shifts that make mornings calmer, kids more cooperative, and parents a whole lot less stressed. What You'll Learn:
We also answer YOUR questions from our parent newsletter…the kind most families can relate to. If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to start the day,” this episode will show you exactly where to start. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Why Your Kids Have Stopped Listening (You Might Be Training Them To) | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:28:13 | |
Do you ever feel like your kid hears everything except you? Like they can pick up a whisper about dessert three rooms away but somehow miss the rule you’ve said 17 times? In this episode you'll learn that there’s more to your kid’s ‘selective hearing’…and you might be the plot twist. Hit play for the strategy and tangible tips to get your kids to start listening to you the FIRST time you ask. Plus: A real-world teen negotiation story, a 3-step plan to rebuild trust, and a powerful reframe on how holding the line builds respect, not resentment. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Stop Overparenting: Let Your Kids Fail Their Way to Success | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:28:37 | |
How to Stop Overparenting: Trust Yourself, Not Your Fear! Are you doing everything for your child…and calling it love? In this episode, we're peeling back the curtain on overparenting and the subtle ways control shows up (micromanaging, rescuing, rushing, rewriting their essays) and how it can backfire. With insightful stories (including the moment a Montessori teacher politely called me out for still packing lunches), and real talk about self-awareness, fear, and the difference between leadership and control, we're walking you through how to step back without falling apart. Letting go isn’t giving up your authority, it’s how you gain influence and raise independent, resilient kids who actually want to talk to you because they trust you and don’t feel judged by your control. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| Mom Guilt Is Lying to You - Stop Listening | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:22:59 | |
Mom Guilt is Lying to You - Here's How to Shut it Down In this raw and real episode, we’re unpacking one of the most toxic emotions moms carry: guilt. Spoiler alert - guilt feels useful, but it’s actually hijacking your parenting, sabotaging your credibility, and weakening your connection with your kids. We break down how to spot guilt in action, how it messes with your authority, and why it’s time to stop letting it drive your decisions. You’ll learn the 4 categories of guilt, what to do when guilt creeps in, and how to parent with intention - not from a place of shame, regret, or people-pleasing. Guilt is not a parenting strategy. It’s a distraction dressed up as concern. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to follow the show for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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| The Parenting Myth Everyone Believes (And Why It's Wrong) | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:24:42 | |
You aren't failing as a parent... it's just that everything you’ve been taught about parenting is wrong! Welcome to the FIRST episode of the Ask Mom Parenting podcast with myself, Sue Donnellan, and my sidekick, Randee Moore. Together, we're breaking down why everything you've been taught about parenting is wrong. The yelling, the timeouts, the never listening... there is a better way. In this episode we'll share why when parents become role models and leaders first, their children's behavior changes, PLUS what to expect in each podcast episode. If this episode helps you find clarity, don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly guidance on parenting, connection, and calm discipline. Your next breakthrough might just be one episode away. Resources:
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