Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

• # 367 Vaping, Delta-8, and Teens: What Moms Need to Know

  Are you worried about how easy it is for your tween, teen, or college-age child to get alcohol, weed, vapes, or “wellness” gummies—and not sure where to even start the conversation? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen talks with Pam Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Pam explains how today’s substances (like Delta-8, synthetic THC products, and vaping) are more accessible and more potent, why mental health and substance use are so tightly linked, and why clear parental expectations are one of the strongest protective factors. You’ll hear practical, hopeful ways to start ongoing conversations, monitor wisely (without turning into the “drug police”), and support your child’s mental health so they’re less vulnerable to addiction. About Pam Jenkins Pam Jenkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, the leading national nonprofit focused on preventing and treating addiction and supporting long-term recovery. With a lifelong career in public health and health communication, Pam has led large-scale initiatives in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and substance use. She has worked on government campaigns about marijuana, youth alcohol use, and created widely recognized public-health symbols like the red dress for women’s heart disease. Today, Pam leads Shatterproof’s policy advocacy, prevention programs, and family resources, all aimed at transforming how America understands and addresses addiction. 3 Key Takeaways for Moms Access and potency have changed—your expectations still matter. Teens can easily access highly potent substances (like Delta-8 and other synthetic THC products, vapes, and stronger marijuana) in gas stations, convenience stores, and online. Even so, clear parental disapproval is one of the strongest protections against teen use. Don’t assume your kids “just know” how you feel—say it plainly and repeat it often. Mental health and substance use are inseparable. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and social isolation all increase a teen’s vulnerability to drugs and alcohol—and drug use can, in turn, worsen or even trigger serious mental health issues like crippling anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Monitoring your child’s mood, behavior, friendships, grades, and social connectedness is as important as watching for the substances themselves. Monitor early, talk often, and stay curious—not panicked. Effective prevention starts young: secure medications at home, know your child’s friends, stay engaged with school, and watch for changes in behavior or peer groups. Have many short, specific conversations—especially before parties or transitions—using curiosity (“What usually happens at those parties?”) rather than accusations. You don’t have to be an expert; you just need to be present, clear about your values, and willing to keep the dialogue going well into their college years. Find out more at: https://shatterproof.org/ Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/weareshatterproof/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• # 346 Parenting Sensitive Teens

  Do you have a teen who feels everything deeply—who’s easily overwhelmed, deeply compassionate, or just needs more downtime than others?Have you ever wondered whether your child’s sensitivity is actually a superpower rather than a weakness? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist, empath, and New York Times bestselling author, joins Colleen O’Grady to explore how parents can understand and support their highly sensitive teens. Dr. Orloff shares how sensitivity and empathy—often misunderstood—are powerful traits that can help teens grow into caring, grounded adults when they have the right support. From defining what it means to be an empath, to setting healthy emotional boundaries, to helping sensitive teens manage overwhelm, Dr. Orloff offers practical wisdom for parents and heartfelt encouragement for anyone raising a deeply feeling child. Together, Colleen and Dr. Orloff discuss how sensitivity can be both a gift and a challenge, and how moms can nurture these qualities without taking on too much themselves. Guest Bio: Dr. Judith Orloff Dr. Judith Orloff is a psychiatrist on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty and a New York Times bestselling author whose books include The Genius of Empathy, The Empath’s Survival Guide, and her newest children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. She specializes in helping highly sensitive people and empaths thrive in an often overwhelming world. Dr. Orloff has spoken at the American Psychiatric Association, Google, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, and TEDx, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Teen Vogue, and Scientific American. Learn more at DrJudithOrloff.com. 🌿 Three Takeaways for Moms 1. Sensitivity is a Strength — Being an empath or highly sensitive teen is not a flaw. With the right understanding, it becomes a gift that fosters compassion, intuition, and creativity. 2. Healthy Empathy Requires Boundaries — Moms and teens alike need to learn the difference between healthy giving and overgiving; empathy is strongest when it includes discernment and self-care. 3. Create Space for Regulation and Connection — Encourage your teen to take breaks, breathe, and find quiet time. When moms model calm and self-awareness, it teaches teens how to manage emotional intensity in healthy ways. Find out more: https://drjudithorloff.com/ Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/judith.orloff.md Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• # 345 Is Your Daughter Ready

  Are our daughters really prepared for today’s challenges?And how can moms balance protecting their girls’ innocence with preparing them for the real world? In this episode, I talk with Kari Kampakis, bestselling author, podcaster, and mom of four daughters, about her new book Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges. Kari shares wisdom from decades of parenting, writing, and mentoring teen girls—covering everything from truth and integrity to friendship, discernment, and relationship red flags. Together, we explore how to help our daughters root their identity in something solid, use their power for good, and navigate social pressures with wisdom and grace. Kari also offers a heartfelt reminder to moms: give yourself grace—you’re doing better than you think. About Kari Kampakis Kari Kampakis is a nationally known author, speaker, and podcaster from Birmingham, Alabama. She’s the author of Love Her Well, More Than a Mom, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, Liked, and her newest release, Is Your Daughter Ready? Her books have been used widely in small groups and churches across the country. Kari’s writing has been featured in outlets like The Huffington Post and TODAY Parents. She’s passionate about helping moms and daughters grow in faith, confidence, and healthy connection. Three Takeaways Root identity early: Plant deep truths about who your daughter is before the world defines her. Model discernment: Teach her to trust her gut, spot red flags, and set boundaries with grace. Protect relationships: Don’t label people as toxic—address behaviors, avoid burning bridges, and remember that kindness wins long-term. Learn more at karikampakis.com Follow at https://www.instagram.com/karikampakis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• # 344 The Loneliness Epidemic in Teens: What Moms Can Do

  Have you noticed your teen spending more time online but seeming more withdrawn in real life?Are you wondering if what your teen is experiencing is normal teenage behavior—or signs of something deeper, like loneliness? In this powerful episode, we dive into The Loneliness Epidemic in Teens. Research shows that about half of adolescents today report feeling lonely—and many experience this at least once a week. Our guest, Lucy Rose, founder and leader of The Cost of Loneliness Project, shares eye-opening insights on what chronic loneliness looks like, how it differs from normal teenage growing pains, and why it has skyrocketed since COVID. Together, we explore practical ways moms can recognize signs of loneliness, start compassionate conversations, and help their teens rebuild real-life connections in an age dominated by screens. Guest Bio: Lucy Rose is the founder and leader of The Cost of Loneliness Project. A global relationship builder and award-winning expert in pharmaceutical health strategy, regulatory affairs, and communications, Lucy is committed to raising awareness about the personal, societal, and economic costs of loneliness. Through her work, she helps individuals, families, and communities create a culture of connectedness that fosters healthier, longer, and happier lives. Three Takeaways: Loneliness is not just sadness—it’s a lack of connection. Chronic loneliness impacts physical and emotional health, and it’s on the rise among teens. Connection is a muscle. Teens who spend most of their social time online may forget how to initiate or maintain real-life friendships—but those skills can be relearned. Model connection at home. Create small family rituals, put down the screens during meals, and show your teen that relationships take intention, empathy, and time. Find out more at: https://www.thecostofloneliness.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• #343 Free Play, Less Stress

  What if boredom is the birthplace of your teen’s creativity—and your sanity? And what if your own playfulness is the most powerful “parenting tool” you’re not using? In this episode, internationally recognized play designer and RISD professor Cas Holman (creator of the RIGAMAJIG and author of Playful) shows us why free play—play that’s freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated—is essential for teens and adults. We talk about releasing judgment, embracing possibility, and reframing success (hint: it’s not the perfect selfie at the summit). Cas explains why boredom matters, how “consuming” play (scrolling) differs from “generative” play (making), and offers practical ways moms can invite more low-pressure play into everyday life—without becoming their teen’s cruise director. Guest bio paragraph:Cas Holman is an internationally recognized designer, educator, and play advocate. A longtime professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cas created RIGAMAJIG, a large-scale building kit used in thousands of schools and museums, and is featured on Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. Their new book, Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity, distills two decades of designing for play, leading workshops at places like Google, Disney, and Nike, and collaborating with child-development experts to help all of us—kids, teens, and adults—reconnect with true play. Three takeaways: Boredom is productive. Letting teens linger in boredom helps them notice what they actually need and choose self-directed, creative action. Reframe success. Swap “Did we reach the top?” for “Did we connect?”—and watch stress melt while curiosity rises. Model, don’t manufacture. You don’t need to entertain your teen; be playful yourself. Release judgment, embrace possibility, and let “good enough” be great. Learn more at: https://casholman.com/ Follow at https://www.instagram.com/casholman/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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