Pivot Parenting: Expert Tips for Navigating Teen and Tween Challenges - podcast cover

Pivot Parenting: Expert Tips for Navigating Teen and Tween Challenges

Heather Frazierwww.heatherfrazier.com
Welcome to Pivot Parenting, the podcast designed to help you thrive in the ever-changing landscape of raising teens, tweens and young adults. Hosted by Heather Frazier, a triple-certified life coach and mother of four, this show is your go-to resource for expert advice, practical strategies, and compassionate support. Each episode dives deep into the complex world of adolescent development, tackling everything from effective communication and setting boundaries to managing emotional turbulence and fostering independence. Heather draws from her extensive experience to offer insights into the latest parenting trends, research-backed methods, and real-life stories that resonate with parents everywhere. Whether you're struggling with your teen's mood swings, navigating the complexities of social media, or simply looking to strengthen your family bonds, Pivot Parenting provides the tools you need to pivot from frustration and uncertainty to confidence and connection. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to not only survive but thrive during these pivotal years. Join us as we explore topics like building trust with your teens, dealing with peer pressure, helping them with mental illness challenges, understanding the teenage brain, and much more. With a focus on empathy and resilience, Heather guides you through the highs and lows of parenting, helping you find peace of mind and joy in the journey. Subscribe now and become part of our community of parents who are dedicated to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted young adults. Don't miss out on essential parenting wisdom that will empower you to create a nurturing and supportive home environment. Pivot Parenting—because every moment is an opportunity to grow and connect with your kids when you're confident in your parental abilities.
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Episodes

275. "She Needs to Prioritize Getting up on Time"

If your teen struggles to wake up, follow through, or seems totally oblivious to your family’s priorities—you’ll feel seen in this one. In this live coaching session with Kat, we dig into the frustration of having a teen who won’t just get it together … and what’s really happening beneath the surface. We unpack: Why your teen’s “irresponsible” behavior might actually be age-appropriate How well-meaning expectations can backfire (and make mornings miserable) Why it’s okay for both of you to be hu...

Jul 08, 202534 minSeason 1Ep. 275

274. "My Son Just Needs to Do it Better..."

Ever find yourself thinking, “If my kid would just get their act together, life would be so much easier”? Yeah… you’re not alone. In this live coaching session, we dig into what’s really going on when we get stuck in that headspace—whether it’s schoolwork, bedtime routines, or the everyday grind. You love your kid. You’re trying your best. But when their struggles drag on (and on), it’s SO tempting to believe that if they would just change, everything would fall into place. Here’s the hard truth...

Jul 01, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 274

273. From “Us vs. Them” to “We the People”—Starting at Home

Let’s be real—courage usually feels awful. It’s uncomfortable, risky, and it often costs us something. But if we’re not showing our kids what it looks like to stand up for truth and love people well (especially the hard ones), then we’re teaching them to stay silent. And silence is complicity. In this episode, I’m getting bold about the values we need to be modeling at home. From passive-aggressive parenting to political name-calling to the subtle ways we teach our teens to judge instead of love...

Jun 24, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 273

272. "Safe" Parenting

Is your parenting actually keeping your teen safe—or just an attempt to keep you comfortable? In this episode, we unpack the hidden fears that drive so many of our rules, reactions, and routines as parents. From fear of physical harm to fear of emotional disconnection, we all create “safety systems” that can backfire—leading to control, resentment, and emotional distance. You’ll learn: The 2 main types of fear that shape parenting (and the one question that will tell you the difference) How “saf...

Jun 17, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 272

271. Learning With Your Daughter to Love Your Body, with Kerrie Nygard

What if healing your own body image could help your daughter avoid the years of shame, obsession, and insecurity so many of us grew up with? In this powerful episode, we talk about how to build a healthy, connected relationship with your body—and how to model that for your kids (without even saying a word). Whether you're raising daughters, sons, or anyone in between, this one’s for you. You’ll learn: 3 myths that keep parents stuck in body shame The subtle (but damaging) things we say around fo...

Jun 10, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 271

270. When (adult) Kids go "No Contact" with a Parent

It’s one of the most heartbreaking things a parent can face—when your grown child cuts off communication. In this episode, we explore why this happens, what parents can do about it, and how perfectionism and performance-based love often push the very people we want to keep close... away. I’ll share the surprising truth about what God never asked parents to carry, how to untangle what’s yours from what’s theirs, and how to shift from “being a good parent” to being a safe one. If you’re grieving a...

Jun 03, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 270

269. When You Think Their Future is Doomed, with Casie Fariello

Ever find yourself spiraling about your teen’s future—wondering if they’ll ever graduate, get a job, or not end up living in your basement forever? In this powerful episode with Casie Fariello, we get real about what happens when our fears blow things out of proportion. Casie shares her raw, honest parenting journey—navigating everything from school refusal and addiction to unconventional paths that still led her kids to success (on their own terms). We talk about: Why “normal” milestones aren’t...

May 27, 202528 minSeason 1Ep. 269

268. Teens and Device Dependency, with Will Kirsop

We all know screens are a huge part of teen life—but how much is too much? In this episode, I’m joined by coach and teen expert Will Kirsop to tackle one of parents’ biggest concerns: device dependency. We unpack the real stats (brace yourself), the brain science behind why tech is so addictive, and how screens are impacting your teen emotionally, socially, and physically. But don’t worry—this isn’t your typical doom-and-gloom chat. We explore practical strategies to help your teen build a healt...

May 20, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 268

267. Black and White Thinking in Parenting

Ever catch yourself thinking, *“I’m either a good parent or a bad one”... or, “My teen is either respectful or totally out of control”? That’s black-and-white thinking—and it sneaks into parenting more than we realize. In this episode, we dig into how rigid, all-or-nothing thoughts keep us stuck in guilt, frustration, and power struggles. You’ll learn: How black-and-white thinking shows up (even when you don’t realize it) Why it makes parenting feel so much harder The simple mindset shift that o...

May 13, 202524 minSeason 1Ep. 267

266. Your Teen Doesn't Need to be "Fixed"- They Need This...

Your teen is moody, dramatic, needy, and constantly fishing for validation. One minute they want you to help… the next, they’re shutting you out. They’re one person at home, someone else at school, and you're just trying to figure out who the heck they actually are. If you’ve ever felt like your teen is a walking tornado of insecurity, pressure, and mixed signals—and you're the one stuck holding it all together—this episode is for you. We talk about: Why your teen’s “crazy” behavior isn’t about ...

May 06, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 266

265. When Your Teen Expects You to Make Them Happy (and we believe it)

If your teen is sad, bored, heartbroken, or frustrated—and you instantly shift into problem-solving mode—this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about a trap so many loving parents fall into: believing it’s our job to keep our teens happy. Whether it’s emailing teachers, calling their friend’s mom after a disagreement, offering shopping trips to soothe a breakup, or trying to fix boredom with entertainment—many parents overfunction emotionally, thinking they’re being help...

Apr 29, 202524 minSeason 1Ep. 265

264. When Your Teen Says, "I Don't Care"

Every parent has been there—those infuriating moments when your teen’s response is a flat, dismissive “I don’t care.” In this episode, we dig into why that statement pops up and what it really means, so you can handle your frustration and reconnect with your teen. This one’s brought to you by a real-life grocery store moment with my son… and a stranger who felt compelled to weigh in on his "I don't care" response to me. (Yep, it was that wild.) I’ll share three powerful strategies: understanding...

Apr 22, 202524 minSeason 1Ep. 264

263. Teaching Your Teen to Advocate For Themselves and Others

If you want your teen to speak up for themselves—and for others—but find they shut down, go along to get along, or avoid conflict at all costs, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down how to raise teens who know how to set boundaries , communicate clearly , and stand up to injustice —without being rude, reactive, or overwhelmed. And here’s the key: it starts with us. In this episode, I’ll share: Why modeling is the most powerful way to teach advocacy The difference between being nice and be...

Apr 15, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 263

262. How to be a Safe Person for Your Teen to Share

Few things hurt more than watching your teen struggle—and knowing they don’t feel safe enough to come to you with it. You try to connect, ask how they’re doing, offer help… and all you get is a shoulder shrug, an eye roll, or a slammed door. And it leaves you wondering— What happened to us? Why won’t they talk to me? Am I failing? In this episode, we’re digging into what it really takes to become a safe person for your teen to open up to. I’ll walk you through the do’s and don’ts that shift the ...

Apr 08, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 262

261. Being our Teens First Line of Defense with Nicole Runyon LMSW

Parenting teens today can feel like trying to hold back a tidal wave. We want to protect them, guide them, and set them up for success—but how do we do that without burning out or pushing them away? In this episode, we’re tackling three crucial parenting strategies: Setting Boundaries with Technology —How to create limits that actually stick, without constant battles. Why Kids Don’t Always Need Therapy, Parents Need to Learn Tools —Understanding when their struggles are really a reflection of th...

Apr 01, 202531 minSeason 1Ep. 261

260. When Your Teen is Bullied, with Joey Mascio

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

Mar 25, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 260

259. How to Help Your Teen When Their Life is "OVER"

When your teen dramatically declares their life is “over” , it can feel impossible to know what to say or do. Should you fix it? Downplay it? Toughen them up? In this episode, we’re diving into what’s really happening developmentally when your teen spirals, why their emotions feel so intense, and how your response plays a powerful role in shaping their mental resilience. You’ll learn practical tools to soothe their big emotions, model emotional regulation, and shift from “You just don’t get it” ...

Mar 18, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 259

258. How To Talk With Your Teen About Dating and Relationships (w/o it being awkward)

If the thought of talking to your teen about dating makes you cringe, you’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I’m sharing what actually works when it comes to having meaningful, non-awkward conversations with your teen about relationships, boundaries, and emotional safety. We’ll cover two key points: The conversation strategies that actually work —but only once you’ve learned the foundational skill I teach first. Why the awkwardness isn’t really about your teen at a...

Mar 11, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 258

257. How to Handle Teen Mood Swings Without Losing Your Cool

Parenting a teen can feel like riding a roller coaster—especially when they’re hungry, tired, or stressed. In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable world of teen mood swings and how they impact not only your teen, but your entire family’s atmosphere. I share three powerful takeaways that will help you transform chaos into calm: • Why It Happens: Understand the driving forces behind teen mood swings and what they really mean. • What It Means: Discover how these ups and downs affect your fa...

Mar 04, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 257

256. Parenting a Teen with O.D.D. with Guest, Ashley Hudson LMFT

If you’ve ever felt like every interaction with your teen turns into a battle, you’re not alone. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.) can make parenting feel like an exhausting, never-ending power struggle. In this episode, I’m joined by a seasoned therapist who specializes in working with teens and their families to navigate the challenges of O.D.D. We’ll dive into what’s really going on beneath the defiance, how to shift the dynamic, and practical strategies to restore peace in your home. If...

Feb 25, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 256

255. Playing the Long Game for Parenting Wins

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily battles—unfinished homework, messy rooms, and getting your teen to just do what they’re supposed to do. But if we’re only chasing short-term compliance, we risk infantilizing our teens, missing what they’re actually struggling with, and losing opportunities to teach emotional skills that last a lifetime. In this episode, we’re talking about how to shift your focus from daily control to long-term connection—so your teen actually wants to come to you for sup...

Feb 18, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 255

254. Why Parents & Teens Get and Stay "Stuck"

Ever feel stuck ? Maybe it’s in your emotions, your habits, your relationships—or the way you and your teen communicate (or don’t). In this episode, I’m unpacking a powerful insight I had while talking with friends about midlife dating, parenting teens, and why we all struggle to make changes—even when we want to. It all comes down to sensation chasing—why we do what we do (or don’t). Understanding this can shift everything in your parenting and your connection with your teen. And I break it all...

Feb 11, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 254

253. Why Parents Shouldn't Tell Their Teens What to Do

Are you tired of feeling like every conversation with your teen turns into a battle of wills? In this episode, I’m diving into why telling teens what to do is a recipe for power struggles—and what you can do instead. I’ll break down the three key dynamics at play that most parents overlook and share practical ways to step out of the tug-of-war while strengthening your connection. The result? More trust, real conversations, and the peace of mind you’ve been craving. If you’re ready to shift the d...

Feb 04, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 253

252. Parenting With a Chronic Illness

Parenting is challenging enough on its own, but when you're navigating the complexities of a chronic illness, it adds an entirely new layer of difficulty. In this episode, we’ll explore how living with a chronic condition can shape the lens through which you parent and the expectations you hold for yourself and your kids. We’ll discuss practical ways to adjust your parenting approach to honor your health while fostering a strong, loving family dynamic. You’ll also learn how to manage feelings of...

Jan 28, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 252

251. When Your Teen Doesn't Prioritize Their Health

It’s heartbreaking to watch your teen engage in self-destructive habits—whether it’s neglecting sleep, eating poorly, avoiding exercise, surrounding themselves with unhealthy friendships, or letting their schoolwork slide. You’ve tried giving them advice and guiding them toward a healthier, happier life, but they keep making choices that hurt them. Their grades may be dropping, their sleep worsening, and their well-being declining, and as a parent, it feels overwhelming and frustrating. In today...

Jan 21, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 251

250. Trying Not to Damage Your Kids

As parents, it’s natural to worry about the impact you’re having on your kids. Thoughts like, “I just don’t want to damage my kids,” or, “My parents messed me up, and I don’t want to repeat that cycle,” are incredibly common. But what does this fear of “damaging” your child actually mean? How does it affect the way we parent, and what can we do to minimize harm while fostering connection and growth? In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the fears and beliefs around parenting “damage.” We’ll ex...

Jan 14, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 250

249. How Much Freedom do Teens Need?

Parenting teens can feel like a constant push and pull. They want freedom, you want safety. They crave independence, you crave reassurance they’re ready. So how much freedom do teens actually need —and how do you know if you’re giving too much or too little? In this episode, I break down what’s really happening when teens push for independence and how to guide them without shutting them down. We’ll explore how to build trust, set boundaries that make sense for your family, and equip your teen wi...

Jan 07, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 249

248. When Your Teen Blames Everyone Else

Does it feel like your teen has a knack for dodging responsibility? Whether they're blaming siblings, friends, or even you for their mistakes, it can leave you frustrated, concerned, and questioning if they'll ever learn accountability. The blame game can trigger fears about their future, making you wonder if you're raising someone who won't grow into a responsible adult. In this episode, we uncover why teens deflect responsibility and how parents can respond in ways that foster growth and emoti...

Dec 31, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 248

247. Receiving Joy Amidst Holiday Strife

The holiday season is meant to bring joy, but for many families, it comes with its fair share of stress, strife, and unmet expectations. In this episode, we tackle the emotional and practical challenges of the season head-on. Discover helpful phrasing for navigating touchy conversations and how the timeless Christmas story can provide profound parenting lessons for modern families. Learn simple yet powerful tools to manage your expectations, reduce stress, and create meaningful, joyful moments—n...

Dec 24, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 247

246. Helping Your Teen With "Mean" Friends

It’s gut-wrenching to watch your teen navigate friendships with kids who gossip, exclude, or treat them with passive-aggressive behavior. You’re heartbroken and frustrated as you wonder why they continue to seek validation and connection from people who hurt them. Why can’t they just walk away? In this episode, we dive into the complex emotions and dynamics behind toxic teenage friendships and how to support your child without overstepping. Learn strategies to help your teen build confidence, re...

Dec 17, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 246
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