
Parenting Through The Hard
Parenting Through the Hard
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Parenting Through The Hard Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Parenting Through The Hard episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Parenting Through The Hard for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Parenting Through The Hard episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Time to Get the "F" Out: The Journey from Hurt Parent to Healed Parent
Parenting Through The Hard
09/19/23 • 22 min
"What will you pursue in the middle of this mess that might somehow justify all your suffering?"
In this episode, we are opening our eyes to one of the biggest struggles we experience as parents of teenagers or young adults in crisis. Whether we are dealing with teen behavior issues, addiction, failing grades in high school, manipulation, or isolation, there is a heaviness that creeps in around us with no intention of leaving anytime soon.
Join us as we discuss how we go from hurt parents to healed parents and learn about a unique opportunity coming to you in October 2023!
Timestamps:The challenges of parenting teens in crisis [00:00:02]
Discussion on the difficulties parents face when their teens are in crisis and the importance of a supportive community.
The role of fear in parenting [00:01:26]
Exploration of how fear can dictate our actions as parents and lead to constant stress and anxiety.
The pressure to fix everything and fear of failure [00:02:53]
Discussion on the pressure parents feel to find solutions to their child's problems and the fear of failure that comes with it.
The need for a supportive community [00:15:20]
Emphasizes the importance of having a supportive community to help navigate challenges and overcome fear in parenting.
The upcoming four-week online workshop [00:17:02]
Introducing an upcoming workshop focused on four foundation principles to help parents operate from a place of calm and healing.
Shifting away from control and finding purpose in suffering [00:19:33]
Encouraging listeners to shift their mindset away from control and view their experiences as opportunities for growth and purpose in their lives and the lives of their children.
Register for the 4 Principles for Fighting Fear workshop HERE
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

From Seed to Harvest: Finding Peace in The Process of Parenting Teens
Parenting Through The Hard
09/05/23 • 27 min
Hey Sis! Ever think about parenting teens like you're tending a garden? Well, that's what we're getting into in this episode – 'cause, let's face it, our kids are a bit like flowers. They bloom when they're ready, in their own sweet time.
We're just here to play the gardener, you know? Nurturing, observing, and maybe doing a bit of waiting.
This summer, as I strolled around my yard, checking out how each plant was doing, it hit me how much parenting teens can feel like tending a garden. And guess what? I had to spill the beans (or should I say seeds?) with you.
Come hang out with us as we chat about:
- Your child’s zone: Respecting their own growth timeline.
- Starting at ground level: Embracing those foundational moments.
- How to soften the seed: Creating the right conditions for growth.
- The DANGERS of overwatering: Yep, finding that sweet balance.
- Getting to the roots: Digging into what really matters for your teens.
I'm keeping it laid-back and sharing insights to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenting teens. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let's chat about growing up together, one seed at a time.
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

ParenTEENg Decisions: The #1 Factor That Should Be Guiding Them
Parenting Through The Hard
06/27/23 • 21 min
“Everyone we meet is both our student and our teacher.”
Today’s episode is a countdown of the four factors that guide our parenting decisions. Together we talk about the benefits & challenges that we experience with each one of these factors.
Join us to learn more about....
- Family dynamics in parenting.
- Peer Influence
- The Benefits of Book and Media
- On-the-job training and more.
In this podcast episode, we discuss the anxieties and insecurities we face in our parenting journey and introduce the primary factors that should guide parenting decisions and three other influential factors. We emphasize the importance of learning from our own parents, observing others, and seeking support during challenging times & also highlight the significance of on-the-job training in parenting as a continuous learning process.
Parenting Books and Resources:
- The Whole Hearted Parenting Manifesto by Brene Brown
- Loving Detachment by Dr Wayland Meyers
- Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood
- The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults
- Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

Connection vs. Control: Finding the Right Balance in Your Parenting Approach
Parenting Through The Hard
06/13/23 • 29 min
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
Carl Jung
“And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!” And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart, and say, “No. This is what’s important.”
Iain Thomas
In today's episode, we talk about the important roles that connection and control play in our relationship with our teens. With control seeming to be our default as parents, it’s important that we stop and ask ourselves what it might be costing us. Listen along as we dive into the SUPERPOWER most of us aren’t utilizing in our parenting game and how to begin activating it.
Learn more about....
- A recent poll I took asking parents with adult children what they would do differently.
- The three layers of behavior change.
- Who you'd like to become in this season.
- The difference between control and connection.
- How to shift the things you are focusing on.
Remember, you’re child is no longer the project; you are.
Practice this for the next two weeks, and let me know how it’s going:
- Spend a few days challenging yourself to focus on the positive (however small it may be) vs. the negative. The negative things shout and demand our attention, so they are easy to spot. Be a studier of the positive. Look for them and take the time to be grateful for them. Trust me; they are there.
- Spend a few days focusing on working together to solve a problem with your teen vs. confrontation and control, which only leads to defiance.
- Spend a few days documenting the 1% improvements you made during the day.
Links from the show:
- Episode 37: React Less, Respond More: Parenting Tips for Mindful Communication
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- "I want to handle this well" Phone Wallpaper
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

React Less, Respond More: Parenting Tips for Mindful Communication
Parenting Through The Hard
05/30/23 • 32 min
Sometimes it can feel like we are full-time firefighters. We rush from one crisis to the next, never really fixing problems, just trying to slow down the spread.
Today we talk about the difference between reacting and responding and give you some practical advice on how you can begin the process of being more mindful of the things that are important to you in your relationship with your teen.
Learn more about ...
- How urgency has a tendency to overthrow the things that are really important to us.
- How to identify when you are reacting and when you are responding.
- How control is costing you connection.
- How to respond when you feel yourself in reactivity mode.
- The barriers that will present themselves as you work towards responding to your teen more than reacting.
Practice getting out of reactivity mode and into response mode for the next two weeks by following the steps below:
- Hit pause and focus on breathing.
- “I want to learn to handle this well; I will do nothing until I have calmed down.” "I want to handle this well" Phone Wallpaper
- Once calm, grab a sheet of paper and write down the following:
- What happened?
- What’s the impact/fear?
- What might happen next?
- What is the desired outcome?
- What actions should be taken?
Let me know how it's going by sending a DM on social media or an email using the email listed below.
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

Peaceful Parenting: Unveiling Inner Harmony Through Self-Care
Parenting Through The Hard
04/18/23 • 24 min
“I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I wrote” Flannery O’Connor
Join us in this week's episode as we continue to sow the seeds of self-compassion, accompanied by our insightful guest, Leif Holmes. Leif, a pastor with over 30 years of shared life experience with his wife, Laura, and raising three kids together, brings a unique perspective to our conversation.
Discover the beauty of journaling through Leif's lens—how it intertwines seamlessly with our self-care goals and the multitude of benefits he's unearthed through the practice.
Key Highlights:
- Uncover the distinctive way Abraham Lincoln approached journaling, crafting his own unique version.
- Explore how journaling acts as a window into the motives of our hearts, providing valuable insights.
- Embrace the simplicity of journaling—don't overthink it; let it flow naturally.
- Realize that journaling is not confined to writing; it takes various forms to suit individual preferences.
Tune in for an engaging discussion with Leif Holmes, where we dive into the art of journaling and extract valuable takeaways for cultivating self-compassion in our lives. This was hands-down one of my favorite conversations of the year!
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

A Look at Teen Behaviors: Manipulation
Parenting Through The Hard
02/07/23 • 18 min
Show-notes Episode 29
Title: A Look at Teen Behaviors: Manipulation
Today's episode is part 2 of a 3-part series where we will look into some common teen behaviors that you might be witnessing in your child and dive a little into why it happens, what about it creates challenges for us, and what we can do in response.
The behavior we are focusing on today is teen manipulation. Manipulation we are covering today are guilt trips, playing the victim/deflecting blame, retaliation, and anger.
This episode’s takeaways:
- All behavior serves a purpose. Purpose of manipulation is to wear you down.
- Manipulation is a tactic derived from a desire to self govern and make their own choices. Striving towards independence from parental control is actually considered a developmental milestone based.
- Why does it bother us?
- It may feel like disrespect
- It may feel like we are being held emotionally hostage
- We feel like we are doing what is best for them
- What can you do?
- Set boundaries you can keep.
- Don’t negotiate, investigate.
- Consider your bottom line and develop a broken record statement.
Resources
How Do I Handle Manipulation and Control Video by Karen Purvis and Michael Moore
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

A Look at Teen Behaviors: Isolating
Parenting Through The Hard
01/24/23 • 20 min
Today's episode is part 1 of a 3-part series where we will be looking into some common teen behaviors that you might be witnessing in your child and dive a little into you why it happens, what about it creates challenges for us, and what we can do in response.
The behavior we are focusing on today is isolating. What are some things you can do if you are concerned about isolation?
This episode’s takeaways:
- Teens' brains and bodies are trying to figure out this influx of hormones, and it will take some time to work it out.
- It's developmentally normal for teens to retreat from their parents and engage less. It's a practice of self-governance.
- Examine your own behaviors and emotions that are triggered by your teen's actions. What can you learn about what you're feeling?
- Try asking fewer questions and making more observations when your child is less than chatty.
- Use technology as a way to stay connected.
- Create opportunities for fun and laughter together.
- Watch for warning signs of unhealthy isolation and consult a professional when you see them.
Books quoted :
Articles studied:
Motivation and What Really Drives Human Behavior
Understanding the Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
Other Resources:
Jim Gaffigan Comedy Clip (one explicit word in this clip)
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

Embracing Imperfection: Why You Need to Let Go of the Need to Fix Your Teen
Parenting Through The Hard
01/10/23 • 24 min
Did you know studies show that over-involved parenting is associated with anxiety, depression, life dissatisfaction, and emotional dysregulation? In today’s episode, we talk about what everyone guilty of over-involved parenting wants to know. If we’re not meant to fix the problem or behavior, what are we supposed to do?
This episode's takeaways:
- Influence. The biggest shift happens when we switch from a manager role to an advisor. Instead of giving directions, ask questions and provide emotional support.
- Relationship. Focus on being present in your child’s discomfort they may be experiencing without taking it away. Your child is like a kite in the wind; you are the person on the ground holding the string.
- Truth without a relationship leads to rejection. Rules without relationships lead to rebellion. Discipline without a relationship leads to anger and resentment. Focus on the relationship, not the behavior.
- Stay consistent with discipline.
- Immediate consequences, short-term, remain loving when giving discipline.
- Non-emotional parenting.
- Show up mature, loving, and consistent. Modeling what the behavior looks like.
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]

Courage to Connect: How Vulnerability Strengthens Parent-Teen Relationships
Parenting Through The Hard
11/14/23 • 36 min
Friend, today, we're going to delve into a topic that might tug at the heartstrings a bit – the profound importance of vulnerability in parenting, particularly during these challenging teenage years.
Together, we'll dive a little deeper into this concept I like to call "heart talk." A gentle, intimate dialogue rooted in trust and authenticity, a space where we can really connect with our teens. Because, you see, parenting during these years can be quite a tender journey.
You and I are going to explore those areas where our teens find it tough to open up to us. It's a reminder for us, as parents, to acknowledge our own imperfections, set expectations that are filled with compassion, and, most importantly, honor the boundaries our teens set.
Our teens are navigating a maze of changes and challenges, and we have the opportunity to be a comforting presence – a lighthouse guiding them through the waves. It's a call for us to understand that vulnerability isn't a weakness; it's a strength that fosters profound connections.
Let's embrace the reality that parenting teenagers is no easy feat. Through the mist of discomfort, we are learning to be there for our teens with open hearts and arms.
So, mama, let's gently step into the realm of vulnerability. Let's open up those channels of communication, even if it feels heavy. Because in those quiet, somber conversations lies the potential for healing and understanding.
___________________________________________________________________________
About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.
Explore Additional Support:
- Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
- Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
- Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
- Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ
Connect with Us:
- Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
- Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
- For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Parenting Through The Hard have?
Parenting Through The Hard currently has 59 episodes available.
What topics does Parenting Through The Hard cover?
The podcast is about Emotional Health, Parenting, Kids & Family, Parenting Advice, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Parenting Through The Hard?
The episode title 'Am I on the Right Parenting Path with my Teen?' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Parenting Through The Hard?
The average episode length on Parenting Through The Hard is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of Parenting Through The Hard released?
Episodes of Parenting Through The Hard are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Parenting Through The Hard?
The first episode of Parenting Through The Hard was released on Oct 8, 2021.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ