Send Lauren a text! Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations about our summer ahead. I just had a family vacation with some real highs and lows. I'm talking about temps in the 60's with rain on a beach vacation and a stomach bug or food poisoning kind of lows. Not fun! In this episode, I'll share about that eventful trip, how it can be helpful to have realistic expectations for the summer and 5 ways you can have more connection, peace and calm with your tweens and teens this summer. 📻 Key ...

Send Lauren a text! Does it feel like your teen is more afraid of being "awkward," than you ever were at their age? As a therapist working with kids and teens, I've noticed today's generation seems particularly afraid of social missteps. What we used to call being "embarrassed" has evolved into something they call "awkward". In this episode, I'll explore why kids are so afraid of awkward moments nowadays and share practical ways you can help your tween or teen to take healthy risks, and surv...

Send Lauren a text! Is this time of year feeling absolutely insane for you as a parent? Between field trips, graduations, concerts, and athletic awards, these final weeks of school can push even the most organized families to their breaking point. In this episode, I'll share three essential tips to help you navigate this hectic time with more peace, joy, and calm—while supporting your anxious tween or teen. 📻 Key Episode Highlights Why this time of year is the most overwhelming for families ...

Send Lauren a text! Are you and your tween or teen struggling with anxiety treatment and wondering why it doesn't seem to be "working" right away? In this episode, I'll share the #1 misconception about anxiety recovery and help you understand what real healing actually looks like. ✨ What's Bringing Me More Zen Tune in till the end of the episode when I share how I incorporate Harry Potter themes into counseling and some upcoming themed events that could help your tween or teen experience how...

Send Lauren a text! Are you starting to notice signs of anxiety in your tween or teen and wondering if it might be time to get seek support? In this episode, I’ll share how to know when your child could benefit from working with a qualified therapist and help you feel more confident about what to do next. ✨ What's Bringing Me More Zen Tune in till the end of the episode when I share how an old TV show that's now streaming is bringing me joy!📻 Key Episode Highlights Understanding and normaliz...

Send Lauren a text! Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer you support and self care. This mediation is perfect to do anytime you would like to connect with joy. Perfect for a mid day break or a morning exercise to help you feel positive and more joyful. Enjoy! 😌 This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy o...

Send Lauren a text! In this episode, I focus on how parents can find qualified therapists who treat OCD in children and teens, understand ERP therapy (the gold standard in OCD treatment) and support their child's recovery journey. ✨ What's Bringing Me More Zen Tune in till the end of the episode to discover my new favorite protein-packed snack that helps me through mid-day energy slumps! Click here to see where you can buy this snack for yourself 📻 Key Episode Highlights Finding qu...

Send Lauren a text! In this episode, I explore the key differences between OCD and anxiety in tweens and teens. Learn how to recognize the signs and identify when your child might need specialized support. ✨ What's Bringing Me More Zen Tune in till the end of the episode to discover my favorite free meditation app! I'll tell you how it's been keeping me accountable to meditate on a daily basis. And how I'm noticing positive differences from staying consistent. 📻 Key Episode Highli...

Send Lauren a text! In this episode, I explore the link between smartphone use and anxiety in tweens and teens. I'll introduce the term "problematic smartphone use," explain what it looks like, how to recognize if your child is struggling with it, and share practical (as well as creative) strategies to help them set healthier boundaries with their phone. ✨ What's Bringing Me More Zen Tune in after the break to discover what recently brought me more zen. I was the lucky winner of a contest at...

Send Lauren a text! In this episode, I tackle a common dilemma parents face: should you reassure your anxious tween or teen when they're worried, or could that actually make their anxiety worse? I'll share practical strategies to help you know when it's ok to offer a little reassurance. And I'll let you know when it's better to not reassure and what you can do instead. 📢 Important Scheduling Update: * I'll be releasing new episodes twice a month for the next few months (instead of wee...