Hi Parents!

Ever feel like you're struggling to understand your teen's behaviour? It can be frustrating when their actions leave you confused, and you’re not sure how to help them. But what if their behaviour is actually sending you hidden messages about what they’re really going through?

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the 5 surprising messages behind your teen’s behaviour that parents often miss. These messages go beyond the surface-level actions and offer key insights into your teen’s emotional and mental state. By understanding these hidden signals, you’ll be better equipped to respond in ways that build connection and foster trust.

I’ll break down the different types of behaviour - like defiance, laziness, or aggression - and explain what they really mean. Plus, I’ll share strategies for how to approach these behaviours without falling into common parenting traps, like frustration or disconnect. The goal is to help you recognize when your teen is struggling with something deeper than what their actions may show on the surface.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what’s happening behind your teen’s behaviour - and how you can help them in ways that truly make a difference.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

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Hi Parents,

Does your teen feel trapped in their own mind - overwhelmed by constant “what if” thoughts or stuck in repetitive behaviors they feel they have to do “just in case”? You're not alone - and neither are they.

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Sedley, clinical psychologist, author, and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to explore how anxiety and OCD show up in teens - and what parents can do to help. With over two decades of experience, Ben has supported teens as they navigate obsessive thinking, anxiety spirals, and the deep shame that often comes with intrusive thoughts. If your teen is struggling and you feel unsure of how to help, this conversation will offer clarity, direction, and hope.

We talk about what OCD really is - beyond the common myths of being neat or orderly - and how intrusive thoughts work, why everyone has them, and when they cross the line into OCD. Ben breaks down how compulsions might momentarily ease anxiety, but often trap teens in a deeper cycle of fear and distress. We also explore the subtle ways parents may unintentionally reinforce anxiety and how shifting to more supportive responses can make a meaningful difference.

Ben’s compassionate, real-world advice reminds us that while we can’t take anxiety away, we can help our kids build the tools they need to live fully - even with fear.

More About Ben:

Ben Sedley is a New Zealand-based clinical psychologist and co-founder of ACT Wellington, where he works with teens, families, and adults using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He’s also the author of several books designed to help kids, teens, and parents better understand and manage anxiety, including:

📖 Stuff That Sucks: A Teen's Guide to Accepting What You Can't Change and Committing to What You Can 📖 Stuff That's Loud: A Teen's Guide to Unspiraling When OCD Gets Noisy

This episode is filled with powerful insights to help your teen feel less alone - and more in control - no matter what their mind throws at them.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

Connect With Me on Instagram

Hi Parents!

What if your teen’s moodiness, irritability, or refusal to engage isn’t defiance - but anxiety in disguise?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dayna Abraham, bestselling author of Calm the Chaos, National Board Certified educator, and mom of three neurodivergent kids. With warmth and wisdom, Dayna helps parents uncover the hidden signs of anxiety and offers powerful tools for when typical parenting approaches fall short.

We explore:

• Subtle ways anxiety shows up in teens’ behavior

• Why “acting out” might actually be a sign of distress

• How to meet your teen where they are using the Calm the Chaos framework

• How ahead-of-the-moment plans can prevent anxiety from spiraling

More about Dayna: As the founder of the Calm the Chaos parenting approach, Dayna blends her background in education with lived experience to support families navigating big emotions and challenging behaviors. She’s been featured on NBC, NPR, and Parents.com and is a trusted voice for parents raising anxious or neurodivergent kids.

🎧 She’s also the host of the Calm the Chaos Podcast, where she shares practical tools and inspiring stories to help parents create more peace at home.

This episode has many practical insights to help you create a calmer, more connected relationship with your teen - starting today.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

Connect With Me on Instagram