# 299 When Teens Feel the Weight of the World

Does your teen often seem overwhelmed by the weight of the world? Are you unsure how to help them navigate anxiety, self-esteem, and the challenges of today’s fast-paced, digital world? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Dr. Jodi Aman, a social work expert with decades of experience helping teens overcome anxiety and build self-confidence. Together, they unpack why today’s teens are more anxious than ever and discuss actionable strategies for managing mental health. Dr. Aman highlights the role of validation, agency, and purpose in easing anxiety, while emphasizing the importance of fostering resilience and community. From learning to calm anxiety in seconds to understanding how the modern digital and convenience culture impacts teens, the conversation provides a roadmap for parents to help their kids thrive emotionally. Jodi Aman is a doctor of social work with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression. You can find her live-streamed show on her YouTube channel @doctorjodi, where she discusses topics unique to Generation Z. With her videos, TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and her award-winning books, she's helped over 2 million understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. Key Takeaways: Anxiety is Manageable: Anxiety thrives on doubt and inaction. Teaching teens to recognize it, stay unbothered, and take immediate, small actions can significantly reduce its intensity. Fostering Confidence: Teens gain self-esteem and resilience when they experience their own agency. Encouraging problem-solving, giving purposeful responsibilities, and validating their feelings can transform their self-view. Connection Over Isolation: Isolation exacerbates anxiety and depression. Encourage teens to engage in meaningful, real-world activities like volunteering, spending time with others, and building community to foster a sense of belonging and purpose. This episode is packed with insights and tools to empower moms and teens alike! Find out more at jodiaman.com Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/doctorjodiaman/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Colleen O'Grady, MA. is a speaker, trainer and author of the award-winning and best-selling book Dial Down the Drama: Reduce Conflict and Reconnect with Your Teenage Daughter---A Guide for Mothers Everywhere. Colleen shares her wisdom from twenty-five years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist which translates into over 50,000 hours of working with parents and teens. Colleen, known as the parent-teen relationship expert helps you raise the bar of what's possible for the teenage years. Colleen not only knows this professionally she has been a mom in the trenches with her own teenage daughter. You really can improve your relationship with your teen and dial up the joy, peace, and delight at home and work. Every episode is geared to uplift you, give you practical parenting tips that you can apply right away and keep you current on the latest in teen research and trends.