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July 1, 2025 22 mins

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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 Episode Highlights

  • Why having realistic expectations for summer can help reduce stress and disappointment
  • A true story of summer vacation highs and lows that many parents will relate to
  • 5 practical ways to create more connection with your tweens and teens this summer
  • Strategies for managing expectations while still creating meaningful summer memories

☺️ Mentioned on this episode

🏠 Resources for Parents

  • For CT residents: Email me the word, "Newsletter," to get on my mailing list! You'll receive announcements for free fall workshops and any upcoming groups, workshops or offerings in my counseling private practice
  • Over 200 podcast episodes available to listen to while I'm on break

💌 Let's Connect!

  • Website: yourzenfriend.com
  • Email: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
  • Instagram: @YourZenFriendPod
  • Join our private Facebook group: Your Zen Friend

💛 If you're finding this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend—it's the best way to help the podcast grow in order to offer more free support to parents of anxious tweens and teens!

Special Announcement: I'll be taking a break from the podcast for the summer to focus on growing private practice. This will help me have more peace and calm this summer! I hope to be back in the fall. Make sure you are following this podcast so that you will receive a new episode once one drops!

Remember: Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging, so take some time today (and every day) to do something kind for yourself! 💕

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

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