Build Your Teenager

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The podcast for parents raising strong, confident teens with fewer rules and more laughter. We're Erik and Michelle Lehnardt and we've taken a deep dive into positive psychology, life coaching and brain science to bring you better, easier ways to raise great teens. We don't claim to be perfect (in f…

Erik & Michelle Lehnardt


    • Mar 12, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 76 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Build Your Teenager

    Give yourself some credit, you've had quite a year

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 16:41


    Everyone is talking about the effect of the pandemic on the world, but how has it affected your world?Looking for more parenting resources? Visit us at https://scenesfromthewild.net/parenting/Be sure to check out THE TOOL BOX- 35 Tools for Better Communication and More Joy at Home. Use the code PODCAST to save $5 (and free shipping!)

    You Run This Show. Pay Attention.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2021 14:29


    The world is filled with chaos, still, you can create a haven of peace, joy and love.Looking for more parenting resources? Visit us at https://scenesfromthewild.net/parenting/Be sure to check out THE TOOL BOX- 35 Tools for Better Communication and More Joy at Home. Use the code PODCAST to save $5 (and free shipping!)

    Fall in Love With the Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 14:41


    you know this-- the journey is more important than the destination. If you want to live a life you love, fall in love with the process.Ideal Lean Protein use this code MICHELLE-R1YX or this link for 20% off (and they are always having a sale) https://www.idealfit.com/referrals.list?applyCode=MICHELLE-R1YXLooking for more parenting resources? Visit us at https://scenesfromthewild.net/parenting/Be sure to check out THE TOOL BOX- 35 Tools for Better Communication and More Joy at Home. Use the code PODCAST to save $5 (and free shipping!)

    Take Care of Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 19:07


    Too often fitness and health is associated with restriction, punishment and fear. Truly taking care of yourself means deciding you are worth the time, effort and energy. It means bringing more joy into your life.Looking for more parenting resources? Visit us at https://scenesfromthewild.net/parenting/Be sure to check out THE TOOL BOX- 35 Tools for Better Communication and More Joy at Home. Use the code PODCAST to save $5 (and free shipping!)

    Aging: You're getting older every day. You might at well enjoy it.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 22:53


    Our society worships youth, but we're all getting older. Don't listen to the naysayers-- we have so much happiness ahead of us.Looking for more parenting resources? Visit us at https://scenesfromthewild.net/parenting/Be sure to check out THE TOOL BOX- 35 Tools for Better Communication and More Joy at Home. Use the code PODCAST to save $5 (and free shipping!)

    Conflict Communication: How to Keep Your Cool When It Matters Most

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 25:59


    All families have conflict. Learning to respond, rather than react; approaching conflict with love, rather than anger-- makes all the difference.Looking for more parenting resources? Visit us at https://scenesfromthewild.net/parenting/Be sure to check out THE TOOL BOX- 35 Tools for Better Communication and More Joy at Home. Use the code PODCAST to save $5 (and free shipping!)

    Be Kind to Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2021 14:11


    Parenting is HARD. Take care of yourself, so you can take care of the people you love, so you can handle whatever happens next.Looking for more parenting resources? Check out THE TOOL BOX- 35 Tools for Better Communication and More Joy at Home. Use the code PODCAST to save $5 (and free shipping!)

    Everything Changes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2020 13:43


    Thrive Parenting is changing. Again. Truth is, we're just trying to make this work.Be sure to fill out our super simple, four question, two-minute survey so we know what you'd like to hear next.Completely Anonymous, Super Simple TWO-MINUTE SURVEYVisit us at scenesfromthewild.comBuy COMMUNICATION MASTERY for 50% off during our moving sale with the code-- MOVINGSALE (creative, right?)On Instagram and Facebook @michellelehnardtemail at michellelehnardt@gmail.com

    Recognizing and Expanding Our Children's Strengths

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 25:45


    So much of our parenting is done out of fear-- what if we could lean into strength?Register for the discussion Thursday, September 24th, 7 PM MSTHelp Your Teen Recognize and Expand Their StrengthsJoin Parenting Mastery course with weekly coaching calls through NovemberCome join our Communication Mastery Course!Learn more about ThriveInstagram https://www.instagram.com/thrive.parenting/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thriveparenting1/Thanks for listening! We really appreciate you!

    A Year of Nutrition in One Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2020 36:08


    Can we really teach a year of nutrition in one podcast? Probably not, but we will dispel these myths:"It's all about calories in, calories out.""Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.""Exercise is a great way to burn off those cookies.""Everything you eat at night will go straight to fat."and many more. You'll also learn the MOST important element of health and wellness.Interested in Thrive? Learn more right here: Thrive WellnessJoin Parenting Mastery course with weekly coaching calls starting Sept 10thLearn more about ThriveCome join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thrive.parenting/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thriveparenting1/Thanks for listening! We really appreciate you!

    Don't Tell Our Kids About This Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 11:54


    The world is full of big problems right now, but sometimes it's the small losses, the little worries that bring us down.Join Parenting Mastery course with weekly coaching calls starting Sept 10thLearn more about ThriveCome join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thrive.parenting/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thriveparenting1/Thanks for listening! We really appreciate you!

    Episode #65 Improvise, Adapt, Overcome: Home MTC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 25:50


    Our teens are facing disappointments, uncertainty and so many unmet expectations. How parent can help them improvise, adapt and overcome.The Chosen from VidAngel StudiosMissionary HandbookLearn more about ThriveCome join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thrive.parenting/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thriveparenting1/Thanks for listening! We really appreciate you!

    Episode #64 Judge Less, Love More with Ceri Payne

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 30:48


    When you love your child for their unique strengths you can help them unlock their potential. We all want to be loved for our true selves. Originally, we intended to talk about tips for parenting kids with ADHD and ADD, but the tools in the episode are powerful for everyone. You can reach Ceri @organizedlifecoach on IGHere's the link to her goal setting worksheet: https://organizedlife.coach/freebie-7-day-goal/Learn more about ThriveCome join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thrive.parenting/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thriveparenting1/Thanks for listening! We really appreciate you!

    Episode #63 How To Enjoy Being You With Abi Ayres and Mary Lehnardt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 48:31


    From the epic story of her first kiss, to Helen answering the door completely naked, to the best challenge for your teens-- you're going to love every minute of this episode. Listen here and then send your teens to Clueless by Mary Lehnardt (the other episodes are pretty awesome too!) or you can listen at http://marylehnardt.com/ IG @marylehnardtYou can find Abi on Instagram @abiayres and her website abiayres.comWe promise to update you when she does another Unsalted event. xoxo

    Episode #62 Talking to Your Kinds About Pornography

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 35:17


    Uncomfortable conversations are often the most important conversations. You can learn more about Kristen Jenson and her work at https://www.protectyoungminds.org/and be sure to check out their fantastic blog https://www.protectyoungminds.org/blog/Learn more about Thrive Come join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thrive.parenting/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thriveparenting1/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #61 Radical Acceptance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 15:48


    The surprising reason our kids are getting along better than ever.Learn more about Thrive Come join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #60 How to Let Go of Fear and Create More Joy in Your Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 20:40


    In a world of uncertainty you can create a haven of love and peace.Come join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #59 We Understand That We Will Never Understand

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 14:51


    When it comes to understanding racism, we will always be beginners.Come join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #58 Seven Unexpected Steps to Better Health

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 18:33


    You can't hate yourself into better health. Treat yourself with love, kindness and compassion for real and lasting results.pdf Seven Unexpected Steps to Make Weight Loss Easy and FunLearn more about Thrive Come join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #57 Five Mistakes All Parents Make

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 20:27


    Come join our Communication Mastery Course!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #56 The Best Practice to Start Your Day a Little Happier

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020 13:27


    Hey, it's all about that morning routine. Keep it simple.All about Positive AffirmationsCome join our Communication Mastery Course!Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #55 Tell Yourself A Better Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 16:49


    Our life is simply the story we tell ourself. Tell yourself a better story.Register for our FREE Training How To Coach Your Teen Through Quarantine (Without Being Super Annoying!)Learn about Communication MasteryFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #54 Feeling WAY Less Ambitious

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 11:56


    The reality of life-at-home is settling in and we're not getting as much done as we planned. There's a reason for that...Register for our FREE Training Surviving Quarantine: Five Mistakes Almost Every Parent Makes With Their TeenLearn about Communication MasteryCome join our Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #53 Let's not go back to normal. Let's go back better.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2020 16:59


    We are living in a time of tremendous opportunity to create better relationships in our families. Let's use this time to go back better.Learn about Communication MasteryCome join our Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #52 Why Your Brain Hates Uncertainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2020 15:52


    What does your brain hate more than anything else? Uncertainty. And uncertainty is everywhere right now. How to help your teens and yourself.Come join our Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thehappierparent/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappierparent/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #51 Proven Solutions to Keeping Your Family Happy During the Coronavirus Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2020 25:04


    Come join our Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #50 Let's Talk Religion and Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2020 30:39


    What to do if your child doesn't share your faith? How to involve a reluctant child in your faith? Talking politics and so much more...Download The Four Agreements printout.Come join our Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #49 Getting Both Parents on the Same Page

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 19:34


    Whether you live under the same roof or not, parents working together for the good of their teens create powerful change.Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #48 Clearing up Confusion Over Praise vs. Encouragement

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2020 20:39


    A child needs encouragement like a plant needs water. It is essential to healthy growth and development. Rudolf Dreikurs Encouragement teaches kids self-reliance and a growth mindset. Praise fosters dependence on others, a fixed mindset and can turn teens into "approval junkies." Or will it? Join us for a discussion of praise vs. encouragement and how your words affect your teens.Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #47 How to Prevent Almost Every Argument

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2020 24:34


    So often parents get annoyed, angry or frustrated with their teen when they really need to take time to teach.Facebook Parenting GroupFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #46 All About Accutane

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 12:45


    Unexpected benefits from Accutane (isotretinoin) and how to survive the medicine painlessly.Elizabeth Arden Skin Protectant101 Korean Face Masks

    Episode #45 Understanding the Teen Brain with Taylor Berhow

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2020 13:34


    When you understand the development and challenges of the teen brain, you can better understand your teenager.Facebook Parenting Group Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #44 Emotional Health for Teens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2020 29:58


    When you have exceptional emotional health, your life takes off! Emotional health is much like nutrition and fitness, we're not simply treating illness, we want you to THRIVE.Resources: 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You ThinkFacebook Parenting Group Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Thanks for listening!

    Episode #43 Mindset Matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2020 20:52


    When we want change in our lives or in our family, we often start with changing behaviors. But changing mindset first leads to lasting change.The Anatomy of Peace

    Episode #42 Working Through Failure With Faith w/ YA Author Ruth Mitchell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2020 25:27


    When everything around you seems like a mess, remember, things get better.Two years ago, Ruth was living in a tent with her family in their backyard with no washing machine, a single extension cord and a hot plate to cook meals. She was sending out her YA novel and receiving one rejection letter after another. Today, Ruth's home and yard are finished and her novel Deleted was just published. Join us for a discussion about failure, technology and gratitude. If you'd like to attend a launch party for Deleted (and you do! It's going to be so much fun!) DM @literallyruthmitchell or @buildyourteenager on Instagram.

    Episode #41 Five Golden Principles for Raising Teens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2020 21:12


    When you have small children, strangers often say, "Just wait until they are teenagers..." Yes, teens are challenging, but these five principles will help parents navigate those years.Facebook https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/Introducing Parents MIND + BODY Workshop. A health and wellness program that fits hand-in-hand with the Build Your Teenager Workshop. Reclaim your energy, your goals, your life.

    Episode #40 Reclaim Your Energy, Your Confidence, Your Time and Your Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2020 33:05


    It's hard to be the parent of a teen...You want to be a great example, you want to be loving and kind and patient, but most parents have teens during some of the most challenging years of their life.You're getting older, you're dealing with health problems, financial issues, problems at work, multiple responsibilities, your parents are getting older and teenagers are challenging… As we've been coaching parents for the past year, we've heard over and over, "I want to be a great parent, but I need to feel better first."We all want to eat well, feel vibrant and alive and have the energy to enjoy life with our family. We want to teach our kids to love who they are, to fuel their bodies with nutritious food, to gain strength and go out and do good in the world.Not one of us wants to set a bad example for our kids.No one wants to be held back by poor health or excessive weight.Introducing Parents MIND + BODY Workshop. A health and wellness program that fits hand-in-hand with the Build Your Teenager Workshop. Reclaim your energy, your goals, your life.Facebook https://www.facebook.com/buildyourteenager/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildyourteenager/

    Episode #39 The One Key to Creating the Best Holiday Ever

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2019 27:04


    The single key to creating the best holiday ever...Instagram @buildyourteenagerbuildyourteenager.com

    Bonus Episode Managing Depression with Mary Lehnardt

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2019 24:11


    Mary joins Michelle on this bonus episode to discuss how lifestyle changes and thought work help her manage depression.

    Episode #37 Looking Toward 2020 (with clear vision)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2019 19:39


    Episode #36 Winter Blues: Managing Depression

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2019 35:08


    If you have heart disease, you'll go to the doctor and get medication. But the doctor visits and meds won't be very effective unless you change your lifestyle. Depression is much the same. Yes, go to a doctor or a therapist, get medication if you need to. But managing your thoughts and forming good habits create powerful change to combat depression.

    Episode #35 Be Careful What You Say Even If You're Just Talking to Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2019 26:10


    The words you say to yourself, to your teens and about your teens create powerful change in your life.Take a few minutes to write down positive affirmations about yourself. Put these affirmations in front of your bathroom mirror and read them out loud every morning. Feel free to borrow affirmations from others as well as writing your own. Live into these words.Repeat your affirmation.There’s no formula for how often or how many times you should repeat a positive affirmation, but remember that your subconscious brain loves repetition.Examples:I am a cheerful person.I am in charge of how I feel and today I am choosing happiness.I am a person who loves eating healthy food that fuels my body.I exercise because I love feeling strong and alive.I am always protected by divine power.I love God and I trust in His timing.I treat everyone with kindness.Weight loss is easy and fun.I know, accept and am true to myself.I learn from my mistakes.I enjoy life to the fullest.I accept others for who they are.I commit to learning new things.I am filled with love, hope and confidence.I feel safe and comfortable in my body.Everyone sees how much joy and love I have for life.I crave new, healthy experiences.All of my relationships are positive and filled with love and compassion. I see others as good people who are trying their best.I find opportunities to be kind and caring everywhere I look.My enthusiasm about my job is contagious.Every day of my life is filled with love.

    Episode #34 Emotional Health with Taylor Berhow M.S.W.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 22:17


    Episode #33 What We Wish We'd Known

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2019 13:46


    Episode #32 Should Dads Yell At Their Kids?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2019 17:36


    Episode #31 Math, Math, Math

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2019 15:17


    Episode #30 How to Ruin Your Relationship With Your Teenager

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2019 16:32


    Oh it's far too easy to ruin your relationship with your teen-- but also surprisingly easy to rebuild it. Teens are forgiving and truly crave their parents' approval.

    Episode #29 What Makes You a Parenting Expert Anyway?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2019 13:40


    When an acquaintance asks Erik, "What makes you a parenting expert anyway?" We try to offer an answer. We're certainly not perfect-- issues come up at our house every week but we have great relationships, vibrant communication and we're always learning...

    Episode #28 Teens and Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2019 12:03


    Most of us don't want to talk about grief unless we are grieving-- and then we don't want to talk about anything else. Grief can be paralyzing for teens-- whether it is their own, or a friend's. Today we are offering simple tools to help your teen "mourn with those who mourn." Video Link "On Loss and Living Onward"

    Episode #27 Teens and Technology with Emily & Dave Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2019 30:30


    Join us for a fascinating discussion about teens and technology with Dave & Emily Jones. Get rid of the fear surrounding media and teach your kids to use their own internal filter. Coupon Code for $15 off Workshop: BUILD15https://familytechuniversity.com/Dave and Emily are the founders of Family Tech University; a website dedicated to helping teens CHOOSE to be wise with technology... of their own free will! =) Dave is an IT professional with over 20 years of experience. Emily is an author. But their combined expertise on teens and technology they owe to their 5 spectacular children.

    Episode #26 Teen Romance with Taylor Berhow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2019 22:45


    What to do about a teen relationship you don't approve of? How about teens who are afraid they will never date? Wildfire vs. fireplace romances and so much more.

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