Raising Confident Teens
Parenting in Public Series
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
The Parenting IQ Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org
On today’s episode…
Dr. Kelly Cagle shares three intentional parenting shifts that can help you build up your teen’s confidence—without power struggles or shame. Backed by brain science and real-life experience, Kelly covers why public praise matters, how to motivate teens effectively, and why rest is the secret weapon to raising emotionally balanced kids. If you're parenting a teen (or almost-teen), this episode will give you practical tools to lead with love and clarity.
Insights
Raising Confident Teens: 3 Intentional Shifts Parents Can Make Today
Parenting teens can feel like navigating an emotional minefield—and no one feels that more than Dr. Kelly Cagle, who is raising a teen of her own for the first time. In this solo episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast, Kelly shares her latest research and personal experiences to help you build your teen’s confidence from the inside out.
Rooted in brain development science and biblical truth, this episode walks through three powerful parenting shifts that can help our teens thrive socially, emotionally, and spiritually—especially in today’s noisy, insecure world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Praise, Don’t Shame
Teenagers are already fighting internal battles around self-worth and social belonging. Public praise—especially from parents—boosts confidence and reinforces identity. Rather than criticizing in front of others, Kelly urges parents to speak life, even in small everyday moments like chores or achievements.
2. Focus on Motivation Over Punishment
Teen brains are wired for fun, not consequences. Kelly explains how to tap into your teen’s intrinsic motivation—like freedom, trust, or interests—rather than relying on fear of punishment. Asking simple questions like “What motivates you most?” can unlock powerful behavioral change.
3. Prioritize Rest and Boundaries
Teens often resist rest, but they desperately need it. Kelly emphasizes the importance of sleep hygiene, screen boundaries, and calm routines—especially for kids with ADHD. Tired teens are grumpy teens, and setting up systems to protect their rest is an act of love and leadership.
This episode is full of practical wisdom and personal vulnerability, offering a refreshing perspective: you can raise confident teens when you lead with connection, not control.
🎧 Listen to “Raising Confident Teens” now on the Parenting IQ Podcast
💬 Want support in parenting through the teen years (or ADHD)? Learn more about the Mom IQ Community at drkellycagle.com
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HEY THERE! I’M DR. CAGLE… DO YOU NEED HELP WITH CREATING GREAT HABITS???
Parenting is hard work. It requires tons of boundaries, daily consistency, so much awareness, as well as lots of patience, grace, wisdom, and filters. Combine that hefty list with all of life’s demands and others’ voice may become louder than yours in your child’s life, increasing their anxiety, fears, and doubts.
Healthy parenting is about seeing yourself as your child’s #1 teacher, saying the right words (or nothing at all) at the right time, and having the right tools to be intentional and impactful. Guessing your way through life, which is what most parents do, is a recipe for failure, but following the lead of someone who has two decades of research-based information and fully understands the demands of parenthood is a recipe for a full life— for you and your child.
With a PhD in education, I’m here to teach you how to use daily moments are learning opportunities so you raise confident and competent lifelong learners that thrive in an ever-changing world.
Additionally, I offer workshops and keynotes on various topics to parents, educators, students, and business leaders— because the need to understand, support, and empower learners is everywhere..
