Moms of Tweens and Teens
The Moms of Tweens and Teens podcast offers encouragement, expert advice, and equips moms with a deeper understanding of the unique needs of their tween or teen and how to meet them where they’re at and support them to thrive. Sheryl Gould is the Founder of Moms of Tweens and Teens, a nationally recognized Parenting Educator, Speaker, and Author of “SOS: The Technology Guidebook for Parents of Tweens and Teens, Get The Answers You Need, Keep Them Safe and Enjoy Your Kids Again” and the forthcoming book, “You're Not Crazy, You’re Not A Bad Parent, And No Your Adolescent Doesn’t Really Hate You.”
Moms of Tweens and Teens
Stop Trying: How “I’ll Try” Keeps Moms Stuck with Carla Ondrasik
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
If you’re a mom who feels like you’re always trying—trying to be more patient, more present, more organized—and yet still end most days feeling like you’re falling short, this episode is for you.
Today on the show, I’m joined by Carla Ondrasik — a former music executive who helped launch hits like “Genie in a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera, worked with icons like Barbra Streisand and NSYNC, and even discovered the songwriter who would later become her husband, John Ondrasik — the voice behind Five for Fighting.
Carla shares powerful insights from her book, Stop Trying: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More, and explains why “I’ll try” is often just a polite cover for fear, procrastination, and avoidance. She shows how shifting from try to do can change the way we parent, lead, and live—starting with simple changes in how we talk to ourselves and to our kids.
You’ll hear Carla’s own story of moving from behind-the-scenes supporter in the music industry to stepping into the spotlight with a message that helps moms drop the guilt, get honest about what they really want, and take small, doable steps that build confidence.
A few things Carla shares:
- Why “I’ll try” quietly keeps moms stuck, exhausted, and discouraged
- How “try” shows up in parenting and what our kids actually hear
- The difference in your brain between trying and doing
- Carla’s journey from music executive to author and speaker
- Simple language shifts that build confidence for you and your kids
Where to find Carla and her book:
Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More by Carla Ondrasik
Website: https://www.carlaondrasik.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaondrasik
Check out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens
Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources:
Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/
Join our Community HERE.
Find awesome resources HERE.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/
Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen’s unique needs during these pivotal years.