From Listening to Letting Go: Key Parenting Techniques for Senior Year Success
Release Date: 04/10/2025
Graduation, Growth, and the Keys to the Car: A Mother’s Story
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of Listen Love Launch, Cindy Manko sits down with her cousin, Lana Howell, to explore the emotional roller coaster of parenting a high school senior. As Lana navigates her only child Jalan’s final year, she shares honest reflections on stress, shifting roles, and savoring the little moments before graduation. Together, they unpack how parents can equip their kids with smart, responsible habits behind the wheel—blending practical tools with deep emotional support. From the tears to the triumphs, this conversation offers comfort, wisdom, and camaraderie for...
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Letting Go with Love: A Military Mom’s Story of Support and Faith
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of Listen, Love, Launch, Cindy Manko sits down with Michelle, a proud mom of a U.S. Air Force serviceman, to explore what it truly means to let go while staying deeply connected. Michelle shares her transition from directive parenting to becoming a supportive, faith-filled listener, even when her son, Darin, chose a path she didn’t expect. Together, they unpack the emotional ups and downs of watching your child step into adulthood—and into uniform. From hard conversations to leaning into prayer and community, this episode is for every...
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Choosing Service to Our Country: How Family, Sports, and Struggles Shaped A Military Man
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In this episode of Listen Love Launch, Cindy Manko shares the inspiring story of Darin Nicholas, a U.S. Air Force helicopter and F-35 maintainer. Darren opens up about his journey from high school athletics to military service, revealing how sports, friendship, and family support shaped his unexpected shift from struggling college student to enlisted airman. His story offers real-world insight into embracing change, challenging societal expectations, and finding purpose through service. Darren reflects on the brotherhood of deployment, the challenges of military life, and the unshakable...
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Empowering Kids with Disabilities: Overcoming Limits with Love and Grit
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In this inspiring episode of Listen Love Launch, Cindy Manko sits down with Julie, a passionate mom and advocate, as she shares the incredible journey of raising her son Declan, born as a micro preemie and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. From early interventions like hippotherapy to Declan mastering percussion and track, Julie offers a powerful reminder that disabilities don’t define potential. Together, they explore the balance between advocacy, independence, and community support. Julie’s story is filled with grit, grace, and the unshakable belief that our kids can achieve more...
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Senior Year Support for Moms: Connection, Journaling & Community for Class of 2026
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In this episode of Listen Love Launch, Cindy guides moms of the Class of 2026 through the emotional ups and downs of their child’s final year at home. She introduces a heartfelt way to capture memories, milestones, and meaningful moments before the big launch. Cindy also shares exciting updates about upcoming in-person meetups, small group gatherings, and a special girls' weekend—designed to build community and offer support through this bittersweet season. Moms are encouraged to join the private Facebook group and explore one-on-one coaching or small group chats. You...
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From Listening to Letting Go: Key Parenting Techniques for Senior Year Success
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In the year's final episode, Cindy Manko delivers a heartfelt send-off, sharing 50 powerful reminders from this season's Listen Love Launch podcast. Packed with encouragement and wisdom, each reminder is crafted to help you excel in parenting during your teen’s senior year. Covering everything from emotional regulation to giving your teen space, trusting your instincts, and letting go gracefully, this episode beautifully recaps the essential themes. Cindy's message to all moms is clear: you are enough, and your experiences in this emotional rollercoaster of motherhood are heard and...
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Cherishing the Lasts: Embracing the Emotional Journey of Senior Year
Listen Love Launch Podcast
As the school year wraps up, Cindy Manko guides moms through the emotional highs and lows of senior year's final months in this poignant episode . Cindy offers practical advice and emotional support to help moms cherish these fleeting moments, reflecting on the transitions and the sweet sorrow of seeing their teens step into the next chapter of their lives. Cindy also announces exciting developments for the podcast, broadening her support to include all moms of teens. She introduces plans for upcoming face-to-face gatherings and virtual meetings to foster a community of moms who can share...
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Turning Rejection into Resilience: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Teens
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In this episode of the Listen Love Launch Podcast, Cindy Manko tackles the challenging topic of rejection and its effects on youth. She delves into various types of rejection that teens may encounter, including social, academic, and romantic. Cindy emphasizes the importance of recognizing their emotions, building resilience, and enhancing self-worth. Cindy offers practical strategies for parents to help their teens navigate these difficult experiences. She discusses the importance of seeking support, focusing on strengths, and understanding that rejection is a normal part of life. The...
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Overcoming Parental Guilt: Empowering Choices in Teen Development
Listen Love Launch Podcast
In today’s episode, Cindy discusses her daughter Maria’s tough decision between two sports events, emphasizing the importance of letting teens make their own choices. The episode explores the guilt many moms feel, advocating a shift from controlling “engineering parenting” to nurturing “shepherding parenting.” It offers insights into overcoming misconceptions that a child’s failures reflect on parenting. Discomfort is part of growth, underscoring the need to trust the process and lean on support networks. If you are feeling overwhelmed, make sure to sign up for the free...
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Empowering Teen Independence: Insights from Cindy and her daughter, Nadia
Listen Love Launch Podcast
Hey everyone, it’s Cindy Manko here, and today we've got a special episode of Listen Love Launch with a very special guest—my daughter, Nadia! We’re diving deep into how understanding teenage emotions can shape healthier adult relationships. We're sharing our own rollercoaster ride from Nadia's senior year through her leap into adulthood, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows, and how these experiences have strengthened our bond. We’ll talk about balancing independence with support, making savvy decisions like Nadia's double major in college, and managing the transition from...
info_outlineIn the year's final episode, Cindy Manko delivers a heartfelt send-off, sharing 50 powerful reminders from this season's Listen Love Launch podcast. Packed with encouragement and wisdom, each reminder is crafted to help you excel in parenting during your teen’s senior year.
Covering everything from emotional regulation to giving your teen space, trusting your instincts, and letting go gracefully, this episode beautifully recaps the essential themes. Cindy's message to all moms is clear: you are enough, and your experiences in this emotional rollercoaster of motherhood are heard and understood.
In this episode, Cindy dives into essential parenting insights, including:
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The top skill every teen needs from their parents: listening!
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Understanding that emotions, both yours and your teen's, are not obstacles.
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The importance of setting boundaries, fostering independence, and preparing for adulthood.
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How the RISE method enhances emotional connections.
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Insights into what your teen wishes you understood.
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The importance of celebrating progress rather than pursuing perfection.
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Why experiencing discomfort is crucial for growth, for both you and your teen.
🎉 Plus! Don’t miss:
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Live Gatherings (in-person + Zoom) to help moms transition from parenting teens to supporting adult children. Get support, swag bags, and solidarity.
➤ 📍Sign up to stay informed about gatherings. This survey will help you get plugged into the gathering that is just right for you! https://link.captivationhub.com/widget/survey/m1gBA3XDcqEwz8fbL9eQ
📘 Mentioned:
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The Journal Project: My Senior Year Through Mom’s Eyes — still time to fill it out! [ https://a.co/d/2YguEiH ]
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Weekly Monday newsletter to stay supported year-round [Insert link to sign up]
❤️ Final Note:
You’ve shown up. You’ve grown. You’ve listened, loved, and launched.
We’re so proud of you.
Stay strong and stay savvy, mama.
If this episode spoke to you, share it with your mom friends who are also navigating this special season. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other moms find this podcast and feel supported!
Stay Connected:
📸 Follow Cindy on Instagram: @MankoCindy
🎙️ Listen to past episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-love-launch-podcast/id1711834519
Let’s embrace this final stretch together—you’ve done a great job, Mom!