Partnership Over Pressure: Building Trust During Test Prep with Athena Savino

In this unique episode, I interview Athena Savino, CEO of Top Marks Prep and longtime tutor, who has witnessed countless mother-daughter dynamics play out during the high stress world of standardized test preparation. Athena shares how well intentioned moms often become taskmasters—constantly asking about study hours and scores—which strains relationships and increases test anxiety rather than improving performance. She introduces the partnership model: sitting down with your daughter before prep even begins to set shared goals, co-create study plans, and establish buy in so she feels ownership over the process. We discuss how test anxiety is the number one thing hurting scores (not lack of knowledge), why validation and motivation matter more than teaching fractions, and how parents should react when scores come back, letting daughters respond first and celebrating effort over outcomes. This conversation reveals how the test prep journey offers lessons beyond the score: trust building, emotional regulation, and the powerful message that your daughter's worth isn't measured by a number. Whether facing SAT, ACT, or entrance exams, this episode shows mothers how to stay partners instead of becoming overseers.

With this episode you'll be able to:

1. Shift from taskmaster to partner by co-creating study plans and setting shared goals with your daughter before test prep begins
2. Recognize that test anxiety, not lack of knowledge, is the number one factor hurting scores and learn how emotional support reduces it
3. Provide validation and motivation throughout the journey rather than micromanaging study hours or teaching content
4. React appropriately when scores arrive by letting your daughter respond first and celebrating effort regardless of the number
5. Use car conversations and journaling to check in emotionally without creating pressure or awkward face-to-face confrontations
6. Build trust by separating your daughter's identity from test performance and highlighting areas where she excels beyond academics

Don't forget you can submit your questions about mother-daughter relationships for me to answer in upcoming episodes! Connect with Athena Savino on LinkedIn or at athena@topmarksprep.com for test prep support.

Connect with Brittney:

1. Instagram: @theBrittneyScott
2. Website: www.brittneymscott.com
3. Consultation to work with Brittney

Announcing Raising Teens Differently: A New Group Coaching Program for Mothers of Teen Daughters

In this announcement episode, I'm introducing my first group coaching offering for 2026, "Raising Teens Differently," designed specifically for mothers navigating the push-pull dynamics of raising teenage daughters. If you're watching your daughter seek independence while struggling to keep connection strong, this 8-week closed group starting in February 2026 is for you. I break down why teenagers pull away (identity formation, brain development, social media pressure, school stress) while still desperately wanting connection beneath the eye rolls and attitude. This group will teach you how to maintain trust and communication during adolescence, set healthy boundaries while respecting her growing autonomy, pick your battles wisely, find common interests that strengthen your bond, and take care of yourself so you can fully show up for her emotional needs. You'll join a community of mothers in the same stage who understand the unique pressures of raising teens today, from COVID's social impact to social media's influence, creating the kind of support that feels like a hug when you need it most.

With this episode you'll be able to:

• Understand why your teenage daughter pulls away while still craving connection, acceptance, and unconditional love from you
• Recognize the developmental reasons behind teenage behavior including brain development, identity formation, and independence-seeking
• Learn what the Raising Teens Differently group will cover: maintaining connection, building trust, managing independence battles, and self-care strategies
• Discover the power of community healing with other moms in the same stage who understand today's unique parenting challenges
• Get program details: 8-week closed group starting February 2026, weekly meetings, capped enrollment for intimate support
• Access the interest form through the show notes link to secure your spot before the group fills

Learn more about Raising Teens Differently, and fill out the interest form. Don't wait, enrollment is capped to ensure every member feels heard and supported!

Connect with Brittney:

• Instagram: @theBrittneyScott
• Website: www.brittneymscott.com
• Consultation to work with Brittney
• Free Resources

Help me reach more mothers and daughters by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple & Spotify!

Keyword tags:

Raising teenagers, teenage daughters, mother-daughter relationship, teen independence, parenting teens, maintaining connection with teens, group coaching, adolescent development, teen brain development, social media impact on teens, navigating conflict with teens, building trust with teenagers, mother-daughter groups, parenting support groups, teen rebellion

From Strong to Well: Unlearning the Strong Black Woman Narrative with Dr. Cecily Moore

In this episode, Dr. Cecily Moore, a licensed therapist, researcher, and self-proclaimed "recovering strong black woman,"shares her dissertation research on unlearning the Strong Black Woman narrative. After experiencing postpartum depression and realizing her mother and grandmother couldn't give what they didn't have, she discovered this trauma-rooted narrative passes through maternal lineages, teaching daughters strength without support and creating cycles of silent suffering. Dr. Moore breaks down the unlearning journey, introduces the shift from "strong" to "well-resourced" Black woman, and explains "seed planting," sharing your healing without forcing family to change. We discuss why this narrative starts in girlhood, creating homes demanding strength everywhere with softness nowhere, and explore practical ways to have vulnerable conversations with friends while protecting your peace.

With this episode you'll be able to:

• Understand how the Strong Black Woman narrative originated in slavery and gets passed down as generational trauma through maternal lineages
• Recognize the unlearning process: catalyst moments, letting go of indoctrination, self-discovery, self-investment, and boundary setting
• Shift from "strong black woman" to "well-resourced black woman" by investing in accessible healing like reading and community support
• Practice "seed planting" with family members, sharing your healing journey without taking responsibility for their outcomes or forcing change
• Navigate the hardest places to unlearn (familial/intimate relationships and work) by prioritizing self-awareness and safety
• Have vulnerable conversations with friends by asking for consent, checking capacity, and being the support you want to receive

Connect with Brittney:

• Instagram: @theBrittneyScott
• Website: www.brittneymscott.com
• Consultation to work with Brittney
• Free Resources

Don't forget you can submit your questions about mother-daughter relationships for me to answer in future episodes! Connect with Dr. Cecily Moore at drcecilymooore.com for free reading resources and newsletter updates.

Mentioned resources:

• Dr. Cecily Moore's website: drcecilymooore.com (free reading resources and newsletter)
• Books by Audre Lorde and other Black authors on the Strong Black Woman narrative
• Dr. Moore's dissertation research on Black women unlearning the Strong Black Woman narrative

Help me reach more mothers and daughters by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple & Spotify!

Keyword tags:

Strong Black Woman narrative, generational trauma, Black maternal mental health, postpartum depression, unlearning strength narratives, well-resourced Black women, seed planting healing, mother wound in Black families, asking for help,...