Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens
Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan 278 episodes Nov 10, 2026
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is a podcast hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan. It offers expert advice and psychological insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising tweens and teens. Each episode addresses listener questions on topics like stress, anxiety, social media, school pressures, and peer relationships. The podcast provides practical, science-backed strategies to help parents raise resilient and emotionally healthy children.
Episodes
297: Why Teens Lie—and How to Respond Without Escalating
Why do teens lie—and how can you respond without making the situation worse?
In this Office Hours episode, Dr. Lisa Damour answers YOUR questions about lying, honesty, and trust. She explains why kids may lie to cover a mistake, avoid a task that feels hard, or claim more privacy—and why a lie doesn’t define who your child is or will become.
You’ll hear answers to questions like:
How do you
296: Avoidance Feeds Anxiety: When to Make Teens Do Hard Things | Dr. Meredith Elkins
Your teen has asked to be picked up from school early again, and you already know why: they spent lunch hiding in the bathroom, and now they’re dreading tomorrow before today is even over.
You’re heartbroken watching your teen hurt, and then the second-guessing kicks in: is rescuing your teen helping, or is it actually making things harder? That’s an exhausting place to be, and it makes sense whe
295: Situated: How Your Choices Today Shape Your Child's Tomorrow | Angela Duckworth
A lot of us grew up believing the hard way is the better way, so when our kids struggle (or we do), we assume that the answer is to exert more effort. That can leave you feeling like you’re failing at something you “should” be able to power through.
Wearing yourself out trying to push a tween or teen toward better habits is one of the most common, and most exhausting, parts of parenting. It doesn
How to Handle Halloween Group Costume Drama | Dr. Tori Cordiano
Your seventh grader walks in the door in tears because the group chat just made it painfully clear she’s being pushed out (this time, over Halloween costumes), and now you're wondering whether to coach her on what to say or stay quiet so you don't make it worse.
Here’s the good news: this is a typical - if painful - experience in middle school and early high school. Friendships and social standin
293: Olympic Mom on How to Keep Club Sports in Check | Lauren Regula
You're thinking about signing your kid up for a travel-heavy club team with a price tag that makes you wince - and a co-parent who sees the whole thing differently. Might saying yes to club sports support your talented kid while undermining the rest of family life?
It's a miserable spot to be in. We don’t want to hold our kids back, but we also worry about what club sports might cost our families
292: How Pornographic Content Harms Sexual Development | Dr. Tori Cordiano
Right now, a lot of families are thinking about how to talk with their kids — especially their sons — about consent and how sexual partners deserve to be treated. And if you find something graphic on your teen's screen, you face another challenging question: what is this actually teaching my teen, and is it already too late to do something about it?
Here's what makes this conversation more import
291: How Your Kid’s Exclusion Hurts You Too | Michelle Icard
Your sobbing middle schooler has just seen a Snapchat of their friend group hanging out without them and feels devastated …and you have no idea whether you should call the other parents, try to help your child cheer up, or just stay out of it.
Watching kids be excluded by friends they’ve had for years often leaves parents feeling bewildered, upset, helpless - or all of the above. Feeling angry on
290: How to Prevent Failure to Launch | Dr. Mark McConville
Perhaps your kid has left college before graduation and seems to be drifting along. Or maybe your high school student doesn’t seem to be “lit up” about anything. If this is your teen, every well-meaning "how's your kid doing?" from a friend can feel like it’s poking at an emotional bruise.
Are you worrying too much, or is this actually a problem? Is your kid “failing to launch” or have they
289: Signs Your Teen is Heading Towards an Eating Disorder | Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar
Your kid announces they’re cutting out sugar. No cookies or dessert, just carrots and hummus for lunch on repeat. You notice they’ve lost a little weight. And somewhere in the back of your mind, a voice keeps asking: is this fine, or is this not fine?
Are you being anxious, or are you being appropriately worried? That in-between space is exhausting. If that’s where you are right now, you’re not o
288: Getting Your Disorganized Teen on Track | Dr. Tori Cordiano
You may know this scene: your kid forgot practice gear again, an assignment vanished into the void, and you're wondering if your teen is just disorganized — or is there something more serious going on?
That mix of exhaustion and frustration is real. Chasing lost details, worrying that you may have dropped the ball, wondering if you're overreacting to normal middle school or high school organizati
287: ENCORE: Best of Ask Lisa: Confidence, Self-Esteem & Self-Compassion
If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough to help your child feel good about themselves, Dr. Lisa Damour has curated her most essential guidance on confidence, self-esteem & self-compassion into one episode for you.
This encore “Best of Ask Lisa” compilation offers a research-backed roadmap for raising kids with a solid sense of self-worth — and for parents who want to model that from t
286: ENCORE: Getting into College with Rick Clark
The college admissions process doesn't have to consume your family. If it already feels that way, this episode is exactly what you need.
Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan revisit their conversation with Rick Clark, higher education leader, co-author of “The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together,” and a career insider in college admissions at Georgia Tech.
285: ENCORE: How Do I Help My Kid Develop a Work Ethic?
If you've repeatedly asked your kid to help out and they still don’t follow through, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.
Dr. Lisa Damour breaks down why nagging doesn't build a work ethic — and what actually does. From linking privileges to responsibilities, to knowing exactly when to step back and let natural consequences do the teaching, this encore episode gives parents of tweens and
284: ENCORE: Screens, Toxic Stress & Staying Connected with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
You know screens and social media can be risky for your kid. But do you know exactly what harm looks like… and what actually protects them from it?
Dr. Lisa Damour revisits her conversation with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, pioneering pediatrician, author, and California's first Surgeon General, recorded live at the Common Sense Summit on Kids and Families. A globally recognized expert on Adverse Chi
283: ENCORE: Best of Ask Lisa: Friendship Breakups & Conflict
Your kid comes home devastated after being left out, dropped, or caught in the middle of a friendship blowup. You may want to help, but don’t know what to say—or whether you should step in at all. Take heart: this episode will help you navigate the situation with confidence.
In this encore “Best of Ask Lisa” compilation, Dr. Lisa Damour has curated her most essential guidance on friendship confli
282: ENCORE: How to Help Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food
If mealtimes in your home feel like a power struggle, or you're exhausted from worrying whether your kid is eating well, this episode will come as a relief.
Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan revisit their conversation with Dr. Reshma Shah, a Stanford-affiliated pediatrician, public health expert, and co-author of the award-winning book “Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Famili
281: ENCORE: Talk to Your Boys: Raising Confident, Caring Young Men
If your son is shutting down, pulling away, or turning to the internet to answer questions you wish he'd brought your way, this episode is for you.
Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan revisit their conversation with Joanna Schroeder and Christopher Pepper, co-authors of the book “Talk to Your Boys,” to cut through the noise about boys, masculinity, and what's actually happening inside the minds of tw
280: ENCORE: Dream School: How Do You Find the Right College for Your Teen?
Is your family stressed, anxious, and fixated on getting your teen into a "dream school"? What if that's the wrong goal entirely?
Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan revisit their conversation with Jeff Selingo, bestselling author and higher education expert, to reframe the process of searching for the “right” college. After more than 25 years of studying what actually helps students thrive in colleg
279: ENCORE: The Summer of Building Independence
If you feel like you're doing too much for your kids — and it’s time for them to do more for themselves — this episode is your roadmap out.
Dr. Lisa Damour makes the case for using summer to foster independence in our kids. The summer months provide the perfect window to hand off real responsibilities to your tween or teen in a way that actually sticks. From laundry to cooking dinner to managing
278: ENCORE: How to Stay Connected When Teens Pull Away
Does your teen seem more attached to their friends and their phone than to you? That's not just a feeling, and it's not a phase you have to wait out.
Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan revisit their conversation with two of the world's leading experts on child development, globally renowned physician and author Dr. Gabor Maté, and developmental psychologist and author Dr. Gordon Neufeld, to address
277: ENCORE: Embracing ADHD with Penn and Kim Holderness
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD (or you suspect they might have it) this episode will change the way you see them.
Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan revisit their candid, funny, and genuinely moving conversation with Penn and Kim Holderness — viral content creators, bestselling authors, podcasters, and authors of “ADHD is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD.”
Together, they
276: ENCORE: Lessons from Netflix’s “Adolescence”
If watching "Adolescence" on Netflix left you feeling worried about your son, this episode will help you turn your concerns into action.
Dr. Lisa Damour breaks down what the show gets exactly right about adolescent boys: why they're emotionally constrained by culture, how that vulnerability gets exploited by toxic online figures like Andrew Tate, and what parents can do right now to connect with
275: ENCORE: How Do I Support My LGBTQ+ Daughter?
If your child has just come out to you — or you sense they might be questioning their gender identity — you may be wondering what to say, what to do, and how to get this right. This episode is here to help.
Dr. Lisa Damour walks parents through one of the most important conversations of adolescence: how to respond when your tween or teen comes out as gay, lesbian, or bi, or expresses a non-tradit
274: ENCORE: S.U.N.: Lisa’s Three Keys to a Happy Summer
Does your family hit September feeling more exhausted than when summer started? You're not alone — and it doesn't have to be that way.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour shares her research-backed S.U.N. framework — Sleep, Unplug, and Nature — a simple, three-part plan for making summer genuinely restorative for your tween or teen (and for you). Whether your family is drowning in screens, running o
273: Best of Ask Lisa: Confidence, Self-Esteem & Self-Compassion
Does your tween or teen struggle with low confidence and self-esteem? Do you want to cultivate healthy self-compassion and self-worth in them — and in yourself?
In this special "Best of Ask Lisa" compilation, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and co-host Reena Ninan pull together some of their most powerful conversations on self-esteem, confidence, and self-compassion, covering the full arc o
272: Why Is My Teen Bombing Tests?
Your teen does everything right. Homework done. Pays attention. Stays organized. Has study skills. And still struggles with tests.
Sound familiar? You're not alone, and this is not your kid's fault.
In this episode of “Ask Lisa,” clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan dig into one of the most frustrating and confusing problems parents face: the capable, motivated teen who just c
271: Prom Night: Do I Trust My Teen—or My Instincts?
It's prom season, and one mom is facing a tough call: her son wants to go to an unsupervised after-party two hours away. Other parents are saying yes. Her gut is saying no. And her son is saying he'll skip prom entirely if she doesn't let him go.
Whether it's prom, spring break, or any other "big night" moment, dilemmas like this one can keep parents up at night. Should you trust your kid, or sho
270: Should I Let My Kid Make In-App Purchases in Video Games?
Loot boxes, in-app purchases, Robux, skins — and a kid who won't stop asking for them. If you're a parent of a tween or teen gamer, you already know this pressure. But are these purchases actually harmful, or are you just out of touch with how gaming works today?
In-app purchases are one of the most confusing pressure points for parents of tweens and teens right now. The games are "free to downlo
BONUS Episode: How Do I Talk With My Teen About Fentanyl?
In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we're bringing back one of our most critical episodes — because every family needs this information.
Illicit fentanyl has contaminated the drug landscape and is causing record deaths among young people. How should parents talk with their teens about this fast-moving crisis? What can we say to help keep our kids safe?
Dr. Lisa Damour, who serves
269: Why Is Basic Hygiene Such a Battle With My Tween?
Your tween won't shower, won't change their clothes, or lies about having brushed their teeth or washed their face...Sound familiar?
If you're in the middle of a hygiene battle with your tween or young teen, you're not alone, and you're not failing as a parent. This is one of the most common (and confusing) challenges of early adolescence, especially when basic resistance starts to take the form
268: Should I Let My Teen Take Supplements?
Creatine for teens, supplements for teen athletes, and navigating gym culture pressure on social media… Dr. Lisa Damour answers the question parents of teen athletes are searching for.
Your teen's teammate is taking creatine. Now your kid wants it too. Maybe they're a serious athlete with real goals. Maybe you even take supplements yourself. But something still feels… off. This is genuinely a har
267: My Kid Has Been Accepted to College. But Is She Ready to Go?
Your teen got into college. Now comes the harder question: are they actually ready to go?
If you're wondering whether they have what it takes to handle a difficult roommate, navigate the college party scene, or make real friends on their own, you're not alone. This is one of the most common, and least talked about, worries parents carry into the summer before college drop-off.
In this episode, c
266: Should I Let My Teen Be Intimate at Home?
Wondering how to talk to your teen about relationships and intimacy? Clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour has the research-backed answers.Your teenager is in a relationship, and now you're asking yourself a question you never thought you'd have to answer: Do I allow this in my home?
This is a tough topic to face, but avoiding it doesn't protect our kids. Honest, values-based conversation does.
265: Screens, Toxic Stress & Staying Connected with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
If you're raising a tween or teen in a world of social media, smartphones, and AI, this conversation is for you.
How do you protect your kid from the psychological harms of today's digital world (disturbing content, social media, and AI) without pushing them away or damaging the relationship you've worked so hard to build with them? That's the question at the heart of this special episode of Ask
264: Best of Ask Lisa: Friendship Breakups & Conflict
Your kid just got dropped by their friend group, or they're being left out, iced out, or caught in the middle of middle school friendship drama… and you have no idea what to say.
In this “Best of Ask Lisa” compilation, we’ve curated wisdom from clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour on friendship conflict to help parents understand exactly what's happening beneath the surface of tween and teen fri
263: Is My Teen Too Focused on Her Looks?
Is your teen obsessed with their appearance? Spending hours in front of the mirror, constantly taking selfies, and seeking validation for their looks? In a world where social media turns appearance into currency, building your teen's self-esteem on a stronger foundation has never been more important.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan dig into a letter from a parent whose 14-year-ol
262: Tracking Teens: Safety Tool or Trust Breaker?
You check your phone and your teen's location is off again. Are they okay? Are they hiding something? …And should you even be tracking them in the first place?
In this week's episode, Dr. Lisa and Reena dig into one of the most common standoffs happening in homes with teenagers right now: location sharing. A dad writes in about his 16-year-old son, who has started turning off his location. The ki
261: Teen Depression & Suicide in 2026: What’s Different Now? with Dr. Jonathan Singer
If your teen texts "I want to unalive myself" or "kms," should you be worried?
The frightening topic of teen suicide is made worse by confusing headlines, evolving slang, and the fear of saying the wrong thing. But here's what you need to know: the research is cautiously hopeful, you have more power than you think, and asking direct questions saves lives.
In this essential episode, Dr. Lisa Damo
260: Is My Son Too Obsessed With His Girlfriend?
Is your teen too obsessed with their girlfriend or boyfriend? Constant texting, ditching friends, and living on their phone. Perhaps you're watching them disappear into this relationship and you don't know what to do.
If you're worried your teen's relationship is too intense and wondering how to talk to them about healthy balance without pushing them away, this episode is for you.
Dr. Lisa Damou
259: Why Is My Teen So Snarky?
Is your teen’s snark just “normal attitude”… or could it be something more serious?
If you’re walking on eggshells around a constantly irritable, sarcastic teenager and wondering whether this is just adolescence or a red flag not to ignore, you’re not alone. In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour helps parents make sense of the exhausting, confusing
258: What Do Parents Need to Know About Teens & Fan Fiction?
What would YOU do if you discovered your tween or teen was reading explicit fan fiction online?
Today’s kids are often learning about sexuality through the internet, often long before parents realize it. How you respond can either shut down communication or open the door to thoughtful, values-based conversations that actually stick.
In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens &
257: How Do I Guide a Kid Who Only Cares About Becoming an Influencer?
What do you do when your tween or teen is convinced school doesn’t matter because they’re definitely going to be an influencer?
If your child talks more about TikTok fame than homework, dismisses “real jobs,” or seems completely disengaged from school and real-world relationships, this episode is for you. Parents today are navigating brand-new territory, and it can feel scary, frustrating, and is
256: How Many Piercings Should a Teen Have?
Is your teen pushing for another piercing? Are you feeling torn between setting limits and respecting their self-expression?
In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan take on a question sent directly from a 16-year-old listener: How many piercings should a teen be allowed to have?
What starts as a question about jewelry opens up a m
255: Can Teens Really Study While Scrolling?
Today’s teens often try to tackle their homework while fielding nonstop notifications, listening to music, and participating in group chats. Plenty of parents wonder if this is a fight worth having, or if this is just – as some teens say – “how kids study now.”
In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan u
254: How to Help Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food with Special Guest Dr. Reshma Shah
We all want for our kids to build a healthy relationship with food, but it’s not always clear how to make that happen. Special guest Dr. Reshma Shah offers a grounded, practical approach to navigating the common challenges parents face at mealtime. If you’re trying to guide your tween or teen toward healthier eating without power struggles, guilt, or the nightly “just take one bite!” battle, this
253: How to Future-Proof Your Kids in 2026
Are you worried about how your tween or teen will navigate an unpredictable future?
With AI accelerating, the economy shifting, and the world feeling increasingly fragile, many parents are asking, “How do I prepare my child for what’s ahead?”
In this New Year’s episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan break down what kids actually need to thr
252: ENCORE: Should I Talk with My Teens About My Own Mental Health Challenges?
Perhaps you’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, or stress… and your teen is now old enough to notice. But how much should you share? Parents want to be honest, yet may not want to needlessly burden their kids. Getting that balance right is tricky, and deeply important.
In this encore episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens and Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist
251: ENCORE: How Do I Parent a Young Adult (and Deal with My Own Parents)?
Your kid is technically an adult, but still looking for–or needing–parental guidance. And maybe you still have your own parents weighing in, too. Parenting through this “in-between” stage can be complicated: How much guidance is too much? When do you let go? How do you stay close without taking over?
In this encore episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens and Teens,” psychologist Dr
250: Is It Okay to Push Back on My Kid’s Holiday Wish List?
Are you staring at your tween or teen’s holiday wish list wondering… is it okay to say NO?
When every friend seems to be getting the “cool” brands, the pricey sneakers, or the latest tech, it can feel impossible to balance your family’s values with your child’s need to fit in. This episode helps you navigate that emotional middle ground with clarity, compassion, and practical tools you can actual
249: When Teasing Turns Toxic, What’s a Parent to Do?
Middle school can be rough—emotionally, socially, and developmentally. When teasing crosses the line into cruelty, it usually puts a dent in kids’ confidence and sense of belonging. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the complicated social dynamics of middle school, explain why meanness can become a source of power, and why empathy can be in short supply.
Drawing f
248: Should Our Tween Dictate Our Post-Divorce Visitation Schedule?
When parents divorce, how much say should a tween or teen have in deciding where they live, and how often they switch homes?
Divorce is hard on everyone, but for kids it often comes with a lot of upheaval. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack what divorced parents can do to minimize the emotional toll on their kids, ease the challenge of moving back-and-forth between
247: ENCORE: Lying, Sneaking, Cheating. What Keeps Kids From Being Honest?
When your child lies about homework, screen time, or where they’ve been, it can feel like a punch to the gut. But what if lying isn’t a sign of bad character, and instead a normal part of growing up?
In this encore episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens and Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan look at lying from a developmental standpoint and help parent
246: My Son is Becoming Sexist. How Do I Stop This?
It’s not always easy to be a seventh grade boy. Their confidence may be fragile, they tend to lag behind girls in terms of pubertal development, and at school-a place that can feel like it's built for girls- boys may start to feel like they’re falling behind. When that happens, they can become vulnerable to harmful influences and start adopting views–even sexist ones–that can worry parents.
In th
245: Puberty + Menopause: How Are We Supposed to Cope?!?
When your hormones are downshifting and your teen’s hormones are surging, it can feel like an emotional collision course. If you’ve ever wondered why your tween or teen seems moody, distant, or irritated (and you’re also running out of patience and estrogen), this episode is for you.
Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the double whammy of puberty and menopause under on
244: What If Anxiety Won't Let My Teen Sleep?
If your tween or teen lies awake with worries spinning in their mind, or if you’ve wondered whether it’s anxiety, hormones, or something more, this episode is for you. Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan break down why anxiety and sleep are so deeply connected, and how parents can help kids find calm at night without turning bedtime into a battleground.
In this compassionate conversation,
243: How Do I Talk with My Teen About Alcohol and Weed?
How do you tell your teen not to drink or use weed… while also letting them know they can let you know if they’ve made a bad choice? It can feel impossible to balance rules with approachability. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack how to have open, judgment-free conversations about alcohol and marijuana--conversations that keep kids safe and keep communi
242: How Do I Get My Kids to Like Each Other?
How do you get your kids to like each other… or at least stop fighting all the time?
If you’re parenting tweens and teens, sibling conflict can feel endless. One moment they’re laughing together, the next they’re at each other’s throats. You want them to grow up valuing each other, but the daily bickering (and your role in it) can leave you wondering: Am I making things WORSE?
In this episode of
241: Is My Teen Defining Herself by her "Depression"?
Here’s the good news: today’s tweens and teens talk openly about mental health. Here’s the not-so-good news, sometimes they inaccurately diagnose themselves or organize their emerging identities around a diagnosis. So what happens when your child insists they’re depressed, and you’re not sure whether it’s sadness, distress, or something more serious?
In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology o
240: Talk to Your Boys: Raising Confident, Caring Young Men
Many boys are struggling, and parents are often left wondering how to reach them. If your tween or teen son seems distant, gives one-word answers, or is spending too much time online, you’re not alone.
In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan sit down with Joanna Schroeder and Christopher Pepper, authors of t
239: AI Companions & Teens: Connection or Concern?
What happens when your tween or teen turns to AI for advice… or even FRIENDSHIP? Today’s kids sometimes experiment with AI chatbots in ways that many parents don’t see coming. While some of their interactions may be harmless, the risks are real.
In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the hidden dangers
238: Zyns, Vapes & Teens: What Do Parents Need to Know?
Your teen may already know about Zyns, even if you don’t. These discreet little nicotine pouches are popping up in schools, backpacks, and social media feeds, and many parents are only just starting to hear about them. But what makes Zyns so appealing to kids, and how worried should you be if you find them in your home?
In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Li
237: Homesick at College: What Parents Can Do?
Watching your child head off to college is a proud moment. But what happens when the late-night phone calls come, full of tears and homesickness? If your teen or young adult is struggling with the transition, you’re not alone. More and more students are finding the leap to college emotionally overwhelming, and parents are often left wondering: Should I step in, or step back?
In this episode of “A
236: Dream School: How Do You Find the Right College for Your Teen?
Is the pressure of college admissions overwhelming your family? You’re not alone. Between endless AP classes, campus tours, and the unspoken competition of “where did your kid get in?”, it’s easy for parents to feel consumed by stress and worry. But what if the path to your teen’s success isn’t about getting into the “best” school, but finding the right one?
In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psych
235: No Phones at School. How Do I Help My Kid Cope?
Your teen just found out their school is banning phones, and they’re furious, anxious, or both! What now?
If you’re the parent of a tween or teen, you know how quickly a rule about phones can spiral into conflict. Phone bans at school can feel like a loss of freedom for kids and a source of anxiety for everyone. But what if this change could actually strengthen your child’s focus, coping skills,
234: Encore: Confronting Toxic Achievement Culture with Author Jennifer Wallace
Is your teen caught up in the grind culture of overachievement? Author Jennifer Wallace joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to raise kids who feel like they matter, not just when they achieve. This encore episode offers real solutions to help families fight back against toxic stress.
“Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It”: https://www.jenniferbwa
233: Encore: Embracing ADHD with Penn and Kim Holderness
In one of our most heartwarming and hilarious episodes, Penn & Kim Holderness of “The Holderness Family” open up about parenting with ADHD. Together with Dr. Lisa & Reena they share honest advice, practical tips, and permission to embrace neurodiversity with compassion and humor.
“ADHD is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD”: https://theholdernessfamily.com/adhd-is-awesome/
Duke Cent
232: Encore: Getting into College with Special Guest Rick Clark
College admissions can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Rick Clark, the author of “The Truth About College Admission,” joins Lisa and Reena to break down what matters most in the admissions process and how families can approach it with sanity and strategy.
“The Truth About College Admission” Book & Workbook: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/books
“The Truth About College Admi
231: Encore: How Do I Parent with an Ex Who Doesn’t Share My Values?
If you're raising kids with an ex who doesn’t see eye to eye with you, Dr. Lisa & Reena offer strategies for reducing conflict, protecting your child, and staying grounded in your own values. Tune in for realistic and practical advice for co-parents navigating different parenting styles.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seek
230: Encore: Teens & Sleep with Journalist & Author Lisa L. Lewis
Sleep is the secret weapon every teen needs—but few get enough of it. Lisa L. Lewis, journalist and author of “The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive,” joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to explain why sleep is critical to teen development and how parents can improve their child’s sleep habits, even during the summer.
Find “The Sleep-Deprived
229: Encore: The Science of Managing Emotions with Author Ethan Kross
If you’ve ever wished for a toolkit to manage big teen emotions—or your own—this is the episode for you. Psychologist Dr. Ethan Kross, author of the book “Shift: Managing Your Emotions – So They Don’t Manage You,” shares cutting-edge science on how to “shift” emotional states and regain calm and control, even in stressful moments.
Find Dr. Ethan’s book here: https://www.ethankross.com/books/shift
228: Encore: What Should I Do When Other Parents Host Wild Parties?
Your teen wants to go to a party—but you’re worried about underage drinking, peer pressure, and safety. In this can’t-miss encore, Dr. Lisa & Reena outline how to talk with your teen about parties, risks, and consequences—without shutting down the conversation.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested
227: Encore: The Power of Belonging with Special Guest Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble
Social isolation, loneliness, and friendship struggles are all too common in middle and high school. Celebrated psychologist & author Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to help kids feel connected and valued—at home, at school, and in their communities.
Learn more about Dr. Alfiee here: https://dralfiee.com/
To learn more about the AAKOMA Project, visit: https://
226: Encore: What Should I Do With Dicey Information About Other People’s Kids?
Your teen just shared something concerning about a friend. Now what? Dr. Lisa & Reena offer a thoughtful roadmap for what to do when your teen is a “safe person” for their peers—but you’re left holding information about risky behavior. Learn how to protect trust while also protecting teens’ safety.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for p
225: Encore: Should I Let My Son Spend All His Free Time Playing Video Games?
Your teen's gaming habit might not be all bad. Video games can feel like a battleground for parents—but are they always a negative? In this episode, Dr. Lisa & Reena explore how gaming can help teens connect, learn, and unwind. Learn how to set boundaries without igniting power struggles and how to spot when gaming is helping (or hurting) your child’s development.
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Ask Lisa: The
224: Encore: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence"
Raising a teen boy? Dr. Lisa & Reena use the Netflix series Adolescence as a springboard to explore masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and how boys handle pressure in today’s world. Together they explore how adults can support boys as they navigate social media, anger, sadness, and identity.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents: https://dr
223: Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma
How do we help our tweens and teens thrive—even in tough times? Dr. Sue Varma joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to break down the science of optimism and the four key pillars of mental well-being. You’ll learn how to model emotional strength for your child, build resilience in the face of anxiety and setbacks, and adopt daily habits that boost happiness. The perfect episode for parents looking to reset and
222: The Summer of Building Independence
Are you tired of doing EVERYTHING for your kids? Use summer as Independence Bootcamp! Dr. Lisa & Reena explore game-changing strategies to empower kids with life skills, from doing laundry to riding public transportation to managing personal appointments. Discover the powerful "doing for, doing with, standing by to admire" technique that turns chores into confidence-building moments. Lisa also sha
221: Encore: What’s the Best Way for My Teen to Handle a Mean “Friend”?
Is your middle schooler or high schooler dealing with a so-called “friend” who’s just… mean? You’re not alone. Tweens and teens often struggle with toxic friendships, and it’s tough for parents to know when to step in—and how. In this episode, Dr. Lisa & Reena help a parent navigate one of the most common challenges of adolescence: friendship drama. Learn how to coach your child through unhealthy
220: How to Stay Connected When Teens Pull Away. Guests: Gordon Neufeld, PhD & Gabor Maté, MD
Are you struggling to connect with your teenager in the digital age? Dr. Gabor Maté and Dr. Gordon Neufeld join Reena & Dr. Lisa to reveal groundbreaking insights into parent-child relationships, tech addiction, and the secret to maintaining a strong bond during the challenging teen years. Discover the neuroscience of attachment, the dangers of digital devices, and how to create a warm, supportive
219: My Kid is a Hypochondriac. What Can I Do?
Is your child constantly worried about their health, thinking that every minor ache or pain could be a potential medical crisis? Dr. Lisa and Reena dive deep into the world of illness anxiety disorder (aka "hypochondria"), revealing why teens obsess over health symptoms and how parents can compassionately support their anxious kids. Learn expert strategies to distinguish between real medical conce
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