Shows
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens252: 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 Reena Ninan explore how age-appropriate conversations about mental health can strengthen trust and deepen connection. They discuss if, when, and how to talk about your own challenges, how to keep the focu...
2025-12-3032 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens251: 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. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan welcome Dr. Laurence Steinberg to discuss his book “You and Your Adult Child: How to Grow Together in Challenging Times.” Together they discuss how parents can...
2025-12-2341 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens250: 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 actually use.
Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack why kids get so fixated on certain gifts, what’s really driving the comparisons, a...
2025-12-1625 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens249: 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 from years of clinical experience, Dr. Lisa explains how bullying emerges, why even “good kids” sometimes join in, and what parents can do when their child is being targeted — or doing the targeting.
💡 YO...
2025-12-0928 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens248: 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 homes, and create arrangements that grow with their child’s needs.
Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Lisa helps parents understand the situation from th...
2025-12-0226 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens247: 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 parents understand what’s really going on when kids bend the truth. A request for privacy doesn’t always mean something sneaky, and your response can make all...
2025-11-2533 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens246: 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 this episode, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack what’s really going on developmentally for boys in early adolescence, and how parents can respond wi...
2025-11-1826 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens245: 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 one roof: Why it feels so intense, what’s actually happening biologically, and how families can navigate it with more empathy and less guilt. Lisa also opens up about her personal...
2025-11-1132 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens244: 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, Dr. Lisa explains what’s normal about changing sleep patterns during puberty, when to worry about anxiety, and how to help your teen create healthy routines that set them up for...
2025-11-0424 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens243: 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 communication flowing.
Substance use among teens can feel scary and overwhelming, especially with today’s high-potency marijuana and the social pressure to experiment. Dr. Lisa shares science-based guidance that helps parents know w...
2025-10-2834 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens242: 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 “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan dig into the complex world...
2025-10-2127 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens241: 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 of Raising Tweens & Teens,” Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan unpack how to navigate these deeply sensitive conversations with empathy and clarity. You’ll learn how to validate your child’s feelings without reinforcing...
2025-10-1423 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens240: Talk to Your Boys: Raising Confident, Caring Young MenMany 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 the book “Talk to Your Boys,” to tackle one of the toughest challenges parents face: raising confident, caring young men in today’s complicated world.
Joanna and Christopher draw on decades of...
2025-10-0741 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens239: 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 of AI companions, the developmental vulnerabilities of younger teens, and the steps every parent can take to keep kids safe without overreacting.
💡 YOU’LL LEARN:
- Why AI “c...
2025-09-3035 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens238: 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. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the rise of Zyns and vaping among teens. With warmth, empathy, and clear-eyed expertise, they explain what Zyns ar...
2025-09-2331 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens237: 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 “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan share compassionate, practical advice to help parents navigate this milestone. Dr. Lisa draws...
2025-09-1626 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens236: 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 Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan sit down with bestselling author and higher education expert Jeff Selingo, author of Dream School: Fi...
2025-09-0937 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens235: 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, and resilience, while also giving your family new ways to connect?
In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raisin...
2025-09-0229 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens230: Encore: Teens & Sleep with Journalist & Author Lisa L. LewisSleep 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 Teen” book here: https://www.lisallewis.com/book
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, te...
2025-07-2936 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens218: Is it Ever Okay for Me to Yell at My Kids?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-05-0629 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens213: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence"Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-04-0131 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens212: ENCORE: Will Social Media Harm My Kid?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-03-2530 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens211: How Do I Parent with an Ex Who Doesn't Share My Values?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-03-1836 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens210: Dealing with Disappointing College Admissions. What Helps?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-03-1134 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens209: The Science of Managing Emotions with Author Ethan KrossAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-03-0440 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens208: What Should I Do When Other Parents Host Wild Parties?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-02-2528 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens207: What's the Best Way for My Teen to Handle a Mean "Friend"?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-02-1830 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens206: How Can We Roll Back Our Kids' Technology Use?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-02-1133 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens205: The New Edition of Untangled by Dr. Lisa DamourAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-02-0434 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens204: How Do I Help My Kid Develop a Work Ethic?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-01-2833 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens203: How Do I Get My Teen to Give Up Weed?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-01-2131 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens202: My Son's Friends Are Sending Him Inappropriate GIFs. How Do I Help?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-01-1427 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens201: 2025: The Year of Intentional LivingAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2025-01-0731 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens200: ENCORE:The Five Principles of Parenting with Dr. Aliza PressmanAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-12-3143 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens199: ENCORE: How Should I Deal with My Angry, Disrespectful Son?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-12-2430 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens198: Is it Okay for My Kid to Gossip with Her Friends Online?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-12-1727 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens196: Is My Kid Really Sick? Or Just Avoiding School?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-12-0329 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens195: ENCORE: How Do I Raise a Compassionate Child? With Dr. Traci BaxleyAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-11-2637 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens194: How Do I Help My Daughter Get Past an Ugly Rumor?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-11-1928 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens193: Should I Talk with My Teens About My Own Mental Health Challenges?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-11-1231 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens192: Raising Resilient Kids in Uncertain Times with Tovah Klein, PhDAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-11-0539 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens191: Should I Let My Kid Use Swear Words?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-10-2929 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens190: How Can I Help My Depressed Teen?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-10-2229 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens188: Should I Talk with My Teen About Masturbation?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-10-0832 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens187: Getting Into College with Special Guest Rick ClarkAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-10-0147 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens186: Can I Get My Entitled Teen to Change?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-09-2431 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens185: How Should My Son Deal with Trash-Talking Friends?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-09-1730 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens184: How Do I Support a Teen Who Hates Her Body?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-09-1033 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens183: Back to School with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel CardonaAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-09-0335 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens182: Untangling All Things Digital for ParentsAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teen is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-08-2733 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens181: Encore: How Do I Help My Disorganized High School Kid?Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teen is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-08-2032 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens180: Encore: Never Enough: Confronting Toxic Achievement Culture (with author Jennifer Wallace)Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teen is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-08-1340 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens179: Encore: Teens and Sleep, with Journalist & Author Lisa L. LewisAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teen is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical adv...
2024-08-0636 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens174: The Making of "Inside Out 2"Dr. Lisa and Reena explore the making of Disney-Pixar's "Inside Out 2" with special guest, Dr. Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychologist renowned for his research on emotions. The discussion begins with Lisa explaining her role in the film, highlighting how Riley, now 13, navigates the new emotions of adolescence. Dr. Keltner shares insights on selecting the original five emotions and introduces the sequel's new characters: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. Dr. Lisa draws on her expertise in adolescent anxiety to discuss how the character of Anxiety is portrayed in the film. Dr. Keltner delves into the significance of awe and...
2024-06-1134 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens173: S.U.N.: Lisa's Three Keys to a Happy SummerHow can families make the most of their summer? Dr. Lisa says it’s all about the S.U.N.: "S" for sleep, "U" for unplugging, and “N" for nature. Dr. Lisa and Reena explore why it's essential to find time during the summer months to rest, disconnect, and spend time outdoors. They offer practical tips for family digital detoxes. Their conversation unpacks the research on the psychological benefits of being around nature and how summer offers the perfect opportunity to embrace it all. Dr. Lisa also explains the importance of scheduling, planning, and maintaining routines to help carry thes...
2024-06-0431 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens172: Encore: Should I Kick My Kid Off TikTok?When should you consider limiting your child's use of TikTok? A parent seeks advice on managing a tween’s use of the popular social media platform. Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss the appeal of TikTok and address the concerns that many parents have. Reena asks several key questions including: What are the downsides of consuming short-form video content, much of which seems to be mindless? How and when should parents set boundaries around TikTok use? And if parents are really worried about their kid’s social media use, what’s the best approach? Tune in for realistic guidance on the co...
2024-05-2828 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens169: How Do We Move Our Family Without Damaging Our Kids?Dr. Lisa and Reena tackle the challenge of making a big move with kids. A parent writes in with concerns about her kids' reactions to the news of the move and asks how to best support them through the transition. Dr. Lisa provides insights on how parents can prepare kids for moving and offers age-specific strategies for helping children cope. Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss the importance of validating emotions, maintaining predictability, and involving children - when possible - in decision-making. Dr. Lisa also addresses common misconceptions about the implications of moving at a young age and explores the...
2024-05-0732 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens168: Teens and Sleep, with Journalist & Author Lisa L. LewisSleep is essential for mental and physical health, but most teens don’t get nearly enough of it. Special Guest 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 and Reena to answer listener questions about teens and sleep, tech use, summer bedtimes, school start times and more. Their conversation unpacks the results of the Stanford Sleep Study, and Reena finds out how Lisa L. Lewis helped change school start times in California. Tune in for expert advice and practical tips...
2024-04-3035 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens152: Will Social Media Harm My Kid?Parents often find themselves caught between frightening headlines about the dangers of social media and kids who want access to it. Dr. Lisa and Reena address a letter from a parent of three - ages 9, 12, and 14 - asking for guidance. Drawing on research findings and clinical experience, this episode covers when to consider allowing social media, sensible rules for responsible use, the role of gender, and how to minimize social media’s downsides. Dr. Lisa and Reena offer insights, tips, and practical strategies for parents who are navigating the challenging waters of social media. Tune in for realistic and in...
2024-01-0929 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens151: How Do I Find Balance in 2024?Happy New Year! As we turn to making New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Lisa would like us to approach 2024 in a fresh way: instead of trying to “optimize” ourselves by making the most of every minute, she suggests that we focus on restoration. Why? Because the inevitable stress of daily life can actually help us grow if we get serious about how we recover. Dr. Lisa and Reena dive into why we need to prioritize restoration, how restoration differs from coping, and why guilt-soaked restoration doesn’t work at all.
Tune in for actionable insights and research-based guidance...
2024-01-0231 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens148: What Should I Do With Dicey Information About Other People’s Kids?When a teen tells us about a peer’s risky behavior, what’s the right thing to do? Should we keep our teen’s confidence, or should we alert the parents of the kid we are worried about? Dr. Lisa and Reena tackle a letter from a parent who has built a strong sense of trust with her teens and often hears about dangerous behavior - including substance use and worrisome sexual activity - happening in their peer group. Dr. Lisa offers her practical parenting wisdom on when it makes sense to just listen, when it’s time to act, and...
2023-12-1226 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens147: Girls Are Harassing My Son. What Should I Do?Getting a lot of attention from girls might not seem like a problem. But a mother writes in asking Dr. Lisa for advice on how to deal with the fact that girls are fawning over her son who wants no part of it. He feels embarrassed by the attention and finds that ignoring it only seems to be making the situation worse. The boy’s father worries that his son might develop a reputation for being the “mean kid” for not acknowledging or responding to the girls’ incessant overtures. Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss what the boy should do, consider how t...
2023-12-0533 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens146: What's the Best Way to Help a Kid with ADHD?Dr. Lisa and Reena tackle the nuances of ADHD: what to look for, when to be concerned, and the overlap between ADHD and executive functioning challenges. Dr. Lisa unpacks how, ideally, an ADHD diagnosis is made and the treatment options for kids and teenagers who receive the diagnosis. The conversation also answers some key questions about when medication should be considered, whether taking medication for ADHD increases the risks of misusing substances, and whether a medication trial can be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics: ADHD
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2023-11-2827 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens143: How Do I Raise A Compassionate Child? With Dr. Traci BaxleySpecial guest professor Dr. Traci Baxley joins the Ask Lisa podcast. She is the author of Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-racist, Justice-minded Kids in an Unjust World. Dr. Baxley talks with Dr. Lisa and Reena about why it matters to raise caring, socially conscious kids - and how to do so. This episode unpacks the difference between compassion, empathy, and kindness and tackles questions from listeners including: How do you get siblings to be compassionate with each other? And are compassionate kids really better off in today’s hyper-competitive world?
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2023-11-0736 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens142: Should My Teen Be In Cars with New Drivers?Parents can feel worried when their teen first starts driving or riding around in friends’ cars. What can parents do to help teens stay safe behind the wheel? What rules should be put in place and how well do those rules work? Dr. Lisa and Reena answer these questions and more while also addressing graduated drivers’ license laws and the part they play in reducing accidents among young drivers.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on rais...
2023-10-3128 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens141: How Do Stop Riding My Kid's Emotional Roller Coaster?A parent writes in about a middle schooler's intense emotional swings which leave the parent feeling uncertain about how to respond. Dr. Lisa and Reena dive into the psychology of these rollercoaster emotions, discuss whether this behavior is typical at this age, and address how parents can strike the delicate balance of offering support without amplifying the mood swings. Dr. Lisa also explains how parents and caregivers can know when they are looking at typical emotional growing pains and when it’s time to be concerned.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tw...
2023-10-2431 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens140: Can I Talk My Teen Out of a Toxic Romance?A mother writes in asking how to protect her teen from a controlling and degrading relationship. Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss the nature of unhealthy relationships and how and when adults should intervene. Reena asks how parents can recognize the early signs of a harmful connection. Lisa explains how thoughtful people can find themselves in bad relationships and why the stakes can be incredibly high for a teen's well-being.
Dr. Lisa’s Resource Guide
The National Domestic Hotline - 1.800.799.SAFE
SMS: Text START to 88788
Www.Joinonelove.org
2023-10-1729 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens139: This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa BennettSo what’s really happening when kids go through puberty? Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Bennett join the Ask Lisa podcast to talk about their new book This is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained. The conversation takes a deep dive into the research on puberty and tackles key questions: When does puberty start and end? Why do kids suddenly smell bad, and how do we help? What’s the best way to respond to teens’ surging hormones? How do we support late bloomers? And more!
Lisa’s Book Recommendation:
This is So Awkward
By Cara N...
2023-10-1057 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens137: How Do I Parent a Teen with a Chronic Health Condition?Dr. Lisa and Reena tackle two letters about the challenges of parenting teens with chronic health conditions. The first letter centers on addressing a teen’s sense of feeling “different” and asks what parents can do to prevent social isolation. The second letter asks how parents and caregivers can stay out of a power struggle with a teen who may not be following doctor’s orders. Dr. Lisa and Reena answer both questions and, in doing so, offer guidance that will resonate with any parent sharing similar concerns.
Lisa’s Book Recommendation: The Science of Making Friends by Dr. Eliz...
2023-09-2630 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens135: How Do I Combat My Kid's Perfectionism?What causes kids to struggle with perfectionism? Dr. Lisa explains why young people sometimes hold themselves to unsustainable standards and how adults can help them to set realistic goals. Reena asks how parents can counter the harmful self-talk that often accompanies perfectionism and when parents should worry that perfectionism could lead to depression. In an episode packed with practical strategies and sample language, Dr. Lisa and Reena address how to help kids take a balanced approach to their work.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for...
2023-09-1226 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens134: My Son and His Friends Use Slurs. Can I Stop This?A mother writes in about the fact that her teen son and his friends - who come from a mix of racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds - "jokingly" use slurs. Does she have the power to stop this? Dr. Lisa and Reena explore what's driving the rise in hateful language and what adults can do to address this hurtful behavior. Reena asks whether it's realistic for adults to think they can change the dynamics that unfold when teens are with their friends. Dr. Lisa offers advice on how to guide teenagers toward acting with empathy and respect.
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2023-09-0528 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens133: A Conversation with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek MurthyU.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy visits the Ask Lisa Podcast to talk about the public health crisis you might not know about: loneliness. He joins co-hosts Dr. Lisa and Reena for a wide-ranging conversation on parenting, being a Dad, access to mental health services, the harms of social media, and what big tech companies can do to help protect our kids online. The episode ends with Dr. Murthy asking Dr. Lisa a thought-provoking question about what parents need now.
Surgeon General Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
Surgeon General Advisory on Social...
2023-08-2957 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens132: Never Enough: Confronting Toxic Achievement Culture (with author Jennifer Wallace)Season four of the Ask Lisa podcast kicks off with a special guest, author and journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace, who discusses her brand new book: “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - And What We Can Do About It.” Dr. Lisa, Reena, and Jennie address how achievement pressure harms kids and what parents can do to combat grind culture. They unpack research from Harvard and the London School of Economics to answer key questions: What do the kids who are thriving in high pressure situations do differently? What can adults do to shield kids from toxic stress? How do p...
2023-08-2239 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens131: Encore: How Do I Help My Disorganized High School Kid?Getting kids ready for the new school year can be a hard transition from summer. In this encore episode we look at helping teens manage their responsibilities during and after high school. Staying organized isn’t just about getting into college - it’s also about having the ability to operate independently. A parent writes in worried about a charming, but disorganized, son. Dr. Lisa explains what executive functioning skills are - and how to help kids build them. Dr. Lisa and Reena address what drives procrastination in kids, how adults can provide executive functioning "training wheels," and how to g...
2023-08-1532 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens129: Encore: My Kid Was Dumped by Her Friends. How Can I Help?Why do kids suddenly turn on friends and ice them out of a group? It’s something Dr. Lisa says she's been hearing about more often in recent months as kids need shared interests to hold their groups together, and that "social glue" was depleted by the pandemic. We take a look at how this negative behavior can emerge in friend groups and quickly become destructive. Reena asks if adults should call out mean behavior or reach out to other parents when social groups turn sour. Dr. Lisa covers what kids should do when classmates are nice to them on...
2023-08-0129 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens128: Encore: Should I Track my Teen's Location?It’s easy to track kids using cell phone technology. But is it a good idea to do so? Today's technology allows us to know a lot more about our kids than our parents ever knew about us. While parents might track their teens for supervision and safety reasons, teens often long for more independence and privacy than tracking allows. Dr. Lisa explains why this tension is an expectable, healthy part of adolescent development and unpacks two key questions: What, exactly, does tracking accomplish? And does it really help to keep teens safe? Reena asks about the downsides of tr...
2023-07-2530 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens125: Encore: How Do We Talk to Kids About Justice? Special Guest Preet BhararaHow can we help our kids understand justice and fairness? Special Guest Preet Bharara, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, joins the Ask Lisa Podcast to discuss his children’s book, Justice Is… A Guide for Young Truth Seekers. Who are the history makers our children should know about? Dr. Lisa and Reena feel that there’s no better guest than Preet for this 4th of July encore episode.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested...
2023-07-0436 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens123: Here's To Summer!Schools out! Now what? Dr. Lisa and Reena take a look back at the highlights of Season Three - from key topics to informative guests to the launch of Lisa’s new book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. Their conversation covers what Lisa hopes parents will focus on now, the launch date for Season Four, and the upcoming episodes for the summer.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join ren...
2023-06-1306 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens120: My Teen Is Into Sports Betting. Help!With online betting now legal in most states, sports coverage is increasingly saturated with commentary focussed on betting and ads for gambling apps. Teens are noticing - and some of them are getting in on the action. It's increasingly easy and common for teens to bet on sports and, at times, to lose large sums of money. Dr. Lisa and Reena address how teens find ways to place bets, why they want to, and what parents and caregivers need to know if they have a teen who might be interested in sports betting. Dr. Lisa lays out the psychological sci...
2023-05-2332 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens119: How Do I Get My Son to Stop Picking on His Little Sister?Why are kids mean to their siblings? Dr. Lisa unpacks the dynamics behind sibling conflict and takes us inside the mind of older siblings. The conversation addresses why the onset of puberty makes it hard for kids to control their emotions, gendered dynamics, and how to steer clear of shame when one child hurts another. Dr. Lisa offers guidance on what parents can do - both in the moment and after the fact - to prevent lasting harm.
AVAILABLE NOW:
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour. Available at www.Dr...
2023-05-1630 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens118: My Daughter Is Cutting Herself. What Should I Do?Why do young people engage in self-harm? A mother writes in asking for advice on how to respond when her daughter cuts herself. Dr. Lisa unpacks why adolescents sometimes hurt themselves to manage distress and Reena asks about the connection between self-harm and suicide. Using research as a guide, Dr. Lisa explains self-harm, how adults can respond helpfully, and what interventions to consider.
Dr. Lisa Resource Recommendation:
The DBT Skills Workbook for Teen Self-Harm: Practical Tools to Help You Manage Emotions and Overcome Self-Harming Behaviors
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2023-05-0930 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens117: My College-Bound Kid Is "Soiling the Nest." Help!What’s the best way for parents to respond when their high school senior wants to spend every waking minute with friends? A mom writes in asking if it's okay to require her teen to spend time with the family before heading off to college. Dr. Lisa walks us through the complex psychological dynamics unfolding for high school seniors and their parents. Teens are often working to consolidate a new identity and can be remote and prickly around the house. Parents often feel annoyed with their college-bound kid and, simultaneously, like they aren't ready to let go. Do teens co...
2023-05-0229 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens115: How Do I Parent a Young Adult (and Deal with my Own Parents)? Guest: Laurence Steinberg, PhDDr. Lisa and Reena welcome special guest Dr. Laurence Steinberg, Professor of Psychology at Temple University, to celebrate the publication of his latest book You And Your Adult Child: How To Grow Together In Challenging Times. Dr. Steinberg unpacks key research and decades of experience to answer questions from Ask Lisa listeners: How long should you financially support your kids? What if your parents aren’t the grandparents you hoped they'd be? When should you speak out about worrisome choices an adult child is making? Dr. Steinberg addresses how to navigate shifting family dynamics and the importance of supporting auto...
2023-04-1839 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens114: Should My Kid Take a Gap Year?Does it always make sense for students to enroll in college immediately after high school? Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss when and why parents might want to think seriously about having a teen take a gap year. They weigh the pros and cons of "stepping off the conveyor belt" to college and talk about how gap years are best spent. Reena shares her concern that allowing a gap year makes college less likely. Dr. Lisa explains how having an extra year can go a long way toward helping students make the most of the college opportunity.
2023-04-1130 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens113: How Do I Help My Kid Deal with Unfairness?From not getting into a desired college to not making a team - how do we help kids process unfairness? A dad writes in asking for help when his high school junior loses the National Honors Society presidency to a classmate known for online posts about drinking. Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss how to help kids come to terms with unfairness and privilege as they play out in school, sports, and leadership positions. Dr. Lisa reminds parents of the importance of helping kids develop the capacity to tolerate - and grow from - emotional discomfort.
2023-04-0428 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens112: How Much Gaming is Too Much?How do you know if your child has a gaming addiction? A mom writes in worried about her son who used gaming to connect with friends during the pandemic but now games alone while his friends spend time together in person. Dr. Lisa unpacks the research on gaming hazards and addiction, as well as some unexpected benefits of gaming. Reena gets answers to key questions: When is it time to worry that a kid is spending too much time gaming? And what should parents do?
AVAILABLE NOW Lisa’s new book:
The Emot...
2023-03-2827 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens111: What Kind of Therapy is Right for My Kid?Parents seeking professional support for their kids often run into a confusing array of therapies to choose from. In this episode, Dr. Lisa provides a neutral guide on the various options - DBT, CBT, talk therapy, somatic therapy, play therapy, and family therapy - and describes which options are the best fit for which concerns. From Freudian therapy to body-based treatments, Dr. Lisa and Reena give listeners an accessible guide to therapeutic interventions.
AVAILABLE NOW Lisa’s new book:
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour. Available at www.DrLisaDamour.com and...
2023-03-2130 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens109: Encore: Why Are Our Kids So Mean To Us?How should you respond when your kids are mean to you? What’s age appropriate behavior and what should not be tolerated? Dr. Lisa and Reena unpack why kids lash out and what’s behind the outbursts. How do you know when hormones are the cause or when it’s something else? Dr. Lisa has advice on how to create a safe space for kids at home that allows them to work through their frustrations but also teaches them what’s acceptable in the real world. This episode is an encore presentation that originally ran at the end of May in S...
2023-03-0730 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens108: How Do I Help My Disorganized High School Kid?Preparing for life after high school is about more than just getting into college - it’s also about having the ability to operate independently. A parent writes in worried about a charming, but disorganized, son. Dr. Lisa explains what executive functioning skills are - and how to help kids build them. Dr. Lisa and Reena address what drives procrastination in kids, how adults can provide executive functioning "training wheels," and how to get kids to do things like homework without having to nag constantly. The conversation also considers when parents should offer lots of support, and when kids sh...
2023-02-2831 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens107: Lisa's New Book! The Emotional Lives of TeenagersDr. Lisa’s new book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers is officially out today in print and audio book.
In this episode Lisa and Reena discuss Lisa’s new book and the research behind it. Lisa explains why she felt passionate about writing the book, the strategies it offers parents for navigating the teen years, and how it will help parents know what's typical teen behavior and when it's time to worry. Reena asks if the pandemic forever changed teen behavior and how gender influences the experience of emotion. Lisa describes what the research says about what men need...
2023-02-2131 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens103: How Do I Talk My Teen Out of Vaping?Vaping has become a growing concern for many parents of tweens and teens. What can adults do to steer kids clear of it, and what should we do to help kids who find themselves hooked on nicotine? Dr. Lisa discusses research-based strategies that can keep kids from experimenting with vaping or help them stop once they've started. Reena asks for advice on helping kids deal with peer pressure around vaping.
Resources:
This is Quitting online community to help people who are addicted to nicotine
Lisa's 2.14.18 NYT article: How to Talk With Teenagers About Vapi...
2023-01-2428 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens101: How Do I Get My Teen Sons to Talk to Me?Is it normal for my teen son to not want to talk to me? That’s the question we tackle this week. Dr. Lisa explains that it can feel like a personal rejection when teens pull away from their parents, but that is rarely the case. So how do parents stay invested and find connection? Lisa and Reena unpack the strategies that work and Lisa draws on research from her new book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. The conversation turns to how, without meaning to, we socialize boys to be less fluent in their feelings, and why we cannot leav...
2023-01-1031 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens100: How Can Parents Find Joy and Energy in the New Year?We all want to start the New Year feeling our best, but that's a tall order for the many parents who feel mentally and physically exhausted. In response to a question from a parent asking how she can feel less stressed, anxious, and harried, Dr. Lisa and Reena consider what makes for effective self-care, how to hit the reset button, the science behind maintaining a sense of equilibrium, and why parenting can feel so hard - even when things are going well.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour is available at ww...
2023-01-0331 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens99: Encore: How Do I Keep My Kids Grounded in a Materialistic World?The holidays can usher in a focus on spending and consumerism. How do we instill healthy values in our kids, make sure that they appreciate what really matters in life, and keep them from becoming preoccupied with wealth or material objects? Dr. Lisa and Reena tackle the critical question of what parents can do to keep kids grounded and Lisa unpacks research on what really works.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour is available at www.DrLisaDamour.com
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens...
2022-12-2726 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens98: My Friends' Kids Are Excluding My Kid. What Should I Do?Having friendships with families where the kids and adults love hanging out can be wonderful. But what happens when the kids’ relationships sour or they drift in different directions? Dr. Lisa helps parents navigate the tricky conversations they may need to have with their friends. What should parents do when they know that their kid is being excluded? Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss how to start a conversation with the adults who are involved without making the whole situation worse.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast fo...
2022-12-1332 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens94: My Clingy Teen Hates Going to School. How Do I Help?A parent writes in asking for help for their teen who feels intensely anxious about going to school and interacting with adults outside the home. Dr. Lisa explains that the need to stay close to home during the height of the pandemic has made it hard for many young people to spread their wings now. Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss the root causes of clinginess and separation anxiety and how those causes can differ depending on a child's age. Their conversation addresses what adults can do now to help young people understand anxiety, get the upper hand on their...
2022-11-1530 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens93: Should I Monitor My Kid’s Grades Online?Grades can be a source of family anxiety and stress, and online grading portals can make the situation both better and worse. A dad writes in asking how parents and kids can better manage online grades. Reena explains that she gets pinged on email every time her kids' grades are posted and Dr. Lisa has surprising advice for parents in the same boat. Dr. Lisa explains the upsides and downsides of having access to online grades, and how families can use these systems to help kids become more independent at school. In "Parenting-To-Go" Lisa offers one question parents might want to...
2022-11-0833 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens92: I’m Not Ready for My Kid to Be in Love. Help!How should we talk to our kids about what it means to fall in love? Parents know how good it can feel to make a strong connection and be on the receiving end of affection, but we also want to shield kids from heartbreak. Dr. Lisa helps walks us through how we can talk with our kids about both the emotional and physical sides of love, while Reena asks key questions about how to deal with the fact that these conversations are often uncomfortable for both parents and kids. Dr. Lisa explains how we can keep these important discussions...
2022-11-0127 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens91: My Kid Hates Being A Late Bloomer. How Can I Help?How can we support kids who feel uncomfortable about the timing of puberty? A parent writes in asking what to say to a late bloomer who feels out of step with her peers. Dr. Lisa unpacks the research on what it means to reach puberty early - or late - and how this differs depending on gender. Reena and Dr. Lisa address whether there's such a thing as perfectly timed puberty, and how to talk about the changes that come with puberty in ways that won't send tweens and teens running for the hills.
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2022-10-2531 minAsk Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens90: Should My Kid Play Violent Video Games?Do violent video games normalize violence? A parent whose son becomes more aggressive with his sisters after playing certain games writes in asking for advice. Is it best to pull the plug on games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto, even if they're important to a boy's social life? Dr. Lisa unpacks the research on how violent video games affect kids and offers guidelines to consider. Reena asks how old kids should be if they are going to play video games and describes how allowing her son to play Call of Duty turned into a teachable moment. Dr. Lisa an...
2022-10-1830 min