We used to be afraid of teenagers. Now we’re afraid for them. Anxiety, depression, social media, school pressures, loneliness—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what it means to raise or support a teenager today. But Lisa Damour has spent decades helping us understand what’s actually happening in the emotional lives of teenagers—and what they really need from the adults who care for them. If you’ve ever wanted to be a steady, loving presence in a teenager’s life (without making things weird), this one’s for you.
In this conversation, Kate and Lisa talk about:
- The difference between normal teenage emotions and when it’s time to worry
- Why “emotional does not equal fragile” (and why kids need us to believe that)
- How to talk to teenagers in a way that builds trust and connection
- The biggest factors that shape teen mental health (hint: sleep matters more than you think!)
- When social media becomes a problem—and how to set guardrails that actually work
If you liked this episode, you may enjoy:
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