Why Smart Parents Argue With Their Teens (And How to Do It Right) | Conflict Resolution Tips from a Harvard Expert

Constantly clashing with your teen? It’s not the conflict—it’s how you handle it.

But here’s the good news: conflict isn’t the problem—it’s how you handle it. Harvard Law negotiation expert Bob Bordone reveals how the same conflict resolution strategies used by world leaders can transform your parent-teen relationship.

🎧 In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, you’ll learn how to move from power struggles and emotional blowups to productive conversations that build trust, strengthen your bond, and teach teens lifelong skills.

Avoiding conflict might feel easier in the moment—but it actually weakens your connection over time. Bob explains how to use everyday disagreements as opportunities to teach problem-solving, perspective-taking, and emotional resilience.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why avoiding conflict with your teen may hurt more than help

• The science of “affective labeling” to calm heated arguments

• How to stop power struggles and spark better problem-solving

• Why teens who know how to argue are more resilient and confident

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Book: Conflict Resilience by Bob Bordone
• Research: Matt Lieberman (UCLA) on Affective Labeling
• Judd Brewer’s “Bigger Better Offer” (BBO) on Motivation
• Website: bobBordone.com
• Family Activity: Try reading Conflict Resilience as a family book club to practice conflict resolution skills together!

 

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Bob Bordone

• Website: bobbordone.com
• Instagram: @bobbybordone
• Facebook: facebook.com/bordone
• LinkedIn: Robert Bordone
• X: @bobbordone
• YouTube: Bob Bordone

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

 

EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:00 – The Power of Conflict in Parenting
05:48 – Understanding Conflict Avoidance
11:35 – Reframing Conflict as Collaboration
15:41 – Effective Communication Strategies
20:37 – Navigating Technology and Boundaries
28:03 – Building Trust in Parent-Teen Relationships
35:37 – The Journey of Conflict Resolution

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

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