Supporting Your Teen Through Love, Heartbreak, and All the Feels

May 27, 2025

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When your teen falls in love for the first time—or goes through their first heartbreak—it can be emotional for everyone. You want to protect them, guide them, and maybe even stop them from getting hurt. But if you're not careful, your good intentions can push them away. In this episode, I’m joined by journalist, professor, and fellow mom Lisa A. Phillips, author of First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak. Lisa shares powerful insight from her personal and professional journey helping teens—and parents—navigate the emotional rollercoaster of young love. If you’re wondering how to talk to your teen about dating, heartbreak, or those “red flag” relationships without causing shutdown or secrecy, this conversation is a must-listen.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

Why teens hide their relationships—and how to keep the conversation open
How to support your teen through their first heartbreak without minimizing their pain
What to say when you’re worried about who your teen is dating
How sharing your relationship experiences can actually help your teen make better choices

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

Validation builds trust: When your teen opens up about a relationship, resist the urge to fix it. Just listen first.
Judgment shuts teens down: Even one negative comment can drive their dating life underground.
Ask, don’t assume: “Dating” might just mean texting or walking to class together—so ask what it means to them.
Help them reflect, not rebel: Instead of telling them who not to date, ask how that person makes them feel.
Model real-life lessons: You don’t have to be perfect—just honest. Your own dating history can be a powerful teaching tool.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak by Lisa A. Phillips
🛒 Use Discount Code: RLFANDF30 for 30% off
🔗 Buy the book here

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Lisa A. Phillips

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Teen Relationships: A New Era
02:57 Understanding Parental Fears in Teen Dating
06:03 The Importance of Validating Teen Emotions
09:09 Setting Boundaries: When Teens Want to Date
11:55 Over-Enmeshment: Balancing Relationships and Independence
14:50 Building Self-Worth Beyond Romantic Attention
17:56 Handling Unfavorable Partners: A Delicate Approach
24:22 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Teens
27:33 Understanding Teen Relationships and Parental Influence
30:19 Conflict Resolution in Teen Relationships
33:19 Coping with Breakups: Supporting Teens in Pain
36:59 The Importance of Reflection and Growth
40:19 First Loves: Shaping Future Relationships

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.

#parentingteens #teenrelationships