Raising Good Humans

School Gets the Best of Them, We Get the Rest of Them with Dr. Lisa Damour

33 snips
Oct 10, 2025
Dr. Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author, joins to unpack the emotional dynamics between teens and parents. She discusses why teens often unload their frustrations at home, emphasizing the importance of normalizing stress while prioritizing recovery. Listeners learn how to recognize rumination and effectively respond to their teens' needs, whether they seek help or just a sympathetic ear. Lisa shares practical listening hacks and perspectives to foster resilience in teens, stressing the value of honest communication and empathy.
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INSIGHT

Why Teens 'Dump' At Home

  • School demands constant social and cognitive effort so kids hold themselves together all day and carry frustrations home.
  • Lisa Damour calls this "school gets the best of them, we get the rest of them," a normal developmental pattern.
ADVICE

Be The Emotional Garbage Collector

  • When your teen unloads, act like an emotional garbage collector: listen, accept, and set the bag aside when they're done.
  • Tie off the conversation without escalating or immediately problem-solving so they often feel relief.
ADVICE

Ask If They Want Help Or Venting

  • Ask one simple question: "Do you want my help or do you just need to vent?" to clarify the teen's need.
  • Respect their answer and avoid unsolicited fixing when they only want to unload.
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