Introducing Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting: "Should I Talk with My Teens About My Own Mental Health Challenges?"
Mar 20, 2025
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Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist and NYT bestselling author known for her expertise in adolescent psychology, teams up with journalist Reena Nainan in this insightful discussion. They tackle the sensitive topic of whether parents should share their mental health challenges with teens. The duo emphasizes open communication and emotional management during the complex teenager years. They share strategies for fostering trust, addressing mental health issues like eating disorders, and promoting resilience, ultimately strengthening the parent-teen bond.
Parents should assess their own emotional readiness before discussing mental health challenges with their teens to maintain emotional safety.
Dr. Lisa DeMoor emphasizes the importance of fostering healthy coping strategies in adolescents through open dialogues about their interests and activities.
Creative mediums like Pixar's 'Inside Out' help bridge the gap between parents and teenagers by accurately portraying complex emotional experiences.
Deep dives
Expertise in Parenting
Lisa DeMoor, a recognized authority in parenting, emphasizes the significance of understanding adolescent development. With a background in clinical psychology and authorship of bestselling books, she provides valuable insights into raising teenagers, particularly in navigating their emotional complexities. Her expertise stems from years of academic research and practical experience, allowing her to guide parents through the often turbulent teenage years. By addressing common challenges and providing actionable strategies, she equips parents with the tools needed to foster healthy relationships with their children.
The Importance of Mental Health Conversations
Navigating discussions about mental health with teenagers can be challenging yet necessary, particularly for parents with their own mental health histories. DeMoor highlights the need for parents to assess their own emotional readiness before sharing their struggles to avoid imposing their burdens onto their children. By considering the appropriate context and timing, parents can create an opportunity for an open dialogue that informs their children about family history while encouraging healthy coping strategies. This delicate balance allows parents to model resilience and transparency while maintaining their children's emotional safety and well-being.
Learning from Pixar's Impact
Through her collaboration with Pixar on the film 'Inside Out', DeMoor illustrates how art can effectively communicate complex emotional truths about adolescence. The film's portrayal of teenagers grappling with intense emotions resonates deeply with both kids and adults, providing a platform for discussion about mental health. By ensuring that emotional experiences are represented accurately and entertainingly, the film reaches families in profound ways, bridging gaps in understanding between parents and adolescents. This partnership exemplifies the potential for creative mediums to foster important conversations around emotions, social pressures, and mental health awareness.
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms
DeMoor emphasizes the necessity of teaching teenagers healthy coping strategies to navigate stress and emotional discomfort. Recognizing that adolescents often engage in activities like sports, music, or even video games as forms of coping, she argues for a broader definition of what constitutes healthy behavior. By encouraging discussions around these outlets, parents can foster an environment where teenagers feel safe expressing their emotions. Furthermore, acknowledging and validating their coping strategies reinforces the message that experiencing discomfort is a normal part of life, equipping them with skills to manage future challenges.
Creating Open Lines of Communication
Establishing an open channel of communication between parents and teenagers is crucial for addressing sensitive topics, including mental health and personal experiences. DeMoor advises parents to seize spontaneous opportunities for discussions about their past, allowing teenagers to guide the conversation flow. This approach ensures that parents don't overwhelm their children with unsolicited information while validating their concerns and experiences. By engaging in regular, informal conversations, parents can create a supportive atmosphere that encourages teenagers to share their own feelings and challenges, ultimately strengthening their relationship.
