

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens
Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids.Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr. lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 23, 2025 • 32min
238: Zyns, Vapes & Teens: What Do Parents Need to Know?
Discover the world of Zyns, the discreet nicotine pouches popular among teens. Learn why these pouches are alluring and the neurological risks they pose to developing brains. The hosts explore how social media influences trends, making teens vulnerable to marketing tactics. Gain practical tips for initiating a conversation about Zyns with your child, emphasizing curiosity rather than lectures. Finally, understand the importance of managing your response to maintain trust while addressing this growing concern in modern parenting.

4 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 27min
237: Homesick at College: What Parents Can Do?
Transitioning to college can be a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when homesickness hits hard. Discover why it’s more common than ever and how parents can find the right balance between offering support and encouraging independence. Practical strategies are shared for dealing with younger siblings who miss their college-aged siblings and tips on assessing college readiness. Plus, explore the option of returning home if necessary—navigating this stage doesn't have to feel overwhelming!

Sep 9, 2025 • 38min
236: Dream School: How Do You Find the Right College for Your Teen?
Jeff Selingo, a New York Times bestselling author and higher education expert, joins the conversation to turn college admissions stress on its head. He argues that it's not about chasing prestige, but finding a perfect match for your teen's growth. They discuss research revealing that mid-tier schools often yield outcomes similar to elite ones. Selingo emphasizes the importance of fit, engagement, and personal values, debunking myths about satisfaction tied to name-brand institutions while encouraging open conversations about finances.

Sep 2, 2025 • 30min
235: No Phones at School. How Do I Help My Kid Cope?
A school’s phone ban can spark intense reactions from teens, but it might actually promote mental health and better focus. Discover how these restrictions can enhance coping skills and resilience. The conversation dives into practical strategies for parents to discuss these changes with their kids, paving the way for deeper family connections. Surprisingly, students adapt quickly to no-phone policies, leading to healthier social interactions. Learn to navigate the digital landscape and transform potential conflicts into opportunities for growth.

Aug 26, 2025 • 41min
234: Encore: Confronting Toxic Achievement Culture with Author Jennifer Wallace
Award-winning journalist Jennifer Wallace joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to challenge the toxic achievement culture impacting teens. They discuss how to nurture a child's sense of worth beyond accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of mattering and emotional well-being. Practical parenting strategies like the 'puppy dog principle' are shared, alongside insights on fostering resilience without overwhelming pressure. The conversation covers balancing academic support with mental health, urging a reevaluation of success in raising happy, healthy kids.

Aug 19, 2025 • 43min
233: Encore: Embracing ADHD with Penn and Kim Holderness
Penn and Kim Holderness, co-authors of 'ADHD is Awesome' and creators of The Holderness Family, share their journey of embracing ADHD with humor and heart. They discuss the emotional complexities of living with ADHD and provide relatable anecdotes while advocating for understanding and compassion in family life. The couple emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, reframing ADHD as a unique strength, and the need for tailored approaches to support creativity and emotional regulation in children. Their insights empower families to celebrate neurodiversity.

5 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 48min
232: Encore: Getting into College with Special Guest Rick Clark
Rick Clark, Executive Director for Strategic Student Access at Georgia Tech and co-author of 'The Truth About College Admissions,' shares his expertise on the college admissions process. He discusses the importance of early course selection and maintaining strong academic performance amid evolving admission standards. The conversation highlights the value of personal essays in showcasing individuality and the rising concern over college costs versus return on investment. Clark also offers strategies to reduce stress for both students and parents during this crucial journey.

Aug 5, 2025 • 37min
231: Encore: How Do I Parent with an Ex Who Doesn’t Share My Values?
If you're raising kids with an ex who doesn’t see eye to eye with you, Dr. Lisa & Reena offer strategies for reducing conflict, protecting your child, and staying grounded in your own values. Tune in for realistic and practical advice for co-parents navigating different parenting styles.
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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists
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Episode Keywords: co-parenting, parenting with an ex, family conflict, parenting differences, divorced parenting, blended families, healthy boundaries, parenting values
Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Jul 29, 2025 • 36min
230: Encore: Teens & Sleep with Journalist & Author Lisa L. Lewis
Sleep is the secret weapon every teen needs—but few get enough of it. Lisa L. Lewis, journalist and author of “The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive,” joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to explain why sleep is critical to teen development and how parents can improve their child’s sleep habits, even during the summer.
Find “The Sleep-Deprived Teen” book here: https://www.lisallewis.com/book
________________
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists
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Episode Keywords: teen sleep, sleep deprivation, summer bedtime battles, school start times, adolescent brain, parenting tired teens, tech and sleep, sleep hygiene
Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

4 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 41min
229: Encore: The Science of Managing Emotions with Author Ethan Kross
Dr. Ethan Kross, a leading psychologist and author of "Shift: Managing Your Emotions – So They Don’t Manage You," dives into essential emotional regulation strategies. He discusses how to effectively navigate the turbulent emotions of teens and the importance of awareness in managing feelings. Kross emphasizes techniques like 'mental time travel' to help kids process their emotions. The conversation also touches on how parents can foster resilience and empathy in their children, ultimately aiding both parents and teens in emotional management.