Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

Dr. Reshma Shah, a board-certified pediatrician and parent coach, shares her expertise on fostering a healthy relationship with food in kids. She emphasizes the importance of modeling good eating habits over lecturing. The conversation explores how to reduce mealtime tension, use neutral food language, and the benefits of family meals for mental health. Shah also discusses strategies for dealing with picky eaters, managing sweets, and meeting the nutritional needs of growing teens. Her practical tips aim to make mealtimes calmer and healthier.

Explore how to prepare your kids for an unpredictable future filled with AI and economic shifts. Discover Dr. Lisa's ACED framework to cultivate lifelong resilience. Learn why adaptability is crucial and how creativity enhances it. Gain insights into conscientiousness as the best predictor of adult well-being. Uncover techniques to build emotional durability in your kids and recognize their coping abilities. Find out how challenges can serve as valuable practice opportunities for your family's growth and stability.

Perhaps you’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, or stress… and your teen is now old enough to notice. But how much should you share? Parents want to be honest, yet may not want to needlessly burden their kids. Getting that balance right is tricky, and deeply important. In this encore episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens and Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan explore how age-appropriate conversations about mental health can strengthen trust and deepen connection. They discuss if, when, and how to talk about your own challenges, how to keep the focus on your teen’s emotional needs, and ways to protect your own well-being in the process. Originally released in 2023, this episode remains essential listening for families navigating a world where conversations about mental health are now a common part of family life. 💡 YOU’LL LEARN: - When honesty helps, and when to hold back- How to talk about mental health in calm, age-appropriate ways- Why sharing your story can model resilience and help-seeking- Strategies for balancing transparency with emotional boundaries Sharing your story, when done thoughtfully, can help your teen learn how to care for their own mind and heart. Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Episode keywords: talking mental health teens, parent anxiety, honest parenting, teen emotions Podcast 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

Your kid is technically an adult, but still looking for–or needing–parental guidance. And maybe you still have your own parents weighing in, too. Parenting through this “in-between” stage can be complicated: How much guidance is too much? When do you let go? How do you stay close without taking over? In this encore episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens and Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan welcome Dr. Laurence Steinberg to discuss his book “You and Your Adult Child: How to Grow Together in Challenging Times.” Together they discuss how parents can make sense of the shifting roles that come with launching young adults while also managing relationships with aging parents. It’s a heartfelt, insightful look at what it means to be part of the “sandwich generation” today. 💡 YOU’LL LEARN: - How to balance support and independence as your child becomes an adult- When (and how) to offer financial help without overstepping- What to do when you’re worried about your adult child’s choices- How to handle generational tensions with your own parents- Strategies for staying grounded while caring for both generations Originally released in 2023, this encore episode feels more relevant than ever. Learning to stay connected while letting go is a challenge that spans generations. Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Episode keywords: parenting young adults, adult kids boundaries, launching teens, empty nest Podcast 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

Are you staring at your tween or teen’s holiday wish list wondering… is it okay to say NO? When every friend seems to be getting the “cool” brands, the pricey sneakers, or the latest tech, it can feel impossible to balance your family’s values with your child’s need to fit in. This episode helps you navigate that emotional middle ground with clarity, compassion, and practical tools you can actually use. Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack why kids get so fixated on certain gifts, what’s really driving the comparisons, and how parents can respond with empathy… without giving in to every request. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and relatable family stories, they offer strategies that help kids feel understood and help parents stay grounded in what matters most. 💡 YOU'LL LEARN: - How to talk with your tween or teen about brand pressure and fitting in - Ways to convey your family values without shaming or shutting your child down - Practical, meaningful ideas for cultivating gratitude without lecturing - Creative compromises that balance joy, connection, and mindful consumption This season can stir up big emotions for kids and for parents. If you’re hoping to raise grounded, grateful young people while still keeping the magic of the holidays alive, this episode offers thoughtful guidance you can trust. Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Episode keywords: holiday gifts, teens, tweens, gratitude, parenting, family values, wish list Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, podcast, 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

Middle school is a battlefield of emotions and social dynamics. The podcast delves into how teasing can turn cruel, affecting kids' confidence. Dr. Lisa discusses why even 'good kids' sometimes join in on meanness and how the weaponization of words like 'gay' can be damaging. There’s insight on how to support your child with empathy, and the importance of careful communication with schools. Lastly, the hosts reassure parents that these turbulent times are not permanent, as friendships and power dynamics shift over time.

Discover how divorced parents can better support their tweens during the upheaval of split custody. The idea of children feeling like 'human ping-pong balls' illustrates the emotional toll of constant transitions. Learn about ideal setups, like parents rotating while kids stay put, and why that benefits stability. Explore flexible visitation plans that adapt as teens gain independence. Dr. Lisa shares essential co-parenting principles to minimize conflict and practical tips for easing the adjustment process.

Lying in kids is often a developmental phase rather than a character flaw. Parents learn how to help their children navigate the complexities of honesty without projecting fears. Discover the reasons behind why children lie, including anxiety and the need for privacy. The importance of emotional responses is emphasized, as managing reactions can foster a safe environment for truth-telling. Plus, explore the difference between guilt and shame, and how to encourage conscience-building through repair rather than punishment.

Seventh-grade boys face unique developmental challenges that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and susceptibility to harmful influences. The discussion highlights how school environments may unintentionally favor girls, leaving boys feeling overlooked. Strategies for parents include fostering open communication and encouraging confidence through diverse activities. Insights into how figures like Andrew Tate exploit these vulnerabilities are shared, emphasizing the importance of supportive role models in boys' lives. Understanding these dynamics can help guide boys through critical developmental phases.

Navigating the chaos of adolescence and menopause can feel overwhelming. Discover why both hormonal changes create emotional turbulence at home. Learn to recognize the normal mood shifts in teens and embrace your own menopausal symptoms as legitimate health issues. With insights from personal experiences and practical tips, find ways to connect with your teen, even in silence. This conversation empowers parents to respond with empathy, fostering understanding and compassion within the family.