Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

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 can be rough—emotionally, socially, and developmentally. When teasing crosses the line into cruelty, it usually puts a dent in kids’ confidence and sense of belonging. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the complicated social dynamics of middle school, explain why meanness can become a source of power, and why empathy can be in short supply. Drawing from years of clinical experience, Dr. Lisa explains how bullying emerges, why even “good kids” sometimes join in, and what parents can do when their child is being targeted — or doing the targeting. 💡 YOU’LL LEARN: - Why middle school social insecurities can bring out the worst in kids - How and why boys weaponize words like “gay,” even in progressive communities - When (and how) to approach the school — and why restraint can sometimes help - How to support your child with empathy and validation, without rushing to “fix” it This episode will help you navigate one of parenting’s hardest moments–knowing that your child has been hurt by peers–with compassion and clarity. 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: bullying, middle school, social dynamics, teen anxiety, friendship 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

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.

Discover the intricate link between anxiety and sleeplessness in teens. Learn why puberty shifts sleep cycles, and when nighttime worries become concerning. Explore practical strategies to calm racing minds before bed, like writing down worries and establishing soothing rituals. Understand the importance of normalizing anxiety for adolescents, reassuring them that feeling anxious is part of growing up. This insightful dialogue offers parents tools to help their kids create healthier sleep habits and tackle worries head-on.

Navigating conversations about alcohol and marijuana with teens can be daunting. Experts discuss the importance of starting these talks early, ideally in seventh grade, while focusing on safety over judgment. They unpack how parents' own substance use can influence their kids’ perceptions. Listeners learn about the risks associated with high-potency marijuana and the complexities of edibles. Practical strategies are offered, including allowing kids to deflect peer pressure using 'parental excuses' to keep communication open and supportive.

How do you get your kids to like each other… or at least stop fighting all the time? If you’re parenting tweens and teens, sibling conflict can feel endless. One moment they’re laughing together, the next they’re at each other’s throats. You want them to grow up valuing each other, but the daily bickering (and your role in it) can leave you wondering: Am I making things WORSE? In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan dig into the complex world of sibling relationships. With warmth, humor, and research-backed insight, they unpack why siblings pull away in adolescence, how parents can support their bond without forcing closeness, and what really matters in the long run. 💡 YOU’LL LEARN: - Why siblings often distance themselves during the tween and teen years - How comparisons and “fairness” struggles can fuel conflict - When parents should step in—and when to step back - Why forced apologies backfire (and what to do instead) - Practical ways to build connection through one-on-one time and family experiences - Why taking the long view helps parents worry less about today’s fights Sibling relationships are complicated, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Dr. Lisa offers strategies that are both realistic and compassionate, helping you set the stage for healthier family dynamics now and stronger sibling bonds later. 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: sibling rivalry, sibling conflict, teen conflict, family dynamics, parenting tips, sibling relationships 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