

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

4 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 43min
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.

Jul 15, 2025 • 30min
228: Encore: What Should I Do When Other Parents Host Wild Parties?
Your teen wants to go to a party—but you’re worried about underage drinking, peer pressure, and safety. In this can’t-miss encore, Dr. Lisa & Reena outline how to talk with your teen about parties, risks, and consequences—without shutting down the conversation.
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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: teen parties, underage drinking, teen safety, parenting teens, peer pressure, house parties, high school social life, risky behavior prevention
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 8, 2025 • 37min
227: Encore: The Power of Belonging with Special Guest Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble
Social isolation, loneliness, and friendship struggles are all too common in middle and high school. Celebrated psychologist & author Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to help kids feel connected and valued—at home, at school, and in their communities.
Learn more about Dr. Alfiee here: https://dralfiee.com/
To learn more about the AAKOMA Project, visit: https://aakomaproject.org/
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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: teen loneliness, social anxiety, middle school friendships, teen mental health, inclusivity, parenting diverse kids, sense of belonging, emotional support for teens
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 1, 2025 • 30min
226: Encore: What Should I Do With Dicey Information About Other People’s Kids?
Navigating the tricky terrain of teen friendships, the discussion centers on how to handle sensitive information about peers. Balancing trust and safety, Dr. Lisa and Reena address the challenges of intervening when a teen reveals risky behavior. They emphasize the significance of empathy and adult guidance without overstepping boundaries. Organization and tools like Skylight calendars are introduced to help manage busy family lives, while the emotional burdens teens carry are also explored, highlighting the importance of proper support.

7 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 32min
225: Encore: Should I Let My Son Spend All His Free Time Playing Video Games?
Is your teen's gaming habit a battlefield or a bridge? Discover the surprising benefits of video games as social tools that can foster connections and learning. Hear about the balance between online gaming and real-life interactions, plus strategies to prevent tech-induced anxiety. Explore the importance of diverse friendships and interests for holistic growth while maintaining family engagement. Finally, get tips on creating healthier gaming environments to support your child's development.

Jun 17, 2025 • 34min
224: Encore: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence"
Discover the emotional complexities faced by teen boys as they navigate societal pressures and masculinity. Delve into the vital role of father-son relationships in fostering emotional awareness and identity. Explore how media influences conversations about adolescent challenges, and learn the importance of setting healthy tech boundaries. The discussion also highlights the interconnected experiences of boys and girls facing toxic content, emphasizing the need for supportive role models to guide them through turbulent times.

4 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 40min
223: Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma
Dr. Sue Varma, a New York City psychiatrist and author of "Practical Optimism," shares valuable insights on nurturing resilience in tweens and teens. She discusses the four pillars of mental well-being and the art of modeling emotional strength. Listeners learn techniques for combating anxiety, the importance of self-compassion, and the transformative power of visualization. Varma emphasizes seeking fulfillment beyond work and highlights the importance of healthy relationships and optimism in parenting for overall mental health.

14 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 32min
222: The Summer of Building Independence
Summer is a perfect time for parents to turn their kids into independent superstars! Explore techniques that empower kids with life skills, from laundry to public transport. Discover the game-changing 'doing for, doing with, standing by to admire' method that transforms chores into confidence-boosting opportunities. Learn how to avoid negotiation battles and instill responsibility at home. This insight will help raise self-sufficient and resilient kids who take pride in contributing to family life.

May 27, 2025 • 32min
221: Encore: What’s the Best Way for My Teen to Handle a Mean “Friend”?
Tackling the tricky world of teen friendships, the hosts dive into how to support kids facing mean peers. They discuss the importance of empathy and communication, as well as recognizing the transition from friendship to bullying. Strategies for navigating middle school dynamics and societal pressures are shared, emphasizing resilience and assertiveness. The conversation also highlights how parents can empower their teens to handle toxic relationships while balancing oversight with independence, especially in the age of social media.

10 snips
May 20, 2025 • 43min
220: How to Stay Connected When Teens Pull Away. Guests: Gordon Neufeld, PhD & Gabor Maté, MD
Gordon Neufeld, PhD, an expert in attachment, and Gabor Maté, MD, a physician focused on childhood development, share valuable insights on connecting with teens. They discuss the impact of digital culture on adolescent mental health and the importance of nurturing parental relationships. The conversation highlights strategies for fostering emotional bonds and effective communication. Listeners will learn how to balance independence while maintaining a strong familial presence, and the dangers of tech addiction that may undermine those crucial connections.