
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting
“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” 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
Latest episodes

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.

May 13, 2025 • 31min
219: My Kid is a Hypochondriac. What Can I Do?
Is your child constantly worried about their health, thinking that every minor ache or pain could be a potential medical crisis? Dr. Lisa and Reena dive deep into the world of illness anxiety disorder (aka "hypochondria"), revealing why teens obsess over health symptoms and how parents can compassionately support their anxious kids. Learn expert strategies to distinguish between real medical concerns and anxiety-driven health fears, understand the psychological roots of health obsessions, and discover practical tools to help your child break free from constant worry. From social media's impact on body image to the hidden emotional triggers behind health anxieties, this episode is a must-listen for parents navigating the complex landscape of teen mental health.
We want to hear from you! Share in the comments: Has your child ever struggled with health anxiety, and how did you handle it?
Online illness anxiety course with downloadable workbook.
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“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” 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: hypochondria, illness anxiety disorder, health anxiety, body image, teenage stress, medical fears
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

5 snips
May 6, 2025 • 32min
218: Is it Ever Okay for Me to Yell at My Kids?
Explore the impact of yelling on parent-child dynamics and its long-term consequences. Gain insights into managing stress and recognizing triggers that lead to anger. Learn how to foster a calmer environment and communicate more effectively, even in challenging moments. Discover practical steps to repair relationships after conflicts and navigate misbehavior without losing your cool. This discussion emphasizes the balance between expressing emotions and nurturing a supportive atmosphere for children.

Apr 29, 2025 • 44min
217: Embracing ADHD with Penn and Kim Holderness
Are you struggling to understand ADHD and support your neurodivergent child? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with the Holderness Family, viral content creators who are taking the shame out of ADHD by talking openly about the benefits–and real challenges–that come with the diagnosis. Penn and Kim Holderness dive deep into their personal journey, sharing raw, hilarious, and compassionate insights about living with ADHD, emotional regulation, and building stronger family relationships. We want to hear from you! What's your biggest challenge in supporting a child with ADHD, and what strategy from this episode resonated most with you?ADHD is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHDDuke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD________________“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” 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________________Episode Keywords: the holderness family, penn holderness, kim holderness, adhd, adhd is awesome, neurodiversity, attention disorderShow 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

Apr 22, 2025 • 34min
216: How Do We Get Kids to Stop Fat Shaming?
Are your kids participating in or experiencing fat shaming at school or online? Dr. Lisa and Reena dive deep into the disturbing trend of weight-based bullying among teens. Discover why friends are targeting each other, how social media normalizes harmful body-shaming behaviors, and learn critical strategies that parents can use to support their children. This episode provides essential guidance for navigating body image conversations and protecting teens' mental health. Whether your child might be a victim, bystander, or unknowingly participating in these harmful dynamics, this podcast offers compassionate, actionable advice for families.We want to hear from you! Have you witnessed fat shaming among teens, and how have you addressed it? ________________“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” 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________________Episode Keywords: body shaming, fat shaming, bullying, social media, weight, tiktok, adolescence, body image, teen insecurities, weight-based victimization, adolescent psychologyShow 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

Apr 15, 2025 • 33min
215: Is It Possible to Talk About Feelings Too Much?
Are you drowning in emotional conversations with your teen? In this episode Dr. Lisa and Reena examine the critical line between healthy emotional processing and harmful rumination. They discuss how to support teenagers' mental health without letting feelings dominate, how to redirect emotional spirals, and empower teens to manage their emotions effectively. Whether your child overshares or stays completely closed off, this episode offers compassionate, expert guidance for navigating the complex emotional landscape of the teenage years while building trust and resilience.We want to hear from you! How do you help your teen process difficult emotions without getting stuck?The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents: https://drlisadamour.com/books/the-emotional-lives-of-teenagers/________________“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” 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________________Episode Keywords: teen emotions, anxiety, rumination, emotional regulation, teenage communication, coping skills, self-care, emotional intelligence, social emotional learningShow 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

Apr 8, 2025 • 32min
214: Should I Let My Son Spend All His Free Time Playing Video Games?
“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” 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 Playlist. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen:https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists________________Are video games interfering with your child's social life, or could they be a secret weapon for connection and skill-building? In this episode, Dr. Lisa challenges parents' assumptions about gaming, revealing surprising benefits like spatial skill development and peer socialization while also addressing the critical importance of balancing screen time with real-world interactions. If your child is a gaming enthusiast or you're concerned about screen time, this episode provides nuanced, research-backed guidance for navigating the digital entertainment landscape. We want to hear from you! What's your biggest challenge with your child's video game habits?________________Episode Keywords: video games, socialization, family activities, sports, balance, technology, youth cultureShow 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

Apr 1, 2025 • 33min
213: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence"
This discussion dives into the emotional complexities faced by adolescent boys, particularly in light of societal pressures around masculinity. It highlights a specific case of a 13-year-old grappling with a serious accusation and the impact on familial relationships. The importance of emotional expression is emphasized while navigating middle school challenges and financial literacy. Engaging in fulfilling activities, especially in sports, is noted as vital for identity formation. The conversation also addresses breaking cycles of emotional trauma and the importance of navigating parenting in a digital age.

Mar 25, 2025 • 33min
212: ENCORE: Will Social Media Harm My Kid?
Parents are increasingly concerned about social media's impact on their kids. The hosts discuss when to introduce platforms to tweens and teens. They emphasize setting healthy boundaries and the importance of parental guidance. The conversation explores body image issues, social interactions, and the risks of cyberbullying. Strategies for managing screen time and promoting real-life connections are highlighted. Balancing safety with the fear of social isolation is crucial as families navigate the digital world together.