Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

If the biggest fight in your house this week was about the phone, you’re in good company. Here’s the surprise. According to psychologist Dr. Peter Gray, the phone may not be what’s stressing your teen out most. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I talk with Dr. Gray, author of Restoring Childhood, about what’s driving the rise in teen anxiety, why cracking down on screens often backfires, and what helps teens grow into confident, capable adults.

When we’re worried, most of us reach for more control. Tighter limits, more rules, the phone in a basket by 9 p.m. It makes sense. But when teens feel distrusted and boxed in, they push back harder or stop telling us what’s going on. The good news is that a few shifts in how you talk and how much you trust your teen can ease the tension and bring them back to you.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN

• Why Dr. Gray believes school stress, more than smartphones, drives much of the rise in teen anxiety and depression
• What it means that teen mental health symptoms climb each fall and drop over summer
• Why restricting your teen after they share something hard teaches them to hide problems
• One curious question to ask instead of criticizing screen habits
• How small, manageable setbacks build real resilience
• What “apprenticeship adulthood” is and how to shift to adult-to-adult advice in the teen years

“The primary task of growing up is to not need your parents anymore.” Dr. Peter Gray

👉 Screen fights are rarely about the screen. Underneath is the fear that you’re losing your teen, or that they won’t be ready for life without you. What helps is a relationship where your teen keeps talking to you and keeps growing more capable. Inside the Parenting Teens Academy, I show you how to build it step by step, and I answer your questions every day. See how it works

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Debunking the Smartphone Myth
02:14 The Research on Social Media and Mental Health
04:20 Why the US Has a Teen Anxiety Crisis
08:01 The Impact of Educational Policies like Common Core
14:01 School Stress and Its Connection to Teen Mental Health
17:59 Overdiagnosis and the Myth of Fragile Kids
21:58 Building Resilience Through Experience
27:47 Parenting as a Relationship, Not a Job
34:00 Fostering Independence in Teenagers
38:07 Chores, Responsibility, and Contributing to Family
44:02 Changing Parenting Mindsets for Better Outcomes
47:58 Conclusion: Restoring Childhood and Independence

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @drcamcaswell
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Parenting Teens Academy

CONNECT WITH DR. PETER GRAY

• Substack: Play Makes Us Human
• Book: Restoring Childhood

🎧 Enjoying the show? Leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the support they need.
🔔 Follow the show so you never miss a new episode.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

This week, ask your teen, “Is there something you’d love to do that you’re not doing right now?” Then just listen. Share what they said in the comments.

Teen ignoring you mid-sentence, tuning out your reminders, or answering your whole speech with “What?” Here’s the surprise. It’s rarely disrespect, and it’s rarely about you. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I explain why teens tune parents out, why lectures backfire, and what helps your teen start listening again.

Most of us respond to the blank stare by saying it again, louder and longer. And the more we repeat, the less they hear. Your teen isn’t tuning you out because they don’t love you. Something is making it hard for them to listen, and once you know what it is, you can change it.

This is the final episode of my series, 7 Teen Behaviors Parents Punish That Are Actually Signs of Healthy Development.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The three real reasons your teen won’t listen (and why none of them is disrespect)
• How the developing teen brain handles stacked instructions, and why stress makes it worse
• Why lectures trigger self-protection in the first few seconds
• The 30-second rule for getting your one point across
• Why fewer requests make each one carry more weight
• How to get your teen to listen by asking one simple question first

The goal isn’t to get your teen to hear every word. It’s to be the person they can hear when it counts.

👉 Shorter talks will help with the dishes. But the real fear is the day it’s not about dishes anymore. It’s a party, a car, a friend you don’t trust, and you need them to hear you. Whether they do comes down to something you build long before that moment. Inside the Parenting Teens Academy, I show you how to build it step by step, and I answer your questions every day. See how it works

Chapters:
00:00 Before we start
01:03 Why your teen won’t listen
03:11 Why repeating and punishing backfire
03:57 Tuning out is healthy development
04:24 Reason 1: Overload
05:08 Reason 2: Self-defense against lectures
06:15 Reason 3: Feeling unheard
07:33 The one question to ask instead
08:06 Keep it short: the 30-second rule
09:03 Ask less
09:49 Listen first, then talk
10:30 When old habits come back
11:20 Be the voice they hear when it counts

THE SERIES

This episode is part of the series 7 Teen Behaviors Parents Punish That Are Actually Signs of Healthy Development.

• Episode 269: Attitude
• Episode 271: Refusing to do chores
• Episode 273: Arguing about everything
• Episode 275: Acting entitled
• Episode 277: Making risky and bad choices
• Episode 280: Keeping secrets
• Episode 308: Not listening (you’re here)

Connect with Dr. Cam Caswell:

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @drcamcaswell
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Parenting Teens Academy

🎧 Enjoying the show? Leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the support they need.
🔔 Follow the show so you never miss a new episode.

About the show: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

What’s one request you’re willing to let go of this week?

Middle schooler won't listen, won't cooperate, or won't get out of bed without a fight? Here's the surprise. That same kid is often engaged, funny, and working hard in a great teacher's classroom. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, veteran middle school teacher Sean Kane shares what great teachers know about getting middle schoolers to cooperate, and how you can use it at home.

Most of us treat the middle school years like bad weather. We keep our heads down and wait for it to pass. Sean thinks that's the biggest missed opportunity we have. After 14 years in the classroom, time as a dean of students, and raising three sons, he's seen that middle schoolers don't change because of more criticism or bigger consequences. They change when they start to feel capable.

In this episode you'll learn:
1. Why your middle schooler seems like a different person, and what's going on underneath
2. How comparison and constant correction feed a deficit mindset
3. Why middle schoolers need more praise, not less
4. How to stack small wins (and why a 71% clean room is progress)
5. Why reflective questions work better than lectures
6. How to step back so your teen learns "I can figure this out"

👉 Want your middle schooler to cooperate without the daily battles? Parenting Teens Academy gives you a step-by-step plan to rebuild connection and strengthen your influence, plus you can ask me questions directly every day. Join here: https://www.skool.com/parenting-teens-academy/about

Chapters:
00:00 Why middle school is the most misunderstood age
01:12 Why Sean Kane chose to teach middle school
04:34 Puberty and the emotional side of middle school
07:18 How comparison creates a deficit mindset
10:37 What great teachers know about middle schoolers
13:33 How small wins build self-efficacy
16:07 Why praise matters more in middle school, not less
18:24 Why parents struggle to let go of punishment
21:50 Why boundaries only work with trust
24:23 Why success is the best consequence
27:04 How reflection builds self-awareness
30:07 How to stop overfunctioning for your teen
33:06 Responding to emotional and behavior struggles
36:37 How to build collaboration with your middle schooler
40:19 Why teens need to feel seen
43:12 The power of authentic connection
47:30 From punishment to relationship-based discipline
50:32 Where to find Sean Kane

Resources mentioned:
Dr. Shefali Tsabary's work on conscious parenting
Autopilot, Sean's upcoming course: growthmindsetparenting.com

Connect with Sean Kane:
Website and newsletter: growthmindsetparenting.com
Instagram: @growthmindsetparenting
TikTok: @growthmindsetparenting

Connect with Dr. Cam Caswell:
Website: www.askdrcam.com
Instagram: @drcamcaswell
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

🎧 Enjoying the show? Leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the support they need.
🔔 Follow the show so you never miss a new episode.

About the show: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

What's one thing your middle schooler did right this week?

When a teen gets defiant or starts with the back talk, most of us push harder. More rules, louder voice, fewer explanations. And the harder we push, the further they pull away or shut down completely.

👉 Want to stay in charge without the yelling? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents trade shouting for calm, earn their teen's respect, and go from walking on eggshells to enjoying their teen again. Try it free for 7 days at https://www.askdrcam.com/academy

José Rolón, known as NYC Gay Dad, raised his son and twin daughters as a single dad for ten years. He's the first LGBTQ dad on the cover of Parents Latina and co-host of the Love Take Two podcast. In this episode, he shares how he stays strict and fair without the yelling.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO:

• Find the one setting where a teen who won't talk finally opens up
• Understand the real reason your disrespectful teen goes from 0 to 100
• Know what to say instead of "because I said so" when defiance hits
• Use the one thing that earns your teen's respect faster than stricter rules

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• José Rolón: @NYCGayDad
• Love Take Two podcast

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Thanks for listening. See you next week!

Dr. Cam

"I'm only trying to help, but every question makes my teen go quieter."

When your teen won't talk, what looks like defiance may be a sign they don't feel heard. The harder we push, fix, or force connection, the further they often pull away or shut down.

👉 Want your teen to open up to you again? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn what to say when their teen shuts down, trade guessing for calm, and go from walking on eggshells to enjoying their teen again. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Martin, Chief Operating Officer of the Born This Way Foundation, co-founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta. Rachel shares what teens need to feel safe opening up, and how to change the conversation starting today.

If your teen's silence comes with signs of hopelessness or talk of self-harm, reach out to a mental health professional right away. In the US, call or text 988 anytime.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN

• Why your teen shuts down when you try to help
• The one thing missing when a packed schedule still feels lonely
• What to do instead of forcing connection when screen time spikes
• How talks about mental health can weaken or rebuild trust

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Why teens go quiet, with Rachel Martin
• 02:03 Inside the Born This Way Foundation
• 04:41 The social connection challenge for teens
• 06:23 Why every teen's social life looks different
• 08:57 What third spaces are and why teens need them
• 11:34 Low-pressure places where teens connect
• 14:36 When cost gets in the way
• 15:29 How unsafe environments affect teens
• 22:50 Building connection at home
• 26:34 Why teens need a trusted adult
• 28:57 How to talk openly about mental health
• 30:20 Making it a two-way relationship
• 31:50 Key takeaway: community and curiosity
• 32:31 How to connect with Rachel and the foundation

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Be There Certificate
• Born This Way Foundation
• Kindness in Community Fund
• Ryan Bartel Foundation
• Lambert House
• https://www.jack.org
• Hopelab

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Thanks for listening. See you next week!

Dr. Cam

Is your teen hiding things from you? It can feel like the tighter we hold on, the faster they pull away. Strict rules, phone bans, and grounding can seem like the safest way to protect our teens. But often they just teach teens to hide things better.

👉 Want to stay close without the power struggles? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to loosen control without losing their footing, keep their teen talking, and become the safe place their teen keeps coming back to. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Zara Kadir, a child, adolescent, and family psychotherapist, parenting coach, and mom of two. Zara explains why teens don't dislike us, they dislike having an agenda pushed into every interaction. We talk about why taking the phone often backfires, what to say instead of an automatic "no," and how to respond to mistakes so your teen keeps telling you the truth.

Your job isn't to stop your teen from making mistakes. It's to be the person they call when they do. Teens need a safe home base, a place they can explore from and always come back to.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why teens hide things from their parents, and what works better than more rules
• What to say instead of an automatic "no"
• Why taking the phone away often backfires, and how to work together instead
• How to respond to mistakes so your teen keeps telling you the truth
• How to rebuild trust if you've been leaning on control

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Meet Zara Kadir
• 02:47 What parents get wrong about teens
• 05:01 Why overprotecting teens backfires
• 07:02 How to change course as a parent
• 09:39 Parenting in the digital age
• 12:18 Supporting your teen's identity and exploration
• 15:24 Handling teen behavior without overreacting
• 18:09 How the teen brain makes decisions
• 20:09 Supporting teens through mistakes
• 22:09 Creating a safe space to explore
• 23:10 Balancing freedom and connection
• 24:22 Owning your parenting mistakes
• 25:00 The power of a thoughtful response
• 26:19 Understanding teen brain development
• 27:23 Teaching respect and empathy online
• 28:09 How to start changing your relationship
• 29:08 Getting into your teen's interests
• 30:09 Why the relationship comes first
• 31:04 Collaborative parenting and dialogue
• 32:00 Resources and final tips

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Zara's courses on awkward conversations (puberty, periods, porn, and more): use code CAM for 20% off

CONNECT WITH ZARA KADIR

• Instagram: @thetherapyshed

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Have you ever blamed your teen's eye rolls, impulsive choices, or big reactions on their "underdeveloped brain"? The teen brain keeps developing into the mid-20s, but that doesn't mean teens can't make good decisions. In fact, adolescence is one of the most important times for them to practice.

👉 Want discipline that teaches instead of backfires? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to set limits without punishment, stay calm when their teen messes up, and raise a teen who comes to them instead of hiding. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author with Dr. Dan Siegel of The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline. We talk about what brain science can teach us about raising teens, why punishment can lead teens to hide their mistakes instead of learning from them, and why connection is the foundation for discipline, trust, and independence.

If you want to understand what's happening inside your teen's brain and respond in ways that help them grow, this episode gives you practical, science-backed strategies.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• What teen brain development means for decision-making, empathy, impulse control, and responsibility
• Why punishment and fear can lead teens to hide mistakes instead of learning from them
• How to give your teen safe chances to practice decision-making and build independence
• Why connection and secure attachment are the foundation for trust and better behavior
• The four S's of secure attachment: safe, seen, soothed, and secure

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 What brain science teaches us about teens
• 01:10 Parenting teens with understanding and empathy
• 02:43 How brain development affects teen behavior
• 04:09 Myths about brain maturity and responsibility
• 08:48 The prefrontal cortex in teens
• 11:59 Why practice builds skills
• 16:22 How to scaffold and support your teen
• 22:45 Mistakes and repair as learning
• 32:48 Building trust and secure attachment
• 44:55 Why relationship matters more than rules

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Dr. Dan Siegel
• No-Drama Discipline by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Dr. Dan Siegel
• The Power of Showing Up by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Dr. Dan Siegel
• The Way of Play by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent
• The Four S's of Secure Attachment: Safe, Seen, Soothed, Secure

CONNECT WITH DR. TINA PAYNE BRYSON

• Website: https://www.tinabryson.com
• Instagram: @tinapaynebryson

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Does it feel like you're talking to a wall? You ask, remind, repeat, and still nothing. It's easy to decide your teen is being defiant. But often, something else is going on.

👉 Tired of repeating yourself? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to get through without nagging, stay calm instead of reactive, and get their teen talking and listening again. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. R.J. Ledet, a psychiatrist trained in pediatrics, adult psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry, a Navy veteran, and co-founder of The 15 White Coats. We talk about why teens tune us out, how our stress shortens our fuse, and why so much of the disrespect we dislike starts with what teens hear at home.

The fix isn't stricter rules. It's pausing before we react, building responsibility step by step, and getting curious about how our teen thinks, not how we think they should.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why your teen isn't ignoring you on purpose
• The simple pause that keeps you from reacting and lecturing
• Why modeling teaches more than lectures, and where disrespect comes from
• How asking your teen to define "respect" helps your expectations land
• How to build responsibility step by step instead of all at once

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 The challenges of parenting teens today
• 02:10 Meet Dr. R.J. Ledet
• 03:51 Common mistakes parents make with teens
• 06:00 Why self-awareness matters in parenting
• 08:06 Parenting under stress
• 10:01 The developmental stages of kids and teens
• 12:09 How your own upbringing shapes your parenting
• 14:01 Modeling and communication at home
• 16:02 Social media and screens
• 18:12 Building trust and connection with teens
• 19:58 Taking responsibility and caring for yourself
• 22:04 The power of pausing
• 24:00 Managing expectations and responsibility
• 26:01 Love, respect, and understanding
• 27:59 From control to connection
• 29:56 Final thoughts and key takeaways

CONNECT WITH DR. R.J. LEDET

• Instagram: @DrRussellLedet
• Organization: The 15 White Coats

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Stop Overparenting: What Your Teen Actually Needs to Thrive | John Fogle

Are you constantly worrying about your teen's grades, screen time, choices, or attitude? It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff when you're trying to set your teen up for success. But some of the things parents work hardest to control may actually get in the way of the skills teens need most.

In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with parenting researcher, data analyst, and author John Fogle to explore what really matters when raising teens. Together, they discuss why overprotecting teens can increase anxiety, how age-appropriate independence builds resilience, and why a strong parent-teen relationship is more protective than constant rules and monitoring. If you're exhausted from trying to keep your teen on the "right" path, this episode will help you step back from fear-based parenting and focus on raising a capable, confident adult who knows they can always come to you when things go wrong.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

Why focusing too much on grades, screens, and minor behavior can distract from what your teen actually needs

How overprotecting and controlling teens can unintentionally increase anxiety and reduce resilience

Why age-appropriate freedom, risk, and mistakes are essential for developing confidence and problem-solving skills

How to become the parent your teen trusts enough to call when they're in trouble

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Don't keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫

🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Punishment Free Parenting by John Fogle

Whole Parent Membership Platform: myparentlab.com

Whole Parent Academy: wholeparentacademy.com

Whole Parent Podcast

The Danish Way of Parenting by Jessica Joelle Alexander

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: John Fogle

Website: wholeparentacademy.com

Membership: myparentlab.com

Instagram: @WholeParent

Facebook: @WholeParent

TikTok: @WholeParent

YouTube: Whole Parent

Podcast: Whole Parent Podcast

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: askdrcam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

TikTok: @the.teen.translator

YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Parenting Priorities

00:27 Meet John Fogle: Parenting Researcher and Author

01:20 Why We Overfocus on Small Stuff

02:20 The Role of Grades in Teen Anxiety

03:09 Success and Happiness Beyond Academic Achievements

04:04 The Myth of Boundaries and Rules

05:03 What Really Matters in Teen Development

05:59 Parents' Goals for Their Kids at Different Ages

06:29 Parenting for the Long Term

07:29 The Value of Diverse Experiences

09:14 The Power of Relationships and Communication

11:28 Parenting Beyond Control: The Ecosystem of Support

13:54 The Impact of Societal Changes on Teen Mental Health

16:44 Historical Lessons: The Great Leap Forward and Sparrows

18:34 The Cost of Overprotection and Control

20:47 Building Trust and Resilience in Teens

23:31 The Reality of Teen Screen Use and Digital Skills

26:57 The Decline of Autonomy and Its Effects

29:36 The Power of Parental Relationship and Support

33:26 Teen Behavior: Normal Developmental Challenges

36:27 The Importance of Community and Support Networks

38:15 Parenting as a Long-Term Investment

40:10 Simple, Effective Parenting Strategies

42:49 Listening to Teens and Building Trust

44:58 The Value of Risk and Resilience

48:49 Real-Life Examples of Risk and Growth

50:31 Final Words of Wisdom for Parents

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth.

Whether you're struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenResilience #Overparenting

Are you constantly battling your teen over their phone? With worries about screen time, social media, and teen mental health everywhere, taking the phone away can feel like the only way to protect them. But what if the phone isn't the root of the problem?

👉 Tired of fighting about phones? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to set phone limits without the daily battles, stay calm when their teen pushes back, and get their teen talking to them again. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a school psychologist, therapist, nervous system regulation expert, and author of The Dysregulated Kid. We talk about why teens turn to their phones to escape uncomfortable feelings, why restricting screen time alone doesn't teach healthy coping skills, and how calm, clear boundaries and connection help teens build emotional resilience.

If phones have become a constant source of conflict in your home, this episode gives you a different approach, one that focuses on what's driving the behavior, not just the screen.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why your teen's phone use may be a sign of stress and dysregulation, not the real problem
• How your own calm shapes the way your teen responds to boundaries and conflict
• Why connection and clear boundaries work better than surveillance and constant restrictions
• The Love Pause, a three-second habit that stops phone fights before they start
• Practical ways to help your teen build healthier coping skills than scrolling

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Why phones feel like the enemy
• 02:01 How teens use phones to cope, and the risks
• 04:06 How phones affect sleep and emotional health
• 07:10 Passive scrolling and emotional dysregulation
• 09:53 Rising mental health struggles and what dysregulation looks like
• 15:00 Setting phone boundaries that work
• 19:59 Why teens need space and independence
• 25:11 Why surveillance backfires, and how to build trust
• 30:01 Teaching teens to handle technology and online predators
• 35:12 Why your calm matters most
• 39:58 The Love Pause and other calming strategies
• 42:03 How to connect with Dr. Roseann

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The Dysregulated Kid: A Practical Playbook by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
• Regulation First Parenting
• The CALMS System
• The Love Pause

CONNECT WITH DR. ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE

• Website: https://drroseann.com
• Program: Regulation First Parenting

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Why does your teen trigger you so fast? One eye roll, one tone, and suddenly you're reacting in ways you swore you never would. It's easy to focus on changing your teen's behavior. But many of us carry wounds from our own childhood that shape how we respond to conflict, criticism, and connection with our teens.

👉 Want to stay calm when your teen pushes your buttons? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to respond instead of react, repair after hard moments, and build the secure relationship they wish they'd had. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Eli Harwood, a licensed therapist, attachment expert, and bestselling author known as Attachment Nerd. We talk about how generational trauma repeats itself in families, why secure attachment doesn't require perfect parenting, and how balancing softness with sturdiness helps teens grow into confident, independent adults.

The good news: you don't have to get it right every time. You have to be willing to repair.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How wounds from your own childhood show up when your teen triggers you
• Why secure attachment comes from softness and sturdiness, not perfection
• Why you only need to get it right some of the time
• How to repair after you lose it, and why the U-turn matters
• How to stop repeating generational patterns, and where to find support

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 What attachment means for parents of teens
• 02:58 Why we have to deal with our own stuff
• 06:05 Letting go of shame in parenting
• 08:58 When parents lean on teens for their emotional needs
• 12:00 Hearing feedback from your teen
• 14:59 How defensiveness hurts the relationship
• 17:57 Building trust with your teen
• 22:09 How to respond instead of react
• 24:37 Why teens need both structure and nurture
• 26:56 Keeping trust and connection strong
• 29:12 Understanding teen development
• 32:22 Embracing the messiness of adolescence
• 34:51 Why parents need community
• 37:12 Finding support and healing
• 39:11 The power of connection and attachment

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• How to Deal with Your Sh*t So Your Kids Don't Have To by Eli Harwood
• Securely Attached by Eli Harwood
• Attachment Nerd Secure Parent Program

CONNECT WITH ELI HARWOOD

• Website: https://attachmentnerd.com
• Instagram: @AttachmentNerd
• Facebook: @AttachmentNerd
• YouTube: Attachment Nerd

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Do conversations with your teen often turn into arguments, silence, or frustration? Many of us try to help by giving advice, solving problems, or closely managing our teen's life. But those well-meant efforts can push teens away.

👉 Ready to stop the power struggles? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to step back without checking out, listen instead of lecture, and become the person their teen wants to come to. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with JoAnn Crohn, a certified parent coach, bestselling author, and host of the No Guilt Mom podcast. We talk about why overparenting is often driven by fear, how curiosity builds more connection than control, and why your own happiness as a parent matters more than you might think.

If you're ready to stop the power struggles and build a relationship where your teen wants to come to you, this episode is full of practical strategies and eye-opening insights.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How overparenting and anxiety can push your teen away
• Why curiosity builds trust faster than lectures
• How to validate your teen's feelings without trying to fix every problem
• Simple ways to encourage independence while strengthening your relationship
• Why your own happiness plays a bigger role than you think

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 The parent-teen dynamic
• 02:54 Why your happiness matters
• 06:00 Handling pressure and expectations as a parent
• 08:52 How overparenting backfires
• 12:00 Managing emotions and validating your teen
• 15:01 Social media in teen life
• 22:48 Bullying and social media
• 24:30 A parent's role in digital safety
• 26:39 Why teens need connection in a digital age
• 29:57 Building trust and communication with teens
• 32:43 Observing vs. instructing
• 36:38 Encouraging independence and curiosity
• 41:49 Handling relationship misunderstandings

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The Best Mom Is a Happy Mom by JoAnn Crohn
• No Guilt Mom Podcast

CONNECT WITH JOANN CROHN

• Website: https://www.noguiltmom.com
• Instagram: @NoGuiltMom
• Podcast: No Guilt Mom

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Parenting Anxious Teens: How to Build Confidence Instead of Fear | Dana Colthart

Does your teen avoid challenges, shut down under pressure, or constantly seek reassurance? It can be hard to know whether they're simply nervous or struggling with anxiety—and many of the ways parents naturally try to help can actually make anxiety worse.

In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with licensed clinical social worker Dana Colthart, who specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, panic disorders, and eating disorders, to discuss practical strategies for supporting anxious teens. Together, they explain why avoidance strengthens anxiety, how parents can validate their teen's fears without reinforcing them, and what it really takes to build resilience and confidence. If you're tired of watching your teen struggle and wondering how to help without making things worse, this episode offers expert guidance and actionable tools.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

How to recognize when your teen's anxiety has become avoidance—and why that matters

Why reassurance and accommodation often make teen anxiety worse instead of better

How to validate your teen's fears while helping them build confidence through discomfort

Simple parenting strategies that support resilience without increasing anxiety

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Don't keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫

🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Cognitive Diffusion

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dana Colthart

Website: https://www.danacolthart.com/

Practice: Clear Light Therapy New Jersey

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: askdrcam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

TikTok: @the.teen.translator

YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Teen Anxiety and Avoidance

02:54 The Role of Diagnosis in Treatment

05:42 Identifying and Addressing Avoidance Behaviors

08:36 Mistakes Parents Make in Supporting Anxious Teens

11:20 The Importance of Communication and Support

14:18 Navigating Self-Defeating Thoughts

17:02 The Power of Diffusion Techniques

20:02 Building Patience and Understanding

22:46 Managing Urgency and Expectations

25:32 Creating a Safe Space for Recovery

28:30 The Role of Parental Support in Treatment

31:23 Final Thoughts and Resources

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth.

Whether you're struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenAnxiety #MentalHealth

Talking to your teen about sex is one of the conversations we dread most. But avoiding it can leave teens turning to friends, social media, or porn for answers. So how do you have an honest conversation without making everyone want to disappear?

👉 Want your teen to come to you with the hard questions? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn what to say in awkward moments, stay calm when the topic gets uncomfortable, and become the person their teen trusts with the big stuff. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Amy Lang, M.A., a sexuality educator, parent educator, and author of Sex Talks with Tweens. Amy shares how to swap fear and awkwardness for confidence and connection, and how to talk about consent, porn, LGBTQ+ support, body autonomy, and sexual health in ways teens can hear.

Whether you're wondering when to start these conversations or how to recover after saying the wrong thing, this episode will help you build trust and prepare your teen for healthy relationships and safer choices.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why preparing your teen for healthy relationships works better than trying to prevent sex
• How to talk about consent, porn, birth control, and healthy sexuality without shame
• Why short, frequent talks work better than one big talk
• How to recover when you say the wrong thing
• How supporting LGBTQ+ teens and creating a judgment-free home builds safety and trust

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Why talking about sex feels so awkward
• 03:01 Why your values matter in sex education
• 06:00 Preparing teens for healthy relationships
• 08:54 What teens already know, and what they don't
• 11:56 Sexuality and identity exploration
• 14:57 Talking about pleasure and consent
• 17:36 Supporting LGBTQ+ teens
• 20:25 Building trust and connection with your teen
• 23:27 Keeping the conversation open
• 24:12 What to do when it gets awkward
• 27:40 Healthy relationships and consent
• 30:26 Preparing teens for real-life situations
• 34:38 How porn affects teens
• 38:20 Consent and relationship red flags
• 43:32 Supporting neurodivergent families
• 47:29 Resources for parents and teens

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Sex Talks with Tweens by Amy Lang
• https://amaze.org
• Body Drama by Michele Slee
• Raising Teens Who Talk to You (Happily Family)

CONNECT WITH AMY LANG

• Website: https://birdsandbeesandkids.com
• Instagram: @birdsbeeskids
• Facebook: @birdsandbeeskids
• YouTube: @birdsbeeskids
• Podcast: Just Say This!

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Does it feel like you're always competing with your teen's phone for their attention? Many of us worry that endless scrolling is replacing curiosity, conversation, and family time. But what if getting your teen off their phone isn't about taking it away? What if it's about giving them something better to move toward?

👉 Want your teen to choose time with you over another hour of scrolling? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to set screen limits without the battles, connect through their teen's interests, and get their teen talking to them again. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Ty Allan Jackson, an award-winning children's book author, literacy advocate, and youth motivational speaker. We talk about why phones aren't the real enemy, how to set screen time boundaries without constant conflict, and simple ways to make teens want to spend more time with you.

Ty believes there's no kid who doesn't love to read. There are only kids who haven't found the right book yet. And the same goes for connection.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How to reduce screen time without constant power struggles
• Why connection works better than trying to control phone use
• How to spark curiosity and reading by building on what your teen already loves
• Why asking your teen to teach you something builds confidence and conversation
• Simple ways to set tech boundaries while strengthening your relationship

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Why screens are crowding out curiosity
• 02:54 How reading changed Ty's life
• 05:50 Building connection beyond screens
• 09:00 How to find the right book for your teen
• 11:49 Why relationships open up communication
• 14:55 Setting screen time boundaries
• 18:02 Connecting through your teen's interests
• 21:00 Why joy matters: being a playful parent

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Ty Allan Jackson's books

CONNECT WITH TY ALLAN JACKSON

• Website: https://www.tyallanjackson.com
• Instagram: @TyAllanJackson
• X: @TyAllanJackson
• Facebook: Ty Allan Jackson

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Co-parenting is hard enough when both parents are on the same team. When your co-parent is narcissistic, or turns every parenting decision into a competition, it can leave you exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and worried about your kids.

👉 Feeling like you're holding the whole thing together? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, you'll find calm ways to handle the hard moments, steady support, and a community of parents who get it, so your home can be the safe place your teen needs. Try it free for 7 days (www.skool.com/parenting-teens-academy.)

In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kibby McMahon, CEO of KulaMind and an expert in personality disorders. We talk about why narcissistic co-parents thrive on power struggles, how to stop getting pulled into the drama, and how to protect your kids while keeping your own peace.

If you're tired of defending yourself, feeling manipulated, or wondering how to give your kids stability despite a difficult co-parent, this episode gives you practical tools and some much-needed reassurance.

If you or your kids are ever unsafe, contact local emergency services or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How to recognize narcissistic co-parenting behaviors and avoid endless power struggles
• How the Gray Rock technique helps you respond without escalating conflict
• How to set boundaries and communicate when collaboration feels impossible
• How to protect your kids from unhealthy dynamics and help them build resilience

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Co-parenting with a narcissist
• 01:10 Meet Dr. Kibby McMahon
• 02:50 What narcissism is
• 05:21 Why narcissistic dynamics become a competition
• 09:14 How to stop getting pulled into the fight
• 10:50 The Gray Rock technique explained
• 15:05 Using collaborative communication
• 18:17 Handling different parenting styles
• 20:56 Helping kids navigate two households
• 23:02 Making requests that work
• 25:34 Can kids develop narcissistic traits?
• 28:35 Avoiding the counter-reaction trap
• 30:42 Final advice for parents
• 32:16 Resources and closing thoughts

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Gray Rock communication technique

CONNECT WITH DR. KIBBY MCMAHON

• Website: https://www.kulamind.com
• Instagram: @dr.kibby
• Podcast: A Little Help for Our Friends

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Grief in teens rarely looks the way we expect. Instead of tears and open conversations, it often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, risk-taking, or emotional distance. That can leave us wondering whether our teen is grieving at all, or how to help if they are, especially when we're grieving too.

👉 Trying to hold your teen up while you're running on empty? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, you'll find steady support from me, a community of parents who get it, and calm ways to stay close to your teen through the hardest seasons. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with grief expert and Master Certified Life Coach Krista St. Germain, host of The Widowed Mom Podcast, who knows loss firsthand. We talk about what grief looks like in teens, why some common ways of helping can backfire, how loss affects the brain and body, and how to support your teen while you're carrying your own grief.

Whether your teen is grieving a death, a lost friendship, a major life change, or the losses that come with growing up, this conversation will help you support them with more confidence and compassion.

If your teen's grief comes with signs of hopelessness or talk of self-harm, reach out to a mental health professional right away. In the US, call or text 988 anytime.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why grief in teens often looks like typical teen behavior, and the hidden signs to watch for
• The Dual Process Model of Grief, and why the five stages of grief are outdated
• What to say, and what to avoid saying, to a grieving teen
• How to support your teen while you're grieving too
• How showing your own emotions helps your teen build resilience

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 What grief looks like in teens
• 02:57 Krista's personal story of loss
• 05:51 Outdated beliefs about grief
• 08:53 The Dual Process Model of Grief
• 12:04 When parents are grieving too
• 15:00 Recognizing grief in teenagers
• 17:53 Why grieving together matters
• 18:41 Handling your own emotions as a parent
• 20:00 Supporting grieving kids
• 22:31 Helping kids feel capable through grief
• 24:41 Believing in your teen's resilience
• 26:49 Trusting the process of growth
• 30:42 Finding meaning in hardship

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Dual Process Model of Grief (Stroebe & Schut)
• Post-traumatic growth research
• The Widowed Mom Podcast

CONNECT WITH KRISTA ST. GERMAIN

• Website: https://coachingwithkrista.com
• Podcast: The Widowed Mom Podcast
• Instagram: @lifecoachkrista
• YouTube: Krista St-Germain
• Facebook: Coaching with Krista

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Is your teen struggling with ADHD or anxiety, or with being a teenager? More teens than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. In this episode, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi joins me to talk about when a diagnosis helps and when it gets in the way.

👉 Want to know when to worry and when to breathe? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents learn to respond to their teen with calm and clarity, fight less about grades, phones, and attitude, and get their teen talking to them again. Try it free for 7 days

As parents, we're trying to figure out which mood swings, outbursts, and worries are part of growing up and which ones signal something more serious. Dr. Timimi, author of Searching for Normal, explains why treating everyday teen struggles as disorders can chip away at resilience and confidence. He also shares why a strong relationship with your teen often does more than trying to fix them.

If you're wondering whether therapy, medication, or a diagnosis is the right next step, this conversation will help you think it through with a clear head.

This episode isn't a replacement for professional care. If you're worried about your teen's safety, reach out to a doctor or mental health professional right away. In the US, call or text 988 anytime.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How to tell normal teen behavior from a serious mental health concern
• Why moodiness, worry, and defiance are often part of healthy development
• The hidden risks of over-diagnosing ADHD, anxiety, and depression in teens
• How clinical labels can shape the way teens see themselves
• How to build a resilient teen without overprotecting or over-controlling

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 The rise in teen mental health diagnoses
• 05:41 Are we over-diagnosing normal teen behavior?
• 11:04 Building resilience instead of fixing teens
• 16:25 Why modern parenting runs on fear
• 21:56 How clinical labels shape teen identity

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Searching for Normal by Dr. Sami Timimi

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

CONNECT WITH DR. SAMI TIMIMI

• Website: https://www.samitimimi.co.uk
• Instagram: @dr_samitimimi

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.

If your teenager suddenly seems distant, emotional, or wants nothing to do with you, you’re not failing as a parent — and you’re definitely not alone. In this eye-opening episode of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast, Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Aliyah Singh, Hannah Ticajo, and Caitlin Severin from CultivaTeen Roots to unpack the real reason teens push parents away — and why it’s actually a normal part of adolescent development.

Together, they explore the science behind parenting teens, emotional safety, communication, self-regulation, and healthy family relationships. You’ll learn why controlling behavior often damages connection, how social media impacts parenting expectations, and why the key to raising confident, independent teens is shifting from managing them to supporting them. This conversation is packed with practical parenting strategies to help parents reduce conflict, strengthen trust, improve communication with teenagers, and rediscover joy in the teen years.

If you’re exhausted by constant power struggles, worried about losing connection with your child, or wondering how to support your teen without pushing them further away, this episode will give you hope, clarity, and actionable tools you can start using immediately.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why teens naturally pull away from parents during adolescence — and what it actually means for your relationship
• How emotional safety and nervous system regulation improve communication with teenagers
• The parenting shift that helps teens become more independent, responsible, and emotionally resilient
• Practical ways to build stronger family relationships without control, pressure, or constant conflict

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. Connection Grows Through Presence, Not Pressure

Spending calm, low-pressure time together helps teens feel emotionally safe and more willing to connect naturally.

2. Teens Need Support More Than Control

Shifting from “manager” to “consultant” helps teenagers build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills.

3. Regulated Parents Create Safer Relationships

Parents who practice self-regulation model emotional safety and help reduce tension and conflict at home.

4. Reflective Listening Builds Trust

Teens open up more when parents listen without interrogating, fixing, or immediately offering advice.

5. The Teen Years Shape Long-Term Family Relationships

How parents respond during adolescence strongly impacts future adult relationships with their children.

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Don’t keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps us create even more episodes filled with practical parenting strategies and encouragement for families raising teens.

Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫

🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Listeners can use the code CONNECT to get 20% off of our foundational online course, Making AdoleSense.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS

Aliyah Singh, Hannah Ticajo & Caitlin Severin — Cultivate Teen Roots

• Website: Cultivate Teen Roots
• Instagram: @CultivateTeenRoots

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST

Dr. Cam Caswell

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com/
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Joyful Parenting
02:59 Understanding the Challenges of Parenting Teens
05:50 Reframing Connection with Teens
08:42 Shifting from Control to Support
11:21 The Importance of Emotional Safety
14:29 Finding Joy in the Teen Years
17:07 The Role of Curiosity in Parenting
19:56 Navigating Insecurities and Building Trust
22:58 Creating a Safe Space for Communication
25:45 Letting Go of Control and Embracing Change
28:40 Finding Community and Support
31:40 Conclusion and Resources

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build stronger family relationships and support your teen’s emotional growth.

Whether you’re struggling with communication, teenage behavior, emotional outbursts, or parenting stress, each episode provides actionable tools to help parenting teens feel more connected, calm, and rewarding.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #ParentingTeens #FamilyRelationships

How do you raise a confident, resilient, successful teen? Sheinelle Jones interviewed the moms behind some of the most extraordinary people of our time, including Lady Gaga, Serena and Venus Williams, Steph Curry, and the Jonas Brothers, to find out.

👉 Wondering if you're doing this right? Inside Parenting Teens Academy, parents trade second-guessing for confidence, stay present without losing their cool, and build the kind of relationship their teen comes back to as an adult. Try it free for 7 days

In this episode, I sit down with Sheinelle Jones, co-host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle and author of Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans. Here's what stood out: it's not about perfect parenting, strict rules, or doing everything "right." It's about presence, trust, and knowing what matters most in the moments that feel hardest.

We talk about what these moms did differently, the biggest regrets they shared (especially around screen time), and why your teen not appreciating you right now doesn't mean you're failing. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" this episode will bring you clarity, perspective, and a whole lot of relief.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• The surprising traits that moms of highly successful people share
• Why presence matters more than perfection, and what that looks like with teens today
• The biggest parenting regrets, and how to course-correct now
• Why your teen's lack of appreciation is normal, and what it says about your relationship
• What it means to fight for your joy, even in hard seasons

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Why parents question themselves more than ever
• 02:51 What moms of extraordinary people did differently
• 05:48 The power of presence and community
• 08:58 Letting go of perfect parenting
• 11:58 Fighting for your joy and building resilience
• 14:52 Raising teens in a digital age, and screen time regrets
• 17:51 What motherhood teaches us

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans by Sheinelle Jones

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

CONNECT WITH SHEINELLE JONES

• Show: Today with Jenna & Sheinelle
• Profile: NBC Insider
• Instagram: @sheinelle_o

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• Parenting Teens Academy

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

⭐ If this episode helped, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a rating and review. It helps other parents find the show.

🔔 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.