Supporting Your Teen Through Love, Heartbreak, and All the Feels

When your teen falls in love for the first time—or goes through their first heartbreak—it can be emotional for everyone. You want to protect them, guide them, and maybe even stop them from getting hurt. But if you're not careful, your good intentions can push them away. In this episode, I’m joined by journalist, professor, and fellow mom Lisa A. Phillips, author of First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak. Lisa shares powerful insight from her personal and professional journey helping teens—and parents—navigate the emotional rollercoaster of young love. If you’re wondering how to talk to your teen about dating, heartbreak, or those “red flag” relationships without causing shutdown or secrecy, this conversation is a must-listen.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why teens hide their relationships—and how to keep the conversation open
• How to support your teen through their first heartbreak without minimizing their pain
• What to say when you’re worried about who your teen is dating
• How sharing your relationship experiences can actually help your teen make better choices

  5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. Validation builds trust: When your teen opens up about a relationship, resist the urge to fix it. Just listen first.
2. Judgment shuts teens down: Even one negative comment can drive their dating life underground.
3. Ask, don’t assume: “Dating” might just mean texting or walking to class together—so ask what it means to them.
4. Help them reflect, not rebel: Instead of telling them who not to date, ask how that person makes them feel.
5. Model real-life lessons: You don’t have to be perfect—just honest. Your own dating history can be a powerful teaching tool.

 

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak by Lisa A. Phillips 🛒 Use Discount Code: RLFANDF30 for 30% off 🔗 Buy the book here

 

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Lisa A. Phillips

• Website: lisaamyphillips.com
• Instagram: @lisaamyphillips18
• Facebook: lisa.a.phillips.73
• LinkedIn: lisa-a-phillips-978a78124

  CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

  EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Teen Relationships: A New Era 02:57 Understanding Parental Fears in Teen Dating 06:03 The Importance of Validating Teen Emotions 09:09 Setting Boundaries: When Teens Want to Date 11:55 Over-Enmeshment: Balancing Relationships and Independence 14:50 Building Self-Worth Beyond Romantic Attention 17:56 Handling Unfavorable Partners: A Delicate Approach 24:22 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Teens 27:33 Understanding Teen Relationships and Parental Influence 30:19 Conflict Resolution in Teen Relationships 33:19 Coping with Breakups: Supporting Teens in Pain 36:59 The Importance of Reflection and Growth 40:19 First Loves: Shaping Future Relationships

 

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