# 346 Parenting Sensitive Teens

Do you have a teen who feels everything deeply—who’s easily overwhelmed, deeply compassionate, or just needs more downtime than others?Have you ever wondered whether your child’s sensitivity is actually a superpower rather than a weakness? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist, empath, and New York Times bestselling author, joins Colleen O’Grady to explore how parents can understand and support their highly sensitive teens. Dr. Orloff shares how sensitivity and empathy—often misunderstood—are powerful traits that can help teens grow into caring, grounded adults when they have the right support. From defining what it means to be an empath, to setting healthy emotional boundaries, to helping sensitive teens manage overwhelm, Dr. Orloff offers practical wisdom for parents and heartfelt encouragement for anyone raising a deeply feeling child. Together, Colleen and Dr. Orloff discuss how sensitivity can be both a gift and a challenge, and how moms can nurture these qualities without taking on too much themselves. Guest Bio: Dr. Judith Orloff Dr. Judith Orloff is a psychiatrist on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty and a New York Times bestselling author whose books include The Genius of Empathy, The Empath’s Survival Guide, and her newest children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. She specializes in helping highly sensitive people and empaths thrive in an often overwhelming world. Dr. Orloff has spoken at the American Psychiatric Association, Google, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, and TEDx, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Teen Vogue, and Scientific American. Learn more at DrJudithOrloff.com. 🌿 Three Takeaways for Moms 1. Sensitivity is a Strength — Being an empath or highly sensitive teen is not a flaw. With the right understanding, it becomes a gift that fosters compassion, intuition, and creativity. 2. Healthy Empathy Requires Boundaries — Moms and teens alike need to learn the difference between healthy giving and overgiving; empathy is strongest when it includes discernment and self-care. 3. Create Space for Regulation and Connection — Encourage your teen to take breaks, breathe, and find quiet time. When moms model calm and self-awareness, it teaches teens how to manage emotional intensity in healthy ways. Find out more: https://drjudithorloff.com/ Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/judith.orloff.md Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices