Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

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

241: Is My Teen Defining Herself by her "Depression"?

October 14, 2025 • 23 mins
Here’s the good news: today’s tweens and teens talk openly about mental health. Here’s the not-so-good news, sometimes they inaccurately diagnose themselves or organize their emerging identities around a diagnosis. So what happens when your child insists they’re depressed, and you’re not sure whether it’s sadness, distress, or something more serious? In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” Dr. Lisa...
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240: Talk to Your Boys: Raising Confident, Caring Young Men

October 7, 2025 • 41 mins
Many boys are struggling, and parents are often left wondering how to reach them. If your tween or teen son seems distant, gives one-word answers, or is spending too much time online, you’re not alone.  In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan sit down with Joanna Schroeder and Christopher Pepper, authors of the book “Talk to Your Boys,” to tac...
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239: AI Companions & Teens: Connection or Concern?

September 30, 2025 • 35 mins
What happens when your tween or teen turns to AI for advice… or even FRIENDSHIP? Today’s kids sometimes experiment with AI chatbots in ways that many parents don’t see coming. While some of their interactions may be harmless, the risks are real. In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the hidden dangers of AI companions, the developmental...
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238: Zyns, Vapes & Teens: What Do Parents Need to Know?

September 23, 2025 • 31 mins
Your teen may already know about Zyns, even if you don’t. These discreet little nicotine pouches are popping up in schools, backpacks, and social media feeds, and many parents are only just starting to hear about them. But what makes Zyns so appealing to kids, and how worried should you be if you find them in your home? In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Nina...
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237: Homesick at College: What Parents Can Do?

September 16, 2025 • 26 mins
Watching your child head off to college is a proud moment. But what happens when the late-night phone calls come, full of tears and homesickness? If your teen or young adult is struggling with the transition, you’re not alone. More and more students are finding the leap to college emotionally overwhelming, and parents are often left wondering: Should I step in, or step back? In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising ...
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236: Dream School: How Do You Find the Right College for Your Teen?

September 9, 2025 • 37 mins
Is the pressure of college admissions overwhelming your family? You’re not alone. Between endless AP classes, campus tours, and the unspoken competition of “where did your kid get in?”, it’s easy for parents to feel consumed by stress and worry. But what if the path to your teen’s success isn’t about getting into the “best” school, but finding the right one? In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr...
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235: No Phones at School. How Do I Help My Kid Cope?

September 2, 2025 • 29 mins
Your teen just found out their school is banning phones, and they’re furious, anxious, or both! What now? If you’re the parent of a tween or teen, you know how quickly a rule about phones can spiral into conflict. Phone bans at school can feel like a loss of freedom for kids and a source of anxiety for everyone. But what if this change could actually strengthen your child’s focus, coping skills, and resilience, while also giving y...
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234: Encore: Confronting Toxic Achievement Culture with Author Jennifer Wallace

August 26, 2025 • 40 mins
Is your teen caught up in the grind culture of overachievement? Author Jennifer Wallace joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to raise kids who feel like they matter, not just when they achieve. This encore episode offers real solutions to help families fight back against toxic stress. “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It”: https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough _____...
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233: Encore: Embracing ADHD with Penn and Kim Holderness

August 19, 2025 • 42 mins
In one of our most heartwarming and hilarious episodes, Penn & Kim Holderness of “The Holderness Family” open up about parenting with ADHD. Together with Dr. Lisa & Reena they share honest advice, practical tips, and permission to embrace neurodiversity with compassion and humor. “ADHD is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD”: https://theholdernessfamily.com/adhd-is-awesome/ Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD: htt...
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232: Encore: Getting into College with Special Guest Rick Clark

August 12, 2025 • 47 mins
College admissions can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Rick Clark, the author of “The Truth About College Admission,” joins Lisa and Reena to break down what matters most in the admissions process and how families can approach it with sanity and strategy. “The Truth About College Admission” Book & Workbook: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/books “The Truth About College Admission” Podcast: https://www.truthab...
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231: Encore: How Do I Parent with an Ex Who Doesn’t Share My Values?

August 5, 2025 • 36 mins
If you're raising kids with an ex who doesn’t see eye to eye with you, Dr. Lisa & Reena offer strategies for reducing conflict, protecting your child, and staying grounded in your own values. Tune in for realistic and practical advice for co-parents navigating different parenting styles. ________________ Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strateg...
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230: Encore: Teens & Sleep with Journalist & Author Lisa L. Lewis

July 29, 2025 • 36 mins
Sleep is the secret weapon every teen needs—but few get enough of it. Lisa L. Lewis, journalist and author of “The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive,” joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to explain why sleep is critical to teen development and how parents can improve their child’s sleep habits, even during the summer. Find “The Sleep-Deprived Teen” book here: https://www.lisal...
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229: Encore: The Science of Managing Emotions with Author Ethan Kross

July 22, 2025 • 40 mins
If you’ve ever wished for a toolkit to manage big teen emotions—or your own—this is the episode for you. Psychologist Dr. Ethan Kross, author of the book “Shift: Managing Your Emotions – So They Don’t Manage You,” shares cutting-edge science on how to “shift” emotional states and regain calm and control, even in stressful moments. Find Dr. Ethan’s book here: https://www.ethankross.com/books/shift ________________ Ask Lisa: The P...
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228: Encore: What Should I Do When Other Parents Host Wild Parties?

July 15, 2025 • 28 mins
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. ________________ Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insi...
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227: Encore: The Power of Belonging with Special Guest Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble

July 8, 2025 • 35 mins
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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226: Encore: What Should I Do With Dicey Information About Other People’s Kids?

July 1, 2025 • 27 mins
Your teen just shared something concerning about a friend. Now what? Dr. Lisa & Reena offer a thoughtful roadmap for what to do when your teen is a “safe person” for their peers—but you’re left holding information about risky behavior. Learn how to protect trust while also protecting teens’ safety. ________________ Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tes...
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225: Encore: Should I Let My Son Spend All His Free Time Playing Video Games?

June 24, 2025 • 29 mins
Your teen's gaming habit might not be all bad. Video games can feel like a battleground for parents—but are they always a negative? In this episode, Dr. Lisa & Reena explore how gaming can help teens connect, learn, and unwind. Learn how to set boundaries without igniting power struggles and how to spot when gaming is helping (or hurting) your child’s development. ________________ Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teen...
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224: Encore: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence"

June 17, 2025 • 31 mins
Raising a teen boy? Dr. Lisa & Reena use the Netflix series Adolescence as a springboard to explore masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and how boys handle pressure in today’s world. Together they explore how adults can support boys as they navigate social media, anger, sadness, and identity. The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents: https://drlisadamour.com/books/the-emotional-...
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223: Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma

June 10, 2025 • 37 mins
How do we help our tweens and teens thrive—even in tough times? Dr. Sue Varma joins Dr.  Lisa & Reena to break down the science of optimism and the four key pillars of mental well-being. You’ll learn how to model emotional strength for your child, build resilience in the face of anxiety and setbacks, and adopt daily habits that boost happiness. The perfect episode for parents looking to reset and reenergize during summer! Find “Pr...
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222: The Summer of Building Independence

June 3, 2025 • 29 mins
Are you tired of doing EVERYTHING for your kids? Use summer as Independence Bootcamp! Dr. Lisa & Reena explore game-changing strategies to empower kids with life skills, from doing laundry to riding public transportation to managing personal appointments. Discover the powerful "doing for, doing with, standing by to admire" technique that turns chores into confidence-building moments. Lisa also shares a strategy that instantly shuts...
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