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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 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: 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 Jack.org Hopelab   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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: 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: TinaBryson.com Instagram: @tinapaynebryson   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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: 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: DrRoseann.com Program: Regulation First Parenting   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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: AttachmentNerd.com Instagram: @AttachmentNerd Facebook: @AttachmentNerd YouTube: Attachment Nerd CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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: NoGuiltMom.com Instagram: @NoGuiltMom Podcast: No Guilt Mom   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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 Amaze.org Body Drama by Michele Slee Raising Teens Who Talk to You (Happily Family)   CONNECT WITH AMY LANG Website: BirdsAndBeesAndKids.com Instagram: @birdsbeeskids Facebook: @birdsandbeeskids YouTube: @birdsbeeskids Podcast: Just Say This!   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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: TyAllanJackson.com Instagram: @TyAllanJackson X: @TyAllanJackson Facebook: Ty Allan Jackson   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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: KulaMind.com Instagram: @dr.kibby Podcast: A Little Help for Our Friends   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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: CoachingWithKrista.com Podcast: The Widowed Mom Podcast Instagram: @lifecoachkrista YouTube: Krista St-Germain Facebook: Coaching with Krista   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL Website: 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.