Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

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

Helping Your Teen Navigate Sex, Relationships, and Growing Up Without Shame
Talking to your teen about sex is one of the conversations many parents dread—but avoiding it can leave teens turning to friends, social media, or pornography for answers. So how do you have honest conversations without making everyone want to disappear?
In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Amy Lang, M.A., sexuality educator, parent educator, and author of Sex Talks with Tweens, to discuss how parents can replace fear and awkwardness with confidence and connection. Amy shares practical strategies for talking about consent, pornography, LGBTQ+ support, body autonomy, and sexual health in ways teens can actually 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 while preparing your teen for healthy relationships and safer decision-making.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
• Why preparing your teen for healthy relationships works better than trying to prevent sexual activity
• How to talk about consent, pornography, birth control, and healthy sexuality without creating shame
• Practical conversation strategies that help teens actually listen—and keep coming back with questions
• How supporting LGBTQ+ teens and creating a judgment-free home improves safety, trust, and emotional wellbeing
 
🎧❤️ 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
Amy Lang
Website: https://birdsandbeesandkids.com
Book: Sex Talks with Tweens
Amaze.org: https://amaze.org
Body Drama by Michele Slee
Raising Teens Who Talk to You (Happily Family)
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:
Amy Lang, M.A.
Website: https://birdsandbeesandkids.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsbeeskids
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsandbeeskids
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@birdsbeeskids
Podcast: Just Say This!
 
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 Navigating Awkward Conversations About Sex
03:01 The Importance of Values in Sexual Education
06:00 Preparing Teens for Healthy Relationships
08:54 Understanding Teenagers' Knowledge and Comfort Levels
11:56 Addressing Sexuality and Identity Exploration
14:57 The Role of Pleasure and Consent in Sexual Education
17:36 Supporting LGBTQ+ Teens and Their Needs
20:25 Building Trust and Connection with Your Teen
23:27 Encouraging Open Dialogue About Sexuality
24:12 Navigating Awkward Conversations
27:40 Understanding Healthy Relationships and Consent
30:26 Preparing for Real-Life Scenarios
34:38 The Impact of Pornography on Youth
38:20 Addressing Consent and Red Flags
43:32 Supporting Neurodivergent Families
47:29 Resources for Parents and Teens
 
ABOUT THE SHOW
The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast https://www.askdrcam.com/parenting-teens-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 #SexEducation #HealthyRelationships
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Shift from preventing sex to preparing your teen for healthy relationships. When parents focus on education instead of fear, teens are more likely to make thoughtful, informed decisions.
Make sex talks short, frequent, and judgment-free. Small conversations over time build trust far better than one overwhelming "big talk."
Teach healthy relationships—not just the mechanics of sex. Help your teen recognize respect, communication, boundaries, and consent before they begin dating.
Don't let pornography become your teen's sex educator. Open conversations about unrealistic expectations, consent, and intimacy give teens healthier perspectives.
Your relationship with your teen is your greatest protective factor. Teens who feel accepted and supported are far more likely to ask questions, seek help, and make safer choices.

Does it feel like you're constantly competing with your teen's phone for their attention? Many parents worry that endless scrolling is replacing curiosity, conversation, and meaningful family connection. But what if getting your teen off their phone isn't about taking technology away—it's about giving them something more engaging to move toward?
In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with award-winning children's book author, literacy advocate, and youth motivational speaker Ty Allan Jackson to explore practical ways parents can help teens rediscover curiosity, build stronger relationships, and develop interests beyond screens. Together, they discuss why phones aren't the real enemy, how to create healthy screen time boundaries without constant conflict, and simple strategies that make teens actually want to spend more time connecting with you. If you're looking for realistic ways to reduce screen time while strengthening your relationship with your teen, this episode is packed with practical, encouraging advice.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
How to reduce teen screen time without creating constant power struggles
Why building connection with your teen is more effective than trying to control their phone use
How to spark curiosity and encourage reading by connecting with your teen's existing interests
Simple ways to create healthy technology boundaries while strengthening your parent-teen relationship
 
🎧❤️ 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
Ty Allan Jackson Website: https://www.tyallanjackson.com
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Ty Allan Jackson
Website: https://www.tyallanjackson.com
Instagram: @TyAllanJackson
Facebook: Ty Allan Jackson
X: @TyAllanJackson
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 Reconnecting with Curiosity: The Challenge of Screens
02:54 The Power of Literacy: A Personal Journey
05:50 Building Connections Beyond Screens
09:00 Finding the Right Book: A Path to Engagement
11:49 Fostering Relationships: The Key to Communication
14:55 Balancing Screen Time: Setting Boundaries
18:02 Leveraging Interests: Making Connections Through Play
21:00 The Importance of Joy: Being a Playful Parent
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 #ScreenTime #TeenParenting

Co-parenting is challenging enough when both parents are working together. But when you're dealing with a narcissistic co-parent—or someone who constantly turns parenting into a competition—it can leave you feeling exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and worried about your child's well-being.
In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kibby McMahon, CEO of Kula Mind and expert in personality disorders, to discuss practical strategies for navigating one of the most difficult parenting dynamics. Together, they unpack why narcissistic co-parents thrive on power struggles, how to stop getting pulled into the drama, and what you can do to protect your child while maintaining your own peace of mind. If you're tired of defending yourself, feeling manipulated, or wondering how to create stability for your child despite a difficult co-parent, this episode offers actionable tools and much-needed reassurance.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
How to recognize narcissistic co-parenting behaviors and avoid getting trapped in endless power struggles
Why the Gray Rock technique can help you respond to a narcissistic co-parent without escalating conflict
How to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively when collaboration feels impossible
What parents can do to protect children from unhealthy parenting dynamics and build resilience
 
🎧❤️ 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
Gray Rock Communication Technique
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Kibby McMahon
Website: https://coolamind.com
Instagram: @dr.kibby
Podcast: A Little Help for Our Friends
 
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 Navigating Co-Parenting with a Narcissist
01:10 Meet Dr. Kibby McMahon
02:50 What Narcissism Really 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 Actually 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
 
 
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 #coparenting #narcissisticabuse

Grief in teens rarely looks the way parents expect. Instead of tears and open conversations, it often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, risk-taking, or emotional distance. That can leave parents wondering whether their teen is grieving at all—or how to help if they are.
In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with grief expert and Master Certified Life Coach Krista St. Germain to unpack what grief really looks like in adolescents and why many common approaches to helping grieving teens can unintentionally make things harder. Together, they explore the latest understanding of grief, the impact loss has on the brain and body, and practical ways parents can support their teens through difficult life transitions and losses. Whether your teen is grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a friendship, a major life change, or simply the challenges of growing up, this conversation will help you feel more confident supporting them with compassion and understanding.
 
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why grief in teenagers often looks like typical adolescent behavior and how to recognize the hidden signs
The Dual Process Model of Grief and why the traditional five stages of grief are outdated
What parents should say—and avoid saying—to support a grieving teen
How modeling healthy emotional expression helps teens build resilience and emotional intelligence
🎧❤️ 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! 🙌
 
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
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Dual Process Model of Grief (Stroebe & Schut)
Post-Traumatic Growth Research
The Widowed Mom Podcast
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Krista St. Germain
Website: https://coachingwithkrista.com
Podcast: The Widowed Mom Podcast
Instagram: @lifecoachkrista
YouTube: KristaSt-Germain
Facebook: CoachingwithKrista
 
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 Grief in Teens
02:57 Krista's Personal Journey with Grief
05:51 Outdated Beliefs About Grief
08:53 The Dual Process Model of Grief
12:04 Navigating Grief as Parents
15:00 Recognizing Grief in Teenagers
17:53 The Importance of Shared Grief Experiences
18:41 Navigating Emotions as Parents
20:00 Supporting Grieving Children
22:31 Empowering Children Through Grief
24:41 Believing in Resilience
26:49 Trusting the Process of Growth
30:42 Finding Meaning in Hardship
 
 
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, communication challenges, anxiety, motivation, or emotional well-being, 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 #TeenGrief #ParentingThroughGrief

Are today’s teens experiencing a true mental health crisis—or are parents being encouraged to label normal adolescent struggles as disorders? In this thought-provoking episode of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast, adolescent psychologist sits down with renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, author of Searching for Normal, to unpack the rising diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism in teens.
Parents today are overwhelmed trying to determine when teenage mood swings, defiance, anxiety, and emotional outbursts are “normal” and when they signal something more serious. Dr. Timimi challenges the growing trend of pathologizing ordinary adolescent behavior and explains why over-labeling teens may actually hurt resilience, confidence, and emotional growth.
If you’re worried about your teen’s mental health, struggling with constant conflict, or wondering whether therapy, medication, or diagnosis is the right next step, this episode offers a refreshing and deeply practical perspective. Learn how to support your teen without overreacting, how to identify true mental health red flags, and why strengthening your relationship with your teen may be more powerful than trying to “fix” them.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
How to tell the difference between normal teenage behavior and serious mental health concerns
Why anxiety, moodiness, and teen defiance are often part of healthy adolescent development
The hidden dangers of over-diagnosing ADHD, anxiety, and depression in teenagers
How parents can build resilient, emotionally healthy teens without overprotecting or over-controlling
 
🎧❤️ 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 create even more episodes packed with practical parenting strategies and emotional support for families navigating the teen years.
Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫
🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Searching for Normal by Dr. Sami Timimi
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Sami Timimi
Website: samitamimi.co.uk 
Instagram: @samitamimi
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 — Understanding the Rise in Teen Mental Health Diagnoses
05:41 — Are Parents Over-Pathologizing Teen Behavior?
11:04 — Building Resilience Instead of “Fixing” Teens
16:25 — Why Modern Parenting Is Fueled by Fear
21:56 — How Clinical Labels Are Changing Teen Identity
ABOUT THE SHOW
The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by , 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, communication issues, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm, each episode provides actionable parenting tools to make raising teens easier and more rewarding.
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens
 

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: AskDrCam.com
Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
TikTok: @the.teen.translator
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
Facebook: @DrCamCaswell
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Joyful Parenting02:59 Understanding the Challenges of Parenting Teens05:50 Reframing Connection with Teens08:42 Shifting from Control to Support11:21 The Importance of Emotional Safety14:29 Finding Joy in the Teen Years17:07 The Role of Curiosity in Parenting19:56 Navigating Insecurities and Building Trust22:58 Creating a Safe Space for Communication25:45 Letting Go of Control and Embracing Change28:40 Finding Community and Support31:40 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

What does it actually take to raise a confident, resilient, successful teen?
In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with Sheinelle Jones, co-host of Today with Jenna and Sheinelle and author of Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans, to unpack what she learned from interviewing the moms behind some of the most extraordinary humans, including Lady Gaga, Serena and Venus Williams, Steph Curry, and the Jonas Brothers.
And 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 actually matters 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 is not a sign you’re failing.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a whole lot of relief.
 
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
The surprising common traits mothers of highly successful people share.
Why presence matters more than anything else (and what that actually looks like with teens today)
The biggest parenting regrets —and how to course-correct now
Why your teen’s lack of appreciation is completely normal—and what it really means about your relationship
 
🎧❤️ 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
📘 Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Sheinelle Jones
Website/Profile: NBC Insider
Instagram: Sheinelle Jones
 
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.com
Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:00 Why parents question themselves more than ever02:45 What moms of extraordinary humans did differently06:10 The power of presence over perfection09:00 Parenting regrets around screens and connection12:00 Why teens don’t show appreciation (and why that’s okay)15:00 Letting go of control and trusting your teen18:00 Building resilience and “fighting for your joy”
 
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 #raisingteens #parentingadvice

If your teen is hiding things or not telling you the full truth, it can feel like you’re losing them.
And your instinct?Tighten the rules. Ask more questions. Stay on top of everything.
But here’s the part most parents aren’t told:
Teen secrecy isn’t usually about rebellion or disrespect.It’s about development.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why teens keep secrets, what’s actually going on in their brain, and why common parenting reactions like punishment, pressure, or constant checking often make things worse. 
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why teen secrecy does not always mean what you think it means
The response that often makes teens hide even more
What parents miss when they focus only on getting the truth
How to become the person your teen comes to when it matters most
🎧❤️ 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 more episodes filled with real-life, practical strategies that actually work.
🔔 Hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The COLLABORATE Method Parenting Program👉 https://www.askdrcam.com/collaboratemethod
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Why Teen Secrecy Feels So Scary04:30 What’s Actually Going On in Your Teen’s Brain09:00 Why Punishment Backfires13:30 How to Make Honesty Feel Safer18:00 Shifting from Control to Connection
ABOUT THE SHOW
The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Each episode gives you practical tools to reduce conflict, build connection, and help your teen grow into a capable, confident adult.
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #teencommunication #parentingteens

What would you do if your teen told you a classmate was making threats? Most parents freeze — unsure whether to panic, dismiss it, or act.
In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise and mother who lost her six-year-old son Dylan in the 2012 Sandy Hook tragedy, to talk about one of the most important skills a parent can develop: knowing when something is wrong with your teen before it becomes a crisis.
Nicole has spent over a decade studying the warning signs that precede school violence and teen crisis — and what she shares might surprise you. The signs are rarely dramatic. They're quiet. Easy to explain away. And most parents miss them.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The difference between subtle and overt warning signs — and why the subtle ones are more dangerous
Why dismissing your teen's feelings ("you're overreacting") actually makes things worse
The single most powerful protective factor against teen crisis (hint: it's not monitoring)
What to do when a peer reports something concerning about your child
How to secure lethal means at home — and why this one step saves lives
The tiered response framework that helps you stay calm and act appropriately at every level of concern
A word from Nicole that every parent needs to hear:
"I would much rather be embarrassed by being wrong than be horrified by being right."
Connect with Nicole Hockley & Sandy Hook Promise:
🌐 sandyhookpromise.org
📘 facebook.com/SandyHookPromise
📸 instagram.com/sandyhookpromise
🐦 twitter.com/sandyhook
🎵 tiktok.com/@sandyhookpromise
▶️ youtube.com/channel/UCl5MxshIyRwoFNsFut6UZdA
Resources mentioned:
Sandy Hook Promise's UnTargeting initiative & latest report with Children and Screens: sandyhookpromise.org
If you or your teen is in crisis:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
Emergency: 911
Your instinct to reach out for help is never an overreaction. This episode could change how you see your teen — and how they see you.