Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Is Your Teen Confiding in AI Instead of You? The Truth About Teens Using ChatGPT

Generative AI like ChatGPT is now woven into nearly every part of teen life, and many parents feel unsettled by how fast it all happened. Are teens using AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to learn, to cheat, or something in between? Are they turning to AI for emotional support? And what should parents actually be worried about versus reacting out of fear?
In this episode, Dr. Cam pulls back the curtain on how teens are really using generative AI. You will hear what teens told researchers directly, what surprised even the experts, and why most parents are focusing on the wrong risks.
Dr. Cam is joined by Alanna Powers-O’Brien, Research and Program Specialist at the Family Online Safety Institute and co-author of the national report Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens Are Navigating a New Digital Frontier. Together, they break down what teen AI use looks like in real life, why many teens do not want to cheat, why 42% are using AI to talk through emotions, and what teens wish parents understood before reacting.
 
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
 
How teens are actually using ChatGPT and generative AI tools for school, learning, and everyday problem-solving
Why many teens feel genuinely confused about what counts as cheating with AI
The real reasons teens turn to AI for emotional support and what it does and does not replace
Teens’ top concern about AI use and why it is not what most parents assume
 
Want support navigating tech, AI, and tough conversations with your teen?
The Parenting Teens Academy gives you practical scripts, science-backed tools, and clear guidance to help you stay calm, confident, and connected, even when parenting feels overwhelming.👉 Learn more at AskDrCam.com
 
🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?Share this episode with another parent who is worried about AI, screens, or tech. Leaving a rating and review helps more families find support and real answers.🔔 Hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode packed with practical strategies for modern parenting.
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens Are Navigating a New Digital Frontierhttps://www.fosi.org/research
Family Online Safety Institutehttps://www.fosi.org
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Alanna Powers-O’Brien
Organization: Family Online Safety InstituteWebsite: https://www.fosi.org
 
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: https://www.askdrcam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Teens and Generative AI Explained01:03 Inside the Research on Teen AI Use02:40 How Teens Use ChatGPT and AI Tools05:22 AI and Cheating Concerns08:22 Ethical Gray Areas Parents Should Understand10:13 Teens’ Fears About Losing Critical Thinking Skills12:05 AI and the Future Job Market12:59 Why Teens Talk to AI About Their Feelings15:59 Why AI Feels Human to Teens17:16 Data Privacy and Safety Concerns18:40 Why AI Is So Appealing to Teens20:52 AI Dependency and Social Connection24:16 Accessibility and Emotional Support25:54 What Teens Wish Parents Knew27:56 Practical Advice for Parents 
 
ABOUT THE SHOW
The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers in today’s world. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, the show delivers real-world strategies, expert insight, and practical tools to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen.
Each episode helps parents respond with confidence, reduce power struggles, and support teens’ emotional growth without shame or fear-based parenting.
👉 Learn more and explore resources at https://www.askdrcam.com/parenting-teens-podcast
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #ChatGPTandTeens #AIParenting #DigitalParenting

Why Your Teen Can’t Sleep: Ayurvedic Secrets to Fix Late Nights and Morning Struggles

Struggling with your teen’s late nights, groggy mornings, and endless battles over bedtime? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, certified Ayurvedic practitioner Nidhi Pandya breaks down why traditional sleep rules fail with teenagers and reveals a compassionate, science-backed approach that finally works. She explains how teen circadian rhythms shift during adolescence, why the 11 PM–2 AM “power hours” matter more than total sleep, and how stress—not screens—is the real culprit behind poor sleep. Nidhi shares practical tools rooted in ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern neurobiology, giving parents simple ways to reduce resistance, build connection, and help their teens naturally reset their sleep schedule—without nagging, yelling, or forcing bedtime.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why your teen's late nights are biological—not behavioral—and how to work with their changing circadian rhythm instead of fighting it
The real reason screens aren’t the biggest sleep disruptor for teens (and what is sabotaging their rest instead)
How to create calming evening rituals that reduce stress, strengthen connection, and help your teen unwind naturally
The counterintuitive morning strategy that builds responsibility—and why parents must stop being the household alarm clock
 
🎧❤️ 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
Whoop – Biometric tracker for sleep, stress, and recovery
Resonance Breathing – Nasal breathwork with longer exhales
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
Chamomile tea, magnesium balm, lavender essential oil
NYT Crossword – Parent–teen connection activity
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Nidhi Pandya
Website: nidhipandya.comInstagram: @my_ayurvedic_lifeFocus Areas: Ayurvedic wellness, nutrition, lifestyle practices, meditation, breathworkFramework: Inner Climate Framework – Rhythms-based Ayurvedic approach for families
 
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 Teen Sleep Challenges02:53 The Importance of Circadian Rhythms05:39 Creating Healthy Sleep Environments08:40 Negotiating Bedtime with Teens11:28 Tools for Better Sleep14:18 Building Trust and Cooperation17:16 Morning Routines and Responsibility20:03 The Role of Parental Influence22:55 Practical Tips for Better Sleep26:00 Creating a Supportive Home Environment
 
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 insights, and real-world tools to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth.
Whether you’re struggling with communication, motivation, behavior, or confidence, each episode is filled with actionable tips to make parenting easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the skills and confidence to thrive during the teen years.
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #teensleep #ayurvedaforteens 

The Teen Skincare Craze: What Every Parent Needs to Know (from a Dermatologist Mom) - SPONSORED by Bright Girl

Is your teen’s bathroom counter starting to look like a Sephora exploded? You’re not imagining it—the teen skincare craze is real, and TikTok is fueling it. But here’s what most parents don’t realize: all those trendy products, harsh ingredients, and 10-step routines can actually damage teen skin.In this must-hear episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Dr. Angela Casey, double board-certified dermatologist, skin cancer surgeon, mom of three, and founder of Bright Girl Skincare, to break down what teens really need (and absolutely don’t need) to keep their skin healthy.
Dr. Casey brings the perfect mix of expert science and mom-level realness—giving parents the confidence to guide their teens away from harmful trends and toward lifelong skin health.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why 6–8 step “SkinTok” routines backfire
The 3 products teens actually need: cleanse, moisturize, protect
How to talk to your teen about toning down the trends (without a power struggle)
 
🌟 Get 15% off Bright Girl products
My teen is obsessed with Bright Girl Skincare — and she finally stopped raiding my bathroom counter. 
Dr. Casey set up a special discount just for our community so you can grab some for your teen too. They make perfect stocking stuffers.
👉 Discount link: https://brightgirl.com/discount/DRCAM
🌟 Use code: DRCAM
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Bright Girl Skincare (15% OFF): https://brightgirl.com/discount/Drcam
American Academy of Dermatology (Sunscreen Safety): www.aad.org
Differin (OTC retinoid for acne): Widely available
Recommended OTC acne supports: benzoyl peroxide washes, witch hazel toners
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Angela Casey
Website: www.brightgirl.com
Facebook: @brightgirlbeauty/
Instagram: @brightgirlbeauty/
LinkedIn: @/angela-casey-md/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8_5HypUs0X2thsAzCN1ag
TikTok: @brightgirlbeauty
 
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.com
Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS 
00:00 – Why teen skincare is suddenly out of control04:52 – The real dangers behind TikTok skincare10:19 – The three-step routine every teen needs17:44 – How early sun exposure leads to adult skin cancer26:02 – What to avoid: acids, beads, scrubs, retinols34:11 – How to talk to your teen about skincare without lecturing40:08 – Bright Girl Skincare: Why it was created for teens
 
🎧❤️ 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.And remember—hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode!
 
ABOUT THE SHOW
Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is your go-to guide for raising today’s teens with more connection, confidence, and calm. Every episode brings expert insights and real-world strategies to help families thrive—not just survive—the teen years.
 
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenSkincare #BrightGirlSkincare

ADHD & Homework: Your Teen Isn’t Stubborn—They’re Stuck

If homework has turned into an exhausting nightly standoff, this episode is for you. Dr. Cam and neurodivergent therapist Holly Blanc Moses reveal why ADHD teens aren’t “stubborn” or “unmotivated”—they’re stuck due to executive functioning challenges like task initiation, time blindness, working memory, and overwhelm.
You’ll learn how shame and the expectation–capacity gap make starting feel impossible, and you’ll get brain-based, neurodiversity-affirming tools to move from standoff to small wins: time timers, body doubling, task analysis, and collaborative problem-solving.
Walk away with practical scripts and strategies that protect your relationship while helping your teen start—and finish—homework with more confidence and less conflict.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why “stubborn” and "lazy" are the wrong story 
5 neuroscience-backed strategies that end homework battles
The 2-minute trick that finally got my ADHD teen to clean their room
How to tell if you’re accidentally hurting your teen’s mental health (even good parents do this)
 
🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?
If this helped, share it with a friend and leave a rating/review so more parents can find it. Don’t miss an episode—subscribe!
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Time Timer
Flown (body doubling platform)
The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students (50% off)
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Holly Blanc Moses
Website: hollyblancmoses.com/connect
Practice (Raleigh, NC): crossvinecounseling.com
Facebook: @hollyblancmoses
Instagram: @hollyblancmoses
LinkedIn: @holly-blanc-moses-378a78104
YouTube: @autismadhdtvwithholly
FB Group for Parents: WiredDifferentlyGroup
 
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 Why Homework Feels Impossible: Executive Functioning 101
12:29 The Expectation–Capacity Gap (and how to close it)
24:37 Motivation vs. Task Analysis: Mapping the first step
36:05 From Shame to Support: Language that lowers defenses
37:01 Co-Regulation and Trust: Teaching when your teen is stressed
41:42 Tools That Work: Time timers, body doubling, and collaboration
 
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 #ADHD #executivefunction #homework

How To Love The Teen You Have

Struggling to connect with your teenager? You’re not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shares transformative, brain-based strategies to help parents rebuild connection with defiant, distant, or disconnected teens.
Learn why the phrase “I love my teen, but I don’t like them right now” resonates so deeply with parents—and how to move from constant conflict to calm, connected communication. Dr. Lockhart explains the neuroscience behind teen behavior, comparing the adolescent brain to the toddler years to help you understand why your teen’s reactions can seem “illogical and irrational.”
Together, Dr. Cam and Dr. Lockhart unpack the emotional toll of disrespect, withdrawal, and conditional love, offering parents science-backed tools to restore trust and strengthen relationships. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to stop the yelling cycle, repair emotional wounds, and reconnect with your teen—without losing your authority or your sanity.
 
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why your teen acts “irrational” (and what brain science reveals about it)
How to stop the yelling and nagging cycle—and retrain your teen to listen
The difference between conditional and unconditional love in parenting
Simple, curiosity-based conversations that rebuild trust and connection
How to repair a broken relationship—even when your teen won’t talk
 
🎧❤️ 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
📘 Love the Teen You Have by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart (on Sale Now )
📗https://read.macmillan.com/fib/lovetheteenpreorder/ (The Work Book)
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart
🌐 Website: www.anewdaysa.com📸 Instagram: @doctor.annlouise.lockhart🎥 YouTube: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart
 
 
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 Parenting Challenges with Teens03:03 – Understanding Teen Behavior and Development05:54 – The Importance of Connection Over Control08:51 – Navigating Conditional Love and Acceptance11:41 – The Impact of Parenting Styles on Relationships14:35 – Repairing Relationships with Teens17:30 – The Role of Humility in Parenting20:30 – Breaking the Cycle of Miscommunication23:16 – The Power of Apology and Accountability26:08 – Creating a Supportive Environment for Teens28:59 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
 
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 #parentingteens #parentteenconnection

Your Teen Isn’t Triggering You—Your Inner Teen Is

Ever wonder why your teen’s backtalk or eye roll hits you harder than it should? 🧠 In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Shelly Robinson, certified conscious parenting coach and founder of Raising Yourself, to uncover why your child’s behavior often activates your deepest wounds—and how healing your own past can completely transform your relationship.
Shelly shares her personal journey from reactive parenting and yelling matches to fostering calm, emotionally intelligent conversations with her now-15-year-old son. You’ll discover the link between your inner teen and your actual teen, learn to identify emotional triggers before they explode, and walk away with tools to break generational cycles of shame, guilt, and control.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I lose it over something so small?”, this episode will help you find compassion for yourself—and create a more peaceful, connected home. 💛
 
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
🔍 How unresolved childhood wounds fuel conflict with your teen — and why recognizing your “inner teen” is the first step to calmer parenting
💬 The art of repair after conflict, including Shelly’s “No-But Apology Formula” that teaches accountability and emotional maturity
🧘‍♀️ How to recognize physical cues of emotional triggers (like that racing heart or heat surge) before they hijack your reactions
🌱 The self-compassion shift that transforms parent-teen communication, helping you raise emotionally intelligent, confident kids
 
🎧❤️ 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
Shelly Robinson: About Raising Yourself
Book Mentioned: Rewire (on neuroplasticity and changing thought patterns)
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Shelly Robinson
Website: About Raising Yourself
Instagram: @raisingyourself
Facebook: @raisingyourself
TikTok:  @raisingyourself
 
 
 
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 Parental Triggers02:45 The Journey to Conscious Parenting05:46 Inner Child Work and Its Importance08:43 Recognizing Emotional Triggers11:31 Navigating Teen Behavior14:31 The Cycle of Self-Criticism17:27 Reparenting Yourself20:10 Empowering Your Voice23:12 Building Healthy Communication
 
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 #consciousparenting #parentingteens
 

When Teen Drama Divides Parents: How to Rebuild Connection & Trust

When parenting teenagers becomes a battleground between parents, everyone suffers—including your teen. Dr. Cam and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish tackle the common problem of parental division, where one parent becomes the “tough one” while the other takes on the “soft” role, creating conflict that teens often exploit.
This episode reveals why parents frequently end up on opposite sides of the parenting spectrum, especially during the teenage years when stakes feel higher and emotions run deeper. The experts explain how family triangulation occurs—when relationship tension between parents gets redirected toward the teenager, creating dysfunction for everyone involved.
Key insights include understanding that both parents typically share the same core values and goals for their children, even when their approaches differ dramatically. The solution isn’t forcing identical parenting styles, but rather establishing shared values while allowing different expressions of those values.
Dr. Tracy emphasizes the critical importance of relationship repair—acknowledging mistakes and their impact—as a foundational skill for both marriage and parenting. Parents learn practical strategies for supporting each other even during disagreements, including validation techniques and behind-the-scenes communication that maintain unity.
The discussion addresses common challenges like shame spirals, resentment over unequal parenting burdens, and interference from extended family members. Most importantly, parents discover that focusing on their own relationship with their teen—rather than trying to control their partner’s approach—creates more positive outcomes for everyone involved.
 
💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why teen conflict often divides parents—and how to stop it
How family triangulation quietly damages your family dynamic
Ways to stay emotionally connected even when parenting styles clash
Tools for rebuilding trust and communication with your partner
 
🎧❤️ 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
Book: You, Your Husband and His Mother by Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Podcast: Dear Dr. Tracy (Top 100 Podcast
 
🤝 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Website: drtracyd.comInstagram: @DrTracyD
 
👩‍🏫 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 Parenting Divides02:51 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Relationships05:59 Navigating Conflict and Communication08:53 The Role of Self-Reflection in Parenting11:49 Building a Stronger Partnership14:22 Empathy and Understanding in Parenting17:16 Addressing Shame and Responsibility20:25 Aligning Values for Effective Parenting23:10 Managing Old Patterns in Parenting25:21 Navigating Disagreements in Parenting29:20 Strengths and Teamwork in Parenting30:19 Dealing with External Pressures33:37 The Importance of Affirmation37:45 Modeling Self-Reflection and Self-Care42:02 Empowerment Through Acceptance and Control
 
🧭 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 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 #ParentingTeens #CoParenting #FamilyDynamics

5 Tactics to Calm Your Explosive Teenager (That Actually Work)

Is your teenager melting down after school, snapping at you, or shutting down completely? You’re not alone—and it’s not “bad behavior.” In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Dr. Jim Costello, creator of the Costello Method, to reveal why teen emotional explosions are actually neurological responses to overload—not disrespect. You’ll discover why “sit still and listen” makes things worse, how parents can become a safe haven instead of a trigger, and five body-based tactics you can use immediately to calm your teen, rebuild connection, and reduce household stress.
🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why your teen’s after-school meltdown is a sign of nervous system overload—not bad manners
How movement and co-regulation unlock calmer communication and emotional safety at home
Simple joint-pressure and grounding techniques parents can use to defuse high-stress moments
How to spot “neurological soft signs” like fidgeting or posture changes before a blow-up happens
🎧❤️ 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. 🙏💫🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Dr. Jim Costello’s Website
The Brain Follows by Dr. Jim Costello
The Costello Method – focus on developmental plasticity & primitive reflex integration
🤝 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Jim Costello
Website: DrJimCostello.comInstagram: @dr.jimcostello
👩‍⚕️ CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: askdrcam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Teen Emotional Challenges03:56 The Evolution of Teen Regulation07:53 Understanding Emotional Dysregulation13:54 Tools for Co-Regulation18:39 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics24:15 Creating Collaborative Movement Routines30:31 Reframing Behavior and Understanding Dysregulation43:13 Key Takeaways 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 #teenemotionalregulation #CostelloMethod
 

The Secret To Truly Connecting With Your Teen (From a Foster Dad of 47)

If your teen feels distant, defiant, or shuts you out, you’re not alone — and there’s hope. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, foster and adoptive dad Peter Mutabazi shares life-changing strategies for reconnecting with even the most resistant teenagers.
A survivor of childhood abuse and homelessness who’s since fostered 47 children, Peter explains why teens are actually “easier” to parent than younger kids and how shifting from an authoritarian approach to a mentorship mindset transforms relationships.
You’ll discover practical, trauma-informed parenting tools that help you lower conflict, rebuild trust, and guide your teen without power struggles. Whether you’re overwhelmed by defiance, craving deeper connection, or simply want to better understand your teen, this episode gives you the roadmap to start fresh and help your teen thrive.
📚 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
How a foster dad successfully parents 47 teenagers using mentorship instead of control.
Why your teen’s “acting out” isn’t about you — and how understanding hormones, trauma, and development changes your response.
Simple daily habits that build trust and confidence in defiant or withdrawn teens.
The “three-person approach” to teen behavior that makes even tough parenting moments feel manageable.
🎧❤️ 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
Now I Am Known Foundation
Trauma-informed parenting strategies
Foster care system & licensing information
🤝 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Peter Mutabazi
Website: Now I Am Known
Instagram: @fosterdadflipps
Facebook: Foster Dad Flipper
TikTok: @FosterDadFlipper
YouTube: Now I Am Known
🧑‍⚕️ 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 Parenting Challenges with Teens01:20 Peter’s Inspiring Journey from Uganda06:50 The Impact of Being Seen and Known09:55 Navigating the Foster Care System12:09 Building Trust with Foster Teens13:35 Mentorship vs. Parenting: A New Approach17:41 Understanding Teen Trauma and Behavior20:21 The Importance of Not Projecting Past Experiences23:50 Celebrating Small Wins in Parenting28:14 Finding Time and Patience in a Busy Household29:57 Using Social Media to Change Narratives35:01 Finding Joy in Parenting38:38 Key Takeaways for Parents
💡 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Start Fresh Daily – Treat each incident as new and avoid bringing up past mistakes.
Celebrate Small Wins – Notice and praise even minor positive behaviors to build momentum.
Schedule Individual Connection Time – One-on-one outings strengthen trust without distractions.
Apply the Three-Person Approach – View your teen as a mix of hormones, trauma, and typical development to respond with empathy.
Shift from Parent to Mentor – Guide rather than control, meeting your teen where they are emotionally and developmentally.
📝 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 #traumainformedparenting #teenmentorship
 
 

Why Your Teen Stinks (and Doesn’t Seem to Care)—and How to Fix It Without Nagging

Struggling with your teen’s hygiene habits? You’re not alone. Many parents face daily battles over showers, deodorant, and brushing teeth—leaving everyone frustrated. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with Carly Broderick, founder of Myles Personal Care, a gender-inclusive hygiene brand created just for teens and tweens.
Carly shares how her own experience parenting through puberty inspired her to create practical solutions for families. We dive into the real reasons teens resist basic hygiene—from puberty’s “hurricane effect” to product sensitivities and even rebellion. More importantly, Carly provides science-backed strategies and her simple SSB routine that transforms daily fights into lasting healthy habits.
Whether your teen is entering puberty or in the thick of it, this episode will give you compassionate, effective strategies to replace nagging and shaming with empowering routines that help your teen feel confident in their own skin.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why nagging and shaming actually backfire when it comes to teen hygiene
The science behind why teens often don’t notice their own body odor
Carly’s proven SSB routine that makes hygiene habits stick
How to reframe hygiene as confidence and maturity—not just compliance
🎧❤️ 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! 🙏💫
🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Myles Personal Care Amazon Store – Use code DRCAMFAN20 for 20% off
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Carly Broderick
Website: hey-miles.com
Facebook: @hey.miles.teen
Instagram: @heymilesbrand
LinkedIn: Carly Broderick
TikTok: @heymilesbrand
Amazon Store: Myles Personal Care (use code DRCAMFAN20 for 20% off)
 
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 Hygiene Resistance 02:41 Creating Inclusive Personal Care Products 05:34 The Importance of Effective Deodorants 08:36 Navigating the Spectrum of Masculinity and Femininity 11:30 Building Healthy Hygiene Routines 14:18 Addressing Social Pressures and Body Odor Awareness 17:05 Encouraging Ownership of Personal Care 19:51 Simplifying Shower Routines 22:40 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips
 
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 #teenhygiene #parentingtips