Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Feel Like You’re Failing as a Parent? Here’s What You’re Missing

If you’ve ever ended the day thinking, “Ugh, I was way too impatient… I didn’t handle that well… I need to do better,” you’re not alone. Parenting teens has a way of making even the most loving parents feel like we’re constantly falling short.
But what if you could quiet that inner critic—even just a little—and start noticing what’s actually going right?
In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, counselor and author Erin Morrison—creator of @itsTheConsciousMom and author of Three Minutes for Mom—offers science-backed insight and deeply reassuring advice for parents who feel like they’re failing.
We dive into why our brains focus on the negative, how to stop taking our teen’s behavior so personally, and what it really means to be “doing enough.” Erin also shares a simple 3-minute daily mindset practice that can help you reconnect with yourself—and your teen.
If you’re constantly hard on yourself, overwhelmed by parenting pressure, or just tired of feeling like you’re not enough… this episode is your reset.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why your teen's boundary-pushing is actually a good thing
The secret to feeling like a “good parent” again (in just 3 minutes a day)
How to shift your mindset from constant criticism to quiet confidence
What you’re getting right—even if it doesn’t feel like it
🎧❤️ 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
Three Minutes for Mom by Erin Morrison (Simon & Schuster)
“Catch Them Being Kind” 5-Day Challenge
The “Friend Perspective” & “It’s Not Personal, It’s Developmental” reminders
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Erin MorrisonWebsite: https://theconsciousmom.comInstagram: @itsthe.consciousmom
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam CaswellWebsite: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 The Struggles of Parenting Teens03:05 Reframing Our Perspective on Parenting05:42 Recognizing Wins in Parenting08:46 The Importance of Self-Recognition11:24 Responding vs. Reacting to Our Teens14:25 The Impact of Parental Self-Perception17:28 Building Positive Relationships with Teens20:25 Practical Steps for Self-Care23:19 Finding Balance in Parenting26:36 Grounding in Parental Truth29:09 Tiny Shifts for Big Changes32:35 Balancing Business and Pleasure in Parenting35:40 Understanding Developmental Stages37:59 Letting Go for Connection46:20 Ownership and Independence in Parenting
ABOUT THE SHOWThe 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 #parentingfailnomore

The 3-Step Pause That Stops Teen Meltdowns—and Parent Burnout

Ever wish you had a pause button—for your teen or yourself? When you’re caught in a meltdown, shutdown, or power struggle, it’s easy to spiral into reactivity and regret. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, Jennie Phillips—coach, fitness pro, mom of four, and author of Yellow Light Moments—introduces a science-backed framework that empowers families to slow down and reset before emotions explode.
Jennie shares her 3-step “Yellow Light Moment” method (Yield-Listen-Move), giving parents the language, tools, and mindset shifts needed to manage teen stress, model emotional regulation, and create a calmer home. If your family is running on exhaustion and conflict, this episode will help you pump the brakes—with just a few intentional minutes that can shift everything.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
A 3-step process to prevent teen blowups before they start
How to create shared emotional language with your teen (like “caterpillar” or “question quota”)
Why your teen’s “laziness” might actually be healthy self-regulation
How guilt around self-care is secretly sabotaging your parenting
 
🎧❤️ 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
Yellow Light Moments Book
YLM Toolbox for Teens
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Jennie PhillipsWebsite: www.jenniephillipscoaching.comInstagram: @jenniephillipscoachingFacebook: Jennie Phillips CoachingLinkedIn: Jennie Phillips
 
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam CaswellWebsite: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 The Need for a Pause01:09 Introducing Yellow Light Moments06:38 Understanding the Concept of Yellow Light Moments12:27 The Importance of Pausing20:24 Training Ourselves to Yield25:44 Benefits of Taking a Pause29:37 Modeling for Our Teens33:56 Final Thoughts and Action Items
 
ABOUT THE SHOWThe 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.
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #teenmeltdowns #parentburnout

How to Protect Your Teen from Online Predators Without Controlling Their Every Move

Worried your teen might fall into the wrong hands online? You’re not being overprotective—you’re being smart. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I’m joined by Nate Lewis, founder of The Innocent, a nonprofit on a mission to protect kids from trafficking, exploitation, and abuse right here in the U.S.
A former law enforcement officer with 20+ years of global experience in anti-trafficking operations, Nate shares expert-backed, real-world strategies for protecting your teen—without shutting them down or locking everything down. If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your teen scroll through social media or worried about who’s DMing them behind the scenes, this episode gives you clarity and next steps.
We dig into the grooming process, why emotionally vulnerable teens are at greater risk, and what subtle online red flags parents often miss. But most importantly, we talk about how to build the kind of connection that keeps your teen safe. Because the best safety tool isn’t an app—it’s trust.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
The #1 predictor of whether a predator can gain access to your teen
Why controlling devices can backfire—and what to do instead
How to talk to your teen about safety without triggering defensiveness
The role of male mentors and modeling in reducing vulnerability
🎧❤️ 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! 🙌
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Nate Lewis
Website: theinnocent.org Instagram: @theinnocent.usa LinkedIn: Nate Lewis TikTok: @theinnocent.usa
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 the Risks of Online Predators 02:55 Nate Lewis’s Journey and Motivation 05:48 The Psychology of Grooming and Exploitation 08:45 Building Trust and Communication with Teens 11:31 Navigating Social Media Safely 14:35 Identifying Vulnerabilities in Teens 17:18 Empowering Teens Against Manipulation 20:09 The Role of Parents in Prevention 23:04 Modeling Healthy Relationships 25:55 Addressing the Issue of Consent 28:54 Supporting Teens After Trauma 31:56 Creating a Community Response 34:44 The Importance of Education and Awareness
 
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 #onlinepredators #teensafety

Why Smart Parents Argue With Their Teens (And How to Do It Right) | Conflict Resolution Tips from a Harvard Expert

Constantly clashing with your teen? It’s not the conflict—it’s how you handle it.
But here’s the good news: conflict isn’t the problem—it’s how you handle it. Harvard Law negotiation expert Bob Bordone reveals how the same conflict resolution strategies used by world leaders can transform your parent-teen relationship.
🎧 In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, you’ll learn how to move from power struggles and emotional blowups to productive conversations that build trust, strengthen your bond, and teach teens lifelong skills.
Avoiding conflict might feel easier in the moment—but it actually weakens your connection over time. Bob explains how to use everyday disagreements as opportunities to teach problem-solving, perspective-taking, and emotional resilience.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why avoiding conflict with your teen may hurt more than help
The science of “affective labeling” to calm heated arguments
How to stop power struggles and spark better problem-solving
Why teens who know how to argue are more resilient and confident
🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?
Don’t keep it to yourself!👉 Share your favorite episode👉 Leave a rating and review👉 SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode!
Your feedback helps other parents find the support they need—and helps me create even more practical tips for real-life parenting. 🙏💫
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Book: Conflict Resilience by Bob Bordone
Research: Matt Lieberman (UCLA) on Affective Labeling
Judd Brewer’s “Bigger Better Offer” (BBO) on Motivation
Website: bobBordone.com
Family Activity: Try reading Conflict Resilience as a family book club to practice conflict resolution skills together!
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Bob Bordone
Website: bobbordone.com
Instagram: @bobbybordone
Facebook: facebook.com/bordone
LinkedIn: Robert Bordone
X: @bobbordone
YouTube: Bob Bordone
 
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 – The Power of Conflict in Parenting 05:48 – Understanding Conflict Avoidance 11:35 – Reframing Conflict as Collaboration 15:41 – Effective Communication Strategies 20:37 – Navigating Technology and Boundaries 28:03 – Building Trust in Parent-Teen Relationships 35:37 – The Journey of Conflict Resolution
 
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 #teenconflict #conflictresolution #parentingteens #teennegotiation #teentips #bobbordone #parentingstrategies #podcastforparents

Is College the Only Road to Success? Smarter Career Paths for Teens That Don’t Involve Student Debt

Does your teen seem unmotivated, disconnected from school, or uninterested in college? You're not alone—and it doesn’t mean they’re lazy or doomed. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I’m joined by Hannah Maruyama, founder of Degree Free, who’s helping parents rethink success and explore real-world alternatives to the traditional college path.
If you're tired of power struggles, student loan fear, and outdated definitions of “making it,” this conversation will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective to help your teen find their way—without unnecessary debt, pressure, or burnout. Hannah breaks down why the college industrial complex is crumbling, how to spot smarter options, and how to support your teen in creating a future that fits them.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why pushing college as the only option is backfiring on many teens
How to motivate your teen without using grades, guilt, or fear
What the job market actually values (hint: it’s not always a degree)
5 alternative paths your teen can take to succeed without student loans
🎧❤️ 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
Degree Free Website
5 Pathways to Great Work (YouTube Episode)
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Hannah Maruyama
🌐 Website: degreefree.com 📸 Instagram: @degreefree 🎥 YouTube: @DegreeFree 🎵 TikTok: @degreefree
 
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 Rethinking Success: The Outdated College Path 01:28 Hannah's Journey: From College to Career Freedom 04:15 The Pressure to Conform: College as the Only Option 10:10 The Financial Burden: Student Loans and Their Impact 21:19 Changing Job Market: The Shift Away from Degrees 36:36 Strategic Career Planning 42:25 Navigating Career Choices 52:13 Alternative Pathways to Success
 
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.
#degreefree #parentingteenswithdrcam

Why Teen Weed Use Is Rising (Spoiler: It’s NOT Peer Pressure)—And What Parents Can Do About It

Think your teen is using weed because of peer pressure? Think again. In this powerful episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Dr. Jessica Willoughby and Dr. Stacey Hust from the WSU Media Adolescent Cannabis (MAC) Lab to unpack the real reasons behind rising teen cannabis use—and what parents can actually do about it.
Backed by groundbreaking research, this episode explores how savvy marketing, social media influence, and misleading packaging—not just peer dynamics—are shaping teen decisions. If you've ever felt unsure about how to talk to your teen about weed, you're not alone. This episode gives you the insights, tools, and language to have real, meaningful conversations without losing the connection.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why peer pressure is notthe main reason teens are using weed today
How marketing, packaging, and perceived norms shape your teen’s choices
What THC-labeled gummies and “natural” branding are really doing to teen perception
Harm reduction strategies that actually work when prevention isn’t enough  
🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?
If this episode gave you clarity, confidence, or just made you feel a little more understood, hit that ⭐️ and leave a review! Your feedback helps more parents find support and lets me keep delivering real-talk episodes that make a difference.
🔔 Make sure to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode.
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
WSU MAC Lab
SAMHSA National Helpline
NIDA—Cannabis
CDC—Cannabis and Teens
Teens, Sex and Media Effects: Understanding Media's Influence on Adolescent Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Advocacy
CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS
Dr. Stacey Hust Email: sjhust@wsu.edu LinkedIn: Stacey Hust BlueSky: staceyhust@bsky.social
Dr. Jessica Willoughby Email: jessica.willoughby@wsu.edu LinkedIn: Jessica Fitts Willoughby BlueSky: @jwilloughby.bsky.social 
 
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 Cannabis Use 03:06 The Impact of Cannabis on the Adolescent Brain 07:30 Navigating Conversations with Teens 12:15 Harm Reduction Strategies for Parents 19:53 The Role of Marketing in Teen Cannabis Use 25:17 Addressing the Challenges of Edibles 30:29 Ethical Dilemmas in Parenting and Cannabis 32:28 Starting Early: Conversations About Cannabis
 
ABOUT THE SHOW
Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is your go-to podcast for real-world parenting strategies backed by psychology, neuroscience, and a whole lot of empathy. Hosted by adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell, each episode delivers practical tips and honest conversations that help you better understand your teen—and yourself. Whether you're facing eye rolls or emotional breakdowns, this show is here to help you parent smarter, not harder.
#theteentranslator #teenweeduse #parentingteenswithdrcam

Breaking Up with “Good Mom” Guilt: Redefining Success in the Teen Years

In this must-listen episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist and parenting coach Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with writer and professor Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to unpack the crushing weight of unrealistic parenting expectations.
Together, they explore how outdated beliefs about “good” parenting are fueling unnecessary guilt and stress—especially for moms of teens. You’ll learn the difference between helpful guilt and harmful shame, how to let go of perfectionism, and how to reframe your role as your teen grows more independent.
Nancy also shares the liberating truth about asking for help and why showing vulnerability is one of the best lessons you can teach your teen.
This episode is both a sigh of relief and a wake-up call. If you're tired of feeling like you're not doing enough, listen in.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
How outdated “good mom” myths create toxic guilt for modern parents.
The truth about your role in your teen’s happiness (and why it’s not what you think)
Why modeling imperfection and asking for help makes you a better parent
Practical tips to release shame, reclaim calm, and parent from your values
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Guilt ≠ Shame: Guilt can spark change, but shame keeps you stuck in self-blame
Use a values check when guilt creeps in—what matters to your family, not to others
Build a “friend family” of supportive adults to share the emotional and logistical load
Ask for help—and watch how it gives your teen permission to do the same
Focus on the relationship, not your performance. You’re a parent, not a perfectionist
 
🎧❤️ 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
The Good Mother Myth by Nancy Reddy
Write More, Be Less Careful Newsletter
Work Like a Mother by Laura Bazelon
Unfit Parent by Jessica Slice
Research by Erica Boothby on “the liking gap”
Anthropological research by Margaret Mead
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Nancy Reddy
Website: nancyreddy.com
Instagram: @nancy.o.reddy
Newsletter: Write More, Be Less Careful
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 The Pressure of Perfection in Motherhood 03:12 Navigating the Transition to Parenting Teens 06:05 Understanding and Overcoming Mom Guilt 09:01 The Myth of the Perfect Mother 12:03 Distinguishing Guilt from Accountability 14:48 Letting Go of Guilt and Embracing Trust 18:11 The Role of Community and Co-Parenting 21:22 Navigating New Motherhood and Guilt 24:38 The Role of Community in Parenting 26:10 Understanding Guilt in Parenting 30:09 The Importance of Asking for Help 33:11 Modeling Vulnerability for Our Children 38:34 Defining Values to Combat Guilt
 
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 #momguilt #parentingteens #mentalhealthformoms #parentinghelp

Parenting a Defiant Teen: How to Set Limits When Consequences Don't Work

Are you stuck in constant battles with your teen—no matter how many consequences you hand out? You're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with renowned psychologist and TEDx speaker Dr. Paul Sunseri, author of Gentle Parenting Reimagined. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Sunseri offers parents a powerful shift: how to stay calm, set firm boundaries, and transform behavior—without yelling or giving in. If you’ve got a strong-willed or defiant teen, this episode will be a game-changer.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
What to do when consequences no longer work with your teen
How to set effective boundaries without yelling or power struggles
The difference between gentle parenting and permissiveness
How to tie privileges (like screen time) to responsibility
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Shift from “Fixing the Kid” to Changing the Dynamic: Teen defiance is often about the relationship, not just behavior. Focus on how you respond.
Speak Calmly and Clearly: Avoid emotional reactions. Use matter-of-fact requests to maintain authority without fueling conflict.
Use Privileges Strategically: Tie screen time and other privileges to daily responsibilities—then follow through consistently.
Expect Resistance, But Stay the Course: Change won’t happen overnight. Stay patient and consistent even when it’s tough.
Believe in Their Ability to Grow: Set high (yet compassionate) expectations. Let them fail and learn—it’s how resilience is built.
 
🎧❤️ 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! 🙏💫
🔔 SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Gentle Parenting When to Lean Out Instead of Leaning In – Psychology Today
Consequences Don’t Work With My Kid – Psychology Today
Gentle Parenting Deserves Another Chance – Today’s Parent
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Paul Sunseri
Website: myIFFT.org
Instagram: @dr_paul_challengingkids
YouTube: Dr. Paul Sunseri
 
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 Defiance in Teens05:13 The Bi-Directional Influence of Behavior10:05 Common Mistakes Parents Make18:10 Navigating Emotional Regulation28:03 Strategies for Managing Household Responsibilities30:36 The Autonomy Dilemma in Parenting32:26 Effective Communication Strategies with Teens34:20 Flexibility and Boundaries in Parenting36:12 Motivation and Homework Challenges39:00 Understanding Teen Resistance to Homework42:31 Balancing Privileges and Responsibilities45:41 Negotiating Homework and Screen Time48:56 Navigating Homework Expectations51:17 Establishing Behavioral Habits54:36 Setting Realistic Parenting Goals57:38 The Importance of Limits and Expectations01:01:29 Building Resilience Through Challenges01:05:33 Parenting Across Generations
 
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 #parentingdefiantteens
 

Supporting Your Teen Through Love, Heartbreak, and All the Feels

When your teen falls in love for the first time—or goes through their first heartbreak—it can be emotional for everyone. You want to protect them, guide them, and maybe even stop them from getting hurt. But if you're not careful, your good intentions can push them away. In this episode, I’m joined by journalist, professor, and fellow mom Lisa A. Phillips, author of First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak. Lisa shares powerful insight from her personal and professional journey helping teens—and parents—navigate the emotional rollercoaster of young love. If you’re wondering how to talk to your teen about dating, heartbreak, or those “red flag” relationships without causing shutdown or secrecy, this conversation is a must-listen.
 
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why teens hide their relationships—and how to keep the conversation open
How to support your teen through their first heartbreak without minimizing their pain
What to say when you’re worried about who your teen is dating
How sharing your relationship experiences can actually help your teen make better choices
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Validation builds trust: When your teen opens up about a relationship, resist the urge to fix it. Just listen first.
Judgment shuts teens down: Even one negative comment can drive their dating life underground.
Ask, don’t assume: “Dating” might just mean texting or walking to class together—so ask what it means to them.
Help them reflect, not rebel: Instead of telling them who not to date, ask how that person makes them feel.
Model real-life lessons: You don’t have to be perfect—just honest. Your own dating history can be a powerful teaching tool.
 
🎧❤️ 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
First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak by Lisa A. Phillips 🛒 Use Discount Code: RLFANDF30 for 30% off 🔗 Buy the book here
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Lisa A. Phillips
Website: lisaamyphillips.com
Instagram: @lisaamyphillips18
Facebook: lisa.a.phillips.73
LinkedIn: lisa-a-phillips-978a78124
 
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.com
Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
TikTok: @the.teen.translator
Facebook: @DrCamCaswell
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Navigating Teen Relationships: A New Era 02:57 Understanding Parental Fears in Teen Dating 06:03 The Importance of Validating Teen Emotions 09:09 Setting Boundaries: When Teens Want to Date 11:55 Over-Enmeshment: Balancing Relationships and Independence 14:50 Building Self-Worth Beyond Romantic Attention 17:56 Handling Unfavorable Partners: A Delicate Approach 24:22 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Teens 27:33 Understanding Teen Relationships and Parental Influence 30:19 Conflict Resolution in Teen Relationships 33:19 Coping with Breakups: Supporting Teens in Pain 36:59 The Importance of Reflection and Growth 40:19 First Loves: Shaping Future Relationships
 
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.
#parentingteens #teenrelationships

Setting Boundaries Your Teen Will Actually Respect

If setting boundaries with your teen feels like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall—you’re not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with Matilda Gosling, social scientist and author of Teenagers: The Evidence Base, to break down the science behind boundary-setting that actually works. No more power struggles. No more guessing games. Just real, research-backed strategies to help you protect your teen and prepare them for the real world.
Matilda brings both the data and the empathy, helping parents understand where to draw the line, when to back off, and how to keep the relationship strong while doing it. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I being too strict? Too lenient?”—this episode is your answer.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why boundaries help teens feel safe, not smothered
How to focus on the rules that really matter (and ditch the ones that don’t)
The difference between control and influence—and why one actually works
How to set your own boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Prioritize the big stuff: Health, safety, and emotional well-being come first. Let go of the small battles.
Your boundaries matter too: You’re allowed to have limits—and your teen needs to see them.
Respect their privacy: Snooping leads to secrets. Trust builds openness.
Explain, don’t dictate: When teens understand the why, they’re more likely to follow through.
Mistakes are part of the process: Boundaries aren’t about perfection—they’re about growth.
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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Matilda Gosling's Substack (Sign up to get a free PDF Q&A on teen mental health!)
Book: Teenagers: The Evidence Base by Matilda Gosling
Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Matilda Gosling
Website: matildagosling.substack.com
Instagram: @matilda.gosling
LinkedIn: Matilda Gosling
X/Twitter: @matildagosling
 
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 Boundaries 02:59 The Importance of Independence 05:48 Defining Boundaries vs. Rules 09:04 Negotiating Boundaries with Teens 12:02 Common Mistakes Parents Make 15:02 The Role of Safetyism 18:08 Respecting Teen Privacy 20:56 Identifying Important Boundaries 23:46 Setting Parental Boundaries 27:06 The Importance of Modeling Behavior 29:57 Navigating Emotional Responses 32:49 Final Thoughts on Boundaries
 
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.
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