Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Parenting Teens Got You Stressed? đď¸ Dr. CamâThe Teen TranslatorâHas Answers! Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is the go-to podcast for parents who are ready to get real about raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswellâadolescent psychologist, certified parenting coach, and mom of a teenâthis podcast is all about honest conversations that dive deep into the challenges parents face and providing actionable solutions that actually work. Dr. Cam doesnât just talk theoriesâshe shares real-life insights and strategies based on over a decade of experience and the struggles she faces as a mom herself. Every episode offers practical, science-backed solutions to help you understand your teen, improve communication, and build a stronger relationship. Whether youâre dealing with mood swings, defiance, anxiety, or social media issues, youâll find easy-to-apply advice that makes a difference. No interviews hereâjust authentic conversations that get to the heart of what parents are really dealing with. With a mix of expert tips and Dr. Camâs own relatable stories, youâll walk away with the tools you need to tackle even the toughest teen challenges with confidence. #Parenting #ParentingTips #ParentingAdvice #ParentingLife #ParentingSupport #TeenParenting #Teenagers #RaisingTeens #ParentingTeens #TeenBehavior #TeenCommunication #TeenMotivation #TeenDevelopment #AdolescentDevelopment #ParentTeenConnection #TeenMentalHealth #DrCam #TheTeenTranslator
Podcast Description
Parenting Teens Got You Stressed? đď¸ Dr. CamâThe Teen TranslatorâHas Answers! Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is the go-to podcast for parents who are ready to get real about raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswellâadolescent psychologist, certified parenting coach, and mom of a teenâthis podcast is all about honest conversations that dive deep into the challenges parents face and providing actionable solutions that actually work. Dr. Cam doesnât just talk theoriesâshe shares real-life insights and strategies based on over a decade of experience and the struggles she faces as a mom herself. Every episode offers practical, science-backed solutions to help you understand your teen, improve communication, and build a stronger relationship. Whether youâre dealing with mood swings, defiance, anxiety, or social media issues, youâll find easy-to-apply advice that makes a difference. No interviews hereâjust authentic conversations that get to the heart of what parents are really dealing with. With a mix of expert tips and Dr. Camâs own relatable stories, youâll walk away with the tools you need to tackle even the toughest teen challenges with confidence. #Parenting #ParentingTips #ParentingAdvice #ParentingLife #ParentingSupport #TeenParenting #Teenagers #RaisingTeens #ParentingTeens #TeenBehavior #TeenCommunication #TeenMotivation #TeenDevelopment #AdolescentDevelopment #ParentTeenConnection #TeenMentalHealth #DrCam #TheTeenTranslator
Episodes
Episodes



Mar 23, 2026
Mar 23, 2026
14 min
Are you constantly worried your teen is making bad choicesâand feel like consequences are the only way to âteach them a lessonâ?
Youâre not alone. And youâre not wrong to care.
But what if the very thing youâre doing to prevent bad decisions is actually making them worse?
In this episode, weâre digging into one of the biggest parenting traps: punishing behavior instead of teaching the skills behind it. Because when your teen makes a risky, impulsive, or frustrating choice, itâs easy to assume theyâre being careless, defiant, or just not thinking.
But thereâs something much deeper going onâand once you see it, everything about how you respond will start to shift.
This isnât about letting your teen âget away with it.âAnd itâs definitely not about lowering your standards.
Itâs about understanding what your teen actually needs in those moments so they can learn to make better decisions without you hovering, nagging, or constantly stepping in.
Because the goal isnât to control their choices foreverâŚItâs to raise a teen who can think for themselves when youâre not there.
If youâve ever:
Replayed a bad decision your teen made and wondered, âWhat were they thinking?â
Felt stuck between being too strict or too lenient
Worried that giving more freedom will just lead to worse choices
This episode is going to give you a completely different lensâand a better way forward.
WHAT YOUâLL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why teens make choices that donât make sense to you (but make perfect sense to them)
The hidden reason punishment often leads to more lying, hiding, and disconnection
What your teen actually needs in the moment of a bad decision (hint: itâs not a lecture)
How to help your teen build real decision-making skillsâwithout constant power struggles
A simple mindset shift that changes how you respond immediately
đ§â¤ď¸ ENJOYING THE SHOW?Donât 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! đđŤ
đ Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! đ
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
⨠The COLLABORATE Method⢠Parenting ProgramA step-by-step system to help you stay calm, understand your teen, and guide better choicesâwithout power struggles. www.askdrcam.com/collaboratemethod
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
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 strategies, real-life scripts, and expert insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teenâwithout yelling, nagging, or walking on eggshells.
#parentingteens #teenbehavior #drcamcaswell



Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
35 min
Teaching your teen to drive can feel terrifying.If your teen is nervous behind the wheelâor keeps delaying getting their licenseâyouâre not alone.
Many teens today feel anxious about driving, and the way parents approach practice can either build confidence⌠or make that anxiety worse.
In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, Dr. Cam talks with Nigel Tunnacliffe, CEO and co-founder of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, about how parents can help anxious teen drivers feel more confident and capable behind the wheel.
Nigel shares what professional driving instructors know about teaching teens to drive safelyâand why well-meaning parents sometimes make the process harder without realizing it.
If teaching your teen to drive has felt stressful, frustrating, or overwhelming, this episode will help you turn practice drives into confidence-building learning experiences instead of power struggles.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode
Why many teens today delay getting their driverâs license
How parent anxiety can accidentally increase teen driving anxiety
The biggest mistake parents make when teaching teens to drive
How professional driving instructors build confidence in anxious teen drivers
When teens are truly ready to start driving independently
How to make practice drives calmer and more productive for both of you
Why Teaching Teens to Drive Feels So Stressful
Learning to drive is one of the biggest steps toward independence for teensâand one of the most anxiety-provoking moments for parents.
When parents shift their role from critic to coach, teens learn faster, build confidence, and develop safer habits on the road.
This conversation will help you approach this milestone with more calm, clarity, and confidence for both you and your teen.
About Our Guest
Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the United States. Coastline has helped more than 250,000 teens learn to drive safely across hundreds of cities.
Nigel founded Coastline with the mission of reducing car crashes through better driver education and safer driving habits.
Learn more:https://coastlineacademy.com
Follow Coastline Academy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastlineacademyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastlineacademy
Episode Chapters
00:00 Why Teaching Teens to Drive Feels So Stressful00:53 Why Many Teens Are Delaying Their Driverâs License03:41 Helping Anxious Teen Drivers Build Confidence05:23 Encouraging Teens Without Creating Resistance07:09 Managing Parent Anxiety During Practice Drives09:56 Creating a Supportive Learning Environment12:34 Celebrating Small Driving Wins15:25 Teaching Through Observation and Empathy19:02 Recognizing Responsibility in Teen Drivers21:29 Building Safe Driving Habits24:11 Helping Teens Gain Confidence Behind the Wheel27:32 Setting Boundaries for New Drivers29:19 Practical Tips for Safe Driving Practice
Connect with Dr. Cam
Website: https://www.askdrcam.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswellYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
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đ§ Enjoying the podcast?
Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more parents find practical strategies to strengthen their relationship with their teens.
đ Subscribe so you never miss another episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam.
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parenting teens, teaching teens to drive, anxious teen driver, teen driving anxiety, parenting teenagers, helping teens gain confidence, teen independence, safe teen drivers



Mar 3, 2026
Mar 3, 2026
16 min
Is your teen acting entitled, ungrateful, or selfish â no matter how much you do for them?
Youâre not alone. And it may not mean what you think.
In this episode, Dr. Cam explains why teen entitlement is often a normal part of adolescent development â rooted in brain changes, identity formation, and intense self-focus â not bad character.
Youâll learn:
⢠Why lectures and guilt trips about gratitude backfire⢠The psychology behind teen self-centered behavior⢠How to teach gratitude without shame or comparison⢠Practical ways to build empathy, responsibility, and perspective
If you want to raise a grateful teen without damaging your relationship, this episode will give you a research-backed, connection-focused approach that actually works.
Hit play to understand whatâs really behind teen entitlement â and how to respond in a way that builds character, not resentment.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Teen Behavior and Entitlement
01:46 Understanding Self-Focus in Teens
04:27 The Role of Gratitude in Development
08:34 Building Perspective Through Experience
12:08 Teaching Gratitude as a Skill
13:33 Reframing Parental Responses to Teen Behavior
14:58 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
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đ§ Enjoying the Show?
Hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss practical, research-backed strategies for parenting teens.If this episode helped, a quick review helps more parents find support.
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đ Resource Mentioned
The COLLABORATE Method⢠Parenting ProgramA step-by-step system for building responsibility, gratitude, and maturity â without shame or power struggles.đ AskDrCam.com/collaboratemethod
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Previous Episodes in Series:
Episode 269: Attitude
Episode 271: Refusing to do chores
Episode 273: Arguing all the time about everything
Next Episode Preview: Episode 5 will cover "Making risky and bad choices" and how changing your approach can improve your teen's rational decision-making abilities.
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About the Podcast
Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam blends brain science, practical tools, and real-life scripts so you can parent smarter â not harder.



Feb 24, 2026
Feb 24, 2026
37 min
Teen boys shutting down can feel like rejection, but itâs usually self-protection. If your teen son wonât talk, gives one-word answers, or avoids conversations completely, this episode will help you understand whatâs going onâand what actually works.
Dr. Cam Caswell (adolescent psychologist + certified parenting coach) and licensed professional counselor Jarrod Hoffman break down teen communication, emotional withdrawal, and trust-building strategies that help parents reconnect with teen boys. Youâll learn how to stop the lecture cycle, use reflective listening, and create emotional safety so your teenage son opens up again.
What Youâll Learn:
Why teen boys shut down emotionally during puberty (and why itâs not rejection)
The #1 communication mistake parents make that pushes teen boys further away
How to use reflection instead of rapid-fire questions to build trust
The â10-Minute Play Ruleâ that strengthens parent-teen connection
What to say when your teen goes silent (without panicking or lecturing)
Why teens already know what they âshouldâ be doingâand why more advice backfires
How to build trust with your teenage son so he talks to you again
Connect with Jarrod Hoffman:Website: jarrodhoffman.comNewsletter: Jarrodâs Monthly NewsletterBlog: jarrodhoffman.com/blogLinkedIn: Jarrod Hoffman
Connect with Dr. Cam Caswell:Website: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam (search âParenting Teens with Dr. Camâ)
Enjoying the show?Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review so other parents can find the support they need.Hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a solution-packed episode.
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, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, each episode delivers practical parenting tools, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you improve communication, reduce power struggles, and build a stronger relationship with your teen.
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #teencommunication #parentingteenboys
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Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
15 min
If it feels like every conversation with your teen turns into a debate⌠youâre not alone.
In this episode, Dr. Cam flips the script on what âtalking backâ really means. What if your teenâs arguing isnât disrespect⌠but development? What if those debates are actually signs of growing critical thinking, identity formation, and moral reasoning?
Youâll learn why shutting down arguments with âbecause I said soâ may create more power struggles, not fewerâand how to transform daily battles into opportunities to build confidence, connection, and real-life skills.
If youâre tired of feeling like the bad guy every time your teen pushes back, this episode will help you respond with clarity, authority, and calmâwithout losing your leadership.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why teen arguing is often a sign of healthy brain developmentânot defiance
The hidden cost of âbecause I said soâ parenting
How to separate disagreement from disrespect
The difference between debatable topics and non-negotiable boundaries
Phrases that keep conversations open without giving up authority
How healthy arguing prepares teens to resist peer pressure and advocate for themselves
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RELATED EPISODES IN THIS SERIES
This episode is part of the series:
â7 Teen Behaviors Parents Often Punish That Are Actually Signs of Healthy Development.â
Be sure to check out:
Episode 269: Attitude, eye rolls, and tone as signs of developing nervous systems
Episode 271: Why teens resist chores (missing skills vs. laziness)
Upcoming: Acting selfish and entitled as healthy development
RESOURCE MENTIONED
The COLLABORATE Method⢠Parenting ProgramA step-by-step system for parents who are tired of constant power struggles and second-guessing themselves.
Inside, youâll learn how to:
Stay in charge without escalating
Allow disagreements without losing authority
Respond with clarity instead of reacting in frustration
Learn more at:https://www.askdrcam.com/collaboratemethod
đ§â¤ď¸ ENJOYING THE SHOW?
Donât 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! đđŤđ Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! đ
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Healthy Development Behaviors01:18 Why Arguing Feels So Frustrating03:56 Arguing as Executive Function Development06:36 Teaching Respectful Disagreement09:51 Debatable vs. Non-Negotiable Topics12:09 The COLLABORATE Methodâ˘
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 youâre struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tools to make parenting teens easierâand more connected.
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenDevelopment #ParentingTeens



Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
40 min
Fighting with your teen about screens doesnât mean youâre failing. It usually means youâre focusing on the wrong thing.
In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, Iâm joined by Stephen Balkam, Founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, who brings 30 years of experience helping families navigate online safety without fear or power struggles.
We break down why traditional screen time rules backfire, why screen use matters more than minutes, and how parents can stay influential in a world where teens are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for school, problem-solving, and decision-making.
If you want to protect your teen online without losing trust or connection, this episode will help you rethink your approach.
What Youâll Learn
The biggest screen time mistake parents make (and what works better)
Why quality of screen use matters more than quantity
How the âco-pilotâ approach keeps you involved without controlling
Why involving teens in rule-setting increases follow-through
What parents need to know about AI and critical thinking
Simple boundaries that protect both safety and connection
Resources Mentioned
Family Online Safety Institute: https://www.fosi.org
Seven Steps to Good Digital Parenting
Digital Parenting Contract Template
FOSI YouTube Channel
AI tools discussed: ChatGPT, ClaudeApps referenced: PokĂŠmon Go, nature and star identification apps
About the Guest
Stephen Balkam is the Founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, a nonprofit working with major tech companies to make the online world safer for kids and families. He has been at the forefront of online safety for three decades and has witnessed the evolution from the early web to social media to todayâs AI age.
About the Show
Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam helps parents stay calm, connected, and confident while navigating the challenges of raising teens. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach.
đ Learn more and access free resources at AskDrCam.comđą For daily parenting tools, follow @DrCamCaswell on Instagram



Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
18 min
If youâve asked your teen to do a chore and they responded like you just requested a kidney⌠welcome. đŤ
Because hereâs the thing: the chore battle usually isnât about the chore. Itâs about what happens after you askâthe stalling, the eye rolls, the âin a minute,â the sudden deep commitment to scrolling, and you repeating yourself until your voice hits a pitch only dogs can hear.
In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, Dr. Cam breaks down the real reason chores blow up in so many homesâand why most of the common fixes (punishment, consequences, rewards, bribing, threatening, lecturing) often backfire long-term.
Youâll learn the simple shift that can turn chores from a power struggle into cooperationâwithout begging, nagging, or doing it all yourselfâplus the one mistake that accidentally teaches teens to avoid chores (and you) even more.
If chores have become the hill your household dies on⌠this episode will change how you look at itâand what you do next.
This is Part 2 of the series: 7 Behaviors Parents Often Punish That Are Actually Signs of Healthy Development.
WHAT YOUâLL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why âclean your roomâ can feel impossible to a teen brain (even when they want to do it)
The hidden reason punishment makes chore resistance worse over time
The mindset shift that gets teens to help without the constant reminders
How to build responsibility in a way that doesnât destroy your relationship
đ§â¤ď¸ ENJOYING THE SHOW?
Donât 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! đđŤđ Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! đ
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
The COLLABORATE Method⢠Parenting Program â A step-by-step approach that helps you respond confidently to any teen struggle (chores, motivation, attitude, school stress, and more): https://www.askdrcam.com/collab
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswell YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamÂ
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
Why chores trigger so many power struggles
The surprising reason your teen avoids starting (even when itâs simple)
The parenting response that quietly increases resistance
The ânag-freeâ strategy that changes cooperation
How to build responsibility without resentment
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 youâre 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 #teenchores #parentingteens



Jan 26, 2026
Jan 26, 2026
37 min
A lot of parents see the hours, hear the headphones, and picture the worst: strangers, predators, secret chats, and âIs my kid addicted to this?!â
So in this episode, I brought in someone who actually knows whatâs happening behind the scenes at Roblox: Tami Bhaumik, Vice President of Civility and Partnerships at Roblox. And let me tell youâthis conversation will either calm your nervous system⌠or at least give you a real plan.
WHAT YOUâLL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
The one thing most parents misunderstand about Roblox⌠and why it matters for safety
A major safety feature rolling out that could change how teens connect with others online
The screen-time question parents obsess overâand what actually signals a real problem
Why âplay with your teenâ isnât cheesy advice⌠itâs a shortcut to better conversations and more honesty
How to set limits that donât instantly trigger eye rolls, blowups, or shutdowns
đ§â¤ď¸ ENJOYING THE SHOW?Donât 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! đđŤ
đ Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! đ
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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Roblox Safety Center: https://corp.roblox.com/safetyParental controls, safety guides, video tutorials, and wellbeing resources for families.
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Tami Bhaumik
Vice President of Civility and Partnerships, RobloxLinkedIn: @tamibhaumik
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CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: https://AskDrCam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamÂ
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 â Roblox: What It Really Is (And Why Parents Misread It)05:41 â The Safety Stuff You Actually Need to Know11:47 â The Parenting Move That Changes Everything16:49 â Screen Time: Whatâs Normal vs. Whatâs Not22:38 â How to Work With Your Teen on Safety28:18 â Tools, Next Steps, and Where Parents Should Start
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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, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this show gives you science-backed insights and real-life parenting tools you can actually useâso you can stop second-guessing yourself and start leading with more calm, clarity, and connection.
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #Roblox #onlinesafety #digitalliteracy



Jan 20, 2026
Jan 20, 2026
17 min
Eye rolls.Heavy sighs.That sharp, snarky tone that flips your nervous system in half a second.
If your teenâs ânasty attitudeâ instantly makes you think disrespect, defiance, or this needs to stop now, this episode will change how you see everything.
In Episode #269 of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I kick off a brand-new series unpacking teen behaviors parents punish â even though theyâre often signs of healthy development. And weâre starting with the one that triggers parents the fastest: attitude.
Hereâs the uncomfortable truth most parents were never told: What feels like disrespect in the moment is often your teenâs nervous system in overload, paired with a brain thatâs wired for emotion but still learning regulation. When we shut it down with consequences or lectures, we donât teach respect â we teach defense.
And thatâs where the power struggles, shutdowns, and distance begin.
In this episode, I donât just explain why this happens, I walk you through the critical choice every parent faces in those heated moments⌠and how one response builds walls while the other builds trust.
I also introduce the response framework I teach parents inside my COLLABORATE Method⢠Parenting Program â the approach that helps you hold boundaries without escalating, shutting down, or saying something you regret five minutes later.
If youâve ever wondered:
Why does my teen get snarky over the smallest things?
Am I accidentally making the attitude worse?
How do I stop the tone without starting a war?
This episode is your wake-up call.
Because tonightâs âattitudeâ isnât just about tonight.Itâs shaping how safe your teen feels communicating with you tomorrow.
WHAT YOUâLL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why teen âattitudeâ often usually has nothing to do with disrespect â and everything to do with brain development
The hidden reason even well-intended questions can trigger snark and shutdown
The parenting response that escalates attitude (most parents default to it without realizing)
The moment-by-moment choice that determines whether your teen opens up⌠or closes offÂ
WHY THIS MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
Every time your teen gets mouthy, snappy, or sarcastic, one of two things happens. You either:
reinforce fear, control, and emotional shutdown or
teach regulation, communication, and real respect
Most parents were taught the first path.
In this episode, I show you the second and explain why it works even when your teen is not at their best.
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đ WANT A STEP-BY-STEP PLAN FOR THESE MOMENTS?
This episode gives you the why. The COLLABORATE Method⢠Parenting Program gives you the how â across every teen challenge, not just attitude.
Inside the program, parents learn how to:
Stay calm and grounded when emotions run high
Respond instead of react â even in triggering moments
Hold boundaries without power struggles
Build respect that actually lasts
If youâre done guessing what to say and want a clear, repeatable system you can trust in real life, this is where to start.
đ Learn more here: https://askdrcam.com/collaboratemethod
UPCOMING EPISODE
Next up in this series: Why âNot Doing Choresâ Is Rarely About Laziness(and how nagging accidentally trains teens to avoid responsibility)
ABOUT THE SHOW
Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is your go-to podcast for understanding teen behavior and responding in ways that build connection not conflict. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, and âThe Teen Translator,â each episode delivers science-backed insight and real-life parenting tools you can actually use.Â
Instagram: @drcamcaswell
Website: askdrcam.com



Jan 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
34 min
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-OâBrien, 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.
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WHAT YOUâLL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
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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
Teensâ top concern about AI use and why it is not what most parents assume
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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.đ Learn more at AskDrCam.com
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đ§â¤ď¸ 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.đ Hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode packed with practical strategies for modern parenting.
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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
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CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Alanna Powers-OâBrien
Organization: Family Online Safety InstituteWebsite: https://www.fosi.org
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CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: https://www.askdrcam.comInstagram: @DrCamCaswellTikTok: @the.teen.translatorYouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. CamFacebook: @DrCamCaswell
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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 Teensâ 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 ParentsÂ
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ABOUT THE SHOW
The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers in todayâs 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 teensâ emotional growth without shame or fear-based parenting.
đ Learn more and explore resources at https://www.askdrcam.com/parenting-teens-podcast
#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #ChatGPTandTeens #AIParenting #DigitalParenting











