Why do our teens keep messing up — and why do we sometimes lose our cool? 😫
In this episode, we dig into why mistakes are a normal part of adolescence — because teens are human just like us! We explore how their curiosity, need for independence, and brain development lead to errors, and why that’s actually healthy for their growth.
We also talk about how our reactions as parents can often be driven by stress and fear, and how taking a moment to pause and breathe can transform those moments into opportunities for connection and understanding.
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — A New Year Reframe: “Being” Something Instead of “Doing” Something
08:16 — “Why Does My Teen Keep Messing Up?”
09:09 — Why Parents Get So Worried When Kids Make Mistakes
10:16 — The Real Reason Parents Overreact
10:37 — Why Teens Mess Up More Often Than We Expect
10:40 — Reason 1: Kids Are Human Too
10:43 — Reason 2: Development Is Still in Progress
17:23 — Why Pushing Limits Is a Normal Part of Adolescence
17:35 — Why the Conclusions We Jump To Are Often Wrong
18:04 — Possibility A: Your Teen May Be Doing Something Developmentally Normal
18:12 — Possibility B: Putting the Behavior in Context
18:23 — Possibility C: The Behavior May Be a Reaction
18:56 — How Challenging Behaviors Can Reflect Positive Intentions
19:24 — Possibility D: When Behavior Signals a Skills’ Deficit
20:56 — Shifting the Lens: Choosing to Look for the Good
22:49 — Why Parents Are More Likely to Lose It
26:06 — How to Pause and Avoid Overreacting
27:33 — The Cost of Parenting From Anxiety
29:43 — “Staying Here”: A Powerful Parenting Mantra
31:18 — Book Recommendation: Eight Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success
Join us as we share real stories, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on handling mistakes with curiosity rather than overreaction. Because when we see their missteps as part of normal development, we can stay calmer, more compassionate, and build stronger relationships.
🎧 Tune in now — because parenting teens doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle. Let’s navigate these tricky moments together, with patience and a little humor.
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watch this episode here on Youtube or
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💬 Have a story or question? Email hello@theparentingpair.com — we love hearing from you!
Do you ever find yourself second-guessing your parenting decisions… not because they feel wrong, but because you’re worried what other parents might think?
Yeah — us too.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron dive into five powerful mindset shifts to help you stop spiraling and start parenting from a place of confidence, clarity, and calm.
You’ll learn:
✔️ How to connect with your best self as a parent
✔️ Why judgment is unavoidable — and fleeting
✔️ How to stop wasting energy trying to mind-read other parents
✔️ Why “your family, your call” is the healthiest mantra you can adopt
✔️ The power of showing kindness to other families — and yourself
🎯 Whether you’ve been side-eyed at the pickup line, judged over a playdate rule, or just feel pressure to “get it all right,” this episode is a breath of fresh air.
🧠 You’ll leave with practical tools, real-world examples, and permission to parent with confidence — even when your approach looks different.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 Connecting With Your Best Self as a Parent
01:55 Why parents feel judged—and why it matters
06:07 Mindset Shift #1: Reconnect with your best parenting self
08:40 Mindset Shift #2: Accept that judgment is fleeting
09:43 Mindset Shift #3: You’re not a mind reader
11:48 Mindset Shift #4: Your family, your call
14:48 Mindset Shift #5: Extend kindness to other parents
15:25 Reflection: How these shifts can help
17:03 What now: Modeling confidence for your teen
📩 Got a question for a future episode? Email us at hello@theparentingpair.com
Find us on our website
watch this episode here on Youtube or
follow us @theparentingpair on Instagram
🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron dive into the complex world of parenting children and teens with ADHD. They explore common parent feelings—from exhaustion and frustration to dark thoughts—and emphasize the importance of self-compassion and understanding.
Together they discuss:
● How ADHD symptoms can look different during puberty and adolescence, especially in girls
● The difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it, with relatable stories and insights
● Practical ways to support your child's growth, resilience, and self-understanding
● The significance of parent self-care, seeking support, and fostering a compassionate mindset
● Tips for managing societal judgments and building a supportive community
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — Using Stories to Understand ADHD
02:49 — Metaphors That Help Explain What ADHD Feels Like
04:00 — The “Race Car Brain” Explained
06:14 — Why “Pressing the Gas” Can Be So Hard With ADHD
08:10 — The Two Sides of Having a Race Car Brain
08:59 — Why Sharing These Metaphors Helps Others Understand ADHD
09:56 — Why ADHD Is Hard: It’s Often Invisible
11:34 — ADHD Can Feel Like Sailing Without Wind
15:00 — Common Misconceptions About Kids With ADHD
16:38 — Why Teens Have Lower Dopamine Levels
17:23 — Why Motivation Is Harder for Kids With ADHD
18:17 — Practical Recommendations Moving Forward
This episode offers empathetic guidance and real-world advice for parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting a young person with ADHD. Remember, you're not alone—support, understanding, and patience can make a world of difference.
Tune in now to learn how to nurture your child's potential while taking care of yourself along the way. And don't forget to share this episode with friends or family who might find it helpful!
Find us on our website
watch this episode here on Youtube or
follow us @theparentingpair on Instagram
🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.
The holiday season is meant to be joyful and connecting—but for many families, it can quickly become overwhelming. Between big gatherings, clashing personalities, differing expectations, and the emotional needs of teens and tweens (especially those with ADHD, depression, or other challenges), parents often feel stretched thin and unsure how to navigate it all.
In this grounding episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen break down how to manage holiday stress, communicate clearly with extended family, protect your child’s emotional needs, and set realistic expectations so the season feels more peaceful and less pressured.
They explore the emotional realities families face—when relatives don’t understand your teen’s behavior, when unsolicited advice makes things worse, when expectations clash, and when you feel caught in the middle trying to keep everyone happy. Through practical strategies and compassionate guidance, they offer tools that help parents approach the holidays with more clarity, connection, and confidence.
Together, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen unpack:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — Why the Holidays Can Feel Stressful for Families (Especially With Teens)
01:32 — The Holiday Season Can Be Fun and Stressful
02:11 — Stress and Family Management Strategies for the Holiday Season
02:26 — Tip 1: Don’t Assume Others Understand Your Child’s Needs
04:46 — Helping Family Members Understand Your Child’s Experience
08:03 — Tip 2: Considering Other Perspectives Within the Family
10:05 — Tip 3: Being Clear About What Helps and What Doesn’t
13:05 — Why Sometimes You Only Need One Supportive Ally
15:05 — Aligning Your Expectations With Reality During the Holidays
17:10 — Redefining Family Traditions When Needed
If your holidays often feel chaotic, emotionally loaded, or hard to predict, this episode offers evidence-based, compassionate tools to help your family feel more grounded—so you can focus on what truly matters.
Find us on our website
watch us here on Youtube or
follow us @theparentingpair on Instagram
🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.
Behavior change doesn’t happen just through willpower—as many people actually think. In this episode, we explore how shaping the environments around teens can make healthy habits more likely — and success more achievable.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen unpack one of the most powerful concepts in behavioral science: how to make the behaviors you want to see easier, and the behaviors you want to avoid harder. Instead of relying on motivation alone—something that naturally fluctuates—they explore concrete tools parents can use to shift habits for themselves and their kids.
They discuss why environment design matters more than willpower alone, how friction and ease can shape habits automatically, and why families often get stuck when change feels too big, too vague, or too effortful. Through relatable examples and practical insights, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen guide parents on how to use behavioral principles to reduce conflict, build consistency, and set their children and teens up for success.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — Behavior Change Is Not Just About Willpower
01:21 — Why Discipline Feels So Difficult
01:54 — Common Thoughts We Have About Behavior Change
02:31 — Is It Really a Lack of Willpower or Self-Control?
03:16 — Motivation Comes After Behavior Change
04:02 — The “Make It Easy or Make It Hard” Strategy
04:23 — How to Make Hard Tasks Easier to Do
06:09 — Strategies to Make Unwanted Behaviors Harder
08:21 — The Importance of Habits in Daily Life
10:19 — The Downside of Telling Teens Exactly What to Do
11:39 — Kids and Teens Often Have Great Ideas
13:10 — Why Letting Kids Generate Their Own Solutions Works
14:40 — When to Take the Next Step and Seek Extra Help
16:30 — Shifting From Motivation to Design
17:08 — A Fun Activity for Parents to “Make it Easy” or “Make it Hard”
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to help your child or teen follow through—or wanted to change your own habits but didn’t know where to start—this episode offers science-backed, achievable tools to make change smoother, simpler, and far more likely to last.
Previous Podcast on Teen Autonomy that Suzanne mentioned in this episode:
watch here on Youtube
or listen here on Apple or here on Spotify
🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient kids and teens.
@theparentingpair
Lying is one of the behaviors parents fear most—but in most cases, it’s far less alarming than it feels in the moment. This episode matters because understanding why kids and teens lie can help parents respond with calm, empathy, and connection instead of panic and shutdown.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen take a grounded, myth-busting look at lying across childhood and adolescence. Drawing from clinical experience and real-life examples, they explain why lying is developmentally common, what it does not mean about your teen’s character, and how parents can keep the relationship strong while still holding boundaries.
They explore the emotional, social, and developmental drivers behind lying—like avoiding judgment, seeking independence, protecting friendships, embarrassment, and the desire for privacy. The conversation also highlights how ADHD, depression, memory gaps, and low activation can lead to misunderstandings that look like lies but aren’t intentional at all.
Most importantly, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen share practical strategies for staying regulated, listening more effectively, reducing lecturing, and creating a home environment where honesty feels safer. They also outline when chronic or risky lying warrants additional support.
Together, they help parents understand:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — When Kids Lie: Understanding Normal Childhood Behavior
01:26 — Why Does My Teen Lie? Common Parenting Concerns
03:29 — Two Typical Reasons Kids and Teens Lie
07:04 — What Parents Often Think When Their Kids Lie
08:22 — Additional Reasons Teens May Lie
11:33 — How Keeping an Open Mind Leads to Better Understanding
12:48 — Helpful Ways to Approach Lying
15:09 — The Power of Simply Listening
16:18 — What to Do When You Can Predict the Lie
18:28 — The Importance of Modeling Honesty as Parents
19:51 — When Lying Becomes Something to Pay Attention To
20:39 — Why Kids With ADHD May Lie More Often
23:56 — Other Motivations Behind Lying
24:24 — Reflecting on What You’d Like to Approach Differently as a Parent
If you’ve ever worried that your teen’s lying means something is “wrong,” this episode will help you breathe, zoom out, and use these moments to strengthen connection instead of fear.
🔔 Subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast for more expert guidance on raising emotionally healthy, connected kids and teens.
📲 Connect with us:
Instagram: /theparentingpair
Facebook: /TheParentingPair
Online sports betting has become one of the fastest-growing risks for teens and tweens—often long before parents realize it’s on their child’s radar. This episode matters because parents today are navigating an entirely new digital landscape where gambling is marketed as entertainment, built into sports culture, and accessible 24/7 from a phone. Understanding how to educate our children and teens as well as how to respond—calmly, clearly, and effectively—can make all the difference.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen break down the rise of youth online gambling and sports betting, why adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to addictive platforms, and what parents can do before, during, and after concerns arise. Drawing from clinical experience and current research, they explain how gambling behaviors intersect with developmental impulsivity, social pressure, and mental health—and how parents can respond without shame or panic.
Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen also discuss why early conversations about risk, money, and digital habits are essential protective factors. Together, they explore:
Key moments from this episode:
00:00 — Why Online Sports Betting Is Becoming a Major Risk for Teens
05:10 — How Teens Get Exposed to Gambling Without Parents Realizing
08:54 — How to Start the Conversation About Online Gambling With Your Child
11:45 — Communication Strategies That Foster Openness and Honesty
14:33 — How Gambling Trends Shifted After the Pandemic
16:53 — Understanding the Highs and Lows That Gambling Involves
21:15 — How Teens Access Betting Through Apps and Digital Platforms
24:15 — Video Games: How They May Introduce Gambling-Like Behaviors to Kids
29:14 — Using “Delay Practice” to Set Boundaries Around Gaming
30:16 — What Intermittent Reinforcement Is—and Why It Keeps Anyone Hooked
33:03 — Why the Teen Brain Is Especially Vulnerable to Gambling Apps
34:36 — Early Warning Signs of Gambling-Related Problems in Teens
37:29 — What Parents Should Do When They Suspect a Gambling Problem
If you’ve been worried about relentless gambling ads, your teen’s sports-betting exposure, or how to address risky online behavior without damaging trust, this episode will give you research-informed, practical steps to guide your family with clarity and confidence.
Furthermore, if you have concerns that you or a family member may have a gambling problem or addiction, you or your loved one can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for private and confidential information and support.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising healthy, resilient kids and teens.
Why do so many teens and tweens struggle with sleep—and what can parents actually do to help?
In this insightful episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with clinical psychologists, Dr. Allison Shale and Dr. Andrea Roth, to unpack the science and psychology behind adolescents’ sleep challenges.
They explore why biological shifts, technology use, and academic pressure make it harder for teens to fall asleep—and how family routines, communication, and environmental changes can make a big difference.
Together, they discuss:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 – Be Kind to Yourself: Supporting Your Teen’s Sleep Without Guilt
03:09 – Recommended Reading: The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep
04:20 – How Much Sleep Do Teens and Tweens Really Need?
05:59 – Expert Advice for Parents Struggling With Teen Sleep Challenges
07:43 – The Hidden Anxiety about Sleep Deprivation in Teens
08:09 – Biological Changes That Disrupt Teen and Tween Sleep Patterns
10:46 – Should You Let Your Teen Sleep In on Weekends?
14:12 – Understanding Sleep Inertia and “Social Jet Lag” in Adolescents
17:48 – Can Morning Sunlight Help Teens Reset Their Sleep Cycles?
20:34 – Why Parents Should Acknowledge Their Own Sleep Struggles
21:39 – When to Seek Professional Help for Your Teen’s Sleep Issues
25:27 – Why Teens May Listen Better to Other Adults Than Their Parents
26:42 – Why Melatonin Shouldn’t Be the First Solution for Teen Sleep
31:37 – Behavioral Strategies to Help Teens Improve Their Sleep
If you’ve ever found yourself worrying about your teen staying up too late—or being exhausted and moody the next morning—this episode offers both reassurance and research-based tools to help your family rest easier.
Additionally, you can check out Dr. Roth and Dr. Shale's new book, with Dr. Shelby Harris, The Essential Guide To Children's Sleep: A Tired Caregiver's Workbook for Every Age and Stage or you can find them on instagram at @essentialkidsleep.
And as always, share this episode with fellow parents who may find it helpful—because caring for our family's sleep is essential for good mental and physical health.
🔔 Subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast for more expert guidance on raising resilient, healthy teens.
Watch on YouTube: The Parenting Pair
Connect with us:
📩 Email: hello@theparentingpair.com
📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair
When your child shows signs of anxiety, repetitive or rigid behaviors, or intrusive thoughts, it can feel confusing and overwhelming to know what’s “typical” and what might signal something more—like OCD. What should parents do in those uncertain moments, especially while waiting for a diagnosis?
In this informative and compassionate episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents can best support kids and teens who may be experiencing OCD or related anxiety conditions. They discuss signs or symptoms of OCD, how to respond when behaviors seem confusing or create conflict and distress in a family, and why well-meaning reassurance or accommodations can sometimes make things worse.
The conversation also sheds light on the emotional experience for parents—what it’s like to live in that “in-between” space of not having answers yet—and offers practical guidance for reducing family stress while creating a supportive, stable environment.
Together, Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — How OCD Disrupts Daily Life and Focus
02:26 — When OCD Behaviors Get Misunderstood
03:36 — What to Do When You Notice New Behaviors in Your Child
04:03 — Understanding What OCD Really Is
05:40 — Common Intrusive Thoughts
06:42 — What Compulsions Are—and Why They Provide Temporary Relief
07:38 — How OCD Gains Power
08:57 — OCD- When Things Just Don’t Feel Right
10:49 — What Parents Can Do During Uncertain Times
11:22 — Communication Strategies to Support the Relationship Even When Things are Hard
11:45 — Tip #1: Stay On The Same Team
12:25 — Tip #2- Make Repairs When Misunderstandings Cause Pain
14:09 — Tip #3- Working Together to Get “Unstuck”
14:49 — Tip #4- Name the OCD to Support Communication
15:56 — Understanding Accommodations- When OCD is “Bossing” You Around Too
16:35 — How to Gradually Reduce Accommodations and Support Change
18:42 — Why Family Understanding and Teamwork Are Crucial in OCD Care
20:13 — How to Approach OCD Once a Diagnosis Is Confirmed
23:07 — The Power of Acknowledging Small Wins in OCD Recovery
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not your child or teen might be struggling with OCD or you are stuck waiting for an evaluation or help, this episode is for you.
🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for more expert conversations on parenting, mental health, and raising resilient kids and teens.
Every parent hits that moment—the one where stress takes over, patience runs out, and it feels like you’re about to lose it. What you do in that moment matters, not just for your child, but for you.
In this supportive episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack what’s really happening when parents feel emotionally overwhelmed. They explain how stress hijacks our nervous system, why even the most mindful parents lose their cool, and what science-backed tools can help you regulate and reset in real time.
Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron share four practical strategies every parent can use when distress hits hard—plus a simple, evidence-based approach called the TIPP skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that can quickly bring your body back to baseline.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — How it Feels When You’re About to Lose It
01:32 — The Double Pressure: Caring for Kids and Aging Parents at the Same Time
02:38 — Tip #1: A Simple Way to Cope with Parenting Stress and Overwhelm
04:25 — The Power of Self-Compassion for Parents Under Stress
06:13 — Tip #2: Ditching the Comparison Trap in Modern Parenting
07:23 — Tip #3: Finding Supportive Friendships to Ease Parenting Overwhelm
11:45 — Tip #4: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations
13:49 — Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Its Benefits for Parents
14:18 — Using the TIPP Skill: A Proven DBT Technique for Crisis Moments
15:19 — How the “Temperature” Technique Helps Reset Your Emotional State
16:55 — How “Intense Exercise” Calms the Body During Stress
18:28 — “Paced Breathing”: A Science-Backed Way to Find Calm Fast
20:19 — “Progressive Muscle Relaxation”: Releasing Tension to Regain Balance
If you’ve ever found yourself on the verge of snapping—and wished you had a reset button—this episode will give you the tools, mindset, and compassion you need to stay grounded when parenting feels hardest.
🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for more science-based strategies and expert insights on parenting, stress, and emotional wellbeing.
Hormones play a powerful role in health from childhood to menopause — but many of us don’t learn what’s typical or when to seek help.
In this informative episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron welcome back Dr. Sophia Yen -board certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist- to discuss the key milestones in hormonal health across a woman’s lifespan. From understanding the signs of early puberty in children and teens to the role nutrition plays in healthy development, this episode offers parents and caregivers a science-based guide to supporting their kids through crucial transitions.
Dr. Yen also shares surprising insights about how hormonal birth control — often associated with contraception — can play a powerful role in managing perimenopausal symptoms and the health benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause. The conversation sheds light on how hormones influence mood, bone health, and long-term wellbeing, and how informed medical choices can improve quality of life at every stage.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 – Science and Medicine Can Improve Life for People with a Uterus
02:19 – When Puberty Typically Begins for Girls and Boys
04:54 – Supporting Children Through Early Puberty
06:25 – When to See a Doctor If Puberty Hasn’t Started
08:14 – Puberty in the Age of Social Media: What Parents Should Know
12:14 – How to Talk to Kids About Weight Gain During Puberty
15:24 – Is Diet Soda Really a Problem?
18:07 – The Benefits of Sleeping & Turning Off Screens After 2 hours
20:32 – Helping Teens Build Healthier Eating Habits Without Shame
23:38 – Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is It Advisable?
26:22 – The Impact of Estrogen Decline on Women’s Health
33:21 – Learn More About Pandia Health
34:26 – Use of Birth control vs. HRT: Perimenopause vs. Menopause
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s puberty timing is typical — or how to best support your own hormonal health through perimenopause — this episode provides practical, compassionate, and evidence-based insights every parent and woman can benefit from.
🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for more expert conversations on parenting, health, and emotional wellbeing through every stage of life.
What if monthly periods weren’t a given? Could choosing to make them optional improve physical and emotional well-being?
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron sit down with Dr. Sophia Yen - a board certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist- to unpack the growing conversation around menstrual suppression—the medical option to safely reduce or eliminate periods through hormonal contraception. They explore why this approach is often misunderstood, the science behind it, and how it can empower women and teens to make informed decisions about their reproductive and physical health.
Dr. Yen discusses the multiple benefits—from reducing menstrual pain and mood swings to supporting mental health, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and overall quality of life—while addressing the myths and cultural stigma that often surround the topic. The conversation also highlights how parents can guide their teens through these choices with openness and accurate information.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights of the episode:
00:00 – The Real Reason Women Have Monthly Periods
02:32 – What If Periods Could Be Optional?
04:10 – To Bleed or Not to Bleed: Understanding the Risk–Benefit Balance
05:03 – The Hidden Health Risks of Monthly Periods
07:32 – Menstruation and Anemia: A Common Connection
11:04 – Does Birth Control Make It Harder to Get Pregnant Later?
14:02 – How Birth Control Pills Can Support Fertility and Hormonal Health
15:07 – When Birth Control Pills Aren’t Recommended
17:50 – The Unexpected Benefits of Making Periods Optional
20:00 – Dr. Yen’s Algorithm for Choosing the Right Birth Control Pill
22:53 – Why Estrogen Plays a Key Role in Bone Health
26:49 – When to Consider Birth Control as a Health Tool
If you’ve ever wondered whether skipping periods is safe—or how to help your teen navigate menstrual health decisions—this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights that empower both parents and young women to make informed choices.
For additional information regarding #PeriodsOptional, please watch Dr. Sophia Yen’s TEDX Talk at the link below:
Making Periods Optional | Sophia Yen | TEDxBerkeley
You can also follow Dr. Yen on instagram, tiktok, facebook, twitter and youtube or connect with her company Pandia Health (where you can access the birth control algorithm).
https://www.pandiahealth.com/about/
https://www.instagram.com/pandiahealth/
https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophiayen
https://www.facebook.com/pandiahealth/
https://twitter.com/pandiahealth
🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on parenting, health, and raising confident, well-informed teens.
Why does your teen or tween keep asking for reassurance—and why doesn’t it actually help in the long run? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen unpack reassurance seeking as a safety behavior that often signals underlying anxiety.
They explore why offering repeated reassurance may calm kids momentarily but ultimately can reinforce and even increase their worry. Instead, Drs. Caron and Allen focus on how parents can respond in ways that foster independence, resilience, and emotional growth.
Together, Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:
Here are some highlights from this episode:
00:00 – Reassurance Seeking in Teens Often May Signal Anxiety
01:09 – Inside Dr. Caron’s & Dr. Allen’s Anxious Brains: Personal Anecdotes
04:28 – Understanding Safety Behaviors and Their Impact
06:31 – What Reassurance Seeking Sounds Like in Teens and Tweens
07:01 – When Parents Should Pay Attention to Safety Behaviors
07:55 – The Challenge of Being the Person Providing Reassurance
09:46 – Why Reassurance Brings Short-Term Relief but Fuels Long-Term Anxiety
11:08 – How Parents Can Respond to Reassurance Seeking
12:31 – Teaching Teens to Tolerate Uncertainty
14:01 – Naming and Calling Out Anxiety: A Helpful Strategy
15:26 – Focusing on Small Wins to Deal with Anxiety
16:44 – Reassurance: Short-Term Comfort, Long-Term Cost
If you’ve ever worried about whether answering “one more question” is helping—or wondered why your child keeps asking the same things again and again—this episode will give you research-based insights and actionable strategies to respond with empathy while breaking the cycle of reassurance seeking.
👉 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.
Follow us on instagram @theparentingpair
Visit www.theparentingpair.com to learn more.
Should parents set a curfew for their teens—or is it better to allow for more flexibility? And if setting a curfew, what is the “right” time for teens to be home? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack one of the most common questions parents face about raising teenagers: when, why, and how to set curfews.
They discuss the benefits of curfews—providing structure, ensuring safety, and helping teens develop responsibility—while also considering the challenges, including power struggles, and the ability for teens to call and text ready to negotiate. The episode also dives into what parents should do when teens repeatedly break curfew, and how to use these moments as opportunities to teach accountability instead of fueling endless confrontations.
Together, Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:
Here are some highlights from this episode:
If you’ve ever questioned whether curfews really work—or worried about how to enforce one without damaging your relationship—this episode will give you practical, research-based strategies to set boundaries while keeping trust and connection strong.
👉 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.
Follow us on instagram @theparentingpair
Visit www.theparentingpair.com to learn more.
Setbacks and tough decisions can feel overwhelming when they affect your child’s or teen’s path—but it’s key to bear in mind: they don’t define their future.In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron discuss how parents can navigate challenges without falling into common traps like catastrophizing or comparing their kids to others.
They introduce two powerful concepts—multifinality (different outcomes from the same starting point) and equifinality (different paths leading to similar outcomes)—to help parents reframe setbacks and keep perspective when times feel uncertain. The conversation also highlights why being a steady, supportive presence matters more than rushing in to fix everything.
Together, they consider:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
If you’ve ever felt anxious about your teen’s setbacks or worried about their long-term path, this episode offers practical insights and reassurance to help you parent with confidence and perspective.
To learn more about the “thinking traps” mentioned in this episode, click here for our podcast on Three Common Thinking Mistakes Parents Make and What to Do Instead: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a9b4ec3
👉 Subscribe for more expert conversations on raising resilient, confident teens.
Follow us on instagram @theparentingpair
Visit www.theparentingpair.com to learn more.
Teen depression is a serious matter and understanding the difference between expected mood shifts in adolescence vs. signs of depression is a challenge that many families face—In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents can identify the signs of depression in teens and tweens, and what steps to take to provide meaningful support.
The conversation explores how to distinguish regular ups and downs from more serious struggles using the FID approach, how parents can talk to their children without judgment or pressure, and ways that parents can more strongly encourage getting help while maintaining their relationship. Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron also share practical strategies for behavioral activation, knowing when to seek professional help, and how to balance guidance with giving teens space to express themselves.
Together they explore:
Key highlights from this episode:
If you’ve ever worried about your teen feeling down, isolated, or depressed, this episode will give you the tools to better understand what’s happening and how to respond with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
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Raising a teen on the autism spectrum often means balancing worries, hopes, and the constant pull of “shoulds.” In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with Dr. Lauren Turner Brown, an autism expert, to unpack the pressures of parenting a neurodivergent child, especially the weight of all the “shoulds” parents carry—the belief that our kids should be more independent, should socialize in certain ways, or should want the same things as their peers. Instead, she invites parents to pause, notice whose expectations are at play, and instead lean into what actually suits and supports a teen's unique path.
Together, they explore:
Whether your teen is autistic, neurodivergent, or simply facing the ups and downs of adolescence, this episode offers grounded, compassionate strategies for navigating the complexities of adolescence, letting go of unrealistic “shoulds” and building stronger, more supportive connections at home and at school.
Highlights from this episode:
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🎬. Watch on our YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair
🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com to listen and learn more.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron discuss how parents can help their teens navigate unfair situations in school, sports, and daily life. They consider different ways to manage disappointment, and how to consider the gains (vs. losses) of how they could respond.
From being overlooked by a teacher, to losing a spot on a team, unfairness is a part of growing up, and of living life.
Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron offer practical strategies for validating your teen’s feelings, guiding them in considering the options, and also recognizing when the best response is to let go and accept a situation that may feel unfair.
Together, they explore:
If you’ve ever worried about your teen feeling discouraged, left out, or defeated by unfair situations, this episode will give you tools to support them, model acceptance, and help them grow stronger through life’s challenges.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 – When unfairness touches your teen’s life
02:31 – How parents usually get affected by their teen’s distress
04:55 – Supporting your teen: Step in or Step back?
07:05 – Considering the possible benefits of “not intervening”
07:55 – One “mantra” for parents to stay steady – “Be the Buddha in the road”
09:43 – A second “mantra” to consider – “It’s theirs”
11:45 – Let your teen vent and get in touch with their emotions
13:50 – Teaching acceptance: when to let go and move on
16:08 – Key takeaways for parents
16:48 – How to deal with our own emotions, as parents
19:14 – Daily habits to protect ourselves -as adults- from big emotions
20:18 – The practice of radical acceptance and half smile
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👉 Follow us for more tips and support on parenting teens
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🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com to listen and learn more.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron thoughtfully discuss sexual assault prevention for teens and young adults. As teens and young adults head to college and/or spend more time with friends in new environments, parents can worry about how to best prepare them for real-world risks of assault, while also supporting their growing independence. This episode helps parents gain a nuanced understanding of current factors related to sexual assault and ways to minimize risk. Suggestions are provided regarding how to communicate with their teens and empower them to make planful, confident, and informed choices.
Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:
• Why open conversations about safety are critical for teens
• How to talk about sexual assault prevention in a clear, age-appropriate way
• The role of alcohol and parties, and its relation to risk of assault
• Strategies for setting boundaries and recognising red flags
• What healthy peer support and bystander intervention look like
• Actionable suggestions that parents can share with teens.
Here are some highlights from this episode:
00:00 – College parties can be fun and risky at the same time
03:08 – How Dialectical Thinking helps parents handle tough topics with teens
05:10 – Campuses tend to be very safe, except for sexual assaults
09:00 – Five strategies a teen can do to minimize risk
10:43 – The importance of protecting your drink and how to do so
12:15 – What healthy peer support looks like
14:42 – Teaching teens to speak up and step in
16:28 – How to protect friends and peers, safely
18:33 – Recap of 5 strategies to decrease risk of sexual assault
19:48 – Sexual assault prevention starts at home
21:32 – Dialectical thinking helps parent-teen communication and problem solving
23:15 – Acknowledging difficult subjects when feeling unprepared
If you’ve ever worried about your teen being vulnerable in college or social settings, this episode will give you actionable tools to keep them safe and empowered.
⬇️ For downloadable resources for teens/young adults and parents, based on this episode:
📝 Tip Sheet for Parents: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxSkkYrF4/p5LmYFhAgSxHrXLxER54fA/view?utm_content=DAGxSkkYrF4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2f7135e34d
📝 Tip Sheet for Teens/Young Adults: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxSmKgl5M/sypKA3FbWrFbS5n2Ds2Keg/view?utm_content=DAGxSmKgl5M&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd70254b9fa
#ParentingTips #TeenSafety #CollegePrep #ConsentEducation #ParentingPodcast #RaisingTeens #TeenWellbeing #SexualAssaultPrevention #parentingsupport
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https://www.instagram.com/theparentingpair
🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com to listen and learn more.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents and teens experience stress—both healthy and unhealthy—offering practical insights and actionable advice for families who want to build resilience and balance at home.
Together, they explore:
If you’ve ever worried about your teen being overbooked, anxious, or struggling to keep up with unrealistic expectations, this episode will give you tools to reframe stress, set healthy boundaries, and support your teen’s well-being.
🎧 Listen now and discover how to raise more resilient, confident, and balanced teens.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us for more parenting tips, expert insights, and real talk about raising teens in today’s world.
🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com
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The Parenting Pair podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician
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Chapters:
00:00 – Back-to-school stress for parents and teens
02:14 – The way we think about stress shapes how we manage it
03:41 – Why some stress is healthy and helps kids grow
04:50 – Real-life examples of healthy stress in teens and tweens
06:40 – How parents can reframe stress for their kids
08:30 – Temporary healthy stress vs. unhealthy stress
10:05 – Unhealthy stress and achievement overload
11:33 – Comparison, Perfectionism and Unhealthy Stress
15:30 – Warning signs of unhealthy stress: sleep, irritability, burnout
18:20 – Tool: The 24-hour reality check for overloaded schedules
21:00 – Deciding what to scale back and saying no
23:06 – Shifting the community narrative and supporting kids’ well-being
25:50 – Parents modeling healthy stress management