Many boys are struggling, and parents are often left wondering how to reach them. If your tween or teen son seems distant, gives one-word answers, or is spending too much time online, you’re not alone. 

In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan sit down with Joanna Schroeder and Christopher Pepper, authors of the book “Talk to Your Boys,” to tackle one of the toughest challenges parents face: raising confident, caring young men in today’s complicated world.

Joanna and Christopher draw on decades of experience working directly with boys to reveal what they really want from the adults in their lives, and how parents can help them grow into emotionally healthy, compassionate young men.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why boys often shut down emotionally, and how to break through the silence- Practical strategies to start conversations that go beyond one-word answers- How to protect boys from harmful online influences and teach media literacy- Ways to talk about consent, respect, and healthy masculinity- How to support your son’s mental health and help him find purpose and connection

This conversation is full of warmth, honesty, and actionable advice. Whether you’re raising a middle schooler just starting to pull away or a high schooler navigating friendships, identity, and independence, you’ll leave with tools to connect more deeply with your son.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/

Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com

Episode keywords: talk to your boys, joanna schroeder, chrisopher pepper, boys, parenting, teens, mental health, communication, masculinity, social media, emotions, raising sons

Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

What happens when your tween or teen turns to AI for advice… or even FRIENDSHIP? Today’s kids sometimes experiment with AI chatbots in ways that many parents don’t see coming. While some of their interactions may be harmless, the risks are real.

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the hidden dangers of AI companions, the developmental vulnerabilities of younger teens, and the steps every parent can take to keep kids safe without overreacting.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why AI “companions” can be especially dangerous for tweens and young teens- How AI captures kids’ attention using hyper-personal data- The real risks: sycophantic affirmations, harmful advice, no safety nets- Warning signs your child may be overly dependent on AI- The most effective guardrails: keeping tech out of bedrooms, building skepticism, and starting ongoing conversations- How strong parent–teen relationships are the ultimate protection against manipulative technology

This conversation turns anxiety into actionable, compassionate guidance, helping you protect your kids while staying connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/

Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com

Episode keywords: AI teens, parenting tech, digital safety, teen AI risks, AI dangers, parenting guide, teen technology, AI companions, digital parenting

Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Your teen may already know about Zyns, even if you don’t. These discreet little nicotine pouches are popping up in schools, backpacks, and social media feeds, and many parents are only just starting to hear about them. But what makes Zyns so appealing to kids, and how worried should you be if you find them in your home?

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the rise of Zyns and vaping among teens. With warmth, empathy, and clear-eyed expertise, they explain what Zyns are, why teens are drawn to them, and how parents can respond without overreacting or losing their child’s trust.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- What Zyns are, how they work, and why they’re spreading among teens.

- The neurological and physical risks of nicotine use for developing brains.

- Why teens are vulnerable to marketing claims like “focus,” “confidence,” and “energy”—and how to push back effectively.

- Practical ways to start the conversation: what to ask, what to say, and what not to do.

- How to frame nicotine use as a matter of manipulation and control—so teens see how companies profit from addiction.

- Why matching your reaction to the actual threat level helps maintain trust with your tween or teen.

Parenting in today’s world means staying ahead of trends our generation never faced. This episode equips you with timely insight, expert perspective, and concrete strategies for tackling the Zyns conversation with confidence.

https://keck.usc.edu/news/use-of-nicotine-pouches-increases-significantly-among-u-s-teens/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39002807/

American Lung Association on Zyns: https://www.lung.org/blog/zyn-nicotine-addiction

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/

Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com

Episode keywords: Zyns, teen nicotine, youth risks, addiction prevention

Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Watching your child head off to college is a proud moment. But what happens when the late-night phone calls come, full of tears and homesickness? If your teen or young adult is struggling with the transition, you’re not alone. More and more students are finding the leap to college emotionally overwhelming, and parents are often left wondering: Should I step in, or step back?

In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan share compassionate, practical advice to help parents navigate this milestone. Dr. Lisa draws on decades of expertise and her own parenting experience to explain why homesickness is normal, how to support your child without taking over, and what to do if college just isn’t the right fit… at least for now.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why homesickness is on the rise (and why it’s not a sign of failure)

- How to balance being available with encouraging independence

- Ways to support younger siblings who are missing their college-aged sibling

- How to assess college readiness and when to consider alternative paths

Whether your child is weeks away from college or already on campus, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and strategies you can use right now.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/

Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com

Episode keywords: college transition, homesick teen, college readiness, teen support

Show keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Is the pressure of college admissions overwhelming your family? You’re not alone. Between endless AP classes, campus tours, and the unspoken competition of “where did your kid get in?”, it’s easy for parents to feel consumed by stress and worry. But what if the path to your teen’s success isn’t about getting into the “best” school, but finding the right one?

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan sit down with bestselling author and higher education expert Jeff Selingo, author of Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, to rethink what makes a college the “dream school.” Drawing on decades of research and thousands of parent and student stories, Jeff helps families step back from the frenzy and see the college search for what it truly is: a chance to find the right fit for your child’s growth, learning, and future.

- Why prestige isn’t everything, and why outcomes from mid-tier schools often match those from elite institutions

- How to help your teen find a college where they’ll truly belong, both socially and academically

- The surprising research on student satisfaction, faculty connections, and opportunities at different types of schools

- Smart ways to talk with your teen about money, financial aid, and realistic college costs

- Why the approach your child takes to college matters more than the name on the diploma

Warm, practical, and myth-busting, this conversation will help you and your teen navigate the admissions maze with less anxiety and more clarity.

Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You https://jeffselingo.com/books/dream-school

Study: The Determinants and Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges https://opportunityinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CollegeAdmissions_Paper.pdf

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/

Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com

Episode keywords: college search, college prep, college anxiety, dream school, jeff selingo, college admissions, college stress, college success, college tips, college choice

Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Your teen just found out their school is banning phones, and they’re furious, anxious, or both! What now?

If you’re the parent of a tween or teen, you know how quickly a rule about phones can spiral into conflict. Phone bans at school can feel like a loss of freedom for kids and a source of anxiety for everyone. But what if this change could actually strengthen your child’s focus, coping skills, and resilience, while also giving your family new ways to connect?

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, renowned clinical psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan dig into the real impact of school phone bans. They share practical strategies for talking with your kids about this shift, helping them adjust, and surprising upsides you may not have considered.

You’ll learn:

- Why phone bans can actually support teen mental health

- How to frame the conversation with your child so they feel understood

- The unexpected benefits beyond classroom focus

- Simple strategies to help teens cope with new restrictions

What do you think? Should schools have bell-to-bell phone bans, or should kids be allowed access during breaks? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/

Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com

Episode keywords: teen phone ban, school cell phone rules, parenting digital teens, school phone policy, helping teens unplug, teen anxiety phones, parenting tech tips

Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Is your teen caught up in the grind culture of overachievement? Author Jennifer Wallace joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to raise kids who feel like they matter, not just when they achieve. This encore episode offers real solutions to help families fight back against toxic stress.

“Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It”: https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough

________________

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. 

Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: achievement pressure, parenting overachievers, student stress, academic anxiety, self-worth, teen mental health, parenting culture, emotional well-being

Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

In one of our most heartwarming and hilarious episodes, Penn & Kim Holderness of “The Holderness Family” open up about parenting with ADHD. Together with Dr. Lisa & Reena they share honest advice, practical tips, and permission to embrace neurodiversity with compassion and humor.

“ADHD is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD”: https://theholdernessfamily.com/adhd-is-awesome/

Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD: https://adhdgirlsandwomen.org/

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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. 

Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: ADHD parenting, neurodivergent teens, emotional regulation, parenting with humor, executive function, ADHD in families, parenting challenges, neurodiversity support

Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

College admissions can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Rick Clark, the author of “The Truth About College Admission,” joins Lisa and Reena to break down what matters most in the admissions process and how families can approach it with sanity and strategy.

“The Truth About College Admission” Book & Workbook: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/books

“The Truth About College Admission” Podcast: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/podcast

Rick’s Blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/author/rc218/

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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. 

Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: college prep, college admissions, parenting high school juniors, college essays, SAT prep, ACT prep, financial aid, scholarships, choosing a college

Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

If you're raising kids with an ex who doesn’t see eye to eye with you, Dr. Lisa & Reena offer strategies for reducing conflict, protecting your child, and staying grounded in your own values. Tune in for realistic and practical advice for co-parents navigating different parenting styles.

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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. 

Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: co-parenting, parenting with an ex, family conflict, parenting differences, divorced parenting, blended families, healthy boundaries, parenting values

Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence