Ask Lisa: Untangling Family Life

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

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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

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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: 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

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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

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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

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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

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Sleep is the secret weapon every teen needs—but few get enough of it. Lisa L. Lewis, journalist and author of “The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive,” joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to explain why sleep is critical to teen development and how parents can improve their child’s sleep habits, even during the summer.

Find “The Sleep-Deprived Teen” book here: https://www.lisallewis.com/book

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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: teen sleep, sleep deprivation, summer bedtime battles, school start times, adolescent brain, parenting tired teens, tech and sleep, sleep hygiene

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

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If you’ve ever wished for a toolkit to manage big teen emotions—or your own—this is the episode for you. Psychologist Dr. Ethan Kross, author of the book “Shift: Managing Your Emotions – So They Don’t Manage You,” shares cutting-edge science on how to “shift” emotional states and regain calm and control, even in stressful moments.

Find Dr. Ethan’s book here: https://www.ethankross.com/books/shift

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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: emotional regulation, parenting emotional teens, anger management, teen meltdowns, family stress, neuroscience of emotions, emotion coaching, mental health strategies

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

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Your teen wants to go to a party—but you’re worried about underage drinking, peer pressure, and safety. In this can’t-miss encore, Dr. Lisa & Reena outline how to talk with your teen about parties, risks, and consequences—without shutting down the conversation.

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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: teen parties, underage drinking, teen safety, parenting teens, peer pressure, house parties, high school social life, risky behavior prevention

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Social isolation, loneliness, and friendship struggles are all too common in middle and high school. Celebrated psychologist & author Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to help kids feel connected and valued—at home, at school, and in their communities.

Learn more about Dr. Alfiee here: https://dralfiee.com/

To learn more about the AAKOMA Project, visit: https://aakomaproject.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: teen loneliness, social anxiety, middle school friendships, teen mental health, inclusivity, parenting diverse kids, sense of belonging, emotional support for teens

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your teen just shared something concerning about a friend. Now what? Dr. Lisa & Reena offer a thoughtful roadmap for what to do when your teen is a “safe person” for their peers—but you’re left holding information about risky behavior. Learn how to protect trust while also protecting teens’ safety.

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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: teen safety, parenting dilemmas, teen secrets, risky behavior in teens, peer pressure, parenting teens ethically, teen substance use, confidentiality vs. safety

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices