In this must-listen episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist and parenting coach Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with writer and professor Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to unpack the crushing weight of unrealistic parenting expectations.
Together, they explore how outdated beliefs about âgoodâ parenting are fueling unnecessary guilt and stressâespecially for moms of teens. Youâll learn the difference between helpful guilt and harmful shame, how to let go of perfectionism, and how to reframe your role as your teen grows more independent.
Nancy also shares the liberating truth about asking for help and why showing vulnerability is one of the best lessons you can teach your teen.
This episode is both a sigh of relief and a wake-up call. If you're tired of feeling like you're not doing enough, listen in.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
How outdated âgood momâ myths create toxic guilt for modern parents.The truth about your role in your teenâs happiness (and why itâs not what you think)Why modeling imperfection and asking for help makes you a better parentPractical tips to release shame, reclaim calm, and parent from your values
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Guilt â Shame: Guilt can spark change, but shame keeps you stuck in self-blameUse a values check when guilt creeps inâwhat matters to your family, not to othersBuild a âfriend familyâ of supportive adults to share the emotional and logistical loadAsk for helpâand watch how it gives your teen permission to do the sameFocus on the relationship, not your performance. Youâre a parent, not a perfectionistđ§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 Good Mother Myth by Nancy Reddy
Write More, Be Less Careful Newsletter
Work Like a Mother by Laura Bazelon
Unfit Parent by Jessica Slice
Research by Erica Boothby on âthe liking gapâ
Anthropological research by Margaret MeadCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Nancy Reddy
Website: nancyreddy.com
Instagram: @nancy.o.reddy
Newsletter: Write More, Be Less Careful
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: AskDrCam.com
Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
TikTok: @the.teen.translator
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
Facebook: @DrCamCaswell
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 The Pressure of Perfection in Motherhood
03:12 Navigating the Transition to Parenting Teens
06:05 Understanding and Overcoming Mom Guilt
09:01 The Myth of the Perfect Mother
12:03 Distinguishing Guilt from Accountability
14:48 Letting Go of Guilt and Embracing Trust
18:11 The Role of Community and Co-Parenting
21:22 Navigating New Motherhood and Guilt
24:38 The Role of Community in Parenting
26:10 Understanding Guilt in Parenting
30:09 The Importance of Asking for Help
33:11 Modeling Vulnerability for Our Children
38:34 Defining Values to Combat Guilt
Â
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
#momguilt #parentingteens #mentalhealthformoms #parentinghelp