Summer break is supposed to be relaxing—but for many parents of tweens and teens, it quickly turns into a battle over screens, video games, YouTube, and endless hours indoors.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen tackle a question many parents are asking right now:

"What do I do if my teen wants to spend the entire summer gaming or watching TV?"

Whether your child is too old for traditional summer camps, too young for a job, or simply facing weeks of unstructured time, it can be incredibly stressful to watch screens become the default activity. Parents often find themselves worrying that they're failing, arguing constantly about technology, or wondering if their child is missing out on important developmental experiences.

In this practical and compassionate conversation, Annalise and Suzanne discuss how parents can approach summer differently—moving away from power struggles and toward collaboration, curiosity, and realistic expectations.

You'll learn:

✔️ Why many parents feel guilty about summer screen time
✔️ How anxiety and catastrophizing can make screen conflicts worse
✔️ Ways to collaborate with your tween or teen when planning summer activities
✔️ How to shift from pessimism to possibility-focused thinking
✔️ Why video games don't have to be the enemy
✔️ The concept of creating a balanced "summer diet" of activities
✔️ How to encourage independence, social connection, and exploration without constant battles
✔️ Practical resources and ideas for families navigating long, unstructured summer days

Chapters:

00:00 -  Introduction: Expanding Your Teen's Summer Possibilities
00:44 - Summer Break & Screen Time: Helping Teens Balance Free Time
02:36 - Four Key Areas to Consider This Summer
03:05 - 1. Common Parenting Thinking Traps Around Summer Screen Time
07:42 - 2. How to Collaborate With Your Teen Instead of Fighting Them
09:57 - 3. Questions That Help Teens Explore New Summer Opportunities
13:53 - 4. Resources for Evaluating Games, Apps & Media Content

If you're worried your teen will spend the entire summer on YouTube, Xbox, TikTok, or their phone, this episode offers guidance to help you reduce conflict and create a more balanced summer experience.

Useful resources discussed in this episode:

Common Sense Media:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Family Media Plan:
 https://www.healthychildren.org/english/fmp/pages/mediaplan.aspx?_gl=1*cx15ma*_ga*MTcxNzk0OTc3MC4xNzgxNzk3NzUw*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*czE3ODE3OTc3NTAkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODE3OTc4MzEkajQ2JGwwJGgw

💡 Remember: the goal isn't perfection. It's helping your child build a summer that includes connection, growth, rest, and fun.

👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another teen or tween parent.

🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen.

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: 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.

Starting college is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming for both young people and parents.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen are joined by clinical psychologists and college transition experts, Dr. Liz Seidler and Dr. Sarah Olivo to discuss what really happens when teens leave home and begin living on their own.

From homesickness and making friends to executive functioning, self-advocacy, managing emotions, and navigating newfound independence, they share practical, evidence-based strategies to help families prepare for one of life's biggest transitions.

Whether your child is heading off to a dorm, moving away for the first time, or simply preparing for college life, this conversation offers actionable advice that can reduce stress and set both parents and students up for success.

In this episode, you'll learn:
🎓 How to prepare teens for the transition to college
🏠 Common challenges students face when living independently
💬 Why self-advocacy is one of the most important college skills
🧠 How executive functioning impacts college success
❤️ Ways parents can support without becoming overinvolved
📚 Practical tips for fostering resilience and confidence

Highlights from this episode:

00:00 Why Meaningful Connection Is All Your College Student Needs

01:05 Meet Dr. Liz Seidler & Dr. Sarah Olivo

01:42 Helping Teens Transition to College Independence

04:44 The Biggest Challenges Students Face During Freshman Year

08:44 How Parents Can Best Support Teens Starting College

10:07 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Mind the Story You Tell About College

12:13 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Ask Better Questions & Invite Conversation

15:39 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Create an Emotional Plan Before Move-In

18:42 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Listen Before You Problem-Solve

22:12 Parent Group Chats: Helpful Resource or Hidden Pitfall?

26:35 What College Students Actually Find Most Helpful

28:46 Why Meaningful Campus Connections Matter for Student Success

31:44 Listen to the “College Is Fine, Everything's Fine" Podcast

If you're getting ready to send your child to college or you have a college student who has just returned home, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

To learn more about Dr. Liz Seidler and Dr. Sarah Olivo, please visit their “College is Fine, Everything’s Fine” podcast website, YouTube channel or individual practice websites:

Listen to “College Is Fine, Everything's Fine” Podcast here: https://www.collegeisfinepodcast.com/

“College is Fine, Everything's Fine” YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@CollegeIsFinePodcast

Dr. Liz Seidler’s website:  https://www.cbtridgefield.com/

Dr. Sarah Olivio’s website: https://www.drsaraholivo.com/

Additional Resources Discussed in this episode:

Mental Health in College: What Research Tells Us About Supporting Students by Alexis Redding
https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-College-Research-Supporting/dp/B0FQ9HXNB6

👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another parent preparing for college season.

🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen.

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: 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.

Sleep problems are incredibly common among women—but they're often misunderstood.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen sit down with renowned sleep expert and board certified behavior sleep medicine specialist Dr. Shelby Harris to explore why women experience unique sleep challenges throughout their lives, from adolescence and parenthood to perimenopause and menopause.

Together, they unpack the biological, hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle factors that contribute to insomnia and sleep disruption, while offering practical, evidence-based strategies to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

Whether you're a parent struggling with sleep, supporting a teen with sleep challenges, navigating midlife hormonal changes, or simply wondering why a good night's rest feels so elusive, this conversation is filled with actionable insights and hope.

In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ Why insomnia is more common in women
✔️ Hormones, sleep, and life transitions
✔️ The impact of stress, anxiety, and caregiving responsibilities
✔️ Sleep challenges during pregnancy, parenthood, perimenopause, and menopause
✔️ Common misconceptions about insomnia
✔️ Evidence-based strategies for improving sleep
✔️ When to seek professional support

Highlights from this episode:

00:00 Introduction: Why Women Struggle With Sleep

00:46 Meet Dr. Shelby Harris, clinical psychologist and Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine

03:10 Book Recommendation: The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia

03:52 How Women's Sleep Changes Across the Lifespan

07:31 How Sleep Differs Between Women and Men

09:04 Trouble Sleeping? Why You Should Get Evaluated

09:39 What Insomnia Really Is (And What It Looks Like)

13:56 Why Women Often Delay Seeking Help for Sleep Problems

14:56 When and Where to Get Your Sleep Evaluated

20:53 CBT-I Explained: The Gold Standard for Insomnia Treatment

24:47 Sleep Apnea and Weight: Are They Related?

27:02 Sleep Apnea in Women: What the Research Shows

32:20 Revenge Bedtime Procrastination or "Momsomnia"

38:15 Follow Dr. Shelby Harris for More Sleep Tips

40:26 Dr. Shelby Harris's Top Recommendations for Better Sleep

Sleep affects every aspect of our lives—from emotional regulation and mental health to parenting, relationships, and physical health. Understanding how sleep changes across the lifespan can help you make informed decisions and develop healthier habits.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Where to find Dr. Shelby Harris:
https://www.drshelbyharris.com/
@sleepdocshelby

The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia, Dr. Shelby Harris
https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393711615

The Essential Guide To Children's Sleep: A Tired Caregiver's Workbook for Every Age and Stage, Dr. Andrea Roth, Dr. Allison Shele & Dr. Shelby Harris
https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/essential-guide-childrens-sleep

The Parenting Pair Podcast: Why Teens Don't Sleep (and What Parents Can Do About It)

https://drscaronandallen.com/podcast/episode/why-teens-dont-sleep-and-what-parents-can-do-about-it/

The Parenting Pair Podcast: Sleep Struggles in Tweens and Teens: Insomnia, Nightmares and When Parents Should Seek Help
https://drscaronandallen.com/podcast/episode/sleep-struggles-in-tweens-and-teens-insomnia-nightmares-and-when-parents-should-seek-help/

If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation.

🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen.

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: 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.

Does your teen constantly run late, underestimate how long tasks will take, or seem completely unaware of how much time has passed? It might be time blindness.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore time blindness — a common but often misunderstood executive functioning challenge that affects tweens, teens, and young adults. Many parents interpret these struggles as laziness, avoidance, or irresponsibility. But for many teens, time blindness is connected to real differences in brain functioning, ADHD, and executive functioning.

In this episode, we cover:

• What time blindness actually is
• Why some teens genuinely struggle to "feel" time passing
• How ADHD and executive functioning are connected to time blindness
• Why lateness triggers panic, frustration, and family conflict
• "Waiting mode" and why teens get stuck before tasks
• Why shame and punishment often backfire
• Practical strategies parents can use at home — timers, visual calendars, clocks, task chunking, and more

Highlights from this episode:

00:00 — What Time Blindness Really Feels Like

01:36 — What Is Time Blindness? Signs Parents Should Know

06:06 — How Time Blindness Impacts Family Life

06:14 — Why Teens With Time Blindness Are Often Late

08:14 — The Big Emotions Behind Time Blindness: Panic, Stress & Frustration

09:36 — “Waiting Mode” and Why Teens Get Stuck

13:07 — Time Blindness Is a Brain-Based Challenge, Not a Character Flaw

14:48 — Practical Strategies That Help With Time Blindness

15:04 — Strategy 1- Building Understanding and Compassion at Home

16:01 — Strategy 2- How Alarms Can Support Teens With Time Blindness

17:28 — Strategy 3- Why Visible Clocks Matter More Than You Think

18:11 — Strategy 4- Using Countdown Timers to Improve Time Awareness

18:23 — Strategy 5- Visual Calendars That Actually Help Teens Stay Organized

19:22 — Strategy 6- Why Start Timers Help Teens Begin Tasks

19:54 — Strategy 7- Time Tracking and “Backing Out” of Time Explained

21:28 — Strategy 8- Why Teens Need Scheduled “Free Brain Time”

23:32 — Strategy 9- Breaking Big Tasks Into Smaller Daily Steps

24:12 — Can ADHD Medication Help With Time Blindness?

25:03 — Final Thoughts: Supporting Teens With Time Blindness

Whether you're parenting a tween, teen, or college student, this conversation offers practical, compassionate guidance grounded in adolescent psychology.

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: 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.

Teen breakups can feel overwhelming, heartbreaking, and all-consuming — not only for teens, but for parents watching their child struggle through intense emotions for the first time. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore what first heartbreaks are really like for tweens, teens, and young adults, and how parents can respond in ways that build trust, resilience, and ultimately healing.

We discuss why teen relationships matter so deeply, how heartbreak can deeply impact teenagers, and what supportive parenting looks like during emotional crises. From validating emotions without escalating them, to knowing when to step in if your teen becomes stuck in rumination or distress, this conversation offers practical and compassionate guidance for parents navigating one of the most emotionally charged parts of adolescence.

We also explore:

• Why teen heartbreak should not be minimized
• How grief and loss show up after a breakup
• What helps teens emotionally recover
• When boundaries may be necessary
• How to avoid accidentally dismissing your teen’s pain
• Signs your teen may need additional mental health support

If you are parenting a tween, teen, or college-aged child through friendship loss, rejection, or a relationship breakup, this episode will help you better understand their emotional world — and how to support them through it.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 — Teen Breakups: When First Love Feels Devastating

00:41 — Helping Your Teen Through a Painful Breakup

02:21 — Teen Heartbreak + School, Friends & Social Pressure

04:01 — What Parents Can Do: Supporting the Grief Without Fixing It

06:38 — Why “Doing” Can Help More Than Talking After a Breakup

08:16 — When Teens Get Stuck in Heartbreak and Rumination

10:54 — When Parents Should Step In to Stop the Overthinking Spiral

16:16 — When Boundaries Are Necessary After a Teen Breakup

18:10 — Signs Your Teen May Need Extra Mental Health Support

19:48 — Final Thoughts: Helping Teens Heal After Heartbreak

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
 on the information presented in this podcast as 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.

Grief can look very different in children, tweens, and teens — and many parents are left wondering how to best support their child while navigating their own loss at the same time.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with grief expert Dr. Julie Kaplow to discuss how grief shows up in adolescents and families, what healthy grieving can look like, and how parents can respond with compassion, flexibility, and support.

Together, they explore:

• How grief presents differently in kids, tweens, and teens
• Why there is no “right way” or timeline for grieving
• When therapy may or may not be necessary
• How parents can support grieving children while managing their own emotions
• What happens when family members grieve differently
• Why some teens hide their distress to protect their parents
• Community grief and collective trauma
• Signs a child or teen may need additional mental health support
• Helpful coping strategies and grief resources for families

Highlights from this episode:

00:00 — Everyone Grieves Differently: Understanding Loss as a Family

00:25 — Parenting Through Grief: Supporting Kids After Loss

01:07 — Meet National Grief Expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Kaplow

02:04 — How Grief Shows Up in Children, Tweens, and Teens

04:43 — Does Every Grieving Child Need Therapy?

06:43 — How Parents Can Support Kids Through Grief and Loss

09:55 — Practical Ways to Help Children Cope With Grief

12:33 — When Family Members Grieve on Different Timelines

15:01 — Letting Go of Pressure During the Grieving Process

17:15 — When Parents Are Grieving Too: Supporting Your Child While Struggling Yourself

20:23 — Healthy Coping Strategies for Grieving Children and Teens

22:17 — Why Teens May Hide Their Grief From Parents

27:15 — Navigating Community Grief and Collective Loss

29:35 — Signs a Grieving Child or Teen May Need Extra Support

31:37 — Helpful Grief Resources for Parents and Families

33:46 — What If You Feel Like You Handled Grief “Wrong”?

This conversation offers practical parenting guidance, emotional reassurance, and evidence-based insight for families coping with loss, grief, trauma, and major life transitions. Whether your family is navigating the death of a loved one, community tragedy, divorce, illness, or another profound loss, this episode aims to help parents feel more supported and less alone.

Resources discussed in this episode:

TAG Center Virtual Learning Library- contains a number of free webinars and resources for parents (including the Power of Parenting series designed to help parents support their children after various types of deaths):

https://mmhpi.org/work/trauma-grief-center/virtual-learning-library/

Lucine Center for Trauma and Grief- provides teletherapy to children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or loss:

https://lucinecenter.com/

The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute works at the intersection of policy and programs to create equitable systemic changes so all people in Texas, the nation, and the world can obtain the health care they need.

https://mmhpi.org/

The Hackett Center’s mission is to provide independent, non-partisan, and trusted policy and program guidance in Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast region to improve services and systems so that all Texans can obtain effective mental health care.

https://mmhpi.org/work/the-hackett-center/

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
 on the information presented in this podcast as 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.

Why do tweens and teens suddenly want tattoos, second piercings, dramatic hair changes, or other appearance changes? And how should parents respond without overreacting, shutting down communication, or creating conflict?

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore why appearance becomes such an important part of identity development during adolescence and how parents can approach these moments with curiosity, boundaries, and connection.

The conversation covers:

• Why appearance matters so much during the tween and teen years
• The developmental drive for identity and independence
• How to respond when your child wants a tattoo, piercing, or other change
• The importance of considering age, permanence, and safety
• Why curiosity works better than immediate judgment
• How parents can stay connected while still holding limits
• Why these conversations don’t have to become power struggles

Whether your tween wants a second piercing or your teen is asking for a tattoo, this episode offers practical, compassionate parenting guidance rooted in clinical psychology and adolescent development.

If you’re parenting tweens, teens, or college-age kids, this episode will help you navigate appearance changes with more confidence, calm, and connection.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 — Teens Want to Change Their Appearance - Now What?

01:37 — Why Appearance Feels So Important in Adolescence

02:59 — Middle School & Identity: When Independence Begins

05:21 — Get Curious About the Change

07:44 — 3 Things Parents Should Consider First

08:00 — 1) Consider Your Teen’s Age & Development

10:04 — 2) Temporary vs Permanent Appearance Changes

13:04 — 3) Safety Concerns Parents Should Think About

18:41 — How to Talk to Your Teen About Appearance Changes

19:31 — Leading With Curiosity Instead of Judgment

21:01 — Using Delay as a Parenting Tool

22:40 — Final Thoughts: It Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
 on the information presented in this podcast as 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.

What if the key to better communication with your teen… isn’t having the right answers, but asking better questions?

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the power of curiosity in parenting—and why becoming genuinely interested in your teen’s inner world can transform your relationship.

Many parents find themselves jumping to conclusions, offering advice too quickly, or reacting from their own anxiety or fear. But these patterns—while well-intentioned—can unintentionally create distance.

Instead, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen introduce a different approach: one rooted in wondering, openness, and connection.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why curiosity is one of the most powerful parenting tools
• The common barriers that block connection (assumptions, judgment, urgency to teach, parental anxiety)
• The “I wonder” reframe 
• What curiosity looks like in real-life conversations
• How to ask questions in a way that feels safe and respectful
• How to be firm AND curious when your teen won't engage
• Why giving your teen space can actually strengthen your relationship

Your teen doesn't need you to have all the answers — they need to feel genuinely understood. This episode shows you how to build that curiosity muscle in small everyday moments, so it's there when you need it most.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 The Power of Curiosity in Parenting

02:22 What It Really Means to Be Curious as a Parent

05:07 Assumptions That Block Connection with Your Teen

06:21 Judgments That Get in the Way of Understanding

07:45 The Urge to Teach (And Why It Backfires)

09:39 How Parental Anxiety Impacts Curiosity

10:48 What Curiosity Looks Like in Real Life Parenting

14:17 How to Ask Questions Without Triggering Defensiveness

16:53 Why Giving Your Teen Space Matters

17:17 How to Be Both Firm and Curious as a Parent

20:01 Final Takeaways: Building Curiosity Into Your Parenting

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
 on the information presented in this podcast as 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.

What should parents do when a teen becomes aggressive — or even physically threatening?

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen address one of the most difficult and rarely talked-about experiences in parenting: feeling afraid of your own child. They break down why explosive or aggressive behavior can emerge in teens, and how parents can respond in ways that prioritize safety, de-escalation, and long-term connection.

In this episode, you'll learn: 

✔️ Why teen aggression can happen — from brain development to individual vulnerabilities 

✔️ The difference between isolated incidents and genuinely concerning patterns 

✔️ Key warning signs parents should not ignore 

✔️ How to de-escalate intense situations safely (and what not to do) 

✔️ When to involve a trusted adult, therapist, or support system

 ✔️ How to create a simple, realistic safety plan for your family 

✔️ When it may be necessary to call mobile crisis or 911 

✔️ How to reconnect and move forward after a difficult incident

Whether this has happened once or is becoming a pattern, this episode offers clear, compassionate, and practical guidance — and reminds parents: you are not alone.

📺 Chapters

00:00 How Common Is Teen Aggression? What the Research Shows

01:38 A Parent's Real Question: "I'm Afraid of My Own Son"

03:15 Safety is Paramount

04:03 Why This Happens: The Teenage Brain Explained

04:58 Why This Happens: ADHD, Anxiety & Other Contributing Factors

06:13 Why This Happens: Environment, Stress & Triggers

06:54 Isolated Incident or Pattern? How to Tell the Difference

08:11 Warning Signs: Red Flags Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

11:22 What to Do in the Moment of Violent Behavior

12:07 De-Escalation Strategies That Actually Work

14:31 When to Involve a Trusted Adult or Support System

16:46 Safety Planning: How to Prepare Ahead of Time

19:45 When to Call 911 or Mobile Crisis Services

21:14 What to Do After a Violent Incident

28:01 What Now? Next Steps for Parents

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
 on the information presented in this podcast as 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.

What does it really mean to raise a resilient child in a culture that tells us to protect them from discomfort at all costs?

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen are joined by clinical psychologist and author Dr. Meredith Elkins to unpack the growing pressure of intensive parenting—and why, despite our best intentions, it may be increasing anxiety in both parents and kids.

Drawing from her book Parenting Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids, Dr. Elkins explores the powerful shift toward authoritative parenting, and how we can support our children without over-accommodating their fears.

Together, they dive into:

• Why intensive parenting can backfire
• How avoidance fuels anxiety in kids and teens
• What it actually looks like to “avoid avoidance” in everyday parenting
• The role of validation—and where parents can get stuck
• How to model courage while still feeling anxious
• Why addressing your own anxiety as a parent matters
• The concept of psychological flexibility and how it supports long-term resilience

This episode offers practical, compassionate guidance for parents navigating anxiety—both their child or teen’s and their own—while staying grounded in what truly helps kids grow.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support your child or teen through discomfort without “fixing” everything, this conversation will give you a clear and reassuring path forward.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 Intensive Parenting vs. Authoritative Parenting: Key Differences

00:55 Book Spotlight: Parenting Anxiety – Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids

01:51 What Is Intensive Parenting—and Why It Can Backfire

03:39 Modern Parenting Pressure: Cultural Messages Shaping Parents Today

05:36 Dr. Elkin’s story – How Irish Stepdance Inspired This Book

10:25 Authoritative Parenting: Why It Matters for Raising Resilient Kids

11:59 How Avoidance Fuels Anxiety in Kids and Teens

14:31 Validating Anxiety: Why It Matters (and When It Goes Too Far)

19:44 What “Avoiding Avoidance” Looks Like in Parenting

22:55 Supportive Statements: What to Say to an Anxious Child or Teen

24:44 Modeling Courage: How to Be Brave While Feeling Nervous

28:26 When Parents Need Support: Addressing Your Own Anxiety

30:34 3 Key Developmental Markers to Watch Across the Lifespan

32:08 Psychological Flexibility Explained for Parents

36:12 There’s No One “Right” Parenting Choice: Embracing Uncertainty

For more information about Dr. Meredith Elkins or to purchase her book please visit her at https://www.meredithelkinsphd.com/ or on instagram @drmeredithelkins

🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.

✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 

📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 

💬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
 on the information presented in this podcast as 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.