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:

• The biological changes in sleep patterns during adolescence
• How school schedules and technology affect sleep quality
• Why “catching up” on weekends doesn’t really work
• Ways to relate to your teens regarding realistic bedtime expectations 
• How to talk about sleep without power struggles
• Practical strategies to support better sleep hygiene for the whole family

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.

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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:

• The signs that may indicate OCD in kids and teens
• What parents can do (and not do) while awaiting diagnosis
• How to support your child without reinforcing anxiety patterns
• What family accommodations are—and when to adjust them
• How to stay grounded as a parent
• How to protect and support the parent-child relationship during difficult time periods
• Steps to take when seeking professional help

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:

• Why losing your temper doesn’t make you a bad parent
• How your body signals that you’re nearing the edge
• The 4 steps to reduce distress and recover calm
• How to use the TIPP skill to cool down your stress response
• Why regulating yourself helps your child feel safe and secure

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:

• When puberty typically starts and steps to take if you notice an early or late onset
• How to know when to consult a pediatrician or endocrinologist
• The link between nutrition and healthy hormonal development
• How birth control supports hormonal balance and long-term health
• Managing perimenopause and menopause with informed choices
• Breaking myths and stigma around female hormonal care

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:

• What it really means to make periods optional
• The physical and emotional benefits of menstrual suppression
• Common misconceptions and outdated fears around skipping periods
• How hormonal birth control reduces the risk of ovarian and other types of cancer
• Why this option can support teen and adult women’s physical & mental health and daily life

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:

• What reassurance seeking looks like in teens and tweens
• Why reassurance often makes anxiety worse over time
• How parents can distinguish typical questions from anxious patterns
• Practical ways to shift from giving answers to building confidence
• How to set boundaries around reassurance without damaging trust
• Strategies for fostering independence and coping skills in anxious teens

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.

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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:

• The crucial elements for raising a teen
• Why curfews can support safety and responsibility
• How to make a curfew work for your family and teen
• Balancing independence with structure as teens grow
• How to handle repeated curfew-breaking
• Using curfews as a tool for communication and care, not control

Here are some highlights from this episode:

• 00:00 – Should Parents Set Curfews for Teens… or Not?
• 03:20 – Building the Foundation of a Healthy Parent–Teen Relationship
• 04:34 – What Curfews Are Really About
• 05:24 – The Key Benefits of Setting Curfews
• 07:41 – Thinking About Curfews as a Helpful Guideline
• 08:48 – When Teens Push Back Against Boundaries
• 10:48 – Do Curfews Actually Work for Every Teen?
• 11:32 – Why Parenting Is Never One-Size-Fits-All
• 12:22 – Practical Tips for Setting a Teen Curfew
• 15:26 – The Importance of Clear Expectations
• 17:07 – Flexibility in Parenting: Loosening or Tightening Limits
• 17:29 – What to Do When Teens Break Curfew
• 21:42 – How to Respond If Curfew Is Broken Repeatedly
• 23:14 – What If Your Teen Refuses to Follow Curfew?
• 26:51 – One Crucial Step to Check Before Setting a Curfew

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:

• Why setbacks and struggles don’t dictate your teen’s destiny
• How multifinality and equifinality can reframe your perspective
• The risks of catastrophizing when your teen struggles
• Why comparing your child to others creates unnecessary anxiety
• The importance of being steady and present as a parent
• One thing you can control during tough parenting seasons

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• 00:00 – Painful Experiences Don’t Define Your Teen’s Future
• 00:56 – Why Setbacks Trigger Anxiety for Parents
• 01:47 – Hopeful Aspect of 2 Key Psychological Concepts
• 01:54 – Understanding Multifinality in Teen Development
• 02:16 – Understanding Equifinality in Teen Development
• 03:46 – Why Parents Jump to Conclusions Too Quickly
• 06:08 – Catastrophizing: A Common Trap When Kids Struggle
• 07:06 – Clarifying Your True Role as a Parent
• 07:36 – Being a Calm Presence While Raising Teens
• 10:49 – Why Comparing Your Teen Creates More Harm Than Good
• 12:23 – Why Development Is Never One-Size-Fits-All
• 14:06 – A Practical Tip for Supporting Your Teen Through Struggles
• 15:18 – The One Thing Parents Can Control in Hard Times

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 signs that suggest an onset of depression versus expected mood shifts in teens and tweens
• How parents can support without overwhelming
• Concrete ways to create a safe, steady, and supportive home environment
• The importance of self-care for parents supporting a struggling teen
• How to keep communication open and nurturing
• Strategies for taking a stronger approach to help your teen battle depression

Key highlights from this episode:

• 0:00 – A Key Symptom of Depression
• 02:17 – FID: A Strategy to Recognize Depression in Teens & Tweens
• 05:29 – Understanding Anhedonia
• 07:48 – Why Action Creates Motivation, (not the other way around)
• 08:23 – Behavioral Activation to Combat Depression
• 09:38 – Understanding the Difficulty Behind Depression
• 10:52 – Does this Boost or Drain your Teen? 
• 11:40- Helping Teens Notice Boosts and Drains for Themselves
• 14:00 – Moving Beyond Curiosity- What To Do Now
• 15:00 – Parents’ Key Role 
• 16:42 – Validate Feelings and Encourage Activation (with options)
• 19:04 – Protecting the Parent-Teen Relationship
• 22:41 – Irritability as a Symptom of Depression & the Impact on Parents
• 23:01 – Daily Strategies for Parents’ Self Care

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.

👉 Subscribe for more expert advice on parenting teens with compassion and resilience.

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https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair

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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:

• Why transitions aren’t always what we think they are.
• How to reframe transitions as opportunities for growth and stability.
• Why “social success” looks different for every child, and how to honor your teen’s own goals.
• The power of clear, explicit communication for daily tasks and relationships.
• How relationships are two-sided, and the adjustments parents and siblings can make to improve connection.
• The importance of prioritizing life skills alongside academics.

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:

• 00:00 – Autism & Back-to-School: A Fresh Perspective
• 02:15 – Parenting Pressure: Letting Go of the “Shoulds”
• 03:21 –  Autism and Transitions
• 05:18 – Strategies to Help Kids Manage School Breaks With Less Structure
• 07:23 – Autism and Friendships: Navigating Social Life
• 11:00 – How Interest Based Activities Can Promote Social Interactions
• 11:51 – Is This Lower Social Interest or a Sign of Depression?
• 14:08 – When to Promote Social Skills in Autistic Teens
• 17:15 – The Benefits of Neurodivergent Friendships 
• 18:13 – How to Think about Independence & Teens with Autism
• 21:25 – From Abstract to Concrete: Language That Helps
• 24:08 – What Autistic Teens Wish Adults or Parents Understood 
• 26:27 – Guidance That Helps Parents Support Neurodivergent Kids

👉 Subscribe for more expert conversations on parenting teens with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
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🎬. Watch on our YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair

🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com to listen and learn more.