Ask Lisa: Untangling Family Life

Latest Episodes:

192: Raising Resilient Kids in Uncertain Times with Tovah Klein, PhD Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

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.

How can we help our children bounce back from setbacks and build lasting resilience? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour, Reena and Dr. Tovah Klein dive into the critical role parents play in fostering resilience in children. They break down the five pillars of resilience and offer practical advice on helping kids navigate failure while maintaining a steady presence. They discuss the importance of self-awareness and self-care for parents as we guide our children through life’s inevitable challenges.

We want to hear from you! How do you help your children build resilience, and what challenges have you faced along the way?

Tovah’s book: https://www.tovahklein.com/books#order

Tovah’s website: https://www.tovahklein.com/

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: resilience, children, parents, emotions, connection, acceptance, failure, setbacks, self-awareness, self-care, steady presence, dr. tovah p. klein

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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191: Should I Let My Kid Use Swear Words? Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Is it okay for tweens and teens to swear? Or is it a behavior that is always grounds for concern? In this episode, Reena and Dr. Lisa tackle a heartfelt letter from a mom struggling with her 10-year-old’s explosive outbursts and explore why children are drawn to swearing and how, at times, it can be used to cause or express emotional pain. Dr. Lisa unpacks the research on why people swear, emphasizes the importance of predictability and consistency in setting boundaries around cursing, and discusses when swearing in tweens and teens might be a sign that it’s time to seek therapy or school counseling.

We want to hear from you! How do you handle swearing in your household? Do you have the same rules for yourself and your kids?

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: swearing, cursing, emotional pain, therapy, predictability, consistency, swear words

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190: How Can I Help My Depressed Teen? Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Is your teen struggling with depression? This episode offers essential guidance on how parents can support their teens through tough times, from managing daily routines and addressing intrusive thoughts, to assessing the risk of self-harm. Dr. Lisa discusses various treatment options, including medication, therapy, and exercise, while emphasizing the importance of open conversations and the role of social media.

We want to hear from you! How do you set healthy boundaries and safeguard your child’s mental well-being?

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: depression, teens, routines, intrusive thoughts, self-harm, medication, therapy, exercise, social media, boundaries

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189: How Do I Support My Unathletic Son in our Sports-Obsessed Town? Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Is your child uninterested in team sports in a sports-obsessed town? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena offer practical advice for parents on finding alternative activities that align with your child's passions, while still fostering social connections. They explore the importance of nurturing your child’s confidence and self-worth, whether or not that includes team sports.

We want to hear from you! Do you have a kid in a similar position?

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

Keywords: support, team sports, athletic, unathletic, sports-obsessed town, physical activity, alternative physical activities, social connection, confidence, self-worth

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188: Should I Talk with My Teen About Masturbation? Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Wondering how to approach the topic of masturbation with your teen? In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Reena dive into the challenges and importance of having open conversations about sexual development. They explore how sex-positive parenting can help remove shame from these discussions while respecting teens' need for privacy and boundaries. They also cover the influence of pornography and how parents can guide their teens toward healthier understandings of sex and relationships through thoughtful sex education.

We want to hear from you! How do you foster non-judgmental communication and promote healthy attitudes toward sexuality?

Books mentioned in this episode:

Girls & Sex by Peggy Orenstein

Boys & Sex by Peggy Orenstein

Sex, Teens, & Everything In Between by Shafia Zaloom

Yes, Your Kid by Debby Herbenick

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: masturbation, sex-positive parenting, shame, privacy, boundaries, pornography, sex education

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187: Getting Into College with Special Guest Rick Clark Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Dr. Lisa and Reena talk with Rick Clark, Executive Director of Strategic Student Access at Georgia Tech, to address key questions from listeners. From when to start the process, how to navigate standardized tests, to what it takes to craft a standout college essay, Rick shares expert advice on how to help your teen shine. Tune in to hear Rick’s perspective on financial aid, academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, and when it makes sense to turn to college consultants for support.

We want to hear from you! How do you maintain a positive mindset and support your teen during the college admissions process?

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

Rick’s Book & Workbook: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/books

Rick’s Podcast: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/podcast

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

Episodes Keywords: college admissions, process, standardized tests, support, college essay, standing out, college admissions, test-optional, college essay prompts, athletic scholarships, financial aid, scholarships, college consultants, positive mindset

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186: Can I Get My Entitled Teen to Change? Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

Is your teen acting entitled? In this episode, Dr. Lisa shares practical tips to help parents and caregivers address entitlement and guide teens toward becoming responsible, empathetic adults. Dr. Lisa and Reena explore how holding high expectations, giving kids meaningful responsibilities, and being empathic can help teens move past self-centered behavior.

We want to hear from you! How do you handle entitlement and maintain perspective during this phase?

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: entitlement, teenagers, parenting, routines, responsibilities, empathy, perspective, self-care

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185: How Should My Son Deal with Trash-Talking Friends? Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Is your middle schooler caught in the whirlwind of trash-talking and competitive behavior? You’re not alone. A parent writes asking for guidance on how to handle the social dynamics that boys often face in middle school, where establishing social power can involve trash-talking and intense competition. But what happens when your child feels uncomfortable with these behaviors? Dr. Lisa offers expert advice on how parents can be sensitive to their kids’ feelings, offer empathy, and start meaningful conversations that help them navigate these tricky situations. Reena & Dr. Lisa discuss practical strategies to guide your child through this challenging phase.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you manage competitive behavior and social dynamics in middle school?

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: boys, middle school, trash-talking, competitive behavior, social power, sensitive, parenting

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184: How Do I Support a Teen Who Hates Her Body? Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

Are you struggling to support your teen through the ups and downs of body image and self-acceptance? Reena & Dr. Lisa dive into the complex psychology of parenting teens and tweens as they navigate eating, weight, and activity levels during puberty. A concerned parent writes in about her daughters’ struggles with body image. This episode explores the critical role parents play in supporting their teenagers through weight gain and body changes, addresses the dangers of dieting and restricted eating, and notes the red flags that may indicate the onset of an eating disorder.

We want to hear from you! How do you help your teenager build a healthy relationship with food and their body?

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: teenagers, body image, weight gain, puberty, eating disorders, healthy eating habits, body positivity, red flags, parenting

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183: Back to School with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

Ready to make this school year your child’s best year yet? We’re kicking off Season 5 with special guest U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona! In this episode, Reena and Lisa explore the initiatives shaping the future of education. They discuss the importance of building community in schools, reducing chronic absenteeism, enhancing out-of-school activities, and expanding access to mental health support. Secretary Cardona shares powerful advice for parents on advocating for their children and celebrating their unique strengths, and Lisa emphasizes the critical role of connection in learning.

More info on the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour.

We want to hear from you! How are you preparing your child for the new school year?

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: education, school year, community, chronic absenteeism, out-of-school time, mental health support, relationships, uniqueness

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