Ask Lisa: Untangling Family Life

Latest Episodes:

262: Tracking Teens: Safety Tool or Trust Breaker? Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

You check your phone and your teen's location is off again. Are they okay? Are they hiding something? …And should you even be tracking them in the first place?

In this week's episode, Dr. Lisa and Reena dig into one of the most common standoffs happening in homes with teenagers right now: location sharing. A dad writes in about his 16-year-old son, who has started turning off his location. The kid wants privacy and autonomy. The dad just wants to sleep at night. Who’s right here?

💡 YOU'LL LEARN:

- What tracking your teen is really about: peace of mind or safety?

- What's really going on psychologically when teens turn off their location

- How to have an honest, non-combative conversation with your teen about location sharing

- Practical compromises that protect your sanity without damaging your relationship

We'd love to hear from you: Are you currently tracking your teen? And how are they handling it?

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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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261: Teen Depression & Suicide in 2026: What’s Different Now? with Dr. Jonathan Singer Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

If your teen texts "I want to unalive myself" or "kms," should you be worried?

The frightening topic of teen suicide is made worse by confusing headlines, evolving slang, and the fear of saying the wrong thing. But here's what you need to know: the research is cautiously hopeful, you have more power than you think, and asking direct questions saves lives.

In this essential episode, Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan sit down with Dr. Jonathan B. Singer, one of the country's leading experts on youth suicide prevention to hear what parents need to know right now.

💡 YOU'LL LEARN:

- The real warning signs to watch for

- How to ask your child directly about thoughts of self-harm or suicide

- The difference between normal sadness and clinical depression

- When to seek help

- How to use AI tools like ChatGPT safely as a parent resource

This is a conversation every parent of a tween or teen needs to hear to move from fear and confusion to clarity and action.

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Episode keywords: teen suicide prevention, teen suicide warning signs, how to talk to teen about suicide, youth suicide rates, teen suicidal thoughts what to do, teen says they're a burden, overachiever teen depression, perfectionist teen mental health, how to ask if teen is suicidal, what causes teen suicide, recognizing suicidal teen

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260: Is My Son Too Obsessed With His Girlfriend? Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Is your teen too obsessed with their girlfriend or boyfriend? Constant texting, ditching friends, and living on their phone. Perhaps you're watching them disappear into this relationship and you don't know what to do.

If you're worried your teen's relationship is too intense and wondering how to talk to them about healthy balance without pushing them away, this episode is for you.

Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan tackle a question from a mom whose high school son is texting his girlfriend 24/7, barely seeing his friends anymore, and disappearing onto what Lisa calls a "relationship island." Sound familiar?

If you're wondering how to manage your teen's dating relationship without making things worse, or you're seeing your teen losing friends because of their relationship, this episode is for you.

💡 IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- Why today's teen relationships are more consuming than the ones we had

- The real danger: Why teen isolation from friends is the biggest risk

- Where you actually have power as a parent

- The #1 mistake that backfires every time

- What to say (and NOT say) when the relationship ends and your teen is devastated

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Episode keywords: teen relationship too intense, teenage son has girlfriend, teen spending too much time with girlfriend, teen ignoring friends for girlfriend, how to talk to teen about intense relationship, teen relationship healthy balance, high school relationship advice, teen losing friends because of relationship, teen constant texting girlfriend, managing teen dating relationships

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259: Why Is My Teen So Snarky? Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

Is your teen’s snark just “normal attitude”… or could it be something more serious?

If you’re walking on eggshells around a constantly irritable, sarcastic teenager and wondering whether this is just adolescence or a red flag not to ignore, you’re not alone. In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour helps parents make sense of the exhausting, confusing reality of teen snark and explains when it may actually be a sign of depression that needs real attention.

Drawing on decades of clinical experience working with adolescents and families, Dr. Lisa breaks down why depression often looks very different in teens than it does in adults, and how easy it is to miss when irritability gets written off as “typical teen behavior.” Alongside co-host Reena Ninan, she offers clear, grounded guidance for parents who are worried, worn down, and unsure what to do next.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why teen depression often shows up as snark, hostility, and irritability

- How to tell the difference between normal teen attitude and mood changes that are concerning

- How phone use and sleep deprivation and can worsen or mimic depression

- Why meaningful busyness and structure can improve mood and reduce irritability

- When it’s important not to “wait it out” and move toward professional evaluation and support

If you’re dealing with a snarky teenager, this episode will help you feel more confident, informed, and grounded in your next steps—while keeping your teen’s long-term wellbeing front and center.

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Episode keywords: teen snarky behavior, snarky teenager, irritable teen, teen irritability, why is my teen so snarky, why is my teenager so rude, is teen snark normal, teen attitude vs depression, teen depression irritability, depression in teenagers signs

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258: What Do Parents Need to Know About Teens & Fan Fiction? Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

What would YOU do if you discovered your tween or teen was reading explicit fan fiction online?

Today’s kids are often learning about sexuality through the internet, often long before parents realize it. How you respond can either shut down communication or open the door to thoughtful, values-based conversations that actually stick.

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan tackle a question many parents are asking: Should we be worried about our kids reading explicit fan fiction?

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why reading explicit fan fiction can be a common, developmentally typical form of exploration

- How to talk with your teen about sexual content without shaming or lecturing

- How to share your family’s values around healthy intimacy in ways teens can hear

- When (and how) to set boundaries without damaging trust

- The surprising upsides of fan fiction

If you’re feeling confused, uneasy, or unsure about what your kid is encountering online, this episode offers calm, practical guidance to help you stay connected and parent with confidence.

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Episode keywords: teens, fan fiction, explicit content, family communication, online safety, romantasy

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257: How Do I Guide a Kid Who Only Cares About Becoming an Influencer? Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

What do you do when your tween or teen is convinced school doesn’t matter because they’re definitely going to be an influencer?

If your child talks more about TikTok fame than homework, dismisses “real jobs,” or seems completely disengaged from school and real-world relationships, this episode is for you. Parents today are navigating brand-new territory, and it can feel scary, frustrating, and isolating when your kid’s ambitions seem disconnected from reality.

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan respond to a parent letter about a tween absolutely convinced of their future influencer fame, while academic failure and emotional strain mount at home. They unpack what’s normal, what’s concerning, and how parents can respond without crushing their child’s dreams or losing their relationship.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why disengaging from school is a serious red flag- How brain development shapes tween and teen thinking about work, fame, and the future- What’s different for neurotypical kids vs. kids on the autism spectrum- Practical, concrete ways to motivate kids to re-invest in school and real-world relationships

If you’re worried your child is chasing online fame at the expense of their future, this conversation offers grounded guidance and reassurance that you’re not alone.

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Episode keywords: influencer kids, failing grades, school disengagement, autism, motivation tips, middle school

Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, lisa damour, 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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256: How Many Piercings Should a Teen Have? Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Is your teen pushing for another piercing? Are you feeling torn between setting limits and respecting their self-expression?

In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan take on a question sent directly from a 16-year-old listener: How many piercings should a teen be allowed to have?

What starts as a question about jewelry opens up a much bigger conversation about boundaries, autonomy, culture, identity, and healthy parent-teen tension. Together, Lisa and Reena explore why piercings can matter so much to teens, why they can feel so unsettling to parents, and how families can move toward compromise without power struggles.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- How piercings function as self-expression and identity exploration during adolescence

- How the location of a piercing can affect social and practical considerations

- A powerful empathy-based exercise that helps parents and teens break through stalemates

- When compromise makes sense… and when it doesn’t

Whether you’re navigating piercings, hair color, clothing choices, or the next big boundary your teen wants to test, this episode offers grounded reassurance and practical tools to help you stay connected while holding your values.

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teens, parents, piercings, boundaries, self-expression, compromise, teen piercings, ear piercing, nose piercing, family conflict
ask lisa podcast, 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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255: Can Teens Really Study While Scrolling? Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Today’s teens often try to tackle their homework while fielding nonstop notifications, listening to music, and participating in group chats. Plenty of parents wonder if this is a fight worth having, or if this is just – as some teens say – “how kids study now.”

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack one of the most common (and maddening) modern parenting dilemmas: Can teens really focus while multitasking with technology?

They explore why self-interruptions are just as disruptive as outside ones, when tech can actually help, and how parents can address distractions without turning homework time into a nightly power struggle. This episode helps parents balance empathy with expectations, even when their teen is already “doing well” on paper.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why multitasking slows learning, even for high-achieving teens

- How study environments can impact focus

- Simple, realistic tools that reduce conflict and build skills

- The “Four R’s” for behavior change

If you’re worried about your teen’s long-term focus and learning skills, this episode gives you a calm, respectful way forward.

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teens, tweens, study habits, technology, distractions, multitasking, parenting, focus, homework
ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, podcast, 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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254: How to Help Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food with Special Guest Dr. Reshma Shah Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

We all want for our kids to build a healthy relationship with food, but it’s not always clear how to make that happen. Special guest Dr. Reshma Shah offers a grounded, practical approach to navigating the common challenges parents face at mealtime. If you’re trying to guide your tween or teen toward healthier eating without power struggles, guilt, or the nightly “just take one bite!” battle, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Lisa and Reena sit down with Dr. Shah to dig into what really works when it comes to helping kids eat well and feel good about food.

Whether your child is picky, stressed about food, obsessed with protein, avoiding vegetables, or simply eating most of their meals away from home, this conversation offers a grounded, judgment-free roadmap for calmer mealtimes and healthier habits.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why modeling healthy eating matters far more than lecturing about it

- How to use low-stress dinner table dynamics to boost kids’ nutrition

- How to shift to neutral, non-judgmental language around food

- Why family meals carry long-term benefits for mental health, nutrition, and connection

If this conversation helps you rethink your family’s approach to food, tell us in the comments!

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.
healthy eating, picky eating, family meals, nutrition, food relationship, mindful eating
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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253: How to Future-Proof Your Kids in 2026 Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Are you worried about how your tween or teen will navigate an unpredictable future?

With AI accelerating, the economy shifting, and the world feeling increasingly fragile, many parents are asking, “How do I prepare my child for what’s ahead?”

In this New Year’s episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan break down what kids actually need to thrive in 2026 and beyond. Drawing on psychology, developmental research, and decades of clinical experience, Lisa shares a powerful new framework to help kids grow into adaptable, ethical, and emotionally steady young adults, no matter what the future holds.

💡 YOU'LL LEARN:

- Dr. Lisa’s ACED framework for building lifelong resilience

- What quality best predicts long-term adult wellbeing

- Practical language you can use to help kids face frustration, setbacks, and ethical dilemmas

If you’ve ever wondered how to raise a good human in chaotic times, you’re in the right place.

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, adaptability, future-proof, emotional durability, conscientiousness

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