Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Think your teen is using weed because of peer pressure? Think again. In this powerful episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Dr. Jessica Willoughby and Dr. Stacey Hust from the WSU Media Adolescent Cannabis (MAC) Lab to unpack the real reasons behind rising teen cannabis use—and what parents can actually do about it. Backed by groundbreaking research, this episode explores how savvy marketing, social media influence, and misleading packaging—not just peer dynamics—are shaping teen decisions. If you've ever felt unsure about how to talk to your teen about weed, you're not alone. This episode gives you the insights, tools, and language to have real, meaningful conversations without losing the connection. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why peer pressure is notthe main reason teens are using weed today How marketing, packaging, and perceived norms shape your teen's choices What THC-labeled gummies and “natural” branding are really doing to teen perception Harm reduction strategies that actually work when prevention isn't enough   

In this must-listen episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist and parenting coach Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with writer and professor Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to unpack the crushing weight of unrealistic parenting expectations. Together, they explore how outdated beliefs about “good” parenting are fueling unnecessary guilt and stress—especially for moms of teens. You'll learn the difference between helpful guilt and harmful shame, how to let go of perfectionism, and how to reframe your role as your teen grows more independent. Nancy also shares the liberating truth about asking for help and why showing vulnerability is one of the best lessons you can teach your teen. This episode is both a sigh of relief and a wake-up call. If you're tired of feeling like you're not doing enough, listen in. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How outdated “good mom” myths create toxic guilt for modern parents. The truth about your role in your teen's happiness (and why it's not what you think) Why modeling imperfection and asking for help makes you a better parent Practical tips to release shame, reclaim calm, and parent from your values 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Guilt ≠ Shame: Guilt can spark change, but shame keeps you stuck in self-blame Use a values check when guilt creeps in—what matters to your family, not to others Build a “friend family” of supportive adults to share the emotional and logistical load Ask for help—and watch how it gives your teen permission to do the same Focus on the relationship, not your performance. You're a parent, not a perfectionist  

Are you stuck in constant battles with your teen—no matter how many consequences you hand out? You're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with renowned psychologist and TEDx speaker Dr. Paul Sunseri, author of Gentle Parenting Reimagined. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Sunseri offers parents a powerful shift: how to stay calm, set firm boundaries, and transform behavior—without yelling or giving in. If you've got a strong-willed or defiant teen, this episode will be a game-changer.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE What to do when consequences no longer work with your teen How to set effective boundaries without yelling or power struggles The difference between gentle parenting and permissiveness How to tie privileges (like screen time) to responsibility   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Shift from “Fixing the Kid” to Changing the Dynamic: Teen defiance is often about the relationship, not just behavior. Focus on how you respond. Speak Calmly and Clearly: Avoid emotional reactions. Use matter-of-fact requests to maintain authority without fueling conflict. Use Privileges Strategically: Tie screen time and other privileges to daily responsibilities—then follow through consistently. Expect Resistance, But Stay the Course: Change won't happen overnight. Stay patient and consistent even when it's tough. Believe in Their Ability to Grow: Set high (yet compassionate) expectations. Let them fail and learn—it's how resilience is built.  

When your teen falls in love for the first time—or goes through their first heartbreak—it can be emotional for everyone. You want to protect them, guide them, and maybe even stop them from getting hurt. But if you're not careful, your good intentions can push them away. In this episode, I'm joined by journalist, professor, and fellow mom Lisa A. Phillips, author of First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak. Lisa shares powerful insight from her personal and professional journey helping teens—and parents—navigate the emotional rollercoaster of young love. If you're wondering how to talk to your teen about dating, heartbreak, or those “red flag” relationships without causing shutdown or secrecy, this conversation is a must-listen.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why teens hide their relationships—and how to keep the conversation open How to support your teen through their first heartbreak without minimizing their pain What to say when you're worried about who your teen is dating How sharing your relationship experiences can actually help your teen make better choices   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Validation builds trust: When your teen opens up about a relationship, resist the urge to fix it. Just listen first. Judgment shuts teens down: Even one negative comment can drive their dating life underground. Ask, don't assume: “Dating” might just mean texting or walking to class together—so ask what it means to them. Help them reflect, not rebel: Instead of telling them who not to date, ask how that person makes them feel. Model real-life lessons: You don't have to be perfect—just honest. Your own dating history can be a powerful teaching tool.  

If setting boundaries with your teen feels like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall—you're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with Matilda Gosling, social scientist and author of Teenagers: The Evidence Base, to break down the science behind boundary-setting that actually works. No more power struggles. No more guessing games. Just real, research-backed strategies to help you protect your teen and prepare them for the real world. Matilda brings both the data and the empathy, helping parents understand where to draw the line, when to back off, and how to keep the relationship strong while doing it. If you've ever asked yourself, “Am I being too strict? Too lenient?”—this episode is your answer. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why boundaries help teens feel safe, not smothered How to focus on the rules that really matter (and ditch the ones that don't) The difference between control and influence—and why one actually works How to set your own boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Prioritize the big stuff: Health, safety, and emotional well-being come first. Let go of the small battles. Your boundaries matter too: You're allowed to have limits—and your teen needs to see them. Respect their privacy: Snooping leads to secrets. Trust builds openness. Explain, don't dictate: When teens understand the why, they're more likely to follow through. Mistakes are part of the process: Boundaries aren't about perfection—they're about growth.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Dr. Cam sits down with three courageous moms—Heather, Lara, and Maria—who open up about the emotional rollercoaster of raising teens through tough issues like self-harm, emotional regulation struggles, vaping, and academic burnout. These women, all members of Dr. Cam's Inner Circle, share what it was like before they found support, and how everything changed when they stopped trying to control their teens and started learning how to truly connect. If you're feeling frustrated, scared, or unsure how to help your teen without pushing them away, this episode offers real hope and practical guidance from parents who've been there.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How to reconnect with your teen when communication has broken down Why letting go of control can strengthen your relationship with your teenager The impact of emotional regulation challenges on teen behavior—and how to respond What a supportive parenting community can do for your confidence and peace of mind   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Letting go of control builds trust and makes space for connection with your teen Choosing one parenting value helps guide consistent, intentional responses Allowing natural consequences helps teens learn from experience without constant lecturing Empathetic listening without jumping in to fix builds emotional safety Having a parenting support group offers relief, encouragement, and real-life strategies  

Worried about the impact your teen's friends are having on them? You're not alone—and it's not as simple as “good” or “bad” peer pressure. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with peer influence expert Dr. Brett Laursen to unpack how friendships actually shape teen behavior (often for the better!) and how parents can stay influential without being controlling. Dr. Laursen, who has decades of research tracking teen friendships across multiple countries, shares surprising insights that can help you guide your teen through the tricky world of social dynamics, middle school transitions, and online influence. If you've ever wondered, "Am I losing my teen to their friends?" — this conversation is a must-listen. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why peer pressure isn't always a bad thing and can actually drive positive behavior in teens How to stay relevant as a parent even when friends seem to have more influence What to do (and NOT do) if you're worried about your teen's friends How online and real-world friendships impact vulnerable teens differently 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Friendship first, influence second: Teens choose friends who are similar to them, not the other way around. Middle school changes everything: The shift from adult-centered to peer-centered social life demands a new parenting approach. Stay connected, don't compete: Your teen needs a supportive parent, not a rival for attention. Opportunities, not ultimatums: Help your teen find better friendships by fostering their interests, not forcing social changes. Humanize yourself: Teens respect advice more when they see you as a real person, not just an authority figure.

When you lose a child, everything changes. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, we meet Kristen Schindler, a courageous mother who shares her journey through the devastating loss of her 21-year-old son, Gavin, to suicide. Kristin opens up about navigating grief while parenting her other children, how undiagnosed physical and mental health issues played a hidden role, and the steps she's taken to find healing, hope, and purpose. If you're a parent terrified of missing warning signs or struggling to support a grieving family, Kristen's story reminds us that love alone can't shield our kids from life's hardest battles—and that healing, while messy, is possible. This conversation offers real tools, deep compassion, and hope for anyone touched by loss. Kristen Schindler is a passionate advocate for suicide awareness, a mother of faith, and a living example of resilience. Through her story, she helps other parents navigate the unimaginable with grace, honesty, and strength. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why even the most attentive parents can't always predict or prevent teen suicide How hidden physical health issues (like undiagnosed heart problems) can impact mental health Why “grief masking” hurts more than it helps—and how to truly process loss How to create new family traditions that honor lost loved ones and foster healing 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS You can be a great parent and still face unimaginable loss: Kristen's story removes shame and blame from grief. Physical health affects mental health: Undiagnosed conditions can silently worsen depression and anxiety. Grief isn't linear or tidy: Healing doesn't follow a timeline—and that's normal. "Grief masking" backfires: Hiding your pain for others' comfort only deepens long-term wounds. Honoring loved ones through new traditions brings hope: Small acts of kindness can keep memories alive and help families heal together.

Ever feel like your kids are growing up in totally different households—even though they share the same last name and dinner table? Your oldest follows all the rules, your middle child avoids conflict like it's their full-time job, and your youngest? Total chaos with a side of charm. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Dr. Kelly Jameson, a therapist, speaker, and expert on birth order psychology and sibling dynamics, to decode what's really going on behind your kids' clashing personalities—and what to do when fairness feels impossible. If you've ever second-guessed how you parent each child (spoiler: you're not imagining it), this episode is packed with eye-opening truths and practical solutions.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How birth order shapes your teen's personality and behavior Why sibling rivalry is normal—and how to handle it without picking sides What “fair” parenting really looks like (and why it's not the same for every child) How to parent your firstborn, middle, and youngest without losing your mind 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Birth order isn't just theory—it deeply influences how each child behaves, connects, and competes Sibling rivalry often stems from a fight for limited parental attention—not bad behavior Fairness in parenting means meeting each child where they are developmentally, not treating them identically Older siblings shouldn't be forced to parent younger ones—it breeds resentment, not responsibility Creating rituals, one-on-one time, and shared experiences helps reduce tension and build sibling bonds

Tired of fighting over screen time with your teen?  Then this episode is for you. Dr. Cam sits down with digital wellness expert Nicole Rawson, founder of Screen Time Clinic, to tackle one of today's biggest parenting challenges: teen screen addiction.  Nicole shares why traditional limits don't work anymore, how to spot warning signs early, and what a real digital detox looks like (hint: it's not just unplugging the Wi-Fi).  If you're ready to take back control, reconnect with your teen, and restore peace in your home, don't miss this conversation. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How excessive screen time rewires your teen's brain and behavior Why some teens are more sensitive to screen addiction than others What actually works when a teen is addicted to their phone or gaming How to do a digital detox with your teen instead of against them   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Complete digital detox is more effective than moderation for addicted teens Structure and planning are essential for a successful screen break Withdrawal is a red flag—not just “normal teen stuff” Parents must model healthy digital habits to help their teens reset Replacing screen time with meaningful, engaging activities is key to long-term success

In this compelling episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, host Dr. Cam interviews Cam Adair, the founder of Game Quitters and a renowned expert in gaming addiction recovery. Drawing from his own experience as a teen who once played video games for 16 hours a day, Cam shares invaluable insights that every parent needs to hear. This episode tackles the pressing concerns parents have about their teens' gaming habits and provides practical, actionable strategies to help foster a healthy relationship with gaming.    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Understanding the spectrum of gaming addiction and how it affects teens. Effective communication strategies to engage your teen about gaming. Practical tips for fostering a balanced relationship with gaming. The importance of family values in guiding discussions around gaming behavior.   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Recognize Gaming Disorder: Understand the criteria defined by the World Health Organization to identify gaming addiction. Focus on Overall Functioning: Assess your teen's engagement in school, friendships, and family activities beyond just gaming hours. Create Safe Communication Spaces: Have important conversations outside the home or away from gaming devices to ensure openness. Educate Yourself on Games: Learn about the games your teen plays to set realistic expectations and boundaries. Facilitate Smooth Transitions: Allow your teen time to decompress after gaming before switching to other activities.  

In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, college admissions coach Dyllen Nellis reveals the secret to crafting standout college applications—authentic storytelling. Forget obsessing over GPAs—top schools want students who can articulate their core values, intellectual curiosity, and unique experiences. Dyllen shares expert strategies to help your teen write compelling essays, develop passion projects, and stand out in a competitive admissions landscape—without parental hovering.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why authenticity matters more than perfect essays How to help your teen find their unique story The role of passion projects in top college applications The right way to support your teen—without taking over   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Story Over Stats – Grades alone won't get your teen into top schools. Their story and values matter more. Authenticity Wins – Admissions officers can spot fake or forced narratives. Encourage honesty. Passion Projects Stand Out – Schools want students who create real impact through their interests. Curiosity is Key – Support your teen's genuine interests instead of pushing “impressive” activities. Guide, Don't Hover – Give your teen space to explore, make mistakes, and develop their own voice.   ❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don't keep it to yourself! Share this episode and leave a rating & review. Your support helps other parents find expert advice to help their teens thrive.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Free Masterclass: The Top School Admissions Formula Dyllen's Website: NextGen Admit   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dyllen Nellis Instagram: @nextgenadmit YouTube: Dyllen Nellis TikTok: @nextgenadmit LinkedIn: Dyllen Nellis   CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell Website: AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell TikTok: @the.teen.translator YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam FULL TRANSCRIPT Dr. Cam (00:00.942) Hey parents, Dr. Cam here. College admissions are no joke, trust me. I'm right in the thick of it with my own teen and it is stressful. And if you're like most parents, you're probably think that the GPA and your test scores are the golden ticket to getting into the top school. But what if I told you they're not the most important things? In this episode, I'm joined by Dyllen Nellis, a college admissions coach and founder of NextGen Admin who helps students craft applications that make them stand out beyond just grades. After getting accepted to every single school she applied to, including Stanford, yes, parents, she now helps students around the world to do the same. So we're gonna talk about the number one thing that gives your teens a competitive edge. You wanna hear it? Keep listening, welcome Dylan.   Dyllen Nellis (00:52.595) Thank you for having me.   Dr. Cam (00:54.698) This is such a hot topic, especially now. I know right now my daughter's waiting back to hear back from school. She's hearing from schools and a lot of juniors are in that like frantic mode of, my gosh, grades, grades, grades, grades, grades, building my resume. Why are you telling us that's not the most important thing?   Dyllen Nellis (01:16.501) Well, I think people are so focused on grades, especially parents, you know, when putting a lot of pressure on their kids to do well in school. That's a very normal thing. And it is important, yes, to have good grades, but they are not the thing that's going to help you stand out at a top school, especially, you know, I know a lot of people are really excited about hopefully getting into a really competitive school. That's what I help people do. And what they have to understand is that the people applying to those schools will have those top grades and top test scores. Maybe not perfect, so you don't have to be ultra perfect in terms of grades and scores. the thing is, it's not going to be like, what's the difference between you and some other kid who has the same exact score? So the stats don't show the admissions officers who you are as a person or what you're going to contribute to their university. And that's what they want to know. So what I teach students is that their superpower is their story and it's their unique core values and how they can effectively articulate them in standout, powerful college essays.   Dr. Cam (02:40.396) Right? So now parents are going, okay, so how do I craft a great story for my teen? How do I make sure my teen has a great story? What do you say to that?   Dyllen Nellis (02:51.143) The first thing they need to do is understand who they are. A lot of students will think, okay, what do I write my college essay about? Let me just pick the worst thing that's ever happened to me and write about that. Or the parents will force something onto them and be like, well, you did that one leadership thing that one time, right? So shouldn't you write about that? I guess. And then a lot of times there's this, like, this force in a way that you try to contrive a narrative that doesn't quite express who they really are. And so that's why I say don't don't just start writing the essay, you have to do all of this work that comes beforehand. And so that work is first really sitting down and reflecting, reflecting on who you are, what makes you unique why do you do the things that you do? I think that's the most important part. Like I will get on a call with a student and they'll tell me they're interested in a certain major. And I'm like, okay, that's awesome. Why? Why are you interested in that? And they freeze and they have no idea what to tell me. And then sometimes they'll answer with like experiences that they had or clubs that they were in or things that they did. And I'm like, no, no, no, no, I'm not asking you what you did. I'm asking you like something much deeper, like what is it about this thing that makes you so excited, that makes you intellectually curious? So those are the questions we have to start asking. And that takes a lot of reflection that I think students at that age are not used to. They're not thinking about what are my values as a person? What's my identity?   Dr. Cam (04:42.606) They're trying to figure it out, they don't know yet.   Dyllen Nellis (04:45.873) Exactly. And especially like, it's really cool once they start to understand this, because when they see the patterns of like, all of my experiences in my life actually line up in a way that made me the way I am today. And that's super cool. And I help them identify those patterns and what the values are that like connect all of their experiences together. And then those values become the themes or their college essay. So that's something that I don't think is talked about enough, or like rarely at all, is that college essay should have a theme. Like every single essay needs to have a different theme and that theme is whatever the core value is or whatever the main lesson or you know, how their mindset shifted, how they grew. That is what the essay needs to focus on. So not entirely about a certain challenge that they went through or a certain experience. It's more about what they learned from it because those values and skills that they gained are the things that they are going to contribute to the university. So then the university is like, oh, that's how you're going to make me look good.   Dr. Cam (05:58.85) Right? I want to work backwards from this. So what you're saying is the essay and even the interviews, like my daughter has a lot of interviews, which I think is a similar thing, where they're asking her who she is, what she's passionate about, why she wants to go to that school. And the challenge that I'm seeing with a lot of the kids I work with is they don't know because a lot of them are going where they're supposed to be going and doing what they're doing because that's what they're told they should be doing. And that's what they, so they don't have an inner passion value, everything else. It's like the bottom line is cause my parents told me, right? So do you hear this? Do you see that answer?   Dyllen Nellis (06:31.146) Yes, and that's honestly the hardest part, like especially if they're a senior in high school, that's when things get really hard because we're trying to like pull from nothing, or not nothing, but like there's not much there. And of course, when I work with a student, I can only work with what is actually inherently there because I care a lot about telling authentic stories. So I think this is a really good point to mention, especially for parents of students who are younger, you know, like younger in high school, freshmen, sophomore year, it's important that they're doing things that they actually care about and that lights them up. Because yeah, as we see later down the line, if they don't have that like inner motivation or passion, then it's really hard to craft stories. I actually have an anecdote of this quite recently I worked with a student, she booked a call with me and she presented me her essay and I was like, okay, cool. Let's look at it. But I could tell something was off about the essay. was about like a leadership experience. But for some reason, the story wasn't quite, it didn't seem real to me in a lot of ways. And it didn't seem like we didn't get to those deeper core values as I've been mentioning. So I started asking her about it and suddenly she starts breaking down and crying in front of me and she's like, you know, I don't know like this wasn't a good experience at all for me. Actually, I didn't learn much and my parents just told me that I should write about this and I don't know what I should do. And I was just like, my gosh, it made me so sad. Honestly, I will say I don't think that students in that case are like a lost cause. We can revitalize it, we can fix it. And that's why it takes someone who can help them realize the amazing qualities that they do have, the amazing experiences that they have gone through. Because I don't think, you know, it's exclusive to people who've been high giving their whole life. Like, everybody has a story to tell, it just takes someone to help them realize that instead of forcing a narrative onto   Dr. Cam (08:58.658) We have this belief that we want to force a narrative that makes them sound really good and really high achieving and everything else. And I'm hearing parents already going, okay, so you're telling me my kid needs to do what they're really passionate about. Well, great. They're passionate about playing on their games all day or scrolling TikTok. That's all they're passionate about. So what do I do with that?   Dyllen Nellis (09:27.657) I think that's really interesting if like, instead of maybe shutting down those interests, get curious, get curious about them. So especially with the TikTok one, I'd be like, what kinds of videos are you watching on TikTok? Because I know me, I will get really interesting. I don't know, people get such neat interests on TikTok. And like I would just the other day, I was like learning about manifesting and quantum leaps or whatever and how that relates to quantum physics. Like that was coming up on my feed and I was like, that's so interesting. So I started going down a rabbit hole on that. So your kid might actually be interested in these very niche things that are coming up on their feeds. And I would get curious about that, know, ask them, have conversations, just to learn a little bit more about what's going on in their head? What are the topics that they're thinking about? What are the questions that they have in the world? I think that's a great one. Pursue the questions. What are you thinking of? What are you curious about? What problems do you care about? Our generation is a lot more interested in social issues and mental health. So lean into those things. Does your kid really care about that? All of those things can, you can find some rich insights from there.   Dr. Cam (10:58.124) Right, and I'm gonna take this Dylan and just kind of re-word what I heard to make sure I got this right. I'm hearing rather than fighting with your teen going, you should not be doing this, which you love, because that's not gonna look good and that's a waste of your time. You should want to do this and be doing this because this is gonna look better and this looks like you're being more productive. But when we do that, we're now pushing kids into something that they don't want to be doing. So when they have to talk about it passionately and their interests and what they love, they're like, I don't, I had to do it. So we really want to lean in. And when we lean in and you're right, a lot of kids discover things through TikTok and through other, and I share this too, like my daughter's really into Broadway and she follows all these Broadway stars and gets them, watch them prepare behind the scenes, she knows what like seats, how many seats they sold and what they're doing. And I don't know any of them, like all then sales and all that. Like she knows all this information and all this detail about the business that she learned through TikTok. And it's building and building and that's where she's going for school. That's what she wants to focus on because she so loves it. Right? So I think that that is such a great inlet into what they love.   Dyllen Nellis (12:15.615) Yeah, you nailed it. You nailed it at summarizing that. I also think like, this is not to say like, don't, you know, help them do things that are going to look good. I would just say do so in a way that is still nurturing their interests. You know, so if a kid is really interested in, I don't know, physics, for example, great. What kind of research opportunities can we get for that kid? Like what kind of summer programs exist? Maybe they can start a physics club like, you know, help them learn the things that they are already interested in learning.   Dr. Cam (12:57.526) Yeah, and I want to reiterate it's help not do.   Dyllen Nellis (13:02.389) Yes, my gosh, yes.   Dr. Cam (13:05.637) That's one of the things I know I'm working with a group of kids who are amazing and they're doing projects. And some of the projects you can tell the kids are doing and some of the projects you can tell are 100 % the parents. And you know, you know when it's the parents, because you're like, I'm sorry, there's no way, no matter how brilliant your kid is, that they're coming up with something that takes a college PhD to be able to do, right? What do you say to parents who are like, I want to make sure my teen is competitive and stands out, but I don't think on their own they are competitive and stand out that way.   Dyllen Nellis (13:47.967) Ooh, okay. That's a good question. think, well, first understand that like growth is possible. We can, we can work on it. We can make them more competitive and more positioned to stand out in application season. So I would recommend if, they're earlier in high school, then it's a lot about extracurricular development. Things that really stand out are research, research opportunities. If you can work on your own research project, like independently led, that's awesome. Or work with a university and that takes a lot of like cold emailing usually. That looks awesome too. I know those things are also more challenging to acquire. Another thing I would highly recommend is a passion project as you kind of just mentioned, projects, right? Like projects are great and let your kid like tinker around and fail, you know, trial and error, play around, like explore their interests with projects and projects that especially relate to their interests. Number one, it's great if it can relate to their intended major because that helps them create a more cohesive application.   Dr. Cam (15:08.685) Yeah.   Dyllen Nellis (15:13.043) But projects that also solve problems. I know I mentioned earlier, like having questions, being curious. What are you curious about in the world? What are the problems that exist? What are the problems that you care about? And then create a project to try to solve it or work on it, you know? And so colleges want to see why not that you're not just that you are pursuing your intellectual interests, but that you're also trying to make an impact. Impact is so important to colleges and if you've been able to help your school community or your city or your entire country or internationally like those things look amazing and so just lean into how you can create positive change in the world because that's honestly what we need right now and universities are looking for students who are going to be change makers.   Dr. Cam (16:06.05) Right. And it doesn't have to be big. Like, we don't have to go change the world. I think it's really little things. And as I said, the kids that I'm working with, it's the focus obviously is mental health. That's what my whole thing is. And they're going into their school or their community and doing a small, either a report or a cookie bake sale or something to bring awareness to mental health in their schools because that's something that they just, they want to do. Is that what you're talking about? Doing things like that?   Dyllen Nellis (16:37.589) Yes, I think absolutely start small. Like don't, I know even get so overwhelmed and it will really freak you out. Like I'm speaking from experience, you know, when I was in high school, it's like, oh God, I have to create some like humongous thing. I don't know how to do any of that. Start small. You don't have to make an empire in one day. So it could start off with like making a club at your school. That works. I would recommend taking it further than bake sales though. just cause you want to make sure that this is something that creates real impact and can stand out. So, you know, whether that's like an educational program and then you're teaching in. Like I had a student who really leaned into robotics and she taught these classes in robotics to middle schoolers and she took it to farmers markets and displayed her robots and they had so many outreach efforts and she went to a conference and like chatted with all these other people to get signups for this other program that they put on. So as you can see there, she was able to help so many students in her community and at large. So yeah, as much as you can scale your impact, but you don't need to be at the finish line from the start, like starting small.   Dr. Cam (17:57.59) Right. Now let me ask you Dylan, how involved should parents get into this? Because I think when kids are already, they're struggling with grades and parents are already very involved in trying to get their kids just to get good grades, right? And now they're going, okay, do I have to make sure I'm still on them about their grades? And now do I need to be on them about getting this passion project done?   Dyllen Nellis (18:22.547) Yeah, I feel like also the language of on them feels so harsh.   Dr. Cam (18:27.448) Thank you. Please address that. I would like for you to address that because I did that on purpose.   Dyllen Nellis (18:34.221) well on them feels like you're hovering over them and like breathing on them, which doesn't feel good to the student and it doesn't make them want to like do the things that, I don't know. It makes them self-conscious also. Like I can, I can even just close my eyes and like step into that of like being with the student with the parent being like, you know, staring at me hovering over my whatever. So it doesn't feel good. It makes me feel like I can't make mistakes. It makes I'm literally just channeling right now. Like, what does this make me feel? It? Yeah, it makes me feel like I can't make mistakes. It makes me feel like I'm going to like for every decision that I have, I'm going to get faced with like a million, you know, have you thought about this? What about that? What about that? Like, well, here's the reality of that situation. So   Dr. Cam (19:11.788) Good, I want you to be. That was my goal. I love it.   Dyllen Nellis (19:33.651) For me, I feel like it would make it harder for me to dream big, honestly, because I feel like I'd be faced with a lot of backlash or objections before I even got started. But I need to just try things and fail at them in order to discover that for myself. Plus, like, those are where the experiences come, you know, like you get experience and then those experiences, guess what, can be the content for the college essay. Just saying.   Dr. Cam (20:01.102) Correct. So even the failure makes a better essay when it's their authentic not succeeding at it, then succeeding at it, but their parents made them, did it for them, right? Okay. So the other thing now, how can parents best support their kids? First of all, if their kids are interested in doing this first, and then we're going to talk about if they're not. If their kids are like driven and they want to get into Stanford, they want to get into Yale, they want to look good, they want to do a passion project, how do we support them in that?   Dyllen Nellis (20:41.533) Yeah, I think you should support your kid, first of all. I know we just said, don't be hovering over them, don't be on to them. But I think parents should absolutely still be part of the process. And it's wonderful when they are. I am grateful for the support that my parents gave me throughout high school. because my dad, for example, found Girls Who Code, that program, and showed it. Introduced that opportunity to me and I was like, yeah, I'm gonna apply to that and I did and it was awesome and I only knew about it because he had done some research online about that. So that's awesome. I would recommend just nurture their intellectual curiosity, lean into the things that they're already interested in and yeah, if you want to like look up opportunities online, find things that might interest them, that's great. And then you present them to your student.   And then if they want to do it, you can take that next step. Right, right, exactly. Yeah, and then I think another important thing is for parents to understand a little bit more about the college application process and how it works. And that's a big problem is that parents are giving all this advice or not even advice, but like telling kids to do things in a certain way because they think that they know how the college application process works when I don't know if it's entirely true. Like they might know some of the   Dr. Cam (22:12.174) So what are some big, big misconceptions parents have?   Dyllen Nellis (22:16.19) Well, that's like the story thing that I was mentioning, but like they understand that a college essay needs to have a good narrative. And yes, that's true, right? But that doesn't mean that you like fabricate certain parts of the narrative to make it sound like a narrative because when I read those essays, I've read thousands and thousands of college essays. If I read one of those, I will know in an instant like, this is not what actually happened. I need to talk to the student. Or maybe it did happen, but like not in that way, or they didn't actually think or feel those feelings that is written on the college essay. So I'll often talk to the kid and then find out what the truth was. And I'm like, my God, let's write about that. That's actually so much more interesting. I helped them outline a whole new essay that's still on the same topic. It's still telling essentially the same story, but now it's true. It's authentic and it rings and it sounds great. I have an example of when my dad, at one point, I was writing my college essay for the UCs, the University of California schools, and we needed a turning point. It was like I was having this in the essay. It's like I was experiencing this problem and I needed inspiration to like take action. And he recommended me, right?   And then I walked outside and stood underneath my big tree and the expansive like branches, the branches like inspire me to like expand my thinking. And I literally like wrote part of that in that essay. And now I look back and I'm like, this is the cheesiest thing I ever wrote. Thank God I didn't use that specific line in my essay to Stanford because I actually did use that same essay for Stanford, but I had to cut it down and I cut out that part and I made it better. But yeah, that's a great example of like, okay, if I read that, I would roll my eyes. I'm like, you did not stand under a tree and all of a sudden, like you decided to expand your thinking. What?   Dr. Cam (24:24.065) Sounds very poetic. Not true. Yeah. So the messiness is good. We can have messiness.   Dyllen Nellis (24:43.047) It depends. would recommend... I don't know. It's more about... I wouldn't say like having messiness.   Dr. Cam (24:51.798) Not messiness in writing, but messiness in story. Like the story doesn't have to be a perfect story or can it be a messy situation.   Dyllen Nellis (25:01.269) It doesn't have to be entirely linear and like, here's a bow tied around it like and then everything was solved. Everything was fixed. I think a lot of students think that they have to get there by the end of the essay. I'm like, just be real. What like, okay, if you're still experiencing whatever problem that was introduced in the beginning, you don't have to say, everything is solved. My life is perfect. But like, here's what I'm working on. Here's the lessons that I'm learning. Here's how I have started to take action in my life or improve my life in certain ways. Great. Like if you're on that journey, you've taken steps, then that's great. Yeah. I would be careful with the word messy though. I feel like I want to be very...   Dr. Cam (25:48.29) Okay, I appreciate that. What you said is what I was thinking of just like real, but yeah, I guess when my life is real, I think messy, but that's my life. So let me ask you this. If you have a kid and you're like, they're smart, I know they have what it takes to get into the school, but they're just not motivated to do this. What do you recommend parents do in those situations?   Dyllen Nellis (26:15.975) if they're not motivated to about the college application process or.   Dr. Cam (26:21.432) Well, just about like doing a passion project or doing something or like exploring that situation where it's gonna have this great story. Or I talk to kids too, or like, I'm just boring. I've had kids that I've worked with who are struggling, and I mean, in a mental health capacity, but this comes up because that's what's stressing them out, right? And they're like, I don't know what's right, I'm boring. Like there's nothing exciting, or I'm not motivated to do all this stuff.   So how do parents address that in your mind?   Dyllen Nellis (26:53.235) Yeah. First of all, they're not boring. And I've had people tell me that too. And I'm like, no, no, no, no, you just haven't figured out what makes you unique yet. And let's figure that out. I can help you do that in an hour. Yeah. In terms of like motivating students, I think the most important thing is for them to understand why, why we want them to do this in the first place and what are the benefits of it. Right. Instead of just   Dr. Cam (27:01.42) Yeah. It's fun to do that.    Dyllen Nellis (27:22.163) You have to do this because it looks good to colleges. It's okay. A passion project I think is so awesome. First of all, because you get to learn more about the thing that you're interested in. You got to feel a sense of purpose, which is huge. You're like getting to do something that matters and really investing your all into it. And this is something that is self led. You get to be the leader in this. Like it's not a school assignment you have creative freedom, that's awesome. You're going to learn so many things along the way. So many things like once again, through the trial and error and failures, like those things are going to help you develop skills and lessons in life that you're going to use for the rest of your life. They're going to benefit you in so many other ways beyond college applications. And then it'll look good to colleges for your extracurriculars list. And then also because you have all of these new experiences that are not conventional, right? Because this is a project that you started. Not every other kid is doing this. This gives you such great content for your college essays. You know, if you want to focus in one of your essays on this passion project, but more specifically what you went throug how your mindset changed and how you grew as a person. That's so awesome. So if a student understands that and sees like all of the opportunities that can come from pursuing a passion project like that, then I think they'll be more motivated to want to take action.   Dr. Cam (29:04.172) And we can't make them motivated to do it. We can give them all that information and feed that, but if they're not motivated at all, what do you say to that?   Dyllen Nellis (29:20.469) Oh, I think I know where you're trying to take me, but you can, you can... Oh, really? Okay. Well, here's what I think. If you're like, my kid needs to get into a top school in order to be successful in life, then that is not true. They do not have to go to Stanford. They do not have to go to Harvard, you know, like...   Dr. Cam (29:23.914) I'm not going to take you anywhere. I'm just asking because I know there's a lot of kids that are not motivated at all.   Dyllen Nellis (29:49.841) they can get really great education and be so successful in their lives no matter where they go to college. So not everyone has to achieve at the same level, you know, and if that's just not like met for your kid, then that's fine. That's literally totally fine. So they don't have to get into a top school. So you don't need to force that onto them. If you know your kid would do better at a different type of school, great.   You know, there's like so much great education out there. And, I, I honestly will say I've learned the most, not from college. I know I went to Stanford. I learned some great things there, but, you know, I started my entire business and company and like everything that I know about how to run a business. I learned online because I was just like, let me go on YouTube and, you know, here's another rabbit hole. And then I learned from online business owners. Like these are things that college couldn't really teach me.   Dr. Cam (30:52.588) Yeah. And thank you for that. You kind of are right. That's kind of where I was trying to get you at. But I think the key is like listening to this. If you have a child or a teen who really personally themselves want to get into these schools and they really do or trying everything they can, this is a great piece of information that you can share with them. The story, the passion project, the essay are really core to differentiating themselves. If you have a kid that does not want to do this, even though you want them to do it, we can't force them and push them to do that. And that's okay. There's a lot of other ways that they can go about and find their path in life. Is that correct? Great. Okay. So I want to hear from you. How were your parents and what did your parents, because you're still so young,   Dyllen Nellis (31:41.737) Yeah, absolutely.   Dr. Cam (31:50.55) What did your parents do that you found were the most supportive and helped you the most when you were driven for your own success?   Dyllen Nellis (31:50.943) My parents were great, first of all. I really appreciate all the things that they've done and how they helped me throughout my education. They never really, yeah, they didn't really force anything on me in high school. It's funny, I was just so high achieving and I put pressure on myself and that was just a me thing and I, yeah, it's kind of funny. But like I said, my dad found certain opportunities for me by searching online. I think he was proactive in understanding that you even, not had to, but it would look great if you did do a project, right? And so I didn't know that at all. And nobody at my school was talking about that. Like none of the kids were talking about that. Like nobody, no one was like. No one was very understanding of the college application process at my high school. Like that wasn't the thing. And so he introduced those ideas to me. I said, just just being exposed to those ideas or knowing that that is something, right? Like then I was interested in taking those steps. And if I had an idea, we would work on it, we would discuss it, we would brainstorm it together that was wonderful and if there were any resources that my parents thought that I would benefit from or people who they knew then they could introduce me. So that's yeah that's like a great thing. And then on my essays my parents definitely looked at my essays and helped me edit them as I mentioned before I don't think that they're perfect but that's okay.   Dr. Cam (33:48.814) You can take some of their suggestions and not take some of their suggestions.   Dyllen Nellis (33:54.011) Yes. And I also understand that some students may not want to share their essays with their parents. I think that is totally fine too. Because sometimes students are writing about really personal things. Sometimes it is about the relationship with their parents. Yeah. So I am really grateful for how my parents helped me with that. So it's just like, yeah. And any way that they can support providing resource doing research themselves or like presenting ideas, talking with me about certain ideas, that's all helpful.   Dr. Cam (34:31.352) Yeah, I love that part of it. It's fun to do the brainstorming and just kind of throwing ideas around and then watching them go, watching them take it and go. And that's it's so cool. So Dylan, how do people find you if they want your support in this?   Dyllen Nellis (34:47.793) Yes, you can visit nextgenadmit.com. That's my website. It has everything, all of my programs, all my services, all of that. I'm actually open to working with private clients now for sophomores and juniors in high school. So if that's something you're interested in, then you can book a free call with me on my website as well. And I do want to offer everyone here my free masterclass. I have a full hour long master class where I talk about the top school admissions formula. That's what I call it. And so I'll break down like these very specific parts that it takes to get into a top school. And that's super valuable. You'll get a lot of insight from that. So you can visit nextgenadmit.com slash master class and register for free.   Dr. Cam (35:37.43) Right. I have a feeling a lot of my listeners are going to be jumping over to that because I know we've got, we've got a lot of high achieving kids. So thank you so much, Dylan. What is the one thing that you want people to walk away with from this conversation?   Dyllen Nellis (35:54.047) Ooh, it's that competitive colleges admit students who can effectively articulate their core values, their intellectual curiosity, and their potential to succeed at their institution. That's what these colleges want. And so don't force a fake narrative. You want to tell an authentic story. Because if you're not telling an authentic story, you're telling a cliche one.   Dr. Cam (36:19.362) Yeah, I love that. That is so important. Dylan, thank you so much for jumping on. This was great. Very helpful. Very inspiring.   Dyllen Nellis (36:25.247) Thank you.   ABOUT THE SHOW The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether you're struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together. #CollegeAdmissions #ParentingTeens #AuthenticStorytelling

Is your teen struggling in school, but you're hitting roadblocks trying to get them the support they need? The IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can be overwhelming—especially for minority parents facing additional challenges. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Davis-Pierre, a licensed mental health counselor, autism advocate, and founder of Autism in Black. Maria shares her personal journey navigating the special education system for her neurodivergent children and exposes the hidden biases that often prevent Black and minority children from getting the right diagnosis and accommodations. She also provides practical strategies for parents to advocate effectively, empower their teens, and navigate the IEP process with confidence.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The biggest mistakes parents make when advocating for their child's IEP—and how to avoid them Why Black and minority children are often mislabeled as behavioral problems instead of receiving proper support How to involve your teen in their IEP process and teach them self-advocacy skills The hidden biases in school support systems that every parent should know about 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Know Your Rights – Understanding the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is crucial for effective advocacy. Cultural Bias Exists – Many minority children are misdiagnosed or overlooked, making advocacy even more critical. Empower Your Teen – Teens who participate in their own IEP process develop stronger self-advocacy skills for the future. Leverage Their Strengths – Connecting accommodations to your teen's interests can make learning more engaging. Give Yourself Grace – The IEP process is challenging, but you are your child's best advocate.  

Is your high-achieving teen secretly battling self-doubt?

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Heather Hester, founder of Chrysalis Mama and host of the "Just Breathe" podcast, to discuss how she turned her son Connor's coming out at 16 into a mission to support parents of LGBTQ+ teens. Heather shares her personal journey and the crucial lessons she's learned, offering insight on how to navigate your own emotions, avoid common pitfalls, and create a safe, loving space for your teen. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why your teen is already sure of their identity by the time they come out—and what that means for you as a parent. The #1 question you should never ask your LGBTQ+ teen (and what you should ask instead). How to support your teen through their coming out journey without unintentionally causing harm. Why your teen's social media activity isn't "influencing" their identity, but helping them find community. Why it's important to process your own emotions with trusted friends or professionals, rather than with your teen. Meet Heather Hester Heather Hester is the founder of Chrysalis Mama, guiding parents, communities, and professionals to understand, empower, and embrace their LGBTQ+ teens from a clear and compassionate place.  She is also the creator/host of the Top 1% podcast Just Breathe: Parenting your LGBTQ Teen and the author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen. Heather believes in being authentic and embracing the messiness. Married to the funniest guy she's ever known and the mother of four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini bernedoodle, Heather believes in being authentic and embracing the messiness. You can almost always find her with a cup coffee nearby whether she's at her computer, on her yoga mat, or listening to her favorite music. Connect with Heather Website:  https://chrysalismama.com Instagram @chrysalismama TikTok: @chrysalismama   Connect with Dr. Cam Website:  AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell Tik Tok: @the.teen.translator Resources Mentioned in This Episode Podcast: "Just Breathe, Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen" (available on all podcast platforms) PFLAG: https://pflag.org/ Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ GLAAD: https://glaad.org/ Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes. Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! ABOUT THE SHOW The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cam and Jamie Edelbrock dive into the raw realities of parenting, from navigating a child's anxiety and depression to battling parental guilt. Jamie shares her personal journey of advocacy, trust, and letting go, revealing the power of connection over control.  Learn how to balance guidance with independence, prioritize your own well-being, and create a safe space for your child to be their authentic self. This is the conversation every parent needs to hear!  MEET JAMIE EDELBROCK Jamie Edelbrock is an award-winning author, speaker, and passionate advocate for children's mental health. A homeschool mom, she uses her personal and professional experiences to empower parents and caregivers. Her books, including Tangled Up and Be the Sparkle, offer insight and encouragement for families navigating mental health challenges. Jamie's writings have been featured on RedTri.com, Parentology.com, ParentingHealthy.com, Swaay.com, and many more. CONNECT WITH JAMIE Website: jamieedelbrock.com/ Instagram: @tangledupbook/   CONNECT WITH DR. CAM Website:  AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell    ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator  

Struggling with co-parenting conflicts? Dr. Cam joins parenting coaches Kyle and Sarah Wester to explore how open communication, personal accountability, and aligning parenting goals can transform family dynamics. With relatable stories and actionable insights, they reveal how to overcome friction, model positive behaviors, and build stronger connections. Start creating a healthier, united parenting team today!   Key Takeaways ➡️ Parents often struggle to align their parenting styles, leading to conflict. ➡️ Communication is key in resolving parenting disagreements. ➡️ Understanding each other's backgrounds can help mitigate conflicts. ➡️ Openness to change is essential for effective co-parenting. ➡️ Setting clear goals for parenting can guide family dynamics. ➡️ Children often feel responsible for their parents' conflicts. ➡️ Recognizing personal triggers can help parents respond better. ➡️ Modeling behavior is more impactful than verbal instruction. ➡️ Empowerment comes from taking responsibility for one's parenting style.   "What kind of parent do I want to be?"   Meet The Westers Kyle is a licensed professional counselor and Parenting Coach. He was an elementary school counselor with for 7 yrs. He has worked with children for over 20 years. He and his wife, Sara, love being parents to three amazing kids ranging from 8-15 yrs old. Together they started a counseling/coaching business called Art of Raising Humans 10 yrs ago. They also produce and host a weekly podcast entitled “The Art of Raising Humans”. In the podcast they discuss their journey as parents, the skills they use in their parenting, and how raising kids has transformed them into better humans. They have done numerous trainings for schools and faith-based communities. They are passionate about helping parents shift their paradigm away from fear and shame, and equipping them with the skills and tools they need to teach and raise children that are respectful, kind, courageous and self-controlled.   Connect with The Westers Website Artofraisinghumans.com Facebook: @artofraisinghumans Instagram: @artofraisinghumans YouTube: @artofraisinghumans   Connect with Dr. Cam Website:  AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell YouTube: @ParentingTeensWithDrCam  Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen?: askdrcam.com/parentassessment1 FREE WORKBOOK: Parenting Together: artofraisinghumans.com/together    Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

Have you ever tried talking politics with your teen, only for it to spiral into a heated argument—or leave you wondering, “Where did they even get these ideas?!” It's frustrating when their opinions feel so different from your own, and you worry they might be heading down the wrong path. But, no matter how hard you try to talk reason into them, nothing seems to get through. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone—I hear this from parents all the time. So, what can you do?

Parenting in today's world isn't easy—especially when it comes to helping teens navigate their emotions and relationships. But what if you could equip your teen with a skill set that builds resilience, confidence, and stronger connections? That's where emotional intelligence comes in! In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jenny Woo, a Harvard-trained educator, EQ researcher, and the brilliant mind behind Mind Brain Emotion. Dr. Woo has spent her career bridging the gap between science and practice, creating tools like her award-winning card games, 52 Essential Conversations and 52 Essential Coping Skills, used by families, schools, and workplaces worldwide.

Hey parents! Are you ready to unlock the secrets to building your teen's confidence? In today's episode, we're diving deep into how to help your teen tackle challenges with a strong sense of self—whether they're facing struggles at home or feeling the pressure at school. We've got a special guest, Kristi Simons, a former teacher turned teen life coach, who's on a mission to equip teens with the life skills she wished she had growing up—skills that build true confidence and resilience. If you've been looking for ways to help your teen not only survive, but thrive, this episode is for you! So, settle in and get ready for some real, actionable advice on how to empower your teen to face the world with confidence.   Connect with Kristi Website: kristisimonscoaching.com Instagram: @confidentteenteacher   Connect with Dr. Cam Website:  AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell Tik Tok: @the.teen.translator   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.   #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

Parenting a neurodiverse teen can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, a mom of neurodiverse kids turned parenting coach, to tackle the big questions and share real solutions for families navigating ADHD, autism, and beyond.

Friendships among teen girls can be as beautiful as they are complicated. In this episode, Dr. Fiona Giglione dives deep into the ups and downs of these relationships, shedding light on the challenges teen girls face—like peer pressure, loneliness, and relational aggression—and what parents can do to help. ✅ Understand the dynamics of teen friendships and why they can feel so intense ✅ Learn how to foster open communication so your daughter feels safe coming to you ✅ Discover practical ways to empower her to build healthy, lasting relationships ✅ Explore how to navigate the ever-changing 'seasons' of friendships ✅ Gain insights into the impact of technology on social interactions If you've ever worried about your daughter feeling left out, pressured, or hurt by her peers, this episode is packed with insights to help you support her with confidence and clarity. Don't miss these invaluable strategies for helping your teen thrive socially!   Meet Dr. Ghiglione: Dr. Fiona Ghiglione is an Assistant Professor, educator, researcher, and founder of Mothering Girls. With a PhD in Psychology and Mindfulness from the University of Sydney, she has over 20 years of experience helping preteens and parents thrive. Fiona specializes in preventative education, coaching girls on friendships, self-confidence, and social media, while supporting expat families and teen mental health. She also leads workshops for parents, providing tools to navigate the preteen years with confidence and empathy. Her mission is to challenge the fear-based mindset around raising girls, empowering them with compassion and evidence-based strategies.   Free PDF https://www.motheringgirls.com/shop/p/10-mindful-practices-for-preteens 20 Euro off mentoring for a session - need to email first at fiona@motheringgirls.com   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

Are you raising a confident, self-assured daughter in a world filled with gender bias and societal pressures? This eye-opening conversation between Dr. Cam and Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein is a must-listen for parents ready to make a difference. They dive into the challenges young girls face—from sexism and micro-aggressions to the unspoken expectations that silence their emotions—and how these pressures impact their confidence and opportunities. You'll walk away with practical strategies to:

Adolescence often brings significant changes in behavior. Heightened emotions during this time can lead to outbursts or dramatic reactions, which may alarm parents unaccustomed to such intensity. This shift can leave parents feeling confused, frustrated, and even fearful. Joining us today is the insightful Leslie Cohen-Rubury, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 39 years of experience supporting families, couples, individuals, and children. Leslie is the creator of the podcast Is My Child A Monster?, where she helps parents navigate the often rocky waters of parenting teens. In this episode, Leslie will share effective strategies for addressing our teens' "monstrous" emotions.   Key Takeaways ➡️ Parents often feel guilty and ashamed about their child's behavior. ➡️ Intense emotions in teens can seem illogical to parents. ➡️ Understanding the biological and social factors influencing a child's emotions is crucial. ➡️ Parents should recognize when their child is in 'emotion mind.' ➡️ Validation can help de-escalate intense situations with teens. ➡️ It's important for parents to witness their child's discomfort without trying to fix it immediately. ➡️ Offering skills to children should be done without pressure; let them choose when to use them. ➡️ Building a strong parent-child connection can reduce conflict. ➡️ Post-conflict discussions should focus on solutions, not blame. ➡️ Parenting requires learning and practice; it's not instinctual.    Meet Leslie Leslie Cohen-Rubury is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 39 years of experience working with families, couples, individuals and children. With both a Master in Social Work and Special Education, Leslie's private practice in Connecticut offers ongoing parenting groups, workshops and lectures in the community. Leslie's work is based on her intensive training in evidenced based therapies including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy, ACT and trauma treatment (DBT-PE and CPT).  She is passionately committed to helping people develop a new perspective and new skills to enhance their emotional well-being and mental health. Expanding her ability to share resources, skills, and tools, Leslie launched “Is My Child A Monster?” A Parenting Therapy Podcast, where real parents and caregivers share their trials and tribulations in anonymized therapy sessions recorded live. Connect with Leslie: Facebook: @/lesliecohenrubury Instagram: @lesliecohenrubury YouTube: @lesliecohenrubury TikTok: @lesliecohenrubury   Connect with Dr. Cam Website:  AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell Tik Tok: @the.teen.translator     ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

In today's episode, where we're diving into The Secret to Resolving Conflict with renowned conflict resolution expert, Hesha Abrams. Hesha is an internationally acclaimed attorney and mediator, known for her success in resolving high-profile cases with some of the world's biggest companies, including Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Pepsi. She's also the author of the popular new book Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. Hesha is going to share some practical, easy-to-use techniques to defuse tension and resolve conflict—not just with our teens, but with anyone.   Key Takeaways ➡️ Parenting is the hardest job, requiring grace and patience. ➡️ Conflict often stems from power dynamics; understanding this is key. ➡️ Teaching children to handle big feelings is essential. ➡️ Practical techniques can help diffuse tension in conflicts. ➡️ Validation is a powerful tool in conflict resolution. ➡️ Offering a 'do-over' can help repair interactions. ➡️ Modeling good behavior is crucial for teaching children. ➡️ Compassion and understanding are vital in parenting. ➡️ Redirecting destructive behavior requires early intervention. ➡️ It's important to acknowledge that perfection is unattainable in parenting    Connect with Hesha Website: www.holdingthecalm.com Facebook: @HeshaAbramsHoldingTheCalm Instagram: @holdingthecalmbook   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen? BOOK: Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension     ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator   Connect with Dr. Cam Website:  AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell Tik Tok: @the.teen.translator

Parents, let's face it—parenting teens can be emotionally and mentally exhausting.We're constantly juggling their moods, challenges, and the pressure of guiding them through some of the most difficult years of their lives. The weight of always trying to say the right thing, keep the peace, and manage our own stress can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed. How do we support our teens without burning out? That's why I've invited Heather Chauvin to join us today. Heather is a leadership coach who helps successful women break free from the overwhelm and live, work, and parent with courage and authenticity. She's been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Real Simple Magazine, and she's here today to share strategies to help us lighten the emotional load, manage stress, and stay grounded—so we can show up for our teens without losing ourselves in the process.   Key Takeaways ➡️ Parenting teens can be emotionally exhausting and overwhelming.  ➡️ Self-identity is crucial; we are more than just parents. ➡️ Perfectionism is a coping strategy, not a personality trait. ➡️ Taking care of oneself is essential for effective parenting. ➡️ Curiosity and observation are key in understanding teen behavior. ➡️ Energetic time management can help alleviate overwhelm. ➡️ Creating a healthy parent-child dynamic requires mutual respect. ➡️ Emotional intelligence is vital in navigating parenting challenges. ➡️ Self-respect influences how we are treated by our children. ➡️ Viewing parenting as personal growth can transform the experience. Meet Heather Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach who helps ‘successful' women courageously and authentically live, work, and parent on their own terms.  Heather started her career as a social worker helping adults understand children's behavior. But it wasn't until 2013 when a stage 4 cancer diagnosis pushed her to take a deeper stand for change, uncovering how cultural expectations sabotage our dreams. She has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Real Simple Magazine, Mind Body Green, Google, and more.  When Heather isn't working, you will find her living out what she teaches which may include kayaking Alaska, snowboarding, hiking, or anything else that challenges what she believes is possible for herself (and inviting her children along the journey). Life is full of opportunities. It's time to feel alive. Connect with Heather: Instagram | YouTube | Podcast | Website   Connect with Dr. Cam: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

Are your teens overwhelmed by today's chaotic news cycle? Do you wonder how to help them separate fact from opinion in a world full of bias? Today, we've got Carl Azuz—former CNN 10 anchor and now creator of The WORLD From A to Z—here to share how we can teach our teens media literacy, civil discourse, and critical thinking. Carl explains the importance of teaching teens to digest news through a nonpartisan lens, fostering compassion, and encouraging critical thinking at home and in schools. Perfect for parents and educators, you'll learn how to engage teens in thoughtful conversations about the world around them.   Key Takeaways:  Teach teens to seek information from multiple sources and perspectives to avoid bias and develop critical thinking skills. Engage in open conversations with teens, modeling respectful behavior and encouraging them to form their own opinions. Highlight solutions and positive stories to alleviate anxiety caused by negative news. Expose teens to a variety of news topics and perspectives to widen their perspectives and foster tolerance and understanding.   Meet Carl Azuz Carl Azuz is the host and executive producer of The World from A to Z, a non-partisan news show that streams daily at WorldAtoZ.org and at YouTube.com/@TheWorldAtoZ. The program covers current and historic events from across the globe, and it's ‘pun'ctuated by Carl's signature wordplay and personable delivery. Prior to The World from A to Z, Carl served 15 years as the anchor of CNN Student News/CNN 10, and he's worked as a media literacy ambassador for the Poynter Institute and a reporter for Sonlight homeschool curriculum. When he's not writing and producing news and puns, Carl can be found at the gym, in church, on the mountain bike trail, or watching Classical Hollywood Cinema. Connect with Carl: Website | X   Connect with Dr. Cam: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen?   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator  

In this episode we dive into a topic that couldn't be more crucial: your teen's mental health. As parents, we all want our kids to thrive emotionally, but knowing how to support them can sometimes feel overwhelming. game-changer to have proven strategies at your fingertips to help them through the tough times?  Dr. Cam is joined by Marc Fussell, the founder of Take 2 Minutes, a platform that's all about boosting mental wellness through the science of positive psychology. Marc shares actionable techniques that you can start using right away.     Key Takeaways ➡️ Teens' mental health is a crucial topic, and parents often feel overwhelmed in knowing how to support their teens. ➡️ Take Two Minutes is a platform that focuses on boosting mental wellness through positive psychology. ➡️ Tools and techniques for supporting teens' mental health include gratitude journaling, grounding exercises, and breathing techniques. ➡️ Patience, kindness, and love are essential in supporting teens' mental health.   Meet Mark Fussell MARC S. FUSSELL founded the non-profit Take 2 Minutes, a platform designed to enhance mental wellness through positive psychology. With over 25 years of experience in IT, Marc's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for improving mental health have led to creating a suite of tools that leverage daily positive messages, gratitude journaling, meditations, breathing exercises, a grounding exercise, a gratitude challenge, sleep audio, dream journaling, and more to foster happiness and well- being. Marc's journey into positive psychology was inspired by a commitment to support his son's mental health, evolving into a mission to spread positivity to a broader audience. Connect with Mark Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube   Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube    Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen? Use coupon code "DRCAM" for 20% off Take2Minutes platform.   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

The thought of your teen making a life-altering mistake because of alcohol is terrifying. We know that underage drinking can lead to devastating consequences, from impaired driving accidents to the dangerous combination of alcohol with other drugs. But here's the thing—these tragedies are entirely preventable. To help us navigate this tough topic, I'm joined by Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Stacey is going to share how we, as parents, can address this fear, take action, and keep our teens safe from the dangers of drinking.   Key Takeaways ➡️ Underage drinking and impaired driving are still major issues with devastating consequences. ➡️ Parents play a crucial role in preventing underage drinking and impaired driving by having open and ongoing conversations with their children. ➡️ Providing information and resources to children helps them make informed decisions and understand the dangers of alcohol and substance use. ➡️ Parents should model responsible behavior and seek help if their child is struggling with substance use. Meet Today's Guest: Stacey D. Stewart Stacey D. Stewart is the CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).  For more than 25 years, Stacey has served in purpose-driven roles including President and CEO of the Fannie Mae Foundation, U.S. President and Executive Vice President for Community Impact Leadership and Learning at United Way Worldwide (UWW), and most recently the President and CEO of March of Dimes. Stewart is a graduate of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan where she earned an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Georgetown University and holds numerous honorary degrees. She has been a director on more than 40 non-profit boards, nationally, and in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.  Stewart also serves on the boards of Hologic, Inc., a medical technology company focused on women's health and PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust, a residential real estate investment trust.  Stacey is a mother to two college-age daughters and resides in Bethesda, MD with her husband. Connect with Stacey Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | TikTok   Meet Your Host: Dr. Cam Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, a.k.a. "The Teen Translator," gets it! As an Adolescent Psychologist & parent of a teen, she knows the struggles of navigating those tough years firsthand. As a private practitioner, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author, she offers hope and practical strategies to help parents unlock their teen's confidence & resilience, build deeper, stronger connections with them, and foster a positive home environment. Listen to her podcast, "Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam," and follow her in Instagram @drcamcaswell for actionable advice. Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen? MADD's digital Power of Parents handbook Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes. Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator #TeenSafety #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #MADD #TalkAboutAlcohol #ParentingSupport

If you're like most parents, motivating your teen to get anything done can feel like an uphill battle. But what if you could turn their procrastination into productivity, their disinterest into engagement, and their resistance into genuine enthusiasm? That's exactly what we're uncovering today. I'm excited to welcome Dr. David Yeager, a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin, whose groundbreaking research with experts like Carol Dweck and Angela Duckworth is changing the way we understand teen motivation. In his latest book, 10 TO 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, Dr. Yeager reveals powerful insights, and he's here to share some of the most game-changing strategies with us. Get ready to transform your approach to motivating your teen!   Key Takeaways ➡️ Discover why your teen's brain isn't flawed—it's just wired differently, and that difference holds the key to unlocking their potential. ➡️ Learn how to speak your teen's language by tapping into what truly matters to them, transforming resistance into motivation. ➡️ Find out how simple do-overs and honest communication can turn conflicts into opportunities for deeper connection and growth. Meet Dr. Yeager David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors such as motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, mental health, and more. His recent book is 10 TO 25, the Science of Motivating Young People, out now. Connect with Dr. Yeager: Website    Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen? 10 TO 25: The Science of Motivating Young People    Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.   #ParentingPodcast  #ParentingTeens #TeenMotivation #TeenBrain #TeenDevelopment #ParentingTips #ParentingAdvice #PositiveParenting #TeenCommunication #ParentingStrategies #RaisingTeens #ParentingChallenges #TeenSupport #MotivatingTeens #TeenEngagement #PodcastForParents

If you're finding it tough to connect with your strong-willed teenager and every conversation feels like a battle, you're definitely not alone. In this episode, we're tackling "3 Ways to Motivate Strong-Willed Teenagers." I'm excited to be joined by a game-changing expert in this field, Kirk Martin. Kirk is the founder of CelebrateCalm.com and the host of the Calm Parenting Podcast. He's mastered the art of turning defiance and power struggles into calm, productive conversations. In this episode, he shares practical strategies to help you not only get your teens to listen but also build a close, trusting relationship with them. Don't miss out—these tips could be a game-changer for your family!   Key Takeaways ➡️ Building a close, trusting connection with teenagers is crucial for motivating them. ➡️ Parents should focus on changing themselves rather than trying to change their teenagers. ➡️ Bonding over shared interests and asking teenagers to teach you something can strengthen the parent-teen relationship. ➡️ Releasing teenagers from parental expectations can empower them to be their authentic selves. Build a strong bond with your strong-willed teenager ➡️ Provide opportunities for them to use their natural gifts and talents ➡️ Find mentors and accountability partners outside of the family ➡️ Normalize the challenges of the teenage years ➡️ Understand that behavior is often a reaction to the environment   Meet Kirk Martin CelebrateCalm.com Founder and Calm Parenting Podcast host Kirk Martin has shown almost 1,000,000 parents how to stop the yelling, defiance, and power struggles with the most strong-willed children. Kirk is known for very practical strategies and scripts delivered with humor and compassion. Learn how to get your kids to listen while building a close, trusting relationship. Connect with Kirk Website | Instagram | Facebook   Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen? Calm Parenting Podcast   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator #ParentingTips #TeenMotivation #StrongWilledTeens  #CalmParenting #PositiveParenting #TeenParenting #ParentingAdvice #BuildingTrust #TeenDevelopment

As the new school year approaches, prepping your tween for success is more important than ever. Today, we're diving into some of the biggest challenges parents face: balancing academic pressures, navigating social dynamics, and setting up accountability for their academic success.   Our special guest, JoAnn Schauf, is here to provide her expert insights. JoAnn, often called the parent whisperer, recently published her book Loving the Alien: How to Parent Your Tween. She founded Your Tween and You to support, empower, and inspire parents through these challenging years. JoAnn shares valuable tips and actionable advice to ensure your tween has their best school year yet!   Key Takeaways ➡️ Collaboration and open communication between parents and tweens/teens is crucial for success. ➡️ Allowing tweens/teens to have a voice in setting goals and expectations promotes intrinsic motivation. ➡️ Focusing on a child's strengths and interests is more important than solely focusing on grades. ➡️ Parents should foster ownership and problem-solving skills in their tweens/teens. ➡️ Parents should avoid excessive monitoring and instead focus on building trust and independence.   Meet JoAnn Schauf  JoAnn Schauf is thrilled to be our guest today and equally thrilled that her book, Loving the Alien, How to Parent Your Tween, was just published! Because adolescence is challenging for parents and their children, she founded Your Tween and You to support, empower, and inspire parents.  As she speaks, coaches, and writes in her blog, The Tween Times, JoAnn delivers unique parenting tools, skills, and strategies so parents and their tweens can thrive together.  She holds a Master's Degree in counseling and is called the parent whisper.   Connect with JoAnn Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn   Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT Track With Your Teen? 20% discount for new coaching clients through September 15, 2024 at YourTweenandYou.com     Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator #backtoschool

Episode Summary Turning 18 is a milestone that brings a whirlwind of emotions for both parents and teens. As a parent, I know the challenge of loosening my grip while my teen dreams of complete independence. In this insightful episode, I'm joined by Joanna Lilley, a renowned Therapeutic Consultant and Wellness Gap Consultant who specializes in guiding young adults through this critical transition. Joanna shares valuable tips on navigating this phase, addressing my concerns about my teen's readiness for adult responsibilities. Together, we explore how to strike the perfect balance between support and freedom, ensuring a smooth and successful transition into adulthood.    Key Takeaways ➡️ Gradually teach teens skills and responsibilities to prepare them for adulthood ➡️ Model the behavior you want to see in your teens ➡️ Create opportunities for teens to practice independence ➡️ Let go and trust that your teens will figure things out ➡️ Have open conversations with teens about expectations   Meet Joanna Lilley Joanna Lilley is a Therapeutic Consultant and Wellness Gap Consultant working with young adults only. She specializes in helping students and their families navigate finding resources at any transition point during young adulthood. Joanna proactively supports young adults with a mental health history who may be deferring to take a gap year, or reactively providing support if the young adult launches and unravels. Regardless, Joanna thoroughly enjoys working alongside the young adult to help them select a path for their future and get unstuck. Joanna is also a podcast host for the Success is Subjective podcast. Connect with Joanna Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube   Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTube       Resources Mentioned in This Episode  FREE QUIZ: Are You on the RIGHT TRACK With Your Teen?  Success Is Subjective Podcast   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.    #ParentingTeens  #Podcast #teenagers #parentingpodcast #TeenMentalHealth   #MentalHealthAwareness #drcamcaswell #theteentranslator

As parents, we all hope to grow up confident and capable. We want them to make good choices AND chase their dreams. But we're also worried that they're going to make big mistakes, or even get hurt. That's why I'm excited to talk with Esther Joy Goetz. Esther is an author, speaker, and the force behind the popular Moms of Bigs social media community. She's here to help us find that balance between nurturing our teens and letting them go. Key Takeaways Creating a safe space for teens to become their own individuals is crucial. Building a long-term, healthy relationship with teens is the ultimate goal. Connecting with teens without any strings attached is important for fostering trust and open communication. Modeling respect and being seen, heard, and valued are key in the parent-child relationship.   Meet Esther Joy Goetz Esther Joy Goetz is a potato chip-eating, NFL-lover mom to four grownish and flownish kids and author speaker and creator of the wildly popular social media space, Moms of Bigs. Her passion is to bring help, humor and hope to other moms who are working their you-know-what's off to give their big kids the roots of unconditional love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves, the hardest and holiest journey she's ever been on.   Connect with Esther Instagram | Facebook   Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTube | Newsletter   Resources Mentioned in This Episode  FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens  Esther's eBook: Moms Never Stop Momming (20% discount if sign up for newsletter).   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Is your bathroom a battleground when it comes to your teenager's hygiene? On one hand, we struggle to get our teen sons to simply wash their face, while on the other, we grapple with curbing our daughters' complex beauty routines (seriously, are all those serums necessary?).   That's why I'm thrilled to have Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness with us today!   Dr. Maguiness is a double board-certified pediatric dermatologist, a mom of two tween boys, so she understands the struggles firsthand, and the co-founder of Stryke Club, a personal care and hygiene brand designed specifically for boys. Dr. Maguiness is here to help us navigate the often confusing and challenging world of teenage hygiene.   Key Takeaways Teenagers often struggle with hygiene due to their desire for independence and busy schedules. Parents should model good skincare habits and provide the necessary tools for their teens. For boys, a basic skincare routine of washing the face, using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen is sufficient (see below for recommendations) For girls, it's important to avoid overcomplicating skincare and using harsh products. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are the essentials. Pimple patches can be helpful for preventing picking and promoting wound healing in acne.   Meet Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness   Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness is a double board certified pediatric dermatologist and President of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. She is mom to two tween boys and co-founder of Stryke Club, a personal care and hygiene brand for boys! She loves to educate the public on all things related to skincare for babies, kids and teens. You can find her on social media @drsheilagh on tiktok and @dr.sheilagh.m on instagram.   Connect with Dr. Maguiness Instagram | Tik Tok     Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram  | Tik Tok | YouTube | Newsletter   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens Stryke Club: Skin Care for Teens  Basic Skin Care Products for TeensGentle cleanser (fragrance -free, hypoallergenic) like Cetaphil Face Wash  Facial Moisturizer (fragrance -free hypoallergenic, non -comedogenic, or non -acnegenic) like Neutrogena Fragrance Free Daily Facial Moisturizer  Sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) Cleansing Wipes like Stryke Club's Wipe Out    Extra Products That Won't Harm Sensitive Teen Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum like Cerave   Hypochlorous Acid Spray like Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray for Sensitive Skin   Acne Skin Care Products Adapalene Treatment like Differin Acne Treatment Gel  Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Medication like Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot   Hypochlorite-based cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser  Hydrochlorite patches like Mighty Patch™   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Today's topic hits close to home for many parents: helping our teens overcome adversity. We're talking social anxieties, academic pressures, the ever-complex world of friendships – you name it. To navigate this crucial stage, I'm excited to welcome Jesse LeBeau, a highly sought-after youth motivational speaker and teen coach. With proven methods and an inspiring underdog story, Jesse has transformed the lives of over a million teenagers. He's here to share his powerful approach – The Attitude Advantage – to equip our teens with the tools they need to conquer obstacles and thrive. Key Takeaways Building self-esteem and confidence is crucial for teenagers to overcome adversity. Setting boundaries and limiting screen time can help mitigate the negative impact of social media on teenagers' mental health. Parents should prepare their children for the road ahead by allowing them to experience failure and struggle. Finding a mentor can provide teenagers with guidance and support in navigating challenges. Meet Jesse LeBeau   Jesse LeBeau is one of today's most highly sought-after youth motivational speakers and teen coaches. His unlikely underdog story has inspired over one million teenager through his live speaking events, best-selling books and programs for teens and parents.  He is one of the world's premiere basketball trick artists which allowed him to dribble his way onto the Hollywood big screen and star in commercials for Kobe Bryant, be in a movie with Kevin Durant and he even spent a day being hand fed cheeseburgers by supermodel Heidi Klum. Jesse is regularly featured on TV, film, and international tours.  Jesse's new reality series ‘The LeBeau Show' allows viewers the chance to follow him around the country and see firsthand the major impact he is having on youth, particularly teens who are struggling.   Connect with Jesse LeBeau Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website   Connect with Dr. Cam Website | Instagram | Tik Tok |  YouTube | Newsletter:    Resources Mentioned in This Episode  FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Breaking Down Diet Culture: Helping Teens Navigate Body Image & Social Media Pressure In this episode we dive into a critical issue affecting our teens: the overwhelming pressure of diet culture and its impact on their mental and physical health. Did you know that a staggering 20% of adolescents in the US experience symptoms of body dysmorphia or eating disorders? Is social media to blame for these unrealistic expectations? Dr. Cam is joined by Dr. Kelli Rugless, a licensed psychologist, certified eating disorders specialist, and the Chief Clinical Officer at Project HEAL, a remarkable non-profit dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to eating disorder healing.   Together, they explore:

Faith in Crisis: Supporting Teens Through Religious Trauma Many teens find comfort and purpose in religion, but what happens when religious experiences leave them feeling isolated, ashamed, or confused? This episode dives deep into the often-unheard topic of religious trauma in teens. Your host, Dr. Cam, is joined by Sarah Bruno-Patrey, who offers a powerful perspective, highlighting the challenges she faced enmeshed in a youth religious program and her personal path to healing. Together they explore: The signs of religious trauma in teenagers How to support your teen through a crisis of faith The importance of recognizing unhealthy religious environments As a parent, you can be a beacon of support for your teen, no matter their beliefs. This episode equips you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this sensitive topic and help your teen find their own path.   Key Takeaways Religious trauma can have a significant impact on teens, leading to feelings of isolation and shame. Recognizing unhealthy experiences and providing support is crucial for parents to help their teens navigate challenging situations. Open communication, mentorship, and providing options can empower teens to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.   Meet Sarah Bruno-Patrey  Sarah is a mom of two toddlers and graduate student. She makes content on tik tok about parenting toddlers and her experience with religion. Connect with Sarah on TikTok   Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTube | Website   Resources Mentioned in This Episode  FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   #religioustrauma #religiousabusesurvivor #faithcrisis #mentalhealthawareness #teenmentalhealth #parentingteens #supportforteens #christianteens #youthministry #traumahealing #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #parentingpodcast #faithpodcast #difficultconversations

Is setting boundaries with your teen a constant battle, especially around technology and social life? You're not alone! But what if there was a way to establish clear expectations for screen time, curfews, and other hot-button issues without the yelling and power struggles? In this episode. I'm joined by a leading parenting expert Tia Slightham. Tia, a teacher, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and most importantly, a MOM, understands the challenges parents face. She shares proven strategies from her "Parenting With Purpose Method" to help us achieve peaceful communication and cooperation from our teenagers. Key Takeaways Parenting is a skill set that can be learned and developed over time. Understanding the root causes of behavior is crucial for effective parenting. Setting boundaries in advance and involving teenagers in the process promotes mutual respect and cooperation. The Behavior Needs Roadmap focuses on meeting children's needs and teaching them skills rather than resorting to punishment. Clear and consistent communication is key to establishing and maintaining boundaries with teenagers. Teens want to connect with their parents, but in an authentic and respectful way. Building trust and connection with teens requires genuine interest in their interests and spending quality time together. Setting boundaries and having respectful relationships can prevent power struggles. It's never too late to make changes and repair the parent-child relationship.  Meet Tia Slightham   Tia is a parenting coach, teacher, business owner, best selling author and most importantly a MOM. She is the founder of Tia Slightham- Parenting Solutions and The Parenting With Purpose Method, where she works with parents to teach them positive ways to decrease the daily struggles we all encounter as parents.  Tia has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Ed., certified in Positive Discipline and has worked with kids and families for over 19 years. Her passion to help families shines through her work and coaching program, which has been proven to work for hundreds of families. Connect with Tia Slightham   Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTube  Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram | Tik Tok  | YouTube Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens FREE Guide: Connect in just 10 minutes a day FREE Guide: How to stop yelling   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Feel like you're being held hostage by your teen's BIG emotions?  It's more common than you may think. In fact 73% of parents experience this same struggle. But what if there was a way to de-escalate the situation and actually connect with your teen? In this episode I'm joined by Karleen Savage, a hostage negotiator and conflict resolution expert! Karleen now teaches parents these skills to help them diffuse teen meltdowns and create calmer interactions. Karleen teaches us how to navigate our teen's big emotions with confidence and create an environment that builds their confidence.   Key Takeaways Deescalate situations by avoiding assumptions and respecting teenagers' perspectives. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to teenagers' needs and desires. Build your own relationships with your children and apologize when you make mistakes. Parents have the skills and abilities to handle challenging situations with their teens and create a trusting and respectful relationship.   Meet Karleen Savage   Karleen Savage is sought-after speaker, trainer, hostage negotiator, and conflict resolution expert with a passion for fostering peaceful, harmonious environments. Through her Savage Theory of Resolution, she emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in order to achieve success. Through more than 15 years of professional experience, Karleen has learned that the conflicts we experience in business are usually a reflection of the conflicts happening at home. This belief inspired her to write her book The Confident Teen Blueprint. Throughout her career, Karleen has worked with corporations, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, creating a positive environment for growth and development.   Connect with Karleen Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram | Tik Tok    Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens FREE digital download of Karleen's book, The Confident Teen Blueprint   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  

Ever feel completely drained, like there's nothing left in the tank for you (or your kids!), but the idea of "me-time" triggers guilt?  You're not alone! A whopping 80% of moms wrestle with this!   But what if we could ditch the guilt and find peace and joy in motherhood? That's exactly what we're tackling today! I'm joined by Ali Flynn, the mastermind behind Hang in There, Mama! Ali understands the unique challenges of raising teens. We get into real, actionable tips to help you ditch the guilt and carve out moments to recharge, even with your crazy schedule. Because guess what? A happy, healthy YOU means a happier, healthier family. Key Takeaways Moms often feel alone and not good enough in their motherhood journey, but it's important to know that they are not alone and that other moms are struggling too. Guilt in motherhood comes from societal expectations of perfection, but it's important to recognize that it's unrealistic and to let go of the need to compare oneself to others. Self-care and self-love are crucial for moms to feel fulfilled and to model healthy behavior for their children. Finding moments of quiet and decompressing through deep breathing and taking walks can be simple yet effective ways to prioritize self-care. Prioritize self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Let go of excessive worrying and trust in your child's capabilities. Reflect on your parenting approach and find ways to evolve and support your child's growth. Seek support from other moms and share experiences to feel less alone. Meet Ali Flynn Ali Flynn, the creator of Hang in There, Mama and certified English and Special Education teacher is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of raising teens with an open heart, honesty, and some tears. She is a mom to four daughters who offers daily encouragement and support to moms while keeping it real and letting them know they are not alone on their motherhood journey.  Connect with Ali Facebook | Instagram    Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram     Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens Hang in There, Mama 6-WEEK HARDCOVER GRATITUDE JOURNAL for MOMS RAISING TWEENS, TEENS and YOUNG ADULTS!: Daily Affirmations & Reflections to Fuel Your Soul CLICK TO BUY   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.   ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.  

In this episode, we'll crack the code on the all-new Digital SAT. We're joined by the amazing Dr. Shaan Patel, founder of Prep Expert, the company that's helped over 100,000 students conquer standardized tests and land in top colleges. Dr. Patel is also a Shark Tank success story with over 20 years of experience cracking the SAT code. Dr. Patel will break down the Digital SAT, college admissions in 2024, and your teen's scholarship options. Get ready to take notes! Key Takeaways ➡️ The new digital SAT is a significant change from the paper-based exam. Students need to get familiar with the new version. ➡️ Taking the SAT or ACT is still important, even at test-optional colleges, as it can increase acceptance rates and eligibility for scholarships. ➡️ There are over $7 billion in merit-based scholarships awarded annually, and many of them consider test scores in the selection process.  ➡️ Top universities have started to reinstate SAT and ACT score requirements due to the difficulty of differentiating students based on GPA and extracurricular activities alone. ➡️ Motivation is key in test preparation. Helping students identify their why, whether it's getting into a specific college, winning scholarships, or achieving personal goals, can drive their motivation to study and improve their scores. ➡️ Parents and students should consider applying to colleges that offer merit-based financial aid, as Ivy League universities often do not provide such aid. Broadening the college application pool can increase the chances of receiving scholarships and reducing the cost of college.   Meet Shaan Patel Dr. Shaan Patel, MD, MBA, is founder and CEO of Prep Expert. As seen on ABC's Shark Tank, Prep Expert is an education company that has helped more than 100,000 students improve their SAT and ACT scores and get into top colleges. Dr. Patel has more than twenty years of experience in SAT prep and has published more than ten books on the subject of test preparation. A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Patel was named one of Inc. magazine's "30 Under 30." He holds degrees from Yale University and the University of Southern California.   Connect with Shaan Patel Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter |  YouTube   Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram | Tik Tok | Website Resources Mentioned in This Episode  FREE Guide: Dr. Cam's 10 Pro Tips for Raising Teens For listeners of Parenting with Teens, we have prepared this Prep Expert Digital SAT "Mini" Playbook that includes many highlights from our full book, including the $1 Billion Scholarship Mission, Mark Cuban's Foreword, and key strategies such as the "secret to success” on the Digital SAT and beyond. Here is a link to download Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device. #digitalSAT #standardizedtests, #collegeadmissions #scholarships  #testanxiety, #motivation

Episode Summary Did you know that up to 20% of the population are classified as highly sensitive individuals? Many parents worry about how their sensitive teens will cope with peer relationships, academic pressures, and other big challenges of adolescence. In this episode, Dr. Cam is joined by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart. Dr. Lockhart is a seasoned pediatric psychologist and parent coach, specializing in supporting parents of children and teens with behavioral and emotional regulation concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, and high sensitivity. As a mother of 11 and 13-year-olds herself, she understands the unique dynamics of raising sensitive teens. Dr. Lockhart shares some invaluable insights and practical strategies to empower parents in nurturing their highly sensitive teens. Key Takeaways Highly sensitive teens are in tune with their surroundings and have heightened interoception. Co-regulation is important, where parents lend their calm to their teens and model self-awareness and coping strategies. Building up teens and creating a safe space for them to express their emotions is crucial. It's important to be curious and join with teens in their struggles, rather than dismissing or telling them to suck it up. Validate and empathize with your highly sensitive teen's emotions Regulate your own emotions and model healthy coping strategies Change your mindset and view your teen from a strengths-based perspective   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE Guide: 7 Secrets to Motivating Teens (without nagging!)  Dr. Lockhart is offering 50% off her course on Parenting Your Highly Sensitive Child. Coupon Code: SENSITIVE-CAM. Expires: 6/30/24.    Meet Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart  Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a business owner of A New Day Pediatric Psychology in San Antonio, TX. She is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, wife of 25 years, a mom of 11 and 13 year olds, and has over 17 years of experience in her field. She serves as a parent coach for parents who have kids and teens with behavioral and emotional regulation concerns, those diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, as well as kids who are highly sensitive. She focuses on helping parents adjust their mindset about parenting. Dr. Lockhart helps overwhelmed parents get on the same page and better understand their kids and teens. Connect with Dr. Lockhart  Facebook: @dr.annlouise.lockhart Instagram: @dr.annlouise.lockhart LinkedIn: @drlockhart   Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram: @drcamcaswell Tik Tok: @the-teen-translator Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify.

Episode Summary You've likely heard that building resilience in your teen is crucial—it's not just about protecting them from mental health challenges but also setting them up for success and happiness.  In this episode, Dr. Cam is joined by special guest joining, Chad Metcalf. Chad is not only an entrepreneur and author but also a former Navy SEAL who understands the essence of mental toughness. He gives us parents some practical strategies to nurture our teens resilience, confidence, and other skills essential for navigating life's challenges.  Key Takeaways Allowing kids to fail and learn from their mistakes is crucial for building resilience. Parents should provide guardrails while allowing their children to experience the consequences of their actions. Modeling resilience and pushing through challenges is important for parents to do. Encouraging skill-based pursuits helps kids discover their strengths and interests. Responding to failure in a supportive and constructive manner is key. Recognize and celebrate your child's efforts to push through challenges, regardless of the outcome. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and use it to gain new knowledge and skills. Encourage self-discovery and mastery-based learning in your child's education. Use the urgent-important matrix to prioritize tasks and goals. Create an environment where your child feels supported and empowered to learn and grow.  Meet Chad Metcalf Entrepreneur, author, and former Navy SEAL. He's a guy who knows how to take on big challenges with pinpoint precision and dedication. His unwavering pursuit of excellence has not only served as an inspiration to countless individuals but has also fueled a remarkable journey, brimming with diverse accomplishments. But Chad's journey has had its share of twists and turns. At one point, he even tried to make it onto the PGA Tour. But guess what? He hit a financial roadblock not once, not twice, but three times! Still, his story is a shining example for anyone facing mental hurdles. Chad writes books to share his hard-earned wisdom with others, helping them fast-track their path to a strong mindset and success. Right now, he's on a mission to assist people in finding their life direction and making the most of their natural talents. Want to learn how to figure out your own path and start living a meaningful life? Chad's got the inside scoop!   Connect with Chad Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok   Connect with Dr. Cam Instagram | TikTok   Resources Mentioned in This Episode FREE Guide: 7 Strategies for Motivating Teens (without nagging)  5x Your Productivity Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes. Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Feeling helpless as your teen battles anxiety, mood swings, and impulsivity? If you're seeking ways to help but unsure where to start, this episode is for you. Today we're joined by Dianne Kosto, Founder of SYMMETRY Neuro-Pathway Training and author of 'From Trauma to Triumph; One Mom's Mission with Neurofeedback.' Dianne is going to unpack how brain-based strategies like neurofeedback can effectively address mental health challenges stemming from nervous system dysregulation such as anxiety and impulsivity.   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device or listen LIVE in my Private Facebook Group.

Are you a mom feeling overwhelmed by the demands of raising teens while chasing your own dreams and goals? You're not alone. According to a study by the Working Mother Research Institute, 60% of working moms feel guilty about the amount of time they spend with their children. In this episode Dr. Cam dives deep into this common challenge with her special guest, Heidi Schalk. Heidi brings a wealth of insights from her own experiences as a mom, business strategy coach, author, and speaker. Heidi specializes in empowering women to achieve their goals and build successful businesses while balancing family life. She's also the host of the Be S.H.E. Podcast and has been featured on major networks like FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS.   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device or listen LIVE in my Private Facebook Group.

In this episode, we delve into an incredibly vital topic: breaking free from the cycle of toxic parenting. We're joined by the amazing Cari Fund, a trailblazer in breaking the cycle of toxic parenting. Together we explore the ease with which we can inadvertently repeat parenting patterns passed down through generations, often without realizing their impact on our children's mental health. Thankfully, with advancements in child psychology, we know have the tools and knowledge to effect positive changes. Cari guides us through the process of identifying these hidden patterns and, more importantly, shows us how to break them. This journey is not just about improving things for our teens; it is also about transforming ourselves in the process. Listen in as we shed light on how to nurture healthier and happier families.   Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others would appreciate the guidance and encouragement, please take a quick moment to rate and review. Reviews from my listeners are extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Review on iTunes.   Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, YouTube, Google, Spotify. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device or listen LIVE in my Private Facebook Group.

Do you feel disconnected from your teen? Does it seem like they don't trust you enough to open up? The reason you're not close certainly isn't due to a lack of trying. But it could be that you're trying the wrong things. In this episode Dr. Cam is joined by Kristen Duke, a trusted mentor specializing in supporting parents through the challenges of raising teenagers. Kristen helps us explore common pitfalls in parent-teen relationships and shares practical strategies to foster trust and strengthen connections with our teens.   Feeling lost in the sea of parenting advice? Wish you had a supportive community to navigate the ups and downs of raising happy, thriving teens? **Introducing Thriving Parent Academy! ** This online community equips YOU with the tools and knowledge to: ⭐ Foster strong parent-teen relationships ⭐Set clear boundaries and expectations ⭐ Navigate attitude and meltdowns with confidence ⭐ Raise kind, responsible humans   Join our amazing community of parents and: ⭐ Connect with like-minded individuals who "get it" ⭐ Learn from me through exclusive laser coaching sessions and master classes ⭐ Get personalized support and guidance tailored to your unique needs Stop feeling overwhelmed and start thriving! Limited spots available! Enroll now at thrivingparent.org. P.S. Share with any parent friends who might benefit!

In today's world teenagers are expected to excel in every aspect of their lives—academics, extracurriculars, work, and more. Parents want more than anything for their children to succeed so they often take on a lot of the responsibility and stress themselves. But perhaps we need to take a pause for a moment and question what we mean by success. Could this hyper-focus on achievement actually be hindering rather than helping our children thrive. In this episode Dr. Cam is thrilled to have Julie Lythcott-Haims with us. She sparks a national dialogue challenging conventional parenting wisdom in her acclaimed book, "How to Raise an Adult," and her TED Talk, "How to Raise Successful Kids—Without Overparenting," boasting over 7 million views (many of which are Dr. Cam's!) Feeling lost in the sea of parenting advice? Wish you had a supportive community to navigate the ups and downs of raising happy, thriving teens? **Introducing Thriving Parent Academy! ** This online community equips YOU with the tools and knowledge to: ⭐ Foster strong parent-teen relationships ⭐Set clear boundaries and expectations ⭐ Navigate attitude and meltdowns with confidence ⭐ Raise kind, responsible humans   Join our amazing community of parents and: ⭐ Connect with like-minded individuals who "get it" ⭐ Learn from me through exclusive laser coaching sessions and master classes ⭐ Get personalized support and guidance tailored to your unique needs Stop feeling overwhelmed and start thriving! Limited spots available! Enroll now at thrivingparent.org. P.S. Share with any parent friends who might benefit!

As parents, there's nothing scarier than the thought of losing our child. But did you know suicide is the leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 in the United States?  One of the biggest fears parents have is missing the warning signs.  And the question we all want answered is: how can I tell if my teen is at risk? In today's episode we're diving deep into Spotting Teen Suicide Risk with Dr. Jessica Rabon, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric psychology.  She'll help us break down the common warning signs, dispel some myths, and give us the tools we need to have that crucial conversation with our teens.  Whether you're worried about a specific behavior or just want to be proactive, this episode is for you.     Feeling lost in the sea of parenting advice? Wish you had a supportive community to navigate the ups and downs of raising happy, thriving teens? **Introducing Thriving Parent Academy! ** This online community equips YOU with the tools and knowledge to: ⭐ Foster strong parent-teen relationships ⭐Set clear boundaries and expectations ⭐ Navigate attitude and meltdowns with confidence ⭐ Raise kind, responsible humans   Join our amazing community of parents and: ⭐ Connect with like-minded individuals who "get it" ⭐ Learn from me through exclusive laser coaching sessions and master classes ⭐ Get personalized support and guidance tailored to your unique needs Stop feeling overwhelmed and start thriving! Limited spots available! Enroll now at thrivingparent.org. P.S. Share with any parent friends who might benefit!

Did you know that OCD affects up to 3% of adolescents in the United States?  That's roughly one in every 30 teens. While OCD can manifest in various ways, the constant worry and intrusive thoughts it generates can be incredibly difficult for teenagers to navigate. And let's be honest, parents often worry they're not doing enough to help their teens overcome OCD. That's why I'm thrilled to have Natasha Daniels join us today. Natasha has been an anxiety & OCD therapist for over two decades. She combines both her clinical expertise with her lived experience, raising her own three kids with anxiety and OCD. She is the creator of the website AT Parenting Survival, As well as the host of the show AT Parenting Survival Podcast and the Youtube channel, Ask the Child Therapist.  Feeling lost in the sea of parenting advice? Wish you had a supportive community to navigate the ups and downs of raising happy, thriving teens? **Introducing Thriving Parent Academy! ** This online community equips YOU with the tools and knowledge to: ⭐ Foster strong parent-teen relationships ⭐Set clear boundaries and expectations ⭐ Navigate attitude and meltdowns with confidence ⭐ Raise kind, responsible humans   Join our amazing community of parents and: ⭐ Connect with like-minded individuals who "get it" ⭐ Learn from me through exclusive laser coaching sessions and master classes ⭐ Get personalized support and guidance tailored to your unique needs Stop feeling overwhelmed and start thriving! Limited spots available! Enroll now at thrivingparent.org. P.S. Share with any parent friends who might benefit!