Podcasts about cam caswell

Co-parenting is challenging enough when both parents are working together. But when you're dealing with a narcissistic co-parent—or someone who constantly turns parenting into a competition—it can leave you feeling exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and worried about your child's well-being. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kibby McMahon, CEO of Kula Mind and expert in personality disorders, to discuss practical strategies for navigating one of the most difficult parenting dynamics. Together, they unpack why narcissistic co-parents thrive on power struggles, how to stop getting pulled into the drama, and what you can do to protect your child while maintaining your own peace of mind. If you're tired of defending yourself, feeling manipulated, or wondering how to create stability for your child despite a difficult co-parent, this episode offers actionable tools and much-needed reassurance.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How to recognize narcissistic co-parenting behaviors and avoid getting trapped in endless power struggles Why the Gray Rock technique can help you respond to a narcissistic co-parent without escalating conflict How to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively when collaboration feels impossible What parents can do to protect children from unhealthy parenting dynamics and build resilience  

New here? Start with our Start Here playlist — five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood. If you feel like your teen has stopped listening to you — like everything you say gets met with eye rolls, pushback, or total silence — this episode is going to change how you see that. JoAnn sits down with Dr. Cam Caswell, developmental psychologist and teen relationship expert, to dig into what's actually happening in the teen brain when parents nag, demand, and try to take control. Spoiler: your teen's "defiance" isn't personal, it isn't intentional, and it isn't a sign you've failed. It's biology — and once you understand it, everything shifts. In this episode: Why teens are wired to resist control — and why that's actually healthy development, not defiance What nagging is really teaching your teen (hint: it's not what you think) The difference between demanding respect and earning it — and why one of them backfires every time Why the messy room battle isn't worth fighting — and what it's actually doing to your relationship The behaviors parents punish that are actually signs of healthy development How to regulate your own emotions first — so you don't make things worse before they get better Why chores should be about teaching skills, not paying rent — and how that one reframe changes everything The counterintuitive trick that gets teens to step up: remove yourself Dr. Cam's take on teens is genuinely refreshing — she doesn't talk about how to control your teen or get them to comply. She talks about how to actually understand them. If you're listening on Spotify, hit the Follow button right now — it's the best way to make sure you never miss an episode and it helps me reach more moms like you. Find Dr. Cam at drcamcaswell.com and on Instagram @dr.camcaswell. Resources Mentioned: Join the No Guilt Mom Inner Circle Download the Free Guide, How to Get Kids To Listen Without Unnecessary Structure and Routine Remember: the best mom is a happy mom. Take care of you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grief in teens rarely looks the way parents expect. Instead of tears and open conversations, it often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, risk-taking, or emotional distance. That can leave parents wondering whether their teen is grieving at all—or how to help if they are. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with grief expert and Master Certified Life Coach Krista St. Germain to unpack what grief really looks like in adolescents and why many common approaches to helping grieving teens can unintentionally make things harder. Together, they explore the latest understanding of grief, the impact loss has on the brain and body, and practical ways parents can support their teens through difficult life transitions and losses. Whether your teen is grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a friendship, a major life change, or simply the challenges of growing up, this conversation will help you feel more confident supporting them with compassion and understanding.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why grief in teenagers often looks like typical adolescent behavior and how to recognize the hidden signs The Dual Process Model of Grief and why the traditional five stages of grief are outdated What parents should say—and avoid saying—to support a grieving teen How modeling healthy emotional expression helps teens build resilience and emotional intelligence

If your teenager suddenly seems distant, emotional, or wants nothing to do with you, you're not failing as a parent — and you're definitely not alone. In this eye-opening episode of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast, Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Aliyah Singh, Hannah Ticajo, and Caitlin Severin from CultivaTeen Roots to unpack the real reason teens push parents away — and why it's actually a normal part of adolescent development. Together, they explore the science behind parenting teens, emotional safety, communication, self-regulation, and healthy family relationships. You'll learn why controlling behavior often damages connection, how social media impacts parenting expectations, and why the key to raising confident, independent teens is shifting from managing them to supporting them. This conversation is packed with practical parenting strategies to help parents reduce conflict, strengthen trust, improve communication with teenagers, and rediscover joy in the teen years. If you're exhausted by constant power struggles, worried about losing connection with your child, or wondering how to support your teen without pushing them further away, this episode will give you hope, clarity, and actionable tools you can start using immediately.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why teens naturally pull away from parents during adolescence — and what it actually means for your relationship How emotional safety and nervous system regulation improve communication with teenagers The parenting shift that helps teens become more independent, responsible, and emotionally resilient Practical ways to build stronger family relationships without control, pressure, or constant conflict   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS 1. Connection Grows Through Presence, Not Pressure Spending calm, low-pressure time together helps teens feel emotionally safe and more willing to connect naturally. 2. Teens Need Support More Than Control Shifting from “manager” to “consultant” helps teenagers build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. 3. Regulated Parents Create Safer Relationships Parents who practice self-regulation model emotional safety and help reduce tension and conflict at home. 4. Reflective Listening Builds Trust Teens open up more when parents listen without interrogating, fixing, or immediately offering advice. 5. The Teen Years Shape Long-Term Family Relationships How parents respond during adolescence strongly impacts future adult relationships with their children.  

Send us a message, we can't respond. If you'd like a response email us at rick@warriorswaymindset.comIn this insightful interview, Dr. Cameron Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and parent coach, shares expert advice on understanding and connecting with teenagers. She discusses common misconceptions, emotional regulation, gender roles, and practical strategies for fostering healthy parent-teen relationships. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Cam and Rick Yee explore parenting, emotional intelligence, belief systems, and how to foster healthier relationships with teens and adults. They discuss strategies for understanding behavior, rewiring beliefs, and leading with compassion and authenticity.Connect with Dr. Cameron Caswell here Join our free men's community! Click here for more information Join our free men's community! Click here for more informationSupport the showJoin our Discord community now and start your transformation today!MEN click here ----- WOMEN click hereIf you want more information on our programs head over to our website here

What does it actually take to raise a confident, resilient, successful teen? In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with Sheinelle Jones, co-host of Today with Jenna and Sheinelle and author of Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans, to unpack what she learned from interviewing the moms behind some of the most extraordinary humans, including Lady Gaga, Serena and Venus Williams, Steph Curry, and the Jonas Brothers. And here's what stood out: it's not about perfect parenting, strict rules, or doing everything “right.” It's about presence, trust, and knowing what actually matters in the moments that feel hardest. We talk about what these moms did differently, the biggest regrets they shared (especially around screen time), and why your teen not appreciating you right now is not a sign you're failing. If you've ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a whole lot of relief.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The surprising common traits mothers of highly successful people share. Why presence matters more than anything else (and what that actually looks like with teens today) The biggest parenting regrets —and how to course-correct now Why your teen's lack of appreciation is completely normal—and what it really means about your relationship  

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Cam Caswell, "The Teen Translator," about how to actually connect to your teen who's struggling.Most parents feel powerless when it comes to connecting with their teens (or a loved one that ACTS like a teen), especially when they struggle with anxiety, depression, or other intense pain. In this episode, Dr. Kibby gets golden insights from Dr. Cam, an adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast. The conversation delves into how can you actually support someone who can't handle their emotions, is in distress, but shuts you out? Parents of teens are all too familiar with this dynamic, but so are loved ones of grown adults who have the emotion regulation of a teenager. Dr. Cam reveals that the key to guiding teens isn't what most of us believe. Instead of controlling or punishing, she advocates for understanding, respect, and building trust, even when your teenager buries their face in their phone. Dr. Cam challenges your assumptions about parenting and equip you with practical, compassionate strategies to foster a secure, trusting relationship with your teen before the storm hits. Imagine transforming the typical power struggle into a partnership based on empathy and understanding. Dr. Cam shares her journey from a communications background to becoming a leading expert in adolescent psychology, and how her insights can help any parent navigate the turbulent teen years. You'll discover how the brain's development during adolescence makes traditional discipline ineffective, and why connection (rather than control) is the secret to cultivating resilience, independence, and open communication. From setting compassionate boundaries to understanding social media's role, this episode is packed with actionable advice to foster emotional safety and trust at every stage. This conversation breaks down:Why fear and control undermine your influence and how to replace them with connectionPractical ways to build trust that encourages your teen to share honestly - even during crisesHow to set clear boundaries without punishing, and why respect is the foundation of safetyThe truth about mental health struggles in teens today and how societal stigma and technology impact themSimple daily habits to foster emotional regulation, resilience, and autonomy in your loved onesIn a world full of digital distractions, social pressures, and fears about safety, this episode offers a new blueprint: meet your teen where they are, understand them deeply, and lead with love, not fear. Resources:Dr. Cam's websiteFind her on Instagram: @drcamcaswellPodcast: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Parenting teens can feel like everything changes overnight—communication shuts down, emotions run high, and connection feels harder than ever. But what if the teen years aren't about losing influence… they're about changing how we show up?In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with parenting coach Dr. Cam Caswell to break down what's really happening in the teen brain—and how parents can shift from control to connection.They dive into why teens pull away, how to rebuild trust, and what parents of younger kids can do now to make the teen years smoother.This conversation is honest, practical, and full of mindset shifts every parent needs.What You'll Learn in This Episode: What's actually happening in the teen brain (and why it's normal)  Why communication breaks down between parents and teens  How to rebuild trust—even if connection feels lost  The difference between discipline and punishment  How to handle teen attitude without constant power struggles  What “connection before correction” really looks like in real life  How to prepare younger kids now for healthier teen relationships  Why your teen still wants a relationship with you (even if it doesn't feel like it) Key TakeawayThe teen years aren't about controlling your child—they're about guiding them while they figure out who they are.Resources & Links Follow Dr. Cam Caswell: https://www.askdrcam.com/ Dr. Cam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askdrcam Listen to more episodes: [Insert your podcast link]  Follow Samantha: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_ If this episode helped you feel more confident navigating the teen years, share it with another parent who needs to hear this. And don't forget to follow The Running Wine Mom for more real, relatable parenting conversations.

Dr. Cam Caswell is an adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast. For over 20 years, she has worked with teens and families navigating shutdowns, anxiety, defiance, and disconnection. Dr. Cam's website: https://www.askdrcam.com/ Follow Dr. Cam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswell

ADHD & Autism: Why Chores Are So Hard (And How to Teach Responsibility Without Shame) Why do chores turn into power struggles in so many ADHD and autistic families? It's not laziness. It's not defiance. And it's definitely not a character flaw. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Holly Blanc Moses sits down with adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell to unpack why chores feel like a nightmare for neurodivergent kids and teens. If you're parenting a child with ADHD or autism and struggling with: Executive functioning challenges Chore refusal Emotional meltdowns over "simple" tasks Fear about your child's future Power struggles at home This conversation will change how you see chores forever. You'll learn: ✔ Why chasing compliance actually builds resentment ✔ The difference between responsibility and obedience ✔ How executive functioning impacts task initiation ✔ Why chores are an adult priority (not a teen priority) ✔ How to teach life skills without shame ✔ A neurodiversity-affirming approach to building ownership ✔ How to reduce conflict while increasing competence This episode is essential listening for: Parents of ADHD and/or autistic children and teens Therapists and psychologists working with neurodivergent families Educators Parenting coaches If you want to raise responsible, confident kids without damaging connection — this episode is for you!  Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you!

Inside, they explore: → Why "disrespect" is usually dysregulation—and how to respond when your teen talks back, rolls their eyes, or uses a tone you don't appreciate → The authority reframe: your job isn't to be right or have power—it's to carry the responsibility of de-escalating, listening, and modeling regulation (even when your teen is losing it) → Why connection is the foundation for good behavior, not the reward for it—and why taking away quality time when teens struggle backfires completely → How boundaries actually work with strong-willed teens: you can't control what they do, but you CAN control what you do—and that's where your real power lives → Why letting them make mistakes (even when you're terrified) builds trust and safety—because the tighter you hold on, the less you're actually able to protect them from poor choices, risky behavior, or shutting you out completely This episode will challenge every assumption you have about what it means to parent difficult teenagers—and give you the tools to build the kind of relationship where they actually come to you when things get hard. Resources & Links: Connect with Dr. Cam Caswell: → Website: www.askdrcam.com → Instagram: @drcamcaswell (275K+ parent community) → Podcast: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam - https://www.askdrcam.com/parenting-teens-podcast → Parenting Teens Academy (programs and courses for parents) - https://www.askdrcam.com/offers/4LbJPqXt/checkout Mentioned in This Episode: → PARR Framework: Pause, Acknowledge, Respond, Reflect (Albiona's 4-step process) → Dr. Will Dobadan's book Kids These Days → Dr. Lisa Miller's book The Awakened Brain → Kirk Martin (previous guest on The Parenting Reframe) Connect with Albiona: → Book a Free Discovery Call (1:1 Coaching) - https://www.theparentingreframe.com/coaching → Follow Albiona on Instagram - @theparentingreframe → Join Albiona's Paid Substack Community - https://theparentingreframe.substack.com Loved this episode? Please rate, review, and share it with a parent in the trenches with a defiant teen, a mom who feels like she's losing her kid to attitude and shut-downs, or anyone who's been told their teenager is "just going through a phase" and needs real tools instead of empty reassurance. Because the truth is: teens aren't the problem. Our outdated beliefs about what they need from us are. And when we shift how we see them, everything changes. Until next time, Albiona

Is your teen being disrespectful — or just dysregulated?Are power struggles in your home really about control… or miscommunication? In this episode, Colleen sits down with adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell, also known as the “Teen Translator,” to unpack what it truly means to speak teen. They explore how small language shifts can completely change your relationship dynamic, why stricter consequences often backfire, and how behaviors like arguing, messy rooms, and pushback can actually be signs of healthy development. Dr. Cam shares practical tools parents can implement immediately — from handling screen time without making it the enemy, to phrases that de-escalate conflict and build emotional safety. This conversation is packed with wisdom to help you shift from control and fear to connection and confidence. Dr. Cam Caswell is a nationally recognized adolescent psychologist, parent coach, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Parenting Teens Academy. With over 20 years of experience and a doctorate in developmental psychology, she has helped thousands of families navigate shutdowns, anxiety, attitude, and emotional blowups. As a single mom of a 20-year-old daughter, she brings both clinical expertise and personal insight — along with humor, heart, and zero judgment.

Teen boys shutting down can feel like rejection, but it's usually self-protection. If your teen son won't talk, gives one-word answers, or avoids conversations completely, this episode will help you understand what's going on—and what actually works. Dr. Cam Caswell (adolescent psychologist + certified parenting coach) and licensed professional counselor Jarrod Hoffman break down teen communication, emotional withdrawal, and trust-building strategies that help parents reconnect with teen boys. You'll learn how to stop the lecture cycle, use reflective listening, and create emotional safety so your teenage son opens up again. What You'll Learn: Why teen boys shut down emotionally during puberty (and why it's not rejection) The #1 communication mistake parents make that pushes teen boys further away How to use reflection instead of rapid-fire questions to build trust The “10-Minute Play Rule” that strengthens parent-teen connection What to say when your teen goes silent (without panicking or lecturing) Why teens already know what they “should” be doing—and why more advice backfires How to build trust with your teenage son so he talks to you again Connect with Jarrod Hoffman: Website: jarrodhoffman.com Newsletter: Jarrod's Monthly Newsletter Blog: jarrodhoffman.com/blog LinkedIn: Jarrod Hoffman Connect with Dr. Cam Caswell: Website: AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam (search “Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam”) Enjoying the show? Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review so other parents can find the support they need. Hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a solution-packed episode. 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, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, each episode delivers practical parenting tools, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you improve communication, reduce power struggles, and build a stronger relationship with your teen. #theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #teencommunication #parentingteenboys  

If it feels like every conversation with your teen turns into a debate… you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Cam flips the script on what “talking back” really means. What if your teen's arguing isn't disrespect… but development? What if those debates are actually signs of growing critical thinking, identity formation, and moral reasoning? You'll learn why shutting down arguments with “because I said so” may create more power struggles, not fewer—and how to transform daily battles into opportunities to build confidence, connection, and real-life skills. If you're tired of feeling like the bad guy every time your teen pushes back, this episode will help you respond with clarity, authority, and calm—without losing your leadership. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why teen arguing is often a sign of healthy brain development—not defiance The hidden cost of “because I said so” parenting How to separate disagreement from disrespect The difference between debatable topics and non-negotiable boundaries Phrases that keep conversations open without giving up authority How healthy arguing prepares teens to resist peer pressure and advocate for themselves   RELATED EPISODES IN THIS SERIES This episode is part of the series: “7 Teen Behaviors Parents Often Punish That Are Actually Signs of Healthy Development.” Be sure to check out: Episode 269: Attitude, eye rolls, and tone as signs of developing nervous systems Episode 271: Why teens resist chores (missing skills vs. laziness) Upcoming: Acting selfish and entitled as healthy development RESOURCE MENTIONED The COLLABORATE Method™ Parenting Program A step-by-step system for parents who are tired of constant power struggles and second-guessing themselves. Inside, you'll learn how to: Stay in charge without escalating Allow disagreements without losing authority Respond with clarity instead of reacting in frustration Learn more at: https://www.askdrcam.com/collaboratemethod

Fighting with your teen about screens doesn't mean you're failing. It usually means you're focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I'm joined by Stephen Balkam, Founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, who brings 30 years of experience helping families navigate online safety without fear or power struggles. We break down why traditional screen time rules backfire, why screen use matters more than minutes, and how parents can stay influential in a world where teens are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for school, problem-solving, and decision-making. If you want to protect your teen online without losing trust or connection, this episode will help you rethink your approach. What You'll Learn The biggest screen time mistake parents make (and what works better) Why quality of screen use matters more than quantity How the “co-pilot” approach keeps you involved without controlling Why involving teens in rule-setting increases follow-through What parents need to know about AI and critical thinking Simple boundaries that protect both safety and connection Resources Mentioned Family Online Safety Institute: https://www.fosi.org Seven Steps to Good Digital Parenting Digital Parenting Contract Template FOSI YouTube Channel AI tools discussed: ChatGPT, Claude Apps referenced: Pokémon Go, nature and star identification apps About the Guest Stephen Balkam is the Founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, a nonprofit working with major tech companies to make the online world safer for kids and families. He has been at the forefront of online safety for three decades and has witnessed the evolution from the early web to social media to today's AI age. About the Show Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam helps parents stay calm, connected, and confident while navigating the challenges of raising teens. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach.

If you've asked your teen to do a chore and they responded like you just requested a kidney… welcome.

A lot of parents see the hours, hear the headphones, and picture the worst: strangers, predators, secret chats, and “Is my kid addicted to this?!” So in this episode, I brought in someone who actually knows what's happening behind the scenes at Roblox: Tammy Bhaumik, Vice President of Civility and Partnerships at Roblox. And let me tell you—this conversation will either calm your nervous system… or at least give you a real plan. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The one thing most parents misunderstand about Roblox… and why it matters for safety A major safety feature rolling out that could change how teens connect with others online The screen-time question parents obsess over—and what actually signals a real problem Why “play with your teen” isn't cheesy advice… it's a shortcut to better conversations and more honesty How to set limits that don't instantly trigger eye rolls, blowups, or shutdowns

Eye rolls. Heavy sighs. That sharp, snarky tone that flips your nervous system in half a second. If your teen's “nasty attitude” instantly makes you think disrespect, defiance, or this needs to stop now, this episode will change how you see everything. In Episode #269 of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I kick off a brand-new series unpacking teen behaviors parents punish — even though they're often signs of healthy development. And we're starting with the one that triggers parents the fastest: attitude. Here's the uncomfortable truth most parents were never told: What feels like disrespect in the moment is often your teen's nervous system in overload, paired with a brain that's wired for emotion but still learning regulation. When we shut it down with consequences or lectures, we don't teach respect — we teach defense. And that's where the power struggles, shutdowns, and distance begin. In this episode, I don't just explain why this happens, I walk you through the critical choice every parent faces in those heated moments… and how one response builds walls while the other builds trust. I also introduce the response framework I teach parents inside my COLLABORATE Method™ Parenting Program — the approach that helps you hold boundaries without escalating, shutting down, or saying something you regret five minutes later. If you've ever wondered: Why does my teen get snarky over the smallest things? Am I accidentally making the attitude worse? How do I stop the tone without starting a war? This episode is your wake-up call. Because tonight's “attitude” isn't just about tonight. It's shaping how safe your teen feels communicating with you tomorrow. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why teen “attitude” often usually has nothing to do with disrespect — and everything to do with brain development The hidden reason even well-intended questions can trigger snark and shutdown The parenting response that escalates attitude (most parents default to it without realizing) The moment-by-moment choice that determines whether your teen opens up… or closes off  WHY THIS MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK Every time your teen gets mouthy, snappy, or sarcastic, one of two things happens. You either: reinforce fear, control, and emotional shutdown or teach regulation, communication, and real respect Most parents were taught the first path. In this episode, I show you the second and explain why it works even when your teen is not at their best.  

Generative AI like ChatGPT is now woven into nearly every part of teen life, and many parents feel unsettled by how fast it all happened. Are teens using AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to learn, to cheat, or something in between? Are they turning to AI for emotional support? And what should parents actually be worried about versus reacting out of fear? In this episode, Dr. Cam pulls back the curtain on how teens are really using generative AI. You will hear what teens told researchers directly, what surprised even the experts, and why most parents are focusing on the wrong risks. Dr. Cam is joined by Alanna Powers-O'Brien, Research and Program Specialist at the Family Online Safety Institute and co-author of the national report Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens Are Navigating a New Digital Frontier. Together, they break down what teen AI use looks like in real life, why many teens do not want to cheat, why 42% are using AI to talk through emotions, and what teens wish parents understood before reacting.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE   How teens are actually using ChatGPT and generative AI tools for school, learning, and everyday problem-solving Why many teens feel genuinely confused about what counts as cheating with AI The real reasons teens turn to AI for emotional support and what it does and does not replace Teens' top concern about AI use and why it is not what most parents assume   Want support navigating tech, AI, and tough conversations with your teen? The Parenting Teens Academy gives you practical scripts, science-backed tools, and clear guidance to help you stay calm, confident, and connected, even when parenting feels overwhelming.

Struggling with your teen's late nights, groggy mornings, and endless battles over bedtime? You're not alone—and you're not imagining it. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, certified Ayurvedic practitioner Nidhi Pandya breaks down why traditional sleep rules fail with teenagers and reveals a compassionate, science-backed approach that finally works. She explains how teen circadian rhythms shift during adolescence, why the 11 PM–2 AM “power hours” matter more than total sleep, and how stress—not screens—is the real culprit behind poor sleep. Nidhi shares practical tools rooted in ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern neurobiology, giving parents simple ways to reduce resistance, build connection, and help their teens naturally reset their sleep schedule—without nagging, yelling, or forcing bedtime.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why your teen's late nights are biological—not behavioral—and how to work with their changing circadian rhythm instead of fighting it The real reason screens aren't the biggest sleep disruptor for teens (and what is sabotaging their rest instead) How to create calming evening rituals that reduce stress, strengthen connection, and help your teen unwind naturally The counterintuitive morning strategy that builds responsibility—and why parents must stop being the household alarm clock  

If homework has turned into an exhausting nightly standoff, this episode is for you. Dr. Cam and neurodivergent therapist Holly Blanc Moses reveal why ADHD teens aren't “stubborn” or “unmotivated”—they're stuck due to executive functioning challenges like task initiation, time blindness, working memory, and overwhelm. You'll learn how shame and the expectation–capacity gap make starting feel impossible, and you'll get brain-based, neurodiversity-affirming tools to move from standoff to small wins: time timers, body doubling, task analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. Walk away with practical scripts and strategies that protect your relationship while helping your teen start—and finish—homework with more confidence and less conflict.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why “stubborn” and "lazy" are the wrong story  5 neuroscience-backed strategies that end homework battles The 2-minute trick that finally got my ADHD teen to clean their room How to tell if you're accidentally hurting your teen's mental health (even good parents do this)  

Struggling to connect with your teenager? You're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shares transformative, brain-based strategies to help parents rebuild connection with defiant, distant, or disconnected teens. Learn why the phrase “I love my teen, but I don't like them right now” resonates so deeply with parents—and how to move from constant conflict to calm, connected communication. Dr. Lockhart explains the neuroscience behind teen behavior, comparing the adolescent brain to the toddler years to help you understand why your teen's reactions can seem “illogical and irrational.” Together, Dr. Cam and Dr. Lockhart unpack the emotional toll of disrespect, withdrawal, and conditional love, offering parents science-backed tools to restore trust and strengthen relationships. You'll walk away with actionable steps to stop the yelling cycle, repair emotional wounds, and reconnect with your teen—without losing your authority or your sanity.     WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why your teen acts “irrational” (and what brain science reveals about it) How to stop the yelling and nagging cycle—and retrain your teen to listen The difference between conditional and unconditional love in parenting Simple, curiosity-based conversations that rebuild trust and connection How to repair a broken relationship—even when your teen won't talk  

Ever wonder why your teen's backtalk or eye roll hits you harder than it should?

When parenting teenagers becomes a battleground between parents, everyone suffers—including your teen. Dr. Cam and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish tackle the common problem of parental division, where one parent becomes the “tough one” while the other takes on the “soft” role, creating conflict that teens often exploit. This episode reveals why parents frequently end up on opposite sides of the parenting spectrum, especially during the teenage years when stakes feel higher and emotions run deeper. The experts explain how family triangulation occurs—when relationship tension between parents gets redirected toward the teenager, creating dysfunction for everyone involved. Key insights include understanding that both parents typically share the same core values and goals for their children, even when their approaches differ dramatically. The solution isn't forcing identical parenting styles, but rather establishing shared values while allowing different expressions of those values. Dr. Tracy emphasizes the critical importance of relationship repair—acknowledging mistakes and their impact—as a foundational skill for both marriage and parenting. Parents learn practical strategies for supporting each other even during disagreements, including validation techniques and behind-the-scenes communication that maintain unity. The discussion addresses common challenges like shame spirals, resentment over unequal parenting burdens, and interference from extended family members. Most importantly, parents discover that focusing on their own relationship with their teen—rather than trying to control their partner's approach—creates more positive outcomes for everyone involved.  

Is your teenager melting down after school, snapping at you, or shutting down completely? You're not alone—and it's not “bad behavior.” In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Dr. Jim Costello, creator of the Costello Method, to reveal why teen emotional explosions are actually neurological responses to overload—not disrespect. You'll discover why “sit still and listen” makes things worse, how parents can become a safe haven instead of a trigger, and five body-based tactics you can use immediately to calm your teen, rebuild connection, and reduce household stress.

If your teen feels distant, defiant, or shuts you out, you're not alone — and there's hope. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, foster and adoptive dad Peter Mutabazi shares life-changing strategies for reconnecting with even the most resistant teenagers. A survivor of childhood abuse and homelessness who's since fostered 47 children, Peter explains why teens are actually “easier” to parent than younger kids and how shifting from an authoritarian approach to a mentorship mindset transforms relationships. You'll discover practical, trauma-informed parenting tools that help you lower conflict, rebuild trust, and guide your teen without power struggles. Whether you're overwhelmed by defiance, craving deeper connection, or simply want to better understand your teen, this episode gives you the roadmap to start fresh and help your teen thrive.

Struggling with your teen's hygiene habits? You're not alone. Many parents face daily battles over showers, deodorant, and brushing teeth—leaving everyone frustrated. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with Carly Broderick, founder of Myles Personal Care, a gender-inclusive hygiene brand created just for teens and tweens. Carly shares how her own experience parenting through puberty inspired her to create practical solutions for families. We dive into the real reasons teens resist basic hygiene—from puberty's “hurricane effect” to product sensitivities and even rebellion. More importantly, Carly provides science-backed strategies and her simple SSB routine that transforms daily fights into lasting healthy habits. Whether your teen is entering puberty or in the thick of it, this episode will give you compassionate, effective strategies to replace nagging and shaming with empowering routines that help your teen feel confident in their own skin.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why nagging and shaming actually backfire when it comes to teen hygiene The science behind why teens often don't notice their own body odor Carly's proven SSB routine that makes hygiene habits stick How to reframe hygiene as confidence and maturity—not just compliance

PODCAST SHOW NOTES FORMAT Are you stuck in what feels like an emotional Groundhog Day with your teen—where the same arguments, defiance, and standoffs keep repeating? You're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with therapist and bestselling author Kati Morton to uncover why punishment-based parenting fails with teenagers and how to finally break these frustrating cycles. Kati explains that adolescence is about independence-seeking, not rebellion—and when parents try to control teens with consequences, they often fuel the very behaviors they want to stop. Instead, she offers science-backed strategies that shift the focus from control to influence, using curiosity and connection to build lasting respect and trust. From handling risky teen behaviors to creating space for authentic conversations, this episode gives you practical tools and a fresh perspective. If you're tired of repeating the same exhausting battles, this conversation will help you hit reset and start building a calmer, more connected relationship with your teen. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why punishing your teen often makes behavior worse, not better The game-changing shift from control to influence How to stay calm and use “wise mind” during heated conflicts Simple ways to spark honest conversations without forcing it

Is your teen constantly rolling their eyes, giving you attitude, or shutting you out — and you're not sure what it really means?If you're a single parent trying to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of raising tweens or teens, this episode breaks down the hidden messages behind your child's body language and what your reactions might be making worse — without you even realizing it.Learn how to decode eye rolls, silence, and sarcasm into meaningful communication.Discover why typical discipline strategies backfire — and what to do instead.Get simple, science-backed tools to improve trust and reduce daily conflicts with your teen.Press play now to uncover the communication strategies that will reset your single parenting approach and bring more connection with your teen — starting today.To learn more about Dr Cam Caswell click here

Do you feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells with your teen—afraid that one wrong word will set off an argument? You're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with Dr. Jenny Hwang, a clinical psychologist and parent coach with more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate emotional chaos and conflict. Dr. Hwang reveals why traditional “boundaries” backfire with teens, the surprising truth about why parents end up feeling walked over, and how to set limits in a way that actually works. Her grounded, no-nonsense approach is a game-changer for parents who are tired of power struggles and ready for peace. If you're ready to stop the exhausting cycle of battles and create a calmer, more respectful home, this episode is for you.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why most parents misunderstand what boundaries actually are The difference between rules that control vs. boundaries that empower How to handle disrespectful communication without losing your cool Why your teen's push for independence isn't rebellion—it's healthy development

If you've ever ended the day thinking, “Ugh, I was way too impatient… I didn't handle that well… I need to do better,” you're not alone. Parenting teens has a way of making even the most loving parents feel like we're constantly falling short. But what if you could quiet that inner critic—even just a little—and start noticing what's actually going right? In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, counselor and author Erin Morrison—creator of @itsTheConsciousMom and author of Three Minutes for Mom—offers science-backed insight and deeply reassuring advice for parents who feel like they're failing. We dive into why our brains focus on the negative, how to stop taking our teen's behavior so personally, and what it really means to be “doing enough.” Erin also shares a simple 3-minute daily mindset practice that can help you reconnect with yourself—and your teen. If you're constantly hard on yourself, overwhelmed by parenting pressure, or just tired of feeling like you're not enough… this episode is your reset. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why your teen's boundary-pushing is actually a good thing The secret to feeling like a “good parent” again (in just 3 minutes a day) How to shift your mindset from constant criticism to quiet confidence What you're getting right—even if it doesn't feel like it

Ever wish you had a pause button—for your teen or yourself? When you're caught in a meltdown, shutdown, or power struggle, it's easy to spiral into reactivity and regret. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, Jennie Phillips—coach, fitness pro, mom of four, and author of Yellow Light Moments—introduces a science-backed framework that empowers families to slow down and reset before emotions explode. Jennie shares her 3-step “Yellow Light Moment” method (Yield-Listen-Move), giving parents the language, tools, and mindset shifts needed to manage teen stress, model emotional regulation, and create a calmer home. If your family is running on exhaustion and conflict, this episode will help you pump the brakes—with just a few intentional minutes that can shift everything.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE A 3-step process to prevent teen blowups before they start How to create shared emotional language with your teen (like “caterpillar” or “question quota”) Why your teen's “laziness” might actually be healthy self-regulation How guilt around self-care is secretly sabotaging your parenting  

Worried your teen might fall into the wrong hands online? You're not being overprotective—you're being smart. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I'm joined by Nate Lewis, founder of The Innocent, a nonprofit on a mission to protect kids from trafficking, exploitation, and abuse right here in the U.S. A former law enforcement officer with 20+ years of global experience in anti-trafficking operations, Nate shares expert-backed, real-world strategies for protecting your teen—without shutting them down or locking everything down. If you've ever felt helpless watching your teen scroll through social media or worried about who's DMing them behind the scenes, this episode gives you clarity and next steps. We dig into the grooming process, why emotionally vulnerable teens are at greater risk, and what subtle online red flags parents often miss. But most importantly, we talk about how to build the kind of connection that keeps your teen safe. Because the best safety tool isn't an app—it's trust. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The #1 predictor of whether a predator can gain access to your teen Why controlling devices can backfire—and what to do instead How to talk to your teen about safety without triggering defensiveness The role of male mentors and modeling in reducing vulnerability

Constantly clashing with your teen? It's not the conflict—it's how you handle it. But here's the good news: conflict isn't the problem—it's how you handle it. Harvard Law negotiation expert Bob Bordone reveals how the same conflict resolution strategies used by world leaders can transform your parent-teen relationship.

Does your teen seem unmotivated, disconnected from school, or uninterested in college? You're not alone—and it doesn't mean they're lazy or doomed. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I'm joined by Hannah Maruyama, founder of Degree Free, who's helping parents rethink success and explore real-world alternatives to the traditional college path. If you're tired of power struggles, student loan fear, and outdated definitions of “making it,” this conversation will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective to help your teen find their way—without unnecessary debt, pressure, or burnout. Hannah breaks down why the college industrial complex is crumbling, how to spot smarter options, and how to support your teen in creating a future that fits them.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why pushing college as the only option is backfiring on many teens How to motivate your teen without using grades, guilt, or fear What the job market actually values (hint: it's not always a degree) 5 alternative paths your teen can take to succeed without student loans

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?