In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron discuss how parents can help their teens navigate unfair situations in school, sports, and daily life. They consider different ways to manage disappointment, and how to consider the gains (vs. losses) of how they could respond.

From being overlooked by a teacher, to losing a spot on a team, unfairness is a part of growing up, and of living life.

Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron offer practical strategies for validating your teen’s feelings, guiding them in considering the options, and also recognizing when the best response is to let go and accept a situation that may feel unfair.

Together, they explore:

• Making sense of your role as a parent: advocate vs. coach
• The gains and losses of intervening vs. holding back
• How to validate feelings without jumping to fixes
• How acceptance can be an “active (and effective) choice” and not “giving up”
• Balancing support with independence as teens grow
• Parent self-care: venting safely and seeking support
• A quick & helpful radical acceptance practice you can try today

If you’ve ever worried about your teen feeling discouraged, left out, or defeated by unfair situations, this episode will give you tools to support them, model acceptance, and help them grow stronger through life’s challenges.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – When unfairness touches your teen’s life
02:31 – How parents usually get affected by their teen’s distress
04:55 – Supporting your teen: Step in or Step back?
07:05 – Considering the possible benefits of “not intervening”
07:55 – One “mantra” for parents to stay steady – “Be the Buddha in the road”
09:43 – A second “mantra” to consider – “It’s theirs”
11:45 – Let your teen vent and get in touch with their emotions
13:50 – Teaching acceptance: when to let go and move on
16:08 – Key takeaways for parents
16:48 – How to deal with our own emotions, as parents
19:14 – Daily habits to protect ourselves -as adults- from big emotions
20:18 – The practice of radical acceptance and half smile

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In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron thoughtfully discuss sexual assault prevention for teens and young adults. As teens and young adults head to college and/or spend more time with friends in new environments, parents can worry about how to best prepare them for real-world risks of assault, while also supporting their growing independence. This episode helps parents gain a nuanced understanding of current factors related to sexual assault and ways to minimize risk. Suggestions are provided regarding how to communicate with their teens and empower them to make planful, confident, and informed choices.

Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:

• Why open conversations about safety are critical for teens
• How to talk about sexual assault prevention in a clear, age-appropriate way
• The role of alcohol and parties, and its relation to risk of assault
• Strategies for setting boundaries and recognising red flags
• What healthy peer support and bystander intervention look like
• Actionable suggestions that parents can share with teens.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

00:00 – College parties can be fun and risky at the same time
03:08 – How Dialectical Thinking helps parents handle tough topics with teens
05:10 – Campuses tend to be very safe, except for sexual assaults
09:00 – Five strategies a teen can do to minimize risk
10:43 – The importance of protecting your drink and how to do so
12:15 – What healthy peer support looks like
14:42 – Teaching teens to speak up and step in
16:28 – How to protect friends and peers, safely
18:33 – Recap of 5 strategies to decrease risk of sexual assault
19:48 – Sexual assault prevention starts at home
21:32 – Dialectical thinking helps parent-teen communication and problem solving
23:15 – Acknowledging difficult subjects when feeling unprepared

If you’ve ever worried about your teen being vulnerable in college or social settings, this episode will give you actionable tools to keep them safe and empowered.

⬇️ For downloadable resources for teens/young adults and parents, based on this episode:

📝 Tip Sheet for Parents: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxSkkYrF4/p5LmYFhAgSxHrXLxER54fA/view?utm_content=DAGxSkkYrF4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2f7135e34d

📝 Tip Sheet for Teens/Young Adults: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxSmKgl5M/sypKA3FbWrFbS5n2Ds2Keg/view?utm_content=DAGxSmKgl5M&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd70254b9fa

#ParentingTips #TeenSafety #CollegePrep #ConsentEducation #ParentingPodcast #RaisingTeens #TeenWellbeing #SexualAssaultPrevention #parentingsupport

👉 Follow us for more tips and support on parenting teens
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🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com to listen and learn more.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents and teens experience stress—both healthy and unhealthy—offering practical insights and actionable advice for families who want to build resilience and balance at home.

Together, they explore:

• How the way we think about stress shapes how we manage it
• Why some stress is healthy and helps kids grow
• When stress tips into overload and becomes unhealthy
• The warning signs of burnout in teens
• The role of comparison and perfectionism in fueling stress
• Practical tools to prioritise and scale back commitments
• How parents can model healthy stress management

If you’ve ever worried about your teen being overbooked, anxious, or struggling to keep up with unrealistic expectations, this episode will give you tools to reframe stress, set healthy boundaries, and support your teen’s well-being.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to raise more resilient, confident, and balanced teens.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us for more parenting tips, expert insights, and real talk about raising teens in today’s world.

/ theparentingpair

🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The Parenting Pair podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapters:

00:00 – Back-to-school stress for parents and teens
02:14 – The way we think about stress shapes how we manage it
03:41 – Why some stress is healthy and helps kids grow
04:50 – Real-life examples of healthy stress in teens and tweens
06:40 – How parents can reframe stress for their kids
08:30 – Temporary healthy stress vs. unhealthy stress
10:05 – Unhealthy stress and achievement overload
11:33 – Comparison, Perfectionism and Unhealthy Stress
15:30 – Warning signs of unhealthy stress: sleep, irritability, burnout
18:20 – Tool: The 24-hour reality check for overloaded schedules
21:00 – Deciding what to scale back and saying no
23:06 – Shifting the community narrative and supporting kids’ well-being
25:50 – Parents modeling healthy stress management

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack the myths and realities around teens and marijuana. With cannabis now legal in many states, parents are left wondering what’s normal experimentation, what’s risky, and how to talk about it without shutting their teen down.

Together, they explore:

• How marijuana affects the developing teen brain
• Why legalization and changing norms can give teens mixed messages
• The difference between occasional use and patterns that raise red flags
• How to have open, curious conversations that keep your teen talking
• Strategies for setting boundaries while maintaining trust and connection

If you’ve ever worried about your teen and marijuana—or just want to be prepared for the conversation—this episode will give you clarity, language, and compassion to navigate it with confidence.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

0:00 Parenting in the era of legal weed
1:14 Listener question: Teen thinks marijuana is safe
3:35 Risk-taking in adolescence
6:08 How marijuana affects the teen brain
10:08 Short-term vs. long-term risks
10:48 “Weed helps me” – tips for talking with your teen
14:30 Parent use vs. teen use
15:22 Why today’s marijuana is stronger
17:04 Edibles, vaping & hidden dangers
20:51 Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: what parents should know
24:15 Talking with other parents about marijuana
26:44 Heavy teen use & when to seek help
30:11 What now: Conversations & safety plans
32:13 Final advice for parents

Should you track your teen’s location? From apps like Life360 to Find My iPhone, GPS tracking can offer parents peace of mind — but it can also raise big questions about trust, privacy, and independence. In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the pros and cons of location tracking for teens and tweens.

You’ll hear:

• What parents gain (and lose) when tracking their teen’s whereabouts
• How tracking can affect a teen’s sense of autonomy, trust, and responsibility
• When GPS tracking might strengthen your relationship — and when it might strain it
• Why transparency and open discussion matter
• Practical ideas for setting boundaries, using tracking selectively, and preparing for the transition to young adulthood

Whether you currently use a location tracking app or are just considering it, this episode will help you reflect on your family’s needs, manage your own anxiety, and make intentional choices about digital safety and independence.

Here are some highlights from this episode:
00:00 – Intro: Should Parents Track Their Teens?
02:17 – Gains for Parents from GPS Tracking
05:22 – Potential Gains for Teens from GPS Tracking
07:43 – Losses for Teens: Privacy, Trust, and Independence
11:33 – Losses for Parents: Tolerating Uncertainty
13:10 – Parallels with School Grade Tracking Apps
15:47 – Tracking Is Not All-or-Nothing: Finding a Middle Ground
18:30 – Transparency with Teens About Tracking
20:06 – Modeling Digital Boundaries & Talking About Snap Map
23:27 – What Now: Reflecting on Gains & Losses
24:20 – Parent-to-Parent Support, College Years Considerations

Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow parents—because thoughtful conversations about technology and autonomy can shape healthier, more trusting relationships with your teens.

The Power of Apologizing: How Genuine Apologies Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Teen

In this new episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the vital role of apologies in parenting—why saying “I'm sorry” can be a powerful tool for building trust, respect, and emotional health with your teens. They discuss common barriers that prevent parents from apologizing effectively, and share practical strategies to overcome these “apology traps” to foster more authentic, compassionate connections.

Join us as we delve into:

-- Why parents often hesitate to apologize and how it impacts your authority and your teen’s perception of respect
-- The misconception that apologizing equals losing control, and how genuine apologies can actually empower your relationship
-- How to avoid “tit for tat” and “double dipping” traps—apologizing without expecting anything in return or pairing apologies with blame
-- Simple, effective ways to apologize—whether face-to-face, via text, or with a quick note—that feel authentic and respectful
-- The importance of timing, patience, and repair in the apology process—when to revisit and how to show accountability over time
-- How practicing honest apologies now can positively influence your teen’s future relationships and emotional resilience

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 – Why Parents Need to Apologize for Stronger Relationships
02:50 – The “Losing Authority” Trap—Why Apologizing Can Actually Boost Respect
05:20 – Avoiding “Tit for Tat” and “Double Dipping” Traps in Apologies
11:51 – Self Reflection and How to Keep Apologies Genuine and Effective
17:22 – When and How to Revisit Apologies for Lasting Impact
18:42 – Repairing and Strengthening Your Bond with Your Teen Helps Their Future Relationships

Tune in for practical advice on how to own your mistakes with confidence, foster mutual respect, and create a family culture rooted in honesty and care. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow parents—because heartfelt apologies are a cornerstone of loving, resilient relationships.

In this engaging episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron explore common thinking traps—those unhelpful patterns of thought that can cloud our judgment, increase stress, and hinder positive interactions with our teens. They discuss how becoming aware of these traps and learning to shift our thinking can lead to more balanced, calm, and effective parenting.

Join us as we delve into:

• What thinking traps are, including the ‘shoulds,’ mental filters, and jumping to conclusions, and how they subtly influence our perceptions and reactions
• How these thought patterns can intensify worries, create misunderstandings, and impact our emotional well-being
• Practical strategies for parents to recognize and challenge these traps—using questions like “What else could be true?” to broaden perspective and reduce automatic negative thoughts
• The importance of self-compassion and gentle language shifts, such as replacing ‘shoulds’ with softer alternatives like ‘I wish’ or ‘prefer,’ to foster patience and understanding
• Tips for staying present and focused on the facts, especially during stressful or uncertain moments with your teen

Whether you're dealing with everyday frustrations or navigating complex issues, understanding and managing your thinking traps can help you respond with greater clarity, patience, and connection—strengthening your relationship with your teen and supporting your mental health.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 – Welcome: Are You Spiraling About Your Teen?

01:00 – What Are Thinking Traps & Why They Matter in Parenting

03:00 – Dr. Allen Catches a Thinking Trap in the Checkout Line

05:24 – Trap #1: “Should” Thinking – The Fast Track to Frustration for Parents

09:34 – Trap #2: Mental Filter – You Only See What’s Going Wrong for you or your Teen

16:26 – Trap #3: Jumping to Conclusions – From One Mistake to Worst-Case Scenario

20:23 – One Powerful Question to Reframe Your Thoughts and Open to New Possibilities

Tune in for practical insights and tools to cultivate a more mindful, balanced approach to parenting. And don’t forget to share this episode with fellow parents—because shifting our thoughts is key to building a calmer, more compassionate family life.

In this insightful episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron explore the concept of vulnerability factors—those circumstances and experiences that influence how we and our teens respond to stress, frustration, and everyday challenges. They discuss how recognizing and managing these factors can help reduce emotional reactivity, foster patience, and improve parent-teen interactions.

Join us as we delve into:

• What vulnerability factors are, from chronic issues like systemic racism or health challenges to more changeable influences such as sleep deprivation, hunger, or stress
• How vulnerability factors affect our mood and reactions in real-time, often amplifying stress and frustration
• Practical strategies for parents to support themselves—like taking breaks, practicing self-compassion, and humor—to better handle difficult moments
• The importance of self-awareness and apologies when vulnerability factors lead to overreactions
• How to implement prevention by tending to physical and emotional needs—getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, and managing stress—to build resilience for both parents and teens

Whether you're navigating a tough morning or facing ongoing challenges, understanding vulnerability factors can help you respond with patience, compassion, and clarity—strengthening your relationship with your teen and supporting your own well-being.

Tune in for practical tips on managing your vulnerability factors and fostering a calmer, more connected family dynamic.

Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 – Intro: What Are Vulnerability Factors in Parenting and Teen/Tween Life?
02:16 – Chronic vs. Everyday Vulnerability Factors
03:50 – Why Parents Overlook Teen and Tween Vulnerability Factors
05:16 – A Morning Meltdown: Swim Practice & Parental Spiral
11:53 – In-the-Moment Coping Tools for Stressed Parents
14:00 – Giving Your Teen or Tween the Benefit of the Doubt
16:50 – Prevention: How Parents Can “Cope Ahead”
20:34 – Modeling Repair & Using Humor After a Parenting Misstep

And as always, share this episode with fellow parents who may find it helpful—because caring for ourselves is essential to caring for our teens.

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