Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

How do you tell your teen not to drink or use weed… while also letting them know they can let you know if they’ve made a bad choice? It can feel impossible to balance rules with approachability. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack how to have open, judgment-free conversations about alcohol and marijuana--conversations that keep kids safe and keep communication flowing.

Substance use among teens can feel scary and overwhelming, especially with today’s high-potency marijuana and the social pressure to experiment. Dr. Lisa shares science-based guidance that helps parents know when to start these talks, what messages really matter, and how to model healthy behavior at home.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why it’s best to start the substance conversation early — ideally around 7th grade

- How to frame the discussion around safety instead of punishment or judgment

- What to say about the risks of alcohol and marijuana for the developing brain

- How to respond if your teen says, “But you drink,” or “Everyone does it”

- How to keep communication open so your teen knows they can always call you, no matter what

Warm, practical, and grounded in real science, this episode gives parents a roadmap for navigating one of the hardest (and most important) conversations you’ll ever have.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/



Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com



Episode keywords: teen substance use, weed, alcohol, parenting advice, teen safety



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How do you get your kids to like each other… or at least stop fighting all the time?

If you’re parenting tweens and teens, sibling conflict can feel endless. One moment they’re laughing together, the next they’re at each other’s throats. You want them to grow up valuing each other, but the daily bickering (and your role in it) can leave you wondering: Am I making things WORSE?

In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan dig into the complex world of sibling relationships. With warmth, humor, and research-backed insight, they unpack why siblings pull away in adolescence, how parents can support their bond without forcing closeness, and what really matters in the long run.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why siblings often distance themselves during the tween and teen years

- How comparisons and “fairness” struggles can fuel conflict

- When parents should step in—and when to step back

- Why forced apologies backfire (and what to do instead)

- Practical ways to build connection through one-on-one time and family experiences

- Why taking the long view helps parents worry less about today’s fights

Sibling relationships are complicated, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Dr. Lisa offers strategies that are both realistic and compassionate, helping you set the stage for healthier family dynamics now and stronger sibling bonds later.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/



Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com



Episode keywords: sibling rivalry, sibling conflict, teen conflict, family dynamics, parenting tips, sibling relationships



Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Here’s the good news: today’s tweens and teens talk openly about mental health. Here’s the not-so-good news, sometimes they inaccurately diagnose themselves or organize their emerging identities around a diagnosis. So what happens when your child insists they’re depressed, and you’re not sure whether it’s sadness, distress, or something more serious?

In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan unpack how to navigate these deeply sensitive conversations with empathy and clarity. You’ll learn how to validate your child’s feelings without reinforcing restrictive labels, and how to guide them toward healthier ways of understanding themselves.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- The key differences between sadness and depression

- How to validate your teen’s experiences while being mindful about diagnostic labels

- Why TikTok and peer culture are shaping the way kids talk about mental health

- How to help your child find belonging and identity beyond mental health labels

- The critical question every parent must ask if a child says they’re depressed

With warmth, expertise, and practical strategies, Lisa and Reena help you approach these moments with confidence and compassion so your teen feels heard, but not boxed in.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/



Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com



Episode keywords: teen mental health, depression, anxiety, parenting teens, TikTok labels



Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Many boys are struggling, and parents are often left wondering how to reach them. If your tween or teen son seems distant, gives one-word answers, or is spending too much time online, you’re not alone. 

In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan sit down with Joanna Schroeder and Christopher Pepper, authors of the book “Talk to Your Boys,” to tackle one of the toughest challenges parents face: raising confident, caring young men in today’s complicated world.

Joanna and Christopher draw on decades of experience working directly with boys to reveal what they really want from the adults in their lives, and how parents can help them grow into emotionally healthy, compassionate young men.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why boys often shut down emotionally, and how to break through the silence- Practical strategies to start conversations that go beyond one-word answers- How to protect boys from harmful online influences and teach media literacy- Ways to talk about consent, respect, and healthy masculinity- How to support your son’s mental health and help him find purpose and connection

This conversation is full of warmth, honesty, and actionable advice. Whether you’re raising a middle schooler just starting to pull away or a high schooler navigating friendships, identity, and independence, you’ll leave with tools to connect more deeply with your son.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/



Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com



Episode keywords: talk to your boys, joanna schroeder, chrisopher pepper, boys, parenting, teens, mental health, communication, masculinity, social media, emotions, raising sons

Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

What happens when your tween or teen turns to AI for advice… or even FRIENDSHIP? Today’s kids sometimes experiment with AI chatbots in ways that many parents don’t see coming. While some of their interactions may be harmless, the risks are real.

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack the hidden dangers of AI companions, the developmental vulnerabilities of younger teens, and the steps every parent can take to keep kids safe without overreacting.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why AI “companions” can be especially dangerous for tweens and young teens- How AI captures kids’ attention using hyper-personal data- The real risks: sycophantic affirmations, harmful advice, no safety nets- Warning signs your child may be overly dependent on AI- The most effective guardrails: keeping tech out of bedrooms, building skepticism, and starting ongoing conversations- How strong parent–teen relationships are the ultimate protection against manipulative technology

This conversation turns anxiety into actionable, compassionate guidance, helping you protect your kids while staying connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan.

Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/



Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com



Episode keywords: AI teens, parenting tech, digital safety, teen AI risks, AI dangers, parenting guide, teen technology, AI companions, digital parenting



Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence