Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting - podcast cover

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninanwww.drlisadamour.com
“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.   Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. 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

Episodes

226: Encore: What Should I Do With Dicey Information About Other People’s Kids?

Your teen just shared something concerning about a friend. Now what? Dr. Lisa & Reena offer a thoughtful roadmap for what to do when your teen is a “safe person” for their peers—but you’re left holding information about risky behavior. Learn how to protect trust while also protecting teens’ safety. ________________ “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially twe...

Jul 01, 202530 min

225: Encore: Should I Let My Son Spend All His Free Time Playing Video Games?

Your teen's gaming habit might not be all bad. Video games can feel like a battleground for parents—but are they always a negative? In this episode, Dr. Lisa & Reena explore how gaming can help teens connect, learn, and unwind. Learn how to set boundaries without igniting power struggles and how to spot when gaming is helping (or hurting) your child’s development. ________________ “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested str...

Jun 24, 202532 min

224: Encore: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence"

Raising a teen boy? Dr. Lisa & Reena use the Netflix series Adolescence as a springboard to explore masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and how boys handle pressure in today’s world. Together they explore how adults can support boys as they navigate social media, anger, sadness, and identity. The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents: https://drlisadamour.com/books/the-emotional-lives-of-teenagers/ Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Lif...

Jun 17, 202534 min

223: Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma

How do we help our tweens and teens thrive—even in tough times? Dr. Sue Varma joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to break down the science of optimism and the four key pillars of mental well-being. You’ll learn how to model emotional strength for your child, build resilience in the face of anxiety and setbacks, and adopt daily habits that boost happiness. The perfect episode for parents looking to reset and reenergize during summer! Find “Practical Optimism” here: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/book/ Ge...

Jun 10, 202540 min

222: The Summer of Building Independence

Tired of doing everything for your kids? Summer is the perfect time to teach independence! This episode explores why summer is ideal for building kids' life skills, beneficial for both parents and children who need to feel counted on. Learn about age-appropriate tasks, a step-by-step method for teaching, and strategies for handling resistance and negotiation. Discover how to use summer's flexibility to raise more self-sufficient kids.

Jun 03, 202532 min

221: Encore: What’s the Best Way for My Teen to Handle a Mean “Friend”?

Is your middle schooler or high schooler dealing with a so-called “friend” who’s just… mean? You’re not alone. Tweens and teens often struggle with toxic friendships, and it’s tough for parents to know when to step in—and how. In this episode, Dr. Lisa & Reena help a parent navigate one of the most common challenges of adolescence: friendship drama. Learn how to coach your child through unhealthy peer dynamics, when to give advice (and when to hold back), and how to help teens build healthy,...

May 27, 202532 min

220: How to Stay Connected When Teens Pull Away. Guests: Gordon Neufeld, PhD & Gabor Maté, MD

Discover insights from Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Gabor Maté on maintaining strong parent-child bonds during adolescence. They explore the critical importance of adult attachment over peer influence, the impact of digital media, and how parents can restore connection by focusing on the relationship rather than just behavior. Learn practical ways to bridge differences and ensure your teen feels safe and accepted in your presence.

May 20, 202543 min

219: My Kid is a Hypochondriac. What Can I Do?

Is your child constantly worried about their health, thinking that every minor ache or pain could be a potential medical crisis? Dr. Lisa and Reena dive deep into the world of illness anxiety disorder (aka "hypochondria"), revealing why teens obsess over health symptoms and how parents can compassionately support their anxious kids. Learn expert strategies to distinguish between real medical concerns and anxiety-driven health fears, understand the psychological roots of health obsessions, and di...

May 13, 202531 min

218: Is it Ever Okay for Me to Yell at My Kids?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

May 06, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 213

217: Embracing ADHD with Penn and Kim Holderness

Are you struggling to understand ADHD and support your neurodivergent child? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with the Holderness Family, viral content creators who are taking the shame out of ADHD by talking openly about the benefits–and real challenges–that come with the diagnosis. Penn and Kim Holderness dive deep into their personal journey, sharing raw, hilarious, and compassionate insights about living with ADHD, emotional regulation, and building stronger family relationships. We w...

Apr 29, 202544 min

216: How Do We Get Kids to Stop Fat Shaming?

Are your kids participating in or experiencing fat shaming at school or online? Dr. Lisa and Reena dive deep into the disturbing trend of weight-based bullying among teens. Discover why friends are targeting each other, how social media normalizes harmful body-shaming behaviors, and learn critical strategies that parents can use to support their children. This episode provides essential guidance for navigating body image conversations and protecting teens' mental health. Whether your child might...

Apr 22, 202534 min

215: Is It Possible to Talk About Feelings Too Much?

Are you drowning in emotional conversations with your teen? In this episode Dr. Lisa and Reena examine the critical line between healthy emotional processing and harmful rumination. They discuss how to support teenagers' mental health without letting feelings dominate, how to redirect emotional spirals, and empower teens to manage their emotions effectively. Whether your child overshares or stays completely closed off, this episode offers compassionate, expert guidance for navigating the complex...

Apr 15, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 215

214: Should I Let My Son Spend All His Free Time Playing Video Games?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Apr 08, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 214

213: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence"

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Apr 01, 202533 min

212: ENCORE: Will Social Media Harm My Kid?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Mar 25, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 212

211: How Do I Parent with an Ex Who Doesn't Share My Values?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Mar 18, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 211

210: Dealing with Disappointing College Admissions. What Helps?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Mar 11, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 210

209: The Science of Managing Emotions with Author Ethan Kross

Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan interview Dr. Ethan Kross, author of "Shift," about science-backed strategies for managing emotions in both parents and children. Kross shares insights on using emotional shifters like sensory experiences, mental time travel, and music to regain control during emotional moments. The discussion covers practical tools, the importance of emotional regulation, and how to manage parental anxiety when children face emotional challenges, offering listeners actionable advice for improving their family's emotional well-being.

Mar 04, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 209

208: What Should I Do When Other Parents Host Wild Parties?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Feb 25, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 208

207: What's the Best Way for My Teen to Handle a Mean "Friend"?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Feb 18, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 207

206: How Can We Roll Back Our Kids' Technology Use?

Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan discuss how to help kids develop healthier relationships with technology. They emphasize understanding the reasons behind tech use and engaging in ongoing conversations to co-create family tech boundaries. The episode offers practical strategies for parents to navigate technology use as a shared family challenge, aiming to improve overall quality of life.

Feb 11, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 206

205: The New Edition of Untangled by Dr. Lisa Damour

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Feb 04, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 205

204: How Do I Help My Kid Develop a Work Ethic?

Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan discuss how to help kids develop a strong work ethic, addressing a listener's question about their 11-year-old son. They explore the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, the importance of structure and warmth in parenting, and strategies for linking privileges to responsibilities. The episode emphasizes that some friction is normal as teens develop, and facing consequences can be transformative.

Jan 28, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 204

203: How Do I Get My Teen to Give Up Weed?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Jan 21, 202534 minSeason 1Ep. 203

202: My Son's Friends Are Sending Him Inappropriate GIFs. How Do I Help?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Jan 14, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 202

201: 2025: The Year of Intentional Living

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Jan 07, 202534 minSeason 1Ep. 201

200: ENCORE:The Five Principles of Parenting with Dr. Aliza Pressman

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Dec 31, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 200

199: ENCORE: How Should I Deal with My Angry, Disrespectful Son?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Dec 24, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 199

198: Is it Okay for My Kid to Gossip with Her Friends Online?

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Dec 17, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 198

197: The Power of Belonging with Special Guest Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble

“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you cov...

Dec 10, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 197
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