Episode 11: Should I Push My Anxious Teen… or Let It Go and Pull Back?
What should parents do when a teen says, "I can't do it" — whether it's going to school, trying out for a team, or facing a social situation? In this episode, child and adolescent clinical psychologists, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron, dive deep into this common parenting dilemma: Should you push your teen to do hard things—or back off?

This insightful episode explores how to support adolescents facing anxiety, avoidance, or depression with empathy, strategy, and connection. Drawing from evidence-based practices like exposure therapy, the hosts offer four essential parenting principles to help you encourage your child without adding pressure or power struggles.

You'll learn:

• Why anxiety is a normal part of adolescent development—and when it becomes a concern
• How to tell the difference between helpful encouragement and unhelpful pushing
• Helpful strategy #1 “Zooming out” if your teen is melting down.
• Helpful strategy #2  Compassion (for yourself and your teen) is a superpower during anxious moments.
• Helpful Strategy #3: Regulate Yourself!  Parental emotional reactions impact teen behavior and resilience
• Helpful Strategy #4:  Stay on the same team with your teen—even when your teen doesn’t act like a teammate
• When to consider seeking professional mental health support

Whether you're dealing with school refusal, performance anxiety, or general emotional overwhelm, this episode gives you actionable tools and a calming framework for parenting with connection and confidence.

Watch on YouTube:  The Parenting Pair

Connect with us:
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🎙️ If this episode resonates with you or someone you know, please share it. Let’s build a more connected, compassionate parenting community—one episode at a time.

5 Mindset Shifts to Worry Less About Other Parents’ Judgments

Do you ever find yourself second-guessing your parenting decisions… not because they feel wrong, but because you’re worried what other parents might think?

Yeah — us too.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron dive into five powerful mindset shifts to help you stop spiraling and start parenting from a place of confidence, clarity, and calm.

You’ll learn:
✔️ How to connect with your best self as a parent
✔️ Why judgment is unavoidable — and fleeting
✔️ How to stop wasting energy trying to mind-read other parents
✔️ Why “your family, your call” is the healthiest mantra you can adopt
✔️ The power of showing kindness to other families — and yourself

🎯 Whether you’ve been side-eyed at the pickup line, judged over a playdate rule, or just feel pressure to “get it all right,” this episode is a breath of fresh air.

🧠 You’ll leave with practical tools, real-world examples, and permission to parent with confidence — even when your approach looks different.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why parents feel judged—and why it matters
00:56 – Mindset Shift #1: Reconnect with your best parenting self
03:53 – Mindset Shift #2: Accept that judgment is fleeting
05:37 – Mindset Shift #3: You’re not a mind reader
08:09 – Mindset Shift #4: Your family, your call
11:03 – Mindset Shift #5: Extend kindness to other parents
13:25 – Reflection: How these shifts can help
15:17 – What now: Modeling confidence for your teen

📩 Got a question for a future episode? Email us at hello@theparentingpair.com

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!
DM us on Instagram @‌TheParentingPair or visit our website The Parenting Pair

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✨ Stay tuned — upcoming episodes will explore anxiety and depression in teens, based on your requests.

#ParentingPodcast #MindsetShifts #ADHDParenting #TeenParenting #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingConfidence #YourFamilyYourCall #TheParentingPairPodcast

In this engaging episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron explore the many benefits and challenges of youth sports. They discuss how sports can boost confidence, teach important life skills like resilience, teamwork, and serve as a supportive environment outside of school.

Join us as we cover:

• The value of sports for fun, social connection, and emotional growth
• How sports help develop self-efficacy and critical thinking in children and teens
• Practical ways parents can support their kids during games and practices
• The impact of parents' sideline behaviors, including facial expressions and tone of voice
• The importance of fostering autonomy and choice in sports participation
• How to advocate for a positive, healthy sports culture that prioritizes growth over winning at all costs

Time stamps to quickly reference key moments:

• 00:00 – Intro: Why sports matter
• 04:00 – How sports build self-efficacy
• 09:45 – Parents as real-time supporters
• 14:30 – Dangers of sideline coaching
• 21:10 – Autonomy and early specialization
• 27:30 – What to say (and not say) after games
• 33:00 – Final takeaways for sports parents

Whether you're a seasoned sports parent or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights on how to nurture your child's love of sports while supporting their emotional and social development. Plus, tips on creating a supportive environment that encourages decision-making, reduces stress, and celebrates effort and progress.

Share this episode with fellow parents, coaches, and community members committed to making youth sports a positive experience for every child!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1StHYrzPfd2cSH7Sepnt8M9bU4UkG2gSf?usp=drive_link

Or watch on our YouTube channel:  
https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair

In this insightful episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron delve into the rapidly evolving world of online gambling and sports betting and what parents need to know. Instead of a listener question, they share vivid stories and expert insights—like the rise of sports betting apps and the subtle ways gambling infiltrates teen life—to help caregivers better understand how these behaviors develop and impact young people.

Join us as we discuss:

• How recent legal changes and the proliferation of betting apps have made gambling more accessible to teens and young adults.
• The ways gambling and loot boxes in video games create habits that can lead to problematic behavior.
• Practical signs to watch for, such as increased irritability, money loss, or withdrawal from activities.
• How to approach open, non-judgmental conversations with your teen about gambling risks.
• Why understanding these behaviors with compassion can help reduce shame and foster healthier choices.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or concerned caregiver, these insights can help you recognize the signs and support your teen in making informed, safe decisions. Tune in to learn how to navigate this complex landscape with awareness and empathy—because informed conversations can make all the difference. 

If you have concerns that you or a family member may have a gambling problem or addiction, you or your loved one can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for private and confidential information and support.

Be sure to share this episode with anyone who wants to understand the new world of teen gambling better!

In this enlightening episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron explore creative metaphors to help parents and caregivers better understand ADHD. They share powerful visual stories—like the "race car brain" created by Ned Hallowell and a "sailboat in the storm"—to illustrate how ADHD affects motivation, attention, and executive functioning.

Join us as we discuss:

• How the "race car brain" analogy explains the speed and impulsivity often seen in children with ADHD
• The "sailboat" metaphor to understand the challenges of motivation and follow-through in teens
• Why these metaphors can foster compassion and reduce judgment for both kids and parents
• The importance of recognizing strengths alongside challenges in ADHD
• Practical ways to share these stories with teachers, coaches, and family members to create understanding and support

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply curious, these metaphors can help you see ADHD from a new perspective—one rooted in compassion and insight. Tune in for a fresh take on understanding ADHD and how to support kids with these these incredible brains.

Don't forget to share this episode with anyone who might benefit from a new way of thinking about ADHD!

Mentioned in the podcast- the incredible videos from Jessica McCabe of "How to ADHD."  Check them out!

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron dive into the complex world of parenting children and teens with ADHD. They explore common parent feelings—from exhaustion and frustration to dark thoughts—and emphasize the importance of self-compassion and understanding.

Join us as we discuss:

• How ADHD symptoms can look different during puberty and adolescence, especially in girls.
• The difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it, with relatable stories and insights.
• Practical ways to support your child's growth, resilience, and self-understanding.
• The significance of parent self-care, seeking support, and fostering a compassionate mindset.
• Tips for managing societal judgments and building a supportive community.

This episode offers empathetic guidance and real-world advice for parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting a young person with ADHD. Remember, you're not alone—support, understanding, and patience can make a world of difference.

Tune in now to learn how to nurture your child's potential while taking care of yourself along the way. And don't forget to share this episode with friends or family who might find it helpful!

Navigating Hard Conversations: Talking to Teens About Family Illnesses

Teenagers are incredible observers — even when we think they’re not noticing, they probably are. In this heartfelt episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, we explore the importance of honest, relationship-building conversations when a parent or family member faces a significant medical illness.

Join us as we discuss:

💬 Why being transparent with teens about health issues can foster trust and connection
🤔 How to approach tough conversations with clarity and care, especially around diagnoses like Parkinson’s or other serious conditions
💡 The benefits of sharing age-appropriate information and inviting questions—helping your teen feel less alone and more supported
🌱 Why embracing the hard moments and talking openly can strengthen family bonds and build resilience

Whether you’re navigating a health crisis or just want to learn how to talk to your teen about difficult topics, this episode offers practical tips and compassionate insights to guide you through those challenging discussions.

Tune in for honest advice, real stories, and a reminder that even the hardest conversations can bring us closer together.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to turn tough talks into opportunities for connection and growth.

In this essential episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen tackle one of the most difficult—and important—questions parents ask: What should I do if my teen talks about suicide?

Drawing on clinical expertise, they break down:

• Why talking about suicide doesn’t increase risk—and how it can actually be protective.
• Common signs that a teen may be struggling, even if they don’t say the word “suicide”.
• What to say in the moment if you are concerned or your teen shares this with you.
• How to offer presence, hope, and support without needing all the answers.
• The power of circling back if a first conversation didn’t go well.

This conversation is about building greater understanding, openness and connection—so you can show up for your teen when it matters most.

Important Reminder: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you’re concerned about your child’s safety or mental health, seek support from a qualified professional.

In this insightful and down-to-earth episode, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen tackle a question that resonates with many parents of tweens and teens: "Why should I give my teenager more freedom and autonomy when they don’t seem responsible yet?"

Through relatable stories, real-life examples, and evidence-based psychology, Annalise and Suzanne explore the tension between a teen's need for independence and a parent's instinct to protect and control. They offer a compelling breakdown of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional autonomy, and how fostering each one can strengthen your relationship and support your teen’s development.

Listeners will learn:

• The difference between authoritative and authoritarian parenting—and why the former is linked to better outcomes.
• How to build trust and guide teens without defaulting to “yes” or “no” answers.
• How to use everyday conversations to nurture independence in safe, manageable ways.
• Why respecting your teen’s thoughts and emotions matters just as much as setting clear boundaries.
• Practical takeaways to support your teen’s decision-making and self-reliance.

This episode offers a roadmap for encouraging autonomy while still staying connected, involved, and supportive. Whether you're negotiating curfews, driving privileges, or the teen social scene, this is essential listening for parents navigating the complex terrain of adolescence.

Want More?

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Listener Question?

We’d love to hear from you: hello@theparentingpair.com

Teens make mistakes. Adults do too!  But why do these slip-ups hit us parents so hard?

In this episode, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen unpack the root causes of teenage missteps—and the often emotional responses parents have in return. With clinical wisdom and a hilarious personal story involving used cigarette butts, they help us reframe these moments not as crises, but as crucial parts of development.

You’ll learn:

• Why your teen’s risky or confusing behavior is often developmentally normal.
• How parental anxiety and societal pressure crank up our reactions.
• How to ground yourself with compassion instead of control.
• What to do when mistakes feel overwhelming—or public.

This episode helps you zoom out, breathe, and respond with clarity and care so that you can provide effective support to your teen while building your relationship.

Want More?

Follow us on Instagram for more practical parenting insights: @theparentingpair

Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.theparentingpair.com for more support and resources.

Listener Question?

We’d love to hear from you: hello@theparentingpair.com

In this inaugural episode, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen—both child and adolescent clinical psychologists—take a fresh look at adolescence. They challenge the cultural narrative that the teen years are inherently difficult and reframe it through a compassionate, developmentally informed lens. With personal anecdotes, clinical wisdom, and a touch of humor, the hosts set the tone for what’s to come: practical, science-backed parenting insights for raising tweens and teens.

In this episode, they will discuss:

• How fear or worry can lead parents to jump to unhelpful conclusions about their teens
• Why understanding adolescent development helps parents stay more regulated
• Viewing teenagers through a developmental lens to help support their growth
• How knowledge can reduce parenting burnout and lead to more grounded, intentional responses
• How to respond to our fears as parents with curiosity and fewer overreactions

Follow us on Instagram for more practical parenting insights: @theparentingpair

Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.theparentingpair.com for more support and resources.

Have a question that you would love to hear us address?  Email us at hello@theparentingpair.com