Hormones play a powerful role in health from childhood to menopause — but many of us don’t learn what’s typical or when to seek help.
In this informative episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron welcome back Dr. Sophia Yen -board certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist- to discuss the key milestones in hormonal health across a woman’s lifespan. From understanding the signs of early puberty in children and teens to the role nutrition plays in healthy development, this episode offers parents and caregivers a science-based guide to supporting their kids through crucial transitions.
Dr. Yen also shares surprising insights about how hormonal birth control — often associated with contraception — can play a powerful role in managing perimenopausal symptoms and the health benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause. The conversation sheds light on how hormones influence mood, bone health, and long-term wellbeing, and how informed medical choices can improve quality of life at every stage.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 – Science and Medicine Can Improve Life for People with a Uterus
02:19 – When Puberty Typically Begins for Girls and Boys
04:54 – Supporting Children Through Early Puberty
06:25 – When to See a Doctor If Puberty Hasn’t Started
08:14 – Puberty in the Age of Social Media: What Parents Should Know
12:14 – How to Talk to Kids About Weight Gain During Puberty
15:24 – Is Diet Soda Really a Problem?
18:07 – The Benefits of Sleeping & Turning Off Screens After 2 hours
20:32 – Helping Teens Build Healthier Eating Habits Without Shame
23:38 – Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is It Advisable?
26:22 – The Impact of Estrogen Decline on Women’s Health
33:21 – Learn More About Pandia Health
34:26 – Use of Birth control vs. HRT: Perimenopause vs. Menopause
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s puberty timing is typical — or how to best support your own hormonal health through perimenopause — this episode provides practical, compassionate, and evidence-based insights every parent and woman can benefit from.
🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for more expert conversations on parenting, health, and emotional wellbeing through every stage of life.
What if monthly periods weren’t a given? Could choosing to make them optional improve physical and emotional well-being?
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron sit down with Dr. Sophia Yen - a board certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist- to unpack the growing conversation around menstrual suppression—the medical option to safely reduce or eliminate periods through hormonal contraception. They explore why this approach is often misunderstood, the science behind it, and how it can empower women and teens to make informed decisions about their reproductive and physical health.
Dr. Yen discusses the multiple benefits—from reducing menstrual pain and mood swings to supporting mental health, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and overall quality of life—while addressing the myths and cultural stigma that often surround the topic. The conversation also highlights how parents can guide their teens through these choices with openness and accurate information.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights of the episode:
00:00 – The Real Reason Women Have Monthly Periods
02:32 – What If Periods Could Be Optional?
04:10 – To Bleed or Not to Bleed: Understanding the Risk–Benefit Balance
05:03 – The Hidden Health Risks of Monthly Periods
07:32 – Menstruation and Anemia: A Common Connection
11:04 – Does Birth Control Make It Harder to Get Pregnant Later?
14:02 – How Birth Control Pills Can Support Fertility and Hormonal Health
15:07 – When Birth Control Pills Aren’t Recommended
17:50 – The Unexpected Benefits of Making Periods Optional
20:00 – Dr. Yen’s Algorithm for Choosing the Right Birth Control Pill
22:53 – Why Estrogen Plays a Key Role in Bone Health
26:49 – When to Consider Birth Control as a Health Tool
If you’ve ever wondered whether skipping periods is safe—or how to help your teen navigate menstrual health decisions—this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights that empower both parents and young women to make informed choices.
For additional information regarding #PeriodsOptional, please watch Dr. Sophia Yen’s TEDX Talk at the link below:
Making Periods Optional | Sophia Yen | TEDxBerkeley
You can also follow Dr. Yen on instagram, tiktok, facebook, twitter and youtube or connect with her company Pandia Health (where you can access the birth control algorithm).
https://www.pandiahealth.com/about/
https://www.instagram.com/pandiahealth/
https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophiayen
https://www.facebook.com/pandiahealth/
https://twitter.com/pandiahealth
🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on parenting, health, and raising confident, well-informed teens.
Why does your teen or tween keep asking for reassurance—and why doesn’t it actually help in the long run? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen unpack reassurance seeking as a safety behavior that often signals underlying anxiety.
They explore why offering repeated reassurance may calm kids momentarily but ultimately can reinforce and even increase their worry. Instead, Drs. Caron and Allen focus on how parents can respond in ways that foster independence, resilience, and emotional growth.
Together, Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:
Here are some highlights from this episode:
00:00 – Reassurance Seeking in Teens Often May Signal Anxiety
01:09 – Inside Dr. Caron’s & Dr. Allen’s Anxious Brains: Personal Anecdotes
04:28 – Understanding Safety Behaviors and Their Impact
06:31 – What Reassurance Seeking Sounds Like in Teens and Tweens
07:01 – When Parents Should Pay Attention to Safety Behaviors
07:55 – The Challenge of Being the Person Providing Reassurance
09:46 – Why Reassurance Brings Short-Term Relief but Fuels Long-Term Anxiety
11:08 – How Parents Can Respond to Reassurance Seeking
12:31 – Teaching Teens to Tolerate Uncertainty
14:01 – Naming and Calling Out Anxiety: A Helpful Strategy
15:26 – Focusing on Small Wins to Deal with Anxiety
16:44 – Reassurance: Short-Term Comfort, Long-Term Cost
If you’ve ever worried about whether answering “one more question” is helping—or wondered why your child keeps asking the same things again and again—this episode will give you research-based insights and actionable strategies to respond with empathy while breaking the cycle of reassurance seeking.
👉 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.
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Visit www.theparentingpair.com to learn more.
Should parents set a curfew for their teens—or is it better to allow for more flexibility? And if setting a curfew, what is the “right” time for teens to be home? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack one of the most common questions parents face about raising teenagers: when, why, and how to set curfews.
They discuss the benefits of curfews—providing structure, ensuring safety, and helping teens develop responsibility—while also considering the challenges, including power struggles, and the ability for teens to call and text ready to negotiate. The episode also dives into what parents should do when teens repeatedly break curfew, and how to use these moments as opportunities to teach accountability instead of fueling endless confrontations.
Together, Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:
Here are some highlights from this episode:
If you’ve ever questioned whether curfews really work—or worried about how to enforce one without damaging your relationship—this episode will give you practical, research-based strategies to set boundaries while keeping trust and connection strong.
👉 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.
Follow us on instagram @theparentingpair
Visit www.theparentingpair.com to learn more.
Setbacks and tough decisions can feel overwhelming when they affect your child’s or teen’s path—but it’s key to bear in mind: they don’t define their future.In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron discuss how parents can navigate challenges without falling into common traps like catastrophizing or comparing their kids to others.
They introduce two powerful concepts—multifinality (different outcomes from the same starting point) and equifinality (different paths leading to similar outcomes)—to help parents reframe setbacks and keep perspective when times feel uncertain. The conversation also highlights why being a steady, supportive presence matters more than rushing in to fix everything.
Together, they consider:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
If you’ve ever felt anxious about your teen’s setbacks or worried about their long-term path, this episode offers practical insights and reassurance to help you parent with confidence and perspective.
To learn more about the “thinking traps” mentioned in this episode, click here for our podcast on Three Common Thinking Mistakes Parents Make and What to Do Instead: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a9b4ec3
👉 Subscribe for more expert conversations on raising resilient, confident teens.
Follow us on instagram @theparentingpair
Visit www.theparentingpair.com to learn more.
Teen depression is a serious matter and understanding the difference between expected mood shifts in adolescence vs. signs of depression is a challenge that many families face—In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents can identify the signs of depression in teens and tweens, and what steps to take to provide meaningful support.
The conversation explores how to distinguish regular ups and downs from more serious struggles using the FID approach, how parents can talk to their children without judgment or pressure, and ways that parents can more strongly encourage getting help while maintaining their relationship. Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron also share practical strategies for behavioral activation, knowing when to seek professional help, and how to balance guidance with giving teens space to express themselves.
Together they explore:
Key highlights from this episode:
If you’ve ever worried about your teen feeling down, isolated, or depressed, this episode will give you the tools to better understand what’s happening and how to respond with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
👉 Subscribe for more expert advice on parenting teens with compassion and resilience.
https://www.instagram.com/theparentingpair
🎬. Watch on our YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair
🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com to listen and learn more.
Raising a teen on the autism spectrum often means balancing worries, hopes, and the constant pull of “shoulds.” In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with Dr. Lauren Turner Brown, an autism expert, to unpack the pressures of parenting a neurodivergent child, especially the weight of all the “shoulds” parents carry—the belief that our kids should be more independent, should socialize in certain ways, or should want the same things as their peers. Instead, she invites parents to pause, notice whose expectations are at play, and instead lean into what actually suits and supports a teen's unique path.
Together, they explore:
Whether your teen is autistic, neurodivergent, or simply facing the ups and downs of adolescence, this episode offers grounded, compassionate strategies for navigating the complexities of adolescence, letting go of unrealistic “shoulds” and building stronger, more supportive connections at home and at school.
Highlights from this episode:
👉 Subscribe for more expert conversations on parenting teens with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
https://www.instagram.com/theparentingpair
🎬. Watch on our YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair
🌐 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 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:
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
🎬. Watch on our YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair
👉 Follow us for more tips and support on parenting teens
https://www.instagram.com/theparentingpair
🌐 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 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
https://www.instagram.com/theparentingpair
🌐 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:
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.
🌐 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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
Watch on YouTube: The Parenting Pair
Connect with us:
📩 Email: hello@theparentingpair.com
📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair
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:
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:
📩 Email: hello@theparentingpair.com
📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair
🎙️ 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
Watch on our YOUTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair
✨ 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:
Time stamps to quickly reference key moments:
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:
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:
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!
