The Parenting Pair Podcast | Expert Guidance for Parents of Teens and Tweens
Are you raising a teen or tween and looking for real, compassionate guidance from people who actually get it?
Welcome to The Parenting Pair Podcast — hosted by Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen, two licensed child and adolescent clinical psychologists and moms of teens and tweens themselves.
After years of answering questions in our offices, at the bus stop, and on the sidelines, we created this podcast to bring evidence-based mental health guidance directly to parents who need it — without the jargon, and without the judgment.
Every week we tackle the topics parents of teens and tweens are actually navigating: teen anxiety, depression, ADHD, motivation, communication, emotional regulation, resilience, self-harm, sports betting, gratitude, and so much more. We also bring in expert guests — specialists, clinicians, and researchers — to go deeper on the topics that matter most to your family.
Whether you're dealing with a mental health crisis, trying to figure out how to talk to your teen, navigating the college process, or just looking for reassurance that you're not alone — you're in the right place.
New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one.
The Parenting Pair Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice.
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What if the key to raising a more responsible, motivated teenager was actually giving them MORE freedom — not less?
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron break down one of the most important psychological concepts in adolescent development: autonomy. We break down what autonomy really means and how to support your teen’s growth without feeling overwhelmed.
You'll learn why teens who are given age-appropriate independence make better decisions, communicate more openly, and develop the resilience they need for adulthood. We also discuss the importance of balancing structure, warmth, and support — so your teen can develop independence at a pace that’s right for them. And, of course, we share practical tips on how to navigate this tricky middle ground with confidence and compassion. 💪✨
You'll learn: • What autonomy actually means and why teens are wired to need it • Why controlling parenting approaches tend to backfire in adolescence • How to give your teen more independence without losing your authority • The connection between autonomy and teen mental health • Practical ways to start shifting the dynamic at home this week
If you've been struggling with power struggles, constant pushback, or a teen who seems to shut down when told what to do — this episode is essential listening.
Want More?
If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation.
🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen.
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.
💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
Making Sense of Our Teens' Mistakes
Épisode 2
jeudi 22 mai 2025 • Durée 26:40
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?
If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation.
🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen.
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.
💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
The Teenage Years: A Chapter, Not a Crisis
Épisode 1
mardi 20 mai 2025 • Durée 18:33
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
If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation.
🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen.
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.
💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
When Teens Talk About Suicide
Épisode 4
vendredi 30 mai 2025 • Durée 24:26
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.
If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation.
🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen.
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.
💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
When Your Teen Becomes Physically Aggressive: What Parents Need to Know and Do
Épisode 52
mercredi 29 avril 2026 • Durée 31:07
What should parents do when a teen becomes aggressive — or even physically threatening?
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen address one of the most difficult and rarely talked-about experiences in parenting: feeling afraid of your own child. They break down why explosive or aggressive behavior can emerge in teens, and how parents can respond in ways that prioritize safety, de-escalation, and long-term connection.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✔️ Why teen aggression can happen — from brain development to individual vulnerabilities
✔️ The difference between isolated incidents and genuinely concerning patterns
✔️ Key warning signs parents should not ignore
✔️ How to de-escalate intense situations safely (and what not to do)
✔️ When to involve a trusted adult, therapist, or support system
✔️ How to create a simple, realistic safety plan for your family
✔️ When it may be necessary to call mobile crisis or 911
✔️ How to reconnect and move forward after a difficult incident
Whether this has happened once or is becoming a pattern, this episode offers clear, compassionate, and practical guidance — and reminds parents: you are not alone.
📺 Chapters
00:00 How Common Is Teen Aggression? What the Research Shows
01:38 A Parent's Real Question: "I'm Afraid of My Own Son"
03:15 Safety is Paramount
04:03 Why This Happens: The Teenage Brain Explained
Breaking the Cycle of Parenting Anxiety: How to Raise Resilient Kids Without Reinforcing Avoidance
Épisode 51
mercredi 22 avril 2026 • Durée 40:52
What does it really mean to raise a resilient child in a culture that tells us to protect them from discomfort at all costs?
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen are joined by clinical psychologist and author Dr. Meredith Elkins to unpack the growing pressure of intensive parenting—and why, despite our best intentions, it may be increasing anxiety in both parents and kids.
Drawing from her book Parenting Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids, Dr. Elkins explores the powerful shift toward authoritative parenting, and how we can support our children without over-accommodating their fears.
Together, they dive into:
Why intensive parenting can backfire
How avoidance fuels anxiety in kids and teens
What it actually looks like to “avoid avoidance” in everyday parenting
The role of validation—and where parents can get stuck
How to model courage while still feeling anxious
Why addressing your own anxiety as a parent matters
The concept of psychological flexibility and how it supports long-term resilience
This episode offers practical, compassionate guidance for parents navigating anxiety—both their child or teen’s and their own—while staying grounded in what truly helps kids grow.
If you’ve ever wondered how to support your child or teen through discomfort without “fixing” everything, this conversation will give you a clear and reassuring path forward.
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 Intensive Parenting vs. Authoritative Parenting: Key Differences
00:55 Book Spotlight: Parenting Anxiety – Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids
You’re Not Failing — You’re Human | Letting Go of Perfection in Parenting
Épisode 43
mercredi 25 février 2026 • Durée 16:18
Parenting is hard. Being human is hard. And sometimes the most important reminder is this: we are all just doing the best we can.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen step away from theory and lean into humanity. Through personal (and very relatable) stories — from accidentally hitting a grocery truck after a distracted moment to signing up for a pet dental subscription only to later learn the dog needed some of his teeth removed — they reflect on what it means to make mistakes, laugh at ourselves, and accept that we don’t always have everything under control.
This conversation isn’t about perfect parenting strategies. It’s about self-compassion, perspective, and remembering that even highly trained psychologists are still human. They encourage us to stop comparing ourselves to others and lean into reality: Life is busy. We get distracted. We misjudge things. We react imperfectly. And none of that means we’re failing.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to hold it all together — at home, at work, or as a parent — this episode offers a powerful reminder: doing the best you can in the moment is enough – even if it means you run into a delivery truck, your dog loses their teeth or you just aren’t sure what the next best step is for your teen! Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. No one has it “all together” all of the time. And when you can, allow yourself to laugh a bit. Life is stressful enough without the parenting comparison trap and pressure for perfection.
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — We Do the Best We Can
02:33 — The Truck Incident – Suzanne hits a delivery truck
06:58 — Feeling Out of Control
07:45 — Sometimes It’s Just Hard Being Human
08:18 — The Pet Teeth-Cleaning Anecdote – Annalise’s dog’s dental decline
10:46 — The Running Late Story
13:19 — The Importance of Laughter
Sleep Struggles in Tweens and Teens: Insomnia, Nightmares and When Parents Should Seek Help
Épisode 42
mercredi 18 février 2026 • Durée 32:43
Sleep problems are one of the most common—and most stressful—concerns parents bring up when raising tweens and teens. From bedtime battles and nighttime anxiety to insomnia, nightmares, and middle-of-the-night visits to a parent’s bedroom, sleep challenges can leave families exhausted, worried, and unsure of what’s normal.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen welcome back Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale to talk about sleep challenges in tweens and teens, including insomnia, parasomnias, nightmares, and ongoing sleep disruptions. They break down how chronic sleep difficulties can impact emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, and daily functioning—while also explaining what’s developmentally typical and what deserves closer attention.
This conversation also addresses teens seeking comfort in a parent’s bedroom at night, sleep differences in neurodivergent kids, and how parents can respond without increasing shame or fear. Dr. Roth and Dr. Shale offer clear guidance on sleep hygiene, clinical red flags, and how to find qualified behavioral sleep specialists when additional support is needed. This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance for parents navigating sleep challenges while supporting their child’s emotional and mental well-being.
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 Why Sleep Matters for Kids and Teens
01:30 What Insomnia Really Is
02:41 How Insomnia Affects Daily Functioning
05:47 How Chronic Sleep Problems Impact Mental Health
06:54 When Teens Still Go to Their Parents’ Bedroom
09:26 How to Address Clinical Sleep Concerns
11:35 When to Seek Medical Advice About Sleep Concerns and Bed Wetting
12:42 Common Parasomnias in Tweens and Teens
My Teen Thinks School is Pointless: How Do I Help?
Épisode 41
mercredi 11 février 2026 • Durée 30:45
When kids start saying school feels pointless, parents are often left wondering how to respond without lecturing, minimizing, or making things worse. How we respond in those moments can either shut kids down—or help them re-engage with learning and with us.
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore what’s really happening when tweens and teens lose interest in school. They unpack why disengagement is so common during these developmental years, how pressure and “motivational speeches” often backfire, and what actually helps kids feel understood and supported.
Drawing from clinical psychology, developmental science, and years of work with families, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen walk parents through a clear, compassionate framework for responding when kids say they don’t care about school anymore. They discuss why validation is not the same as agreement, how curiosity opens the door to connection, and how parents can offer perspective and boundaries without escalating conflict.
Together, they explore:
Why kids disengage from school and learning
What validation really looks like (and what it’s not)
How curiosity builds trust and keeps conversations going
A powerful analogy for understanding effort and growth
Balancing empathy with realistic expectations
When it may be time to involve professional support
How to move from frustration to collaborative problem-solving
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 The Last Thing Kids Want to Hear When School Feels Pointless
01:09 POV: Your Child Is Losing Interest in School
04:57 Step 1: Validate How Your Child Feels
06:35 What Validation Really Means
07:42 How Validation Builds Curiosity and Openness
08:04 Step 2: The Mr. Miyagi Analogy Explained
Opposite Action: A DBT Tool For Big Emotions
Épisode 40
mercredi 4 février 2026 • Durée 25:39
Strong emotions can powerfully shape how parents and teens react—but following every emotional urge doesn’t always lead to the outcomes we want. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, we discuss a practical, evidence-based way to respond differently when emotions are steering us toward behaviors that actually make things worse.
Clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the Opposite Action skill, a core concept from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). They explain how emotions naturally come with action urges—like withdrawing when we feel sad, lashing out when we’re angry, or avoiding situations that trigger anxiety—and why those urges are not always helpful or aligned with our goals.
Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen walk parents through how Opposite Action works, when it’s appropriate to use, and how it can be applied both in parenting moments and in teens’ everyday lives. They discuss how choosing an action that goes against an emotional urge—when that urge isn’t serving us—can reduce emotional intensity over time and support healthier coping, connection, and decision-making.
Together, they explore:
How emotions drive automatic behaviors
Why “doing what you feel like doing” can sometimes backfire
What Opposite Action is and when to use it
Real-life examples for parents, teens, and families
How modeling Opposite Action helps teens build emotional skills
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 The Urge That Follows Emotion
00:50 There Are No Quick Fixes
01:21 Simple Tools to Hold Onto in Tough Moments
01:40 What Is the Opposite Action Tool?
03:44 When to Use Opposite Action
04:45 How the Opposite Action Tool Works
06:29 Different Ways to Practice Opposite Action
04:58 Why This Happens: ADHD, Anxiety & Other Contributing Factors
06:13 Why This Happens: Environment, Stress & Triggers
06:54 Isolated Incident or Pattern? How to Tell the Difference
08:11 Warning Signs: Red Flags Parents Shouldn’t Ignore
11:22 What to Do in the Moment of Violent Behavior
12:07 De-Escalation Strategies That Actually Work
14:31 When to Involve a Trusted Adult or Support System
16:46 Safety Planning: How to Prepare Ahead of Time
19:45 When to Call 911 or Mobile Crisis Services
21:14 What to Do After a Violent Incident
28:01 What Now? Next Steps for Parents
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.
💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
01:51 What Is Intensive Parenting—and Why It Can Backfire
03:39 Modern Parenting Pressure: Cultural Messages Shaping Parents Today
05:36 Dr. Elkin’s story – How Irish Stepdance Inspired This Book
10:25 Authoritative Parenting: Why It Matters for Raising Resilient Kids
11:59 How Avoidance Fuels Anxiety in Kids and Teens
14:31 Validating Anxiety: Why It Matters (and When It Goes Too Far)
19:44 What “Avoiding Avoidance” Looks Like in Parenting
22:55 Supportive Statements: What to Say to an Anxious Child or Teen
24:44 Modeling Courage: How to Be Brave While Feeling Nervous
28:26 When Parents Need Support: Addressing Your Own Anxiety
30:34 3 Key Developmental Markers to Watch Across the Lifespan
32:08 Psychological Flexibility Explained for Parents
36:12 There’s No One “Right” Parenting Choice: Embracing Uncertainty
For more information about Dr. Meredith Elkins or to purchase her book please visit her at https://www.meredithelkinsphd.com/ or on instagram @drmeredithelkins
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.
💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
🔔 Subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast for more science-based conversations on raising confident, resilient tweens, teens, and young adults.
✉️ Sign up for our monthly parenting newsletter (scroll to the bottom of our webpage): https://drscaronandallen.com/
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
14:40 When Should Parents Be Concerned About Behaviors like Sleep Walking or Talking?
16:28 Nightmares During the Middle School Years
18:13 Sleep Hygiene Explained by Two Experts
20:44 Sleep in Neurodivergent Kids (e.g., ADHD, Autism): What It Can Look Like
27:19 How to Find a Behavioral Sleep Specialist
31:26 Book Recommendation: The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep
If your child is struggling with sleep—and you’re feeling unsure about what’s normal or what to do next—this episode provides expert insight, reassurance, and actionable guidance.
✉️ Sign up for our monthly parenting newsletter (scroll to the bottom of our webpage): https://drscaronandallen.com/
🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for more science-based conversations on parenting tweens, teens, and college-aged kids.
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
12:27 Offering a New Perspective on School and Learning
13:31 Step 3: Why Learning Isn’t Supposed to Be Easy
15:39 The Role of Effort and the Satisfaction of Accomplishment
16:44 Finding the Sweet Spot Between Support and Challenge
17:08 What Parents Need to Watch for Along the Way
19:38 When It’s Time to Check In With a Professional
21:03 How to Offer a Gentle Reality Check
22:26 Giving Kids Information to Make Better Decisions
25:42 Next Steps: Moving Into Problem-Solving Together
28:17 Holding Boundaries While Still Being Supportive
If you’re parenting a child or teen who seems checked out, discouraged, or resistant around school—and you’re not sure how to help without damaging your relationship—this episode offers grounded, practical guidance to help you respond with clarity, confidence, and care.
🔔 Subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast for more science-based conversations on raising confident, resilient tweens, teens, and young adults.
✉️ Sign up for our monthly parenting newsletter (scroll to the bottom of our webpage): https://drscaronandallen.com/
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
11:24 Building Awareness in the Moment
14:15 Remembering You Have This Option
15:39 How Opposite Action Builds a Sense of Empowerment
15:54 How Parents Can Share This Tool With Their Kids
16:28 Joining Your Child When They’re Struggling
19:08 Change Happens Over Time
20:15 We Use Opposite Action More Than We Realize
23:04 Our Emotions Don’t Always Have to Be in Charge
If you’re trying to help your teen manage big emotions—or working on your own emotional responses as a parent—this episode offers clear, practical guidance for choosing actions that support growth, regulation, and long-term well-being.
🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for science-based parenting guidance on teens, tweens, emotional regulation, and parent-teen communication—hosted by two clinical psychologists and parents.
✉️ Sign up for our monthly parenting newsletter (scroll to the bottom of our webpage): https://drscaronandallen.com/
DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as 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.
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