The Parenting Pair Podcast

Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
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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.

  1. 1 HR AGO

    When Your Teen Becomes Physically Aggressive: What Parents Need to Know and Do

    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 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. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com  📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com

    31 min

  2. 22 APR

    Breaking the Cycle of Parenting Anxiety: How to Raise Resilient Kids Without Reinforcing Avoidance

    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 backfireHow avoidance fuels anxiety in kids and teensWhat it actually looks like to “avoid avoidance” in everyday parentingThe role of validation—and where parents can get stuckHow to model courage while still feeling anxiousWhy addressing your own anxiety as a parent mattersThe concept of psychological flexibility and how it supports long-term resilienceThis 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 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. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com  📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com

    41 min

  3. 15 APR

    What To Do If Your Teen’s Friend Is Self-Harming | A Parent’s Guide

    What would you do if your teen came to you and said, “My friend is hurting themselves…”? This is a moment many parents are unprepared for—yet it’s one that requires both sensitivity and clarity. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen walk you through how to respond when your child or teen shares that a friend may be engaging in self-injury. They break down what self-injury is (and what it isn’t), why teens often confide in peers instead of parents, and how to support your own child while also ensuring the safety of another teen. You’ll learn: What self-injury can signal emotionally and behaviorallyHow to respond in a way that keeps your teen open and trustingWhen and how to involve other adults (parents, schools, resources)How to balance empathy with appropriate actionWhy this moment matters deeply for your relationship with your childThis conversation offers practical guidance grounded in clinical expertise, while also helping parents feel more confident, calm, and supported in navigating a complex and emotional situation. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle this kind of disclosure—or want to be prepared if it happens—this episode is essential listening. Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 What People Get Wrong About Self-Injury 01:08 When Your Teen’s Friend Is Self-Injuring01:44 What Teens Tell Friends (But Not Parents)03:16 Understanding Self-Injury: 3 Key Areas Every Parent Should Know04:23 What Is Self-Injury?05:29 Self-Injury & Emotion Regulation: Understanding Both Sides06:45 How Self-Injury Can Be a Way to Communicate Distress09:21 What To Do If Your Teen Shares a Friend Is Self-Injurying09:32 Step 1: Acknowledge Your Teen for Sharing10:25 Step 2: Recognize Your Teen May Be Affected Too11:46 Step 3: How to Support Both Teens Safely13:46 Why Validating Your Teen Matters in These Moments14:25 Option 1: Reaching Out to the Other Parent14:37 Option 2: When (and How) to Involve the School15:17 How to Approach the Other Parent About Self-Harm17:59 What Is 211? A Resource Every Parent Should Know18:47 Checking In With Your Teen Afterwards 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com  📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com

    22 min

  4. 8 APR

    Emotional Validation: What It Really Is (And What It Isn’t)

    Emotional validation is everywhere right now—especially online. But what does it actually mean to validate your teen? And are we getting the full picture? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen take a closer look at how emotional validation is often portrayed on social media—and how that differs from what it truly looks like in real-life parenting. Validation is one of the most powerful tools parents have for building connection and trust with their teenagers. But it's also one of the most commonly misunderstood. Many parents worry that validating emotions means agreeing with their teen, removing discomfort, or letting go of boundaries entirely. It doesn't — and this episode clears that up. In this conversation, we explore: How emotional validation is often simplified or misrepresented onlineThe difference between validation and agreementThe common traps parents fall into when trying to validate their teensWhy validation can feel so difficult in emotionally charged momentsWhat teens actually need from us when they’re strugglingHow validation helps build trust, connection, and emotional resilienceHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Introduction: What we're getting wrong about emotional validation  00:37 — How validation is being portrayed on social media 01:56 — Why the online framing of validation is incomplete 03:31 — The urge to fix, reassure, or remove discomfort — and why it backfires 04:41 — What Emotional Validation Actually Is 05:53 — What parents worry about with their teens 07:18 — What genuine validation actually feels like in the moment 08:40 — The most common trap parents fall into when validating 09:56 — Validation vs. invalidation — what the difference looks like 11:38 — What our job actually is when our teen is struggling 12:30 — Why Validation Can Be So Hard 14:39 — Another Challenge Parents Face17:41 — Final Thoughts on Validation 19:48 — What to take away from this episode This episode offers a more grounded and realistic understanding of validation—one that allows parents to show up with empathy while still holding boundaries and perspective. If you've ever wondered "am I doing this right?" — this conversation will help you feel more confident, clear, and connected. 🎧 Search The Parenting Pair Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com  📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com

    23 min

  5. 7 APR

    Trailer — Welcome to The Parenting Pair Podcast

    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. 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. Do you have a parenting question or topic that you would love for us to discuss?  Reach out on instagram @theparentingpair or at hello@theparentingpair.com.  We personally read every message, question and review so please reach out!

    1 min

  6. 1 APR

    Cannabis: What Parents Need to Know About Teen Weed Use (Marijuana 2.0)

    Cannabis use among teens is becoming more common and more normalized — but today's marijuana is very different from what most parents remember. With dramatically higher THC levels, vaping, edibles, and now lacing with fentanyl, the risks for the developing teenage brain are significant and specific. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen are joined by Dr. Amy Swift, addiction psychiatrist and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital, to break down what parents need to know about teen cannabis use today. From shifting perceptions to dramatically increased potency, modern marijuana (cannabis/weed) is not the same substance many parents were exposed to decades ago. And while it’s often compared to alcohol, the risks, effects, and long-term impact on adolescents can be very different—especially for the developing brain. This episode is not about fear. It's about facts — and giving parents the knowledge and language to have these conversations with confidence. In this conversation, we explore: Why cannabis (marijuana/weed) is not the same as alcohol for teensCommon misconceptions about marijuana and anxiety reliefThe real risks of teen cannabis use, including effects on mental healthTHC potency, vaping, and edibles—what’s different todayWhy experiences like paranoia and panic from weed should not be dismissedHow marijuana affects the adolescent brainWhat parents can do if they suspect their teen is using weedHow to talk to middle schoolers and teens about cannabisGuidance for parents who use marijuana themselvesHarm reduction strategies, including conversations about NarcanThis episode offers a balanced, research-informed perspective to help parents move beyond fear or avoidance—and toward informed, effective conversations. If you’re worried about marijuana use (cannabis/weed use) in your teen, this episode will help you better understand today’s landscape and feel much more equipped to respond. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call or text 1-800-662-4357 (SAMHSA National Helpline) for free, confidential support 24/7. 🎧 Search The Parenting Pair Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one ✉️ Weekly newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com (scroll to bottom of page to signup) 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.comTimestamps: 00:00 — Cannabis / Marijuana Isn’t Like Alcohol 01:47 — Teen & Tween Cannabis (Weed) Use Today 02:31 — Is Weed Safer Than Alcohol? 03:34 — Risks of Marijuana Use in Teens 05:17 — Does Cannabis Help With Anxiety? 07:07 — When Weed Causes Paranoia 08:59 — What to Do if Your Teen Is Using Weed 13:32 — Parenting a Teen Who Uses Marijuana 15:02 — Alcohol vs. Cannabis: Parenting Differences 18:11 — Parents Who Use Weed: What to Consider 21:43 — Talking to Middle Schoolers About Marijuana 26:17 — Alcohol vs. Weed: Key Differences 28:43 — Why Today’s Cannabis Is Stronger (THC) 31:24 — Should You Have Narcan at Home?

    36 min

  7. 25 MAR

    Is My Teen Ungrateful? How to Teach Gratitude Without Forcing It

    Do you ever feel like your teen doesn’t notice – or appreciate – anything you do? Do you wonder if your teen is becoming ungrateful? You're not imagining it. And you're not alone. But clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen say what looks like ingratitude in teenagers is often something else entirely — and understanding what's actually happening developmentally can change how you respond to it and how you feel about it. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, they explore how gratitude develops during adolescence, why it often appears to disappear during the teen years, and what parents can actually do to nurture it — without forcing it or making it a source of conflict. Rather than something we either have or don’t have, gratitude is both a feeling and a practice. It’s something that can be cultivated through small, consistent behaviors and perspectives. In this conversation, we discuss: Why teens aren’t necessarily becoming ungrateful—they’re developing their identities and growing independenceWhy feeling less appreciated is a common experience for parents of adolescentsThe difference between gratitude as an emotion and gratitude as a practiceHow our brains are wired to notice problems more easily than positivesThe powerful role of modeling gratitude in parentingSimple daily practices that help build gratitude over timeWhy gratitude isn’t about forcing positivityHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Gratitude: What We Feel and What We Do to Build It 01:38 — The First Day of Spring Perspective 03:22 — Seeing Through a Positive Lens: The Echo Effect 05:42 — How We Feel When Our Teen Points Out Our Mistakes 07:19 — Is My Teen Ungrateful? 08:46 — Teens Aren’t Ungrateful — They’re Growing Up 10:43 — When Teens Grow Apart: Feeling Less Valued as a Parent 12:26 — Reminder: Change Behavior for Yourself, Not for Appreciation 14:40 — Gratitude Can Be Developed Over Time 15:42 — What Gratitude Really Is 16:40 — How Our Brain Works 18:25 — The Power of Gratitude 21:39 — Modeling Gratitude to Teach It 26:16 — Exercise: Taking a Few Seconds to Be Thankful 28:27 — Gratitude Isn’t About Forcing It We also share a simple exercise that parents can use to intentionally notice small moments of appreciation in everyday life. Teaching gratitude isn’t about demanding thankfulness—it’s about modeling a way of seeing the world. If you’re parenting a tween, teen, or college student and wondering how to nurture appreciation without lecturing or forcing it, this episode offers thoughtful, practical guidance. 🎧 Search The Parenting Pair Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one ✉️ Weekly newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com (scroll to bottom of page to signup) 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com

    32 min

  8. 18 MAR

    What to Say to Your Teen After a College Rejection

    Your teen just found out they didn't get in. You're watching them fall apart — and you're not sure whether to say something, give them space, or quietly panic yourself. This episode is for exactly that moment. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen walk you through how to support your teen through college rejection — and more broadly through any major disappointment — in a way that validates their pain, builds their resilience, and keeps your relationship intact. You'll learn: What to say (and not say) in the first hours after a rejectionWhy pushing perspective too quickly backfires — and what to do insteadHow to support a teen who doesn't want to talk at allWhen sadness after rejection is normal — and when to seek helpHow social media makes college comparison so much harder for teensWhy community college and alternative pathways are worth an honest conversationHow to manage your own parental anxiety so it doesn't spill onto your teenWhy one admissions decision does not define your child's futureDisappointment is not the end of the story. Your teen's path is bigger than one admissions decision. 00:00 — Introduction: Why college rejection hits so hard00:50 — What teens are actually feeling right now02:14 — How parents can show up without making it worse03:34 — Why we don't have to be afraid of pain and suffering07:04 — How to support a teen who doesn't want to talk10:11 — The case for a mental health day12:20 — What's a normal reaction — and when to get help17:31 — The cultural pressure surrounding college decisions18:48 — There is more than one path to a great life21:49 — How social media intensifies the comparison spiral24:17 — Community college and alternative pathways26:49 — One moment does not define your teen's future27:33 — Why teens sometimes need to hear it from someone else30:50 — Helping your teen accept disappointment as part of life 🎧 Search The Parenting Pair Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Watch on youtube here 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  🌐 theparentingpair.com

    33 min
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Trailer

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • Show Website
    The Parenting Pair Podcast

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