The Parenting Pair Podcast

Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • 5.0 (39)
  • PARENTING

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. 1D AGO

    How to Support a Grieving Teen or Child | Parenting Through Loss

    Grief can look very different in children, tweens, and teens — and many parents are left wondering how to best support their child while navigating their own loss at the same time. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with grief expert Dr. Julie Kaplow to discuss how grief shows up in adolescents and families, what healthy grieving can look like, and how parents can respond with compassion, flexibility, and support. Together, they explore: How grief presents differently in kids, tweens, and teensWhy there is no “right way” or timeline for grievingWhen therapy may or may not be necessaryHow parents can support grieving children while managing their own emotionsWhat happens when family members grieve differentlyWhy some teens hide their distress to protect their parentsCommunity grief and collective traumaSigns a child or teen may need additional mental health supportHelpful coping strategies and grief resources for familiesHighlights from this episode: 00:00 — Everyone Grieves Differently: Understanding Loss as a Family 00:25 — Parenting Through Grief: Supporting Kids After Loss 01:07 — Meet National Grief Expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Kaplow 02:04 — How Grief Shows Up in Children, Tweens, and Teens 04:43 — Does Every Grieving Child Need Therapy? 06:43 — How Parents Can Support Kids Through Grief and Loss 09:55 — Practical Ways to Help Children Cope With Grief 12:33 — When Family Members Grieve on Different Timelines 15:01 — Letting Go of Pressure During the Grieving Process 17:15 — When Parents Are Grieving Too: Supporting Your Child While Struggling Yourself 20:23 — Healthy Coping Strategies for Grieving Children and Teens 22:17 — Why Teens May Hide Their Grief From Parents 27:15 — Navigating Community Grief and Collective Loss 29:35 — Signs a Grieving Child or Teen May Need Extra Support 31:37 — Helpful Grief Resources for Parents and Families 33:46 — What If You Feel Like You Handled Grief “Wrong”? This conversation offers practical parenting guidance, emotional reassurance, and evidence-based insight for families coping with loss, grief, trauma, and major life transitions. Whether your family is navigating the death of a loved one, community tragedy, divorce, illness, or another profound loss, this episode aims to help parents feel more supported and less alone. Resources discussed in this episode: TAG Center Virtual Learning Library- contains a number of free webinars and resources for parents (including the Power of Parenting series designed to help parents support their children after various types of deaths):   https://mmhpi.org/work/trauma-grief-center/virtual-learning-library/ Lucine Center for Trauma and Grief- provides teletherapy to children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or loss:   https://lucinecenter.com/ The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute works at the intersection of policy and programs to create equitable systemic changes so all people in Texas, the nation, and the world can obtain the health care they need. https://mmhpi.org/ The Hackett Center’s mission is to provide independent, non-partisan, and trusted policy and program guidance in Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast region to improve services and systems so that all Texans can obtain effective mental health care. https://mmhpi.org/work/the-hackett-center/ 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com  📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com

    37 min

  2. MAY 13

    Parenting Through Tattoos, Piercings & Teen Identity Changes

    Why do tweens and teens suddenly want tattoos, second piercings, dramatic hair changes, or other appearance changes? And how should parents respond without overreacting, shutting down communication, or creating conflict? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore why appearance becomes such an important part of identity development during adolescence and how parents can approach these moments with curiosity, boundaries, and connection. The conversation covers: Why appearance matters so much during the tween and teen yearsThe developmental drive for identity and independenceHow to respond when your child wants a tattoo, piercing, or other changeThe importance of considering age, permanence, and safetyWhy curiosity works better than immediate judgmentHow parents can stay connected while still holding limitsWhy these conversations don’t have to become power strugglesWhether your tween wants a second piercing or your teen is asking for a tattoo, this episode offers practical, compassionate parenting guidance rooted in clinical psychology and adolescent development. If you’re parenting tweens, teens, or college-age kids, this episode will help you navigate appearance changes with more confidence, calm, and connection. Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Teens Want to Change Their Appearance - Now What? 01:37 — Why Appearance Feels So Important in Adolescence 02:59 — Middle School & Identity: When Independence Begins 05:21 — Get Curious About the Change 07:44 — 3 Things Parents Should Consider First 08:00 — 1) Consider Your Teen’s Age & Development 10:04 — 2) Temporary vs Permanent Appearance Changes 13:04 — 3) Safety Concerns Parents Should Think About 18:41 — How to Talk to Your Teen About Appearance Changes 19:31 — Leading With Curiosity Instead of Judgment 21:01 — Using Delay as a Parenting Tool 22:40 — Final Thoughts: It Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com  📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair  💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com

    25 min

  3. MAY 6

    Why Your Teen Won't Open Up (And What Actually Helps)

    What if the key to better communication with your teen… isn’t having the right answers, but asking better questions? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the power of curiosity in parenting—and why becoming genuinely interested in your teen’s inner world can transform your relationship. Many parents find themselves jumping to conclusions, offering advice too quickly, or reacting from their own anxiety or fear. But these patterns—while well-intentioned—can unintentionally create distance. Instead, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen introduce a different approach: one rooted in wondering, openness, and connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why curiosity is one of the most powerful parenting toolsThe common barriers that block connection (assumptions, judgment, urgency to teach, parental anxiety)The “I wonder” reframe What curiosity looks like in real-life conversationsHow to ask questions in a way that feels safe and respectfulHow to be firm AND curious when your teen won't engageWhy giving your teen space can actually strengthen your relationshipYour teen doesn't need you to have all the answers — they need to feel genuinely understood. This episode shows you how to build that curiosity muscle in small everyday moments, so it's there when you need it most. Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 The Power of Curiosity in Parenting 02:22 What It Really Means to Be Curious as a Parent 05:07 Assumptions That Block Connection with Your Teen 06:21 Judgments That Get in the Way of Understanding 07:45 The Urge to Teach (And Why It Backfires) 09:39 How Parental Anxiety Impacts Curiosity 10:48 What Curiosity Looks Like in Real Life Parenting 14:17 How to Ask Questions Without Triggering Defensiveness 16:53 Why Giving Your Teen Space Matters 17:17 How to Be Both Firm and Curious as a Parent 20:01 Final Takeaways: Building Curiosity Into Your Parenting 🔔 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

  4. APR 29

    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

  5. APR 22

    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

  6. APR 15

    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

  7. APR 8

    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

  8. APR 7

    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
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Trailer

5
out of 5
39 Ratings

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
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • Show Website
    The Parenting Pair Podcast

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