The Parenting Pair Podcast

Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • 5.0 (38)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. APR 1

    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

  5. MAR 25

    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

  6. MAR 18

    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

  7. MAR 11

    When There Is No Fix: How to Support Your Child Through Suffering and Life’s Challenges

    What do you do as a parent when there is no solution to offer? In this deeply meaningful episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen are joined by special guest Dr. Taryn Allen, a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with children and families facing chronic and terminal illness in at the National institute of Health. Together, they explore one of the hardest realities of parenting: supporting your child through pain, uncertainty, and suffering when you cannot “fix” what is happening whether that is related to physical illness, emotional pain, or life events. Dr. Taryn Allen shares powerful clinical insight and practical tools such as: Why acknowledgment of pain and suffering is often the most important first stepHow to create a home environment that feels emotionally safeThe “backpack” metaphor for carrying life’s hard realitiesWhat it means to “be the buffalo” and lean into the storm rather than run from itLetting go of the pressure to end every conversation on a high noteHow to adjust psychological support for kids with chronic or terminal illnessHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — When There’s No Solution: The One Step You Can Still Take 02:25 — Adjusting Psychological Support for Chronic or Terminal Illness 08:11 — The First Step: Acknowledgment 09:24 — Be the Buffalo: What It Means 11:36 — Leaning In: How Action Creates Space 13:56 — How to Support a Child or Teen Facing a Difficult Situation 17:46 — Shifting the Frame Away from “An Easy Life” 18:35 — The Wider Path Perspective 21:28 — Supporting Parents Managing High Anxiety in Tough Situations 24:33 — Creating a Safe Home Environment for Hard Conversations 26:41 — It’s Okay to Just Be Present 29:05 — The Backpack Metaphor 31:53 — Letting Go of the Need to End on a High Note 36:00 — Becoming More Comfortable with Discomfort 39:14 — Internal Statements Parents Can Practice This episode reframes the goal of parenting from creating an “easy life” to helping children build the capacity to walk a wider path — even when it’s painful. If you are parenting a child navigating serious illness — or simply trying to support your teen through a difficult season — this conversation offers grounded, compassionate, research-informed guidance on how to show up. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is stay present. Watch this episode here on YouTube 🔔 Follow us @theparentingpair for more information on raising confident, resilient tweens, teens, and young adults.

    42 min

  8. MAR 4

    Feeling Embarrassed: What an Online Call-Out Taught Us About Teen Avoidance

    What happens when we are the ones who feel exposed, judged, or embarrassed? In this deeply relatable episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron shares a personal story about being publicly called out on a Facebook share site — and how that moment triggered embarrassment, fear of judgment, and a strong urge to avoid taking action. Instead of immediately “doing the right thing,” she noticed something familiar: avoidance. And that’s where the powerful parallel emerges. As parents, we often struggle to understand why our teens won’t send the email, return the item, fix the mistake, or address a situation directly. But when we pause and reflect on our own emotional experiences — especially moments of public embarrassment or fear of being judged — we begin to see it differently. In this episode, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen explore: What embarrassment feels like in adulthoodThe emotional experience of being publicly exposedWhy avoidance is such a natural response to shame or judgmentHow we may misinterpret our teens’ hesitation or withdrawalThe question to ask: “What else might be true?”How the Opposite Action tool can help both parents and teens move forwardHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — What We Think When Our Teens Make a Mistake or Avoid Something 01:13 — Last Episode Recap: The Dog Teeth Cleaning Story 04:16 — The Commitment Made Around the Cleaning Wipes 05:45 — The Message From the Administrator on the FB Share Site 06:21 — When You Feel Exposed: The Emotional Experience 07:47 — The Worry 08:05 — The Appropriate Thing to Do 08:49 — Embarrassment, Fear of Judgment, and Being Denied: Reasons We Avoid Taking Action 10:59 — Understanding Our Teens’ and Tweens’ Emotions Through Our Own Experiences 13:42 — Our Teens Feel the Same Emotions We Do 14:24 — Why Embarrassment Is a Big Deal for Teens 15:48 — Practicing a More Compassionate View Toward Our Teens 16:14 — When Embarrassment Has Real Consequences in Teen Life 17:22 — Acknowledging That We Sometimes Misinterpret Our Kids’ Behavior 18:15 — What Else Might Be True? 19:11 — The Opposite Action Tool Recommendation Adolescence amplifies emotions. But the core emotional experience? It’s deeply human. This conversation is an invitation to practice empathy — not by imagining what teens feel, but by recognizing it in ourselves. Because sometimes the best way to understand our kids… is to remember what it feels like to be human. To listen to the “Opposite Action” episode that Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron referenced in this episode, click here: Listen here or watch here on YouTube:  Watch here  🎙️ Subscribe for thoughtful, research-informed parenting support for tweens, teens, and college students.

    21 min
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5
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38 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
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • Show Website
    The Parenting Pair Podcast

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