Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Dr. Suzanne Simpson
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Are you worried about your teen’s anxiety, screen time, or emotional distance? You’re not alone. Get on Their Turf is the parenting podcast that helps you support your child’s mental health and build lasting connection. I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson, teacher and researcher with 3 decades of experience, and biweekly I share expert interviews, parenting strategies, and real stories from my work in classrooms and a youth psychiatric unit. Episodes explore teen anxiety, depression, screen time struggles, listening without fixing, and spotting early warning signs of stress or crisis. Let’s raise kids who feel safe, seen, and heard—because connection changes everything.

  1. 4D AGO

    What Teens Actually Need When They Misbehave (It's Not Punishment)

    What do teens actually need when they misbehave? If you have been stuck between being too harsh and too soft, this episode will shift your thinking entirely. In this episode of Get on Their Turf, I share five discoveries from my research on teen behaviour and emotional regulation that completely changed how I think about guiding teenagers. What surprised me most: it wasn't the kids who struggled with the concept of discipline. It was the adults. I spoke with young people from classrooms to a youth psychiatric unit, and not one of them defined discipline as punishment. They defined it as preparation. They wanted guidance, not control. And they wanted the adults in their lives to teach them how to regulate themselves, not just correct them when they got it wrong. Here is what you will learn in this episode: Why teens have fewer negative associations with discipline than most parents expectWhat teens actually said they need when they misbehaveWhy connection before correction determines whether your guidance lands or tears them downWhat a meta-analysis of 150 studies found about emotional regulation and adult outcomesThe one question to ask yourself before you respond to your teen's misbehaviourTeaching teens emotional regulation is not a soft approach to parenting. It is the most research-backed, practical thing you can do to set your child up for success in work, relationships, and life. Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    12 min

  2. MAR 2

    Parenting Teens: How to Make Life Worth Living Before Crisis Hits

    Does your teen feel disconnected, hopeless, or like they don't belong? What if we stopped waiting for crisis and started building the will to live early? In this episode, I sit down with Kerry Martin - Harvard MPP, attempt survivor, and founder of Foundation for Life - a nonprofit dedicated to going all the way upstream on teen mental wellness. Kerry and I dig into what it actually means to make life worth living for our kids, not just stop them from dying. What you'll learn: Why all children are at risk and why prevention matters more than crisis responseThe five program pillars Foundation for Life uses to hardwire hope and resilience earlyWhat dialectical behaviour therapy is and what parents can use from it at homeWhy being seen, heard, and understood is at the core of every child's will to live➜ Foundation for Life: https://foundationforlife.us ➜ Stay One More Day Movement: https://stayonemovement.org 👉 Subscribe to Get on Their Turf for research-backed tools to help your teen feel safe, seen, and heard. ➜ Free guide: 8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with Dr. Suzanne: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this podcast are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinions only and have not been scientifically evaluated. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis line in your area. Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    40 min

  3. FEB 16

    Just Me: 5 Hidden Anxiety Signs Parents Miss (And How to Respond with Compassion)

    Is your child calm on the outside but quietly struggling on the inside? What if the behaviours you're calling defiance are actually hidden anxiety? Anxiety doesn't always look the way we expect. Many children and teens appear capable and "fine" while silently battling overwhelming fear. When anxiety is misunderstood, adults often respond with frustration instead of empathy. In this episode, I share five powerful lessons learned through parenting, teaching, and years of working with youth mental health. I explain why anxiety is often hidden, deeply misunderstood, and sometimes expressed physically rather than verbally, and how recognizing the signs can completely change the way we support our children. We talk about: Why anxiety is often misunderstood unless you've experienced itHow teens mask anxiety to appear "normal"The genetic and physical signs adults frequently missThe difference between healthy fear and debilitating anxietyWhen we understand anxiety better, we stop judging behaviour and start responding with compassion, clarity, and support. This conversation offers practical mental health tips for parents navigating anxiety, communication breakdowns, and the teen years. 👉 Get my free guide: "8 Ways to Get on Your Kids' Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com #drsuzannesimpson #getontheirturf Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    10 min

  4. FEB 2

    Why Your Kid Needs Discipline (But Not the Way You Think) with Dr. Allie Donaldson

    What if discipline isn't about punishment at all? Dr. Allie Donaldson, a 28-year-old surgeon, explains how her parents taught emotional regulation through connection, not control. Is your teen shutting down? Are you afraid to set boundaries because you don't want to damage them? But here's the truth: not teaching emotional regulation is teaching emotional dysregulation. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allie Donaldson, a former student who's now a general surgery resident. Allie breaks down how her upbringing gave her the emotional regulation she needs in high-stakes surgical situations where missteps have dire consequences. We talk about:  • Why connection must come before discipline  • How her parents modelled emotional regulation without punishment  • What actually worked when she got in trouble (spoiler: it wasn't grounding)  • The difference between consequences that build trust vs. ones that break it  • Why kids actually want discipline (even if adults hate the word) This isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. When you get on their turf first, discipline becomes something your child wants, not something they fear. If you're a parent struggling with how to discipline your teen without damaging your relationship, this conversation offers practical mental health tips for parents navigating anxiety, communication breakdowns, and the teen years. 👉 Get my free guide: "8 Ways to Get on Your Kids' Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com #drsuzannesimpson #getontheirturf #teensincrisis Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    39 min

  5. JAN 19

    Just Me: Self-Advocacy - The #1 Skill Your Kids Need At School

    Teaching kids self-advocacy may be the single most important skill they learn in school, and most students never get taught how to do it. When kids advocate for themselves with support, they gain confidence, feel seen, build resilience, and perform better at school and beyond. If your child is struggling in school and not getting what they need from teachers, this episode is for you. Dr. Suzanne Simpson, teacher of 30 years and PhD researcher, shares what teachers wish parents knew and the exact steps to help your child speak up for what they need. In this episode: 5 truths teachers wish every parent and student understoodWhy teachers aren't all-knowing and why that matters4 practical ways to teach your child to self-advocate (easiest to hardest)A simple email template your child can use to communicate with any teacherHelp your child find their voice, ask for what they need, and thrive. Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    10 min

  6. JAN 6

    An Honest Talk About Domestic Violence and Boys with Eugene Z. Bertrand

    An Honest Talk About Domestic Violence and Boys with Eugene Z. Bertrand Domestic violence against males is real and often invisible. In this powerful conversation, best selling author Eugene Bertrand discusses the hidden epidemic of domestic and intimate partner violence against boys, teens, and men. Eugene shares his personal experience as a survivor, how childhood trauma shapes self-worth, and why so many men stay silent due to stigma, shame, and cultural expectations around masculinity. This episode explores: How domestic violence affects boys differently as they grow into menWhy male survivors struggle to report abuse or seek helpThe connection between childhood trauma, behaviour, and later life outcomesThe role of forgiveness, resilience, and therapy in recoveryIf you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic or partner violence, you are not alone and your story matters. Find Eugene at: Website: https://eugenezbertrand.com/speaking-engagements-life-coach-eugene-z-bertand/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-bertrand/Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637658389👉 Get your free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kids' Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com #drsuzannesimpson #getontheirturf #malesurvivors #domesticviolenceawareness #childhoodtrauma #mentalhealthawareness #parentingteens Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    46 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    Working Mom, Present Parent: Staying Connected When Life Is Full?

    Working Mom, Present Parent: Staying Connected When Life Is Full? How do working moms stay emotionally connected to their kids when life is full and the to-do list never ends? In this episode of Get On Their Turf, Dr Suzanne Simpson talks with business leader and mom Lisa Marie Garcia about the real struggles that working parents face. From long work hours to mom guilt and the fear of drifting apart from our kids, this conversation brings honest stories and practical tools to help you keep family connection strong. Lisa Marie shares how she raised two daughters while leading a national company, navigating marriage, divorce, and big life transitions. She reminds us that kids do not need perfection to feel secure. They need a parent who keeps showing up with presence, honesty, and love. You will learn:  • How to stay connected to your kids during busy seasons  • What secure attachment really looks like in everyday family life  • Family rituals that build trust and togetherness  • Why vulnerability helps children feel emotionally safe  • How to let go of guilt and grow confidence as a working parent This episode is for every mom who wonders, Am I doing enough? The answer is yes. When you lead with love and connection, your kids feel it. 👉 Follow and review the show to help more parents find these research-informed tools and real conversations. Follow Dr Suzanne Instagram: @drsuzannesimpson  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes:  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/get-on-their-turf-with-dr-suzanne-simpson/id1724652932 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2SMqMnxwcwrJUk7cATsdQB Disclaimer Please note that the contents of this podcast are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinions only and have not been scientifically evaluated. Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    37 min

  8. 11/24/2025

    JUST ME: What Teens in Crisis Say They Need From Parents for Mental Health & Connection

    Why do teenagers shut down, pull away, or get angry with the people who love them most? In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Simpson shares research from inside a youth psychiatric unit and the honest truths teens told her about what they need from the adults in their lives. Their answers were simple and powerful: support, understanding, and care. If your teen is struggling with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, loneliness, or disconnection, this conversation will help you understand what is happening underneath the behaviour. You will learn how to talk to your child without judgment, how to reduce conflict at home, and how to strengthen the attachment that makes teens feel safe. In this episode, you will learn: • Why teens pull away from parents • The biggest reason many teens feel disconnected • How to support a child with anxiety or emotional overload • How to respond when your teen is shut down or angry • How to build stronger attachment and reduce conflict • What you can start doing today to help your teen feel seen and supported When teens feel genuinely understood, everything changes.  This episode is part of the Get On Their Turf series, helping parents build calmer, more connected homes. CONNECT WITH SUZANNE Instagram: @drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: Dr. Suzanne Simpson YouTube: Get on Their Turf Podcast Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this episode are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinions only and have not been scientifically evaluated. Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kid's Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209 Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.

    9 min
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About

Are you worried about your teen’s anxiety, screen time, or emotional distance? You’re not alone. Get on Their Turf is the parenting podcast that helps you support your child’s mental health and build lasting connection. I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson, teacher and researcher with 3 decades of experience, and biweekly I share expert interviews, parenting strategies, and real stories from my work in classrooms and a youth psychiatric unit. Episodes explore teen anxiety, depression, screen time struggles, listening without fixing, and spotting early warning signs of stress or crisis. Let’s raise kids who feel safe, seen, and heard—because connection changes everything.

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