The Parenting Pair Podcast

Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • 5.0 (30)
  • PARENTING

Welcome to The Parenting Pair Podcast! We’re Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen—child and adolescent clinical psychologists and moms of teens and tweens. After years of fielding questions at the bus stop, on the sidelines, and in our offices, we created this podcast to bring compassionate, evidence-based guidance straight to you. Each week, we tackle real questions from parents and explore all things related to teens, tweens, development and mental health. Together, we’ll offer practical support for navigating the ups and downs of raising tweens and teens—especially when challenges arise. You’re doing important work. Let’s do it together. Check out "The Parenting Pair" youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair

  1. 1D AGO

    Re-release: A New Way to Think About ADHD For Parents of Teens and Tweens

    In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron dive into the complex world of parenting children and teens with ADHD. They explore common parent feelings—from exhaustion and frustration to dark thoughts—and emphasize the importance of self-compassion and understanding. Together they discuss: ● How ADHD symptoms can look different during puberty and adolescence, especially in girls ● The difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it, with relatable stories and insights ● Practical ways to support your child's growth, resilience, and self-understanding ● The significance of parent self-care, seeking support, and fostering a compassionate mindset ● Tips for managing societal judgments and building a supportive community Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Using Stories to Understand ADHD02:49 — Metaphors That Help Explain What ADHD Feels Like04:00 — The “Race Car Brain” Explained06:14 — Why “Pressing the Gas” Can Be So Hard With ADHD08:10 — The Two Sides of Having a Race Car Brain08:59 — Why Sharing These Metaphors Helps Others Understand ADHD09:56 — Why ADHD Is Hard: It’s Often Invisible11:34 — ADHD Can Feel Like Sailing Without Wind15:00 — Common Misconceptions About Kids With ADHD16:38 — Why Teens Have Lower Dopamine Levels17:23 — Why Motivation Is Harder for Kids With ADHD18:17 — Practical Recommendations Moving Forward This episode offers empathetic guidance and real-world advice for parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting a young person with ADHD. Remember, you're not alone—support, understanding, and patience can make a world of difference. Tune in now to learn how to nurture your child's potential while taking care of yourself along the way. And don't forget to share this episode with friends or family who might find it helpful! Find us on our websitewatch this episode here on Youtube or follow us @theparentingpair on Instagram 🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.

    21 min

  2. DEC 17

    Holiday Parenting Stress: Supporting Teens and Family Relationships

    The holiday season is meant to be joyful and connecting—but for many families, it can quickly become overwhelming. Between big gatherings, clashing personalities, differing expectations, and the emotional needs of teens and tweens (especially those with ADHD, depression, or other challenges), parents often feel stretched thin and unsure how to navigate it all. In this grounding episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen break down how to manage holiday stress, communicate clearly with extended family, protect your child’s emotional needs, and set realistic expectations so the season feels more peaceful and less pressured. They explore the emotional realities families face—when relatives don’t understand your teen’s behavior, when unsolicited advice makes things worse, when expectations clash, and when you feel caught in the middle trying to keep everyone happy. Through practical strategies and compassionate guidance, they offer tools that help parents approach the holidays with more clarity, connection, and confidence. Together, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen unpack: Why holidays can feel overwhelming for teens—especially those with ADHD, depression, or anxietyHow to help extended family understand your teen’s needs without oversharingWhat to do when relatives intervene in ways that worsen the situationCommunication strategies that reduce tension and increase supportWhy a single “family ally” can shift the whole dynamicHow to set boundaries and roles with kindness and clarityThe power of adjusting expectations—and why it protects your wellbeingWhen it might be healthier to modify traditions (and why that’s okay)How to approach holiday plans when you feel judged, stressed, or stretched thinHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Why the Holidays Can Feel Stressful for Families (Especially With Teens) 01:32 — The Holiday Season Can Be Fun and Stressful 02:11 — Stress and Family Management Strategies for the Holiday Season 02:26 — Tip 1: Don’t Assume Others Understand Your Child’s Needs 04:46 — Helping Family Members Understand Your Child’s Experience 08:03 — Tip 2: Considering Other Perspectives Within the Family 10:05 — Tip 3: Being Clear About What Helps and What Doesn’t 13:05 — Why Sometimes You Only Need One Supportive Ally 15:05 — Aligning Your Expectations With Reality During the Holidays 17:10 — Redefining Family Traditions When Needed If your holidays often feel chaotic, emotionally loaded, or hard to predict, this episode offers evidence-based, compassionate tools to help your family feel more grounded—so you can focus on what truly matters. Find us on our website watch us here on Youtube or follow us @theparentingpair on Instagram 🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient teens.

    21 min

  3. DEC 10

    Stop Relying on Willpower: Tips on Teen Motivation and Behavior Change

    Behavior change doesn’t happen just through willpower—as many people actually think. In this episode, we explore how shaping the environments around teens can make healthy habits more likely — and success more achievable. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen unpack one of the most powerful concepts in behavioral science: how to make the behaviors you want to see easier, and the behaviors you want to avoid harder. Instead of relying on motivation alone—something that naturally fluctuates—they explore concrete tools parents can use to shift habits for themselves and their kids. They discuss why environment design matters more than willpower alone, how friction and ease can shape habits automatically, and why families often get stuck when change feels too big, too vague, or too effortful. Through relatable examples and practical insights, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen guide parents on how to use behavioral principles to reduce conflict, build consistency, and set their children and teens up for success. Together, they explore: Why behavior change is affected by context, not just characterHow to make your preferred or goal actions easier, faster, and more automaticHow to increase friction around impulsive, unwanted, or unhelpful behaviorsHow parents can model this motivational approach in their own livesHow to talk to your tween or teen about increasing their motivation and making behavior change easier for them tooHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Behavior Change Is Not Just About Willpower 01:21 — Why Discipline Feels So Difficult 01:54 — Common Thoughts We Have About Behavior Change 02:31 — Is It Really a Lack of Willpower or Self-Control? 03:16 — Motivation Comes After Behavior Change 04:02 — The “Make It Easy or Make It Hard” Strategy 04:23 — How to Make Hard Tasks Easier to Do 06:09 — Strategies to Make Unwanted Behaviors Harder 08:21 — The Importance of Habits in Daily Life 10:19 — The Downside of Telling Teens Exactly What to Do 11:39 — Kids and Teens Often Have Great Ideas 13:10 — Why Letting Kids Generate Their Own Solutions Works 14:40 — When to Take the Next Step and Seek Extra Help 16:30 — Shifting From Motivation to Design 17:08 — A Fun Activity for Parents to “Make it Easy” or “Make it Hard” If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to help your child or teen follow through—or wanted to change your own habits but didn’t know where to start—this episode offers science-backed, achievable tools to make change smoother, simpler, and far more likely to last. Previous Podcast on Teen Autonomy that Suzanne mentioned in this episode: watch here on Youtube or listen here on Apple or here on Spotify 🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising confident, resilient kids and teens. @theparentingpair

    19 min

  4. DEC 3

    Why Teens Lie — And How Parents Can Respond with Connection Instead of Fear

    Lying is one of the behaviors parents fear most—but in most cases, it’s far less alarming than it feels in the moment. This episode matters because understanding why kids and teens lie can help parents respond with calm, empathy, and connection instead of panic and shutdown. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen take a grounded, myth-busting look at lying across childhood and adolescence. Drawing from clinical experience and real-life examples, they explain why lying is developmentally common, what it does not mean about your teen’s character, and how parents can keep the relationship strong while still holding boundaries. They explore the emotional, social, and developmental drivers behind lying—like avoiding judgment, seeking independence, protecting friendships, embarrassment, and the desire for privacy. The conversation also highlights how ADHD, depression, memory gaps, and low activation can lead to misunderstandings that look like lies but aren’t intentional at all. Most importantly, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen share practical strategies for staying regulated, listening more effectively, reducing lecturing, and creating a home environment where honesty feels safer. They also outline when chronic or risky lying warrants additional support. Together, they help parents understand: The real developmental reasons kids and teens lieWhy lying is usually not malicious or manipulativeHow to respond without catastrophizing or damaging trustWhat to do when you can anticipate lyingHow ADHD and depression can affect truth-tellingWhen patterns of lying may signal deeper concernsHow modeling honesty (even imperfectly) supports teensWhat you can do this week to help your teen feel safe telling the truthHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — When Kids Lie: Understanding Normal Childhood Behavior 01:26 — Why Does My Teen Lie? Common Parenting Concerns 03:29 — Two Typical Reasons Kids and Teens Lie 07:04 — What Parents Often Think When Their Kids Lie 08:22 — Additional Reasons Teens May Lie 11:33 — How Keeping an Open Mind Leads to Better Understanding 12:48 — Helpful Ways to Approach Lying 15:09 — The Power of Simply Listening 16:18 — What to Do When You Can Predict the Lie 18:28 — The Importance of Modeling Honesty as Parents 19:51 — When Lying Becomes Something to Pay Attention To 20:39 — Why Kids With ADHD May Lie More Often 23:56 — Other Motivations Behind Lying 24:24 — Reflecting on What You’d Like to Approach Differently as a Parent If you’ve ever worried that your teen’s lying means something is “wrong,” this episode will help you breathe, zoom out, and use these moments to strengthen connection instead of fear. 🔔 Subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast for more expert guidance on raising emotionally healthy, connected kids and teens. 📲 Connect with us:Instagram: /theparentingpairFacebook: /TheParentingPair

    27 min

  5. NOV 26

    Re-release: How Online Sports Betting Hooks Teens & College Kids: What Parents Can Do about It

    Online sports betting has become one of the fastest-growing risks for teens and tweens—often long before parents realize it’s on their child’s radar. This episode matters because parents today are navigating an entirely new digital landscape where gambling is marketed as entertainment, built into sports culture, and accessible 24/7 from a phone. Understanding how to educate our children and teens as well as how to respond—calmly, clearly, and effectively—can make all the difference. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen break down the rise of youth online gambling and sports betting, why adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to addictive platforms, and what parents can do before, during, and after concerns arise. Drawing from clinical experience and current research, they explain how gambling behaviors intersect with developmental impulsivity, social pressure, and mental health—and how parents can respond without shame or panic. Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen also discuss why early conversations about risk, money, and digital habits are essential protective factors.  Together, they explore: How recent legal changes and the proliferation of betting apps have made gambling more accessible to teens and young adults.Why online sports betting is uniquely appealing and can be dangerous for teensHow adolescent brain development increases gambling vulnerabilityThe ways gambling and loot boxes in video games create habits that can lead to problematic behavior.Warning signs to watch for, such as increased irritability, money loss, or withdrawal from activities.What to say—and what not to say—if you learn that your child or teen is gamblingWhy understanding these behaviors with compassion can help reduce shame and foster healthier choices.Key moments from this episode: 00:00 — Why Online Sports Betting Is Becoming a Major Risk for Teens05:10 — How Teens Get Exposed to Gambling Without Parents Realizing08:54 — How to Start the Conversation About Online Gambling With Your Child11:45 — Communication Strategies That Foster Openness and Honesty14:33 — How Gambling Trends Shifted After the Pandemic16:53 — Understanding the Highs and Lows That Gambling Involves21:15 — How Teens Access Betting Through Apps and Digital Platforms24:15 — Video Games: How They May Introduce Gambling-Like Behaviors to Kids29:14 — Using “Delay Practice” to Set Boundaries Around Gaming30:16 — What Intermittent Reinforcement Is—and Why It Keeps Anyone Hooked33:03 — Why the Teen Brain Is Especially Vulnerable to Gambling Apps34:36 — Early Warning Signs of Gambling-Related Problems in Teens37:29 — What Parents Should Do When They Suspect a Gambling Problem If you’ve been worried about relentless gambling ads, your teen’s sports-betting exposure, or how to address risky online behavior without damaging trust, this episode will give you research-informed, practical steps to guide your family with clarity and confidence. Furthermore, if you have concerns that you or a family member may have a gambling problem or addiction, you or your loved one can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for private and confidential information and support. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert parenting insights on raising healthy, resilient kids and teens.

    39 min

  6. NOV 19

    Why Teens Don't Sleep (and What Parents Can Do About It)

    Why do so many teens and tweens struggle with sleep—and what can parents actually do to help?  In this insightful episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with clinical psychologists, Dr. Allison Shale and Dr. Andrea Roth, to unpack the science and psychology behind adolescents’ sleep challenges. They explore why biological shifts, technology use, and academic pressure make it harder for teens to fall asleep—and how family routines, communication, and environmental changes can make a big difference. Together, they discuss: The biological changes in sleep patterns during adolescenceHow school schedules and technology affect sleep qualityWhy “catching up” on weekends doesn’t really workWays to relate to your teens regarding realistic bedtime expectations How to talk about sleep without power strugglesPractical strategies to support better sleep hygiene for the whole familyHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 – Be Kind to Yourself: Supporting Your Teen’s Sleep Without Guilt 03:09 – Recommended Reading: The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep 04:20 – How Much Sleep Do Teens and Tweens Really Need? 05:59 – Expert Advice for Parents Struggling With Teen Sleep Challenges 07:43 – The Hidden Anxiety about Sleep Deprivation in Teens 08:09 – Biological Changes That Disrupt Teen and Tween Sleep Patterns 10:46 – Should You Let Your Teen Sleep In on Weekends? 14:12 – Understanding Sleep Inertia and “Social Jet Lag” in Adolescents 17:48 – Can Morning Sunlight Help Teens Reset Their Sleep Cycles? 20:34 – Why Parents Should Acknowledge Their Own Sleep Struggles 21:39 – When to Seek Professional Help for Your Teen’s Sleep Issues 25:27 – Why Teens May Listen Better to Other Adults Than Their Parents 26:42 – Why Melatonin Shouldn’t Be the First Solution for Teen Sleep 31:37 – Behavioral Strategies to Help Teens Improve Their Sleep If you’ve ever found yourself worrying about your teen staying up too late—or being exhausted and moody the next morning—this episode offers both reassurance and research-based tools to help your family rest easier.  Additionally, you can check out Dr. Roth and Dr. Shale's new book, with Dr. Shelby Harris, The Essential Guide To Children's Sleep: A Tired Caregiver's Workbook for Every Age and Stage or you can find them on instagram at @essentialkidsleep. And as always, share this episode with fellow parents who may find it helpful—because caring for our family's sleep is essential for good mental and physical health. 🔔 Subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast for more expert guidance on raising resilient, healthy teens.Watch on YouTube:  The Parenting Pair Connect with us:📩 Email: hello@theparentingpair.com📱 Instagram: @‌theparentingpair

    37 min

  7. NOV 12

    Parenting Through OCD: How to Support Your Child (and Yourself)

    When your child shows signs of anxiety, repetitive or rigid behaviors, or intrusive thoughts, it can feel confusing and overwhelming to know what’s “typical” and what might signal something more—like OCD. What should parents do in those uncertain moments, especially while waiting for a diagnosis? In this informative and compassionate episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents can best support kids and teens who may be experiencing OCD or related anxiety conditions. They discuss signs or symptoms of OCD, how to respond when behaviors seem confusing or create conflict and distress in a family, and why well-meaning reassurance or accommodations can sometimes make things worse. The conversation also sheds light on the emotional experience for parents—what it’s like to live in that “in-between” space of not having answers yet—and offers practical guidance for reducing family stress while creating a supportive, stable environment. Together, Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore: The signs that may indicate OCD in kids and teensWhat parents can do (and not do) while awaiting diagnosisHow to support your child without reinforcing anxiety patternsWhat family accommodations are—and when to adjust themHow to stay grounded as a parentHow to protect and support the parent-child relationship during difficult time periodsSteps to take when seeking professional helpHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — How OCD Disrupts Daily Life and Focus02:26 — When OCD Behaviors Get Misunderstood03:36 — What to Do When You Notice New Behaviors in Your Child04:03 — Understanding What OCD Really Is05:40 — Common Intrusive Thoughts06:42 — What Compulsions Are—and Why They Provide Temporary Relief 07:38 — How OCD Gains Power 08:57 —  OCD- When Things Just Don’t Feel Right 10:49 — What Parents Can Do During Uncertain Times 11:22 — Communication Strategies to Support the Relationship Even When Things are Hard11:45 — Tip #1: Stay On The Same Team 12:25 — Tip #2- Make Repairs When Misunderstandings Cause Pain14:09 — Tip #3- Working Together to Get “Unstuck” 14:49 — Tip #4- Name the OCD to Support Communication 15:56 — Understanding Accommodations- When OCD is “Bossing” You Around Too  16:35 — How to Gradually Reduce Accommodations and Support Change18:42 — Why Family Understanding and Teamwork Are Crucial in OCD Care20:13 — How to Approach OCD Once a Diagnosis Is Confirmed23:07 — The Power of Acknowledging Small Wins in OCD Recovery If you’ve ever wondered whether or not your child or teen might be struggling with OCD or you are stuck waiting for an evaluation or help, this episode is for you.   🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for more expert conversations on parenting, mental health, and raising resilient kids and teens.

    30 min

  8. NOV 5

    How Do I Stay Calm When I’m About to Lose It With My Teen or Tween?

    Every parent hits that moment—the one where stress takes over, patience runs out, and it feels like you’re about to lose it. What you do in that moment matters, not just for your child, but for you. In this supportive episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack what’s really happening when parents feel emotionally overwhelmed. They explain how stress hijacks our nervous system, why even the most mindful parents lose their cool, and what science-backed tools can help you regulate and reset in real time. Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron share four practical strategies every parent can use when distress hits hard—plus a simple, evidence-based approach called the TIPP skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that can quickly bring your body back to baseline. Together, they explore: Why losing your temper doesn’t make you a bad parentHow your body signals that you’re nearing the edgeThe 4 steps to reduce distress and recover calmHow to use the TIPP skill to cool down your stress responseWhy regulating yourself helps your child feel safe and secureHere are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — How it Feels When You’re About to Lose It 01:32 — The Double Pressure: Caring for Kids and Aging Parents at the Same Time 02:38 — Tip #1: A Simple Way to Cope with Parenting Stress and Overwhelm 04:25 — The Power of Self-Compassion for Parents Under Stress 06:13 — Tip #2: Ditching the Comparison Trap in Modern Parenting 07:23 — Tip #3: Finding Supportive Friendships to Ease Parenting Overwhelm 11:45 — Tip #4: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations 13:49 — Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Its Benefits for Parents 14:18 — Using the TIPP Skill: A Proven DBT Technique for Crisis Moments 15:19 — How the “Temperature” Technique Helps Reset Your Emotional State 16:55 — How “Intense Exercise” Calms the Body During Stress 18:28 — “Paced Breathing”: A Science-Backed Way to Find Calm Fast 20:19 — “Progressive Muscle Relaxation”: Releasing Tension to Regain Balance If you’ve ever found yourself on the verge of snapping—and wished you had a reset button—this episode will give you the tools, mindset, and compassion you need to stay grounded when parenting feels hardest. 🔔 Subscribe to @theparentingpair for more science-based strategies and expert insights on parenting, stress, and emotional wellbeing.

    25 min
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5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Parenting Pair Podcast! We’re Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen—child and adolescent clinical psychologists and moms of teens and tweens. After years of fielding questions at the bus stop, on the sidelines, and in our offices, we created this podcast to bring compassionate, evidence-based guidance straight to you. Each week, we tackle real questions from parents and explore all things related to teens, tweens, development and mental health. Together, we’ll offer practical support for navigating the ups and downs of raising tweens and teens—especially when challenges arise. You’re doing important work. Let’s do it together. Check out "The Parenting Pair" youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
  • Show Website
    The Parenting Pair Podcast

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