Wondering how to approach the topic of masturbation with your teen? In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Reena dive into the challenges and importance of having open conversations about sexual development. They explore how sex-positive parenting can help remove shame from these discussions while respecting teens' need for privacy and boundaries. They also cover the influence of pornography and how parents can guide their teens toward healthier understandings of sex and relationships through thoughtful sex education.  We want to hear from you! How do you foster non-judgmental communication and promote healthy attitudes toward sexuality? Books mentioned in this episode: Girls & Sex by Peggy Orenstein Boys & Sex by Peggy Orenstein Sex, Teens, & Everything In Between by Shafia Zaloom Yes, Your Kid by Debby Herbenick Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Keywords: masturbation, sex-positive parenting, shame, privacy, boundaries, pornography, sex education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Dr. Lisa and Reena talk with Rick Clark, Executive Director of Strategic Student Access at Georgia Tech, to address key questions from listeners. From when to start the process, how to navigate standardized tests, to what it takes to craft a standout college essay, Rick shares expert advice on how to help your teen shine. Tune in to hear Rick’s perspective on financial aid, academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, and when it makes sense to turn to college consultants for support.  We want to hear from you! How do you maintain a positive mindset and support your teen during the college admissions process?  Rick’s Blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/author/rc218/ Rick’s Book & Workbook: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/books Rick’s Podcast: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/podcast Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Keywords: college admissions, process, standardized tests, support, college essay, standing out, college admissions, test-optional, college essay prompts, athletic scholarships, financial aid, scholarships, college consultants, positive mindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is your teen acting entitled? In this episode, Dr. Lisa shares practical tips to help parents and caregivers address entitlement and guide teens toward becoming responsible, empathetic adults. Dr. Lisa and Reena explore how holding high expectations, giving kids meaningful responsibilities, and being empathic can help teens move past self-centered behavior. We want to hear from you! How do you handle entitlement and maintain perspective during this phase? Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Keywords: entitlement, teenagers, parenting, routines, responsibilities, empathy, perspective, self-care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is your middle schooler caught in the whirlwind of trash-talking and competitive behavior? You’re not alone. A parent writes asking for guidance on how to handle the social dynamics that boys often face in middle school, where establishing social power can involve trash-talking and intense competition. But what happens when your child feels uncomfortable with these behaviors? Dr. Lisa offers expert advice on how parents can be sensitive to their kids’ feelings, offer empathy, and start meaningful conversations that help them navigate these tricky situations. Reena & Dr. Lisa discuss practical strategies to guide your child through this challenging phase. We’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you manage competitive behavior and social dynamics in middle school?  Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Keywords: boys, middle school, trash-talking, competitive behavior, social power, sensitive, parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you struggling to support your teen through the ups and downs of body image and self-acceptance? Reena & Dr. Lisa dive into the complex psychology of parenting teens and tweens as they navigate eating, weight, and activity levels during puberty. A concerned parent writes in about her daughters’ struggles with body image. This episode explores the critical role parents play in supporting their teenagers through weight gain and body changes, addresses the dangers of dieting and restricted eating, and notes the red flags that may indicate the onset of an eating disorder.  We want to hear from you! How do you help your teenager build a healthy relationship with food and their body? Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Keywords: teenagers, body image, weight gain, puberty, eating disorders, healthy eating habits, body positivity, red flags, parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ready to make this school year your child’s best year yet? We’re kicking off Season 5 with special guest U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona! In this episode, Reena and Lisa explore the initiatives shaping the future of education. They discuss the importance of building community in schools, reducing chronic absenteeism, enhancing out-of-school activities, and expanding access to mental health support. Secretary Cardona shares powerful advice for parents on advocating for their children and celebrating their unique strengths, and Lisa emphasizes the critical role of connection in learning.  More info on the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour. We want to hear from you! How are you preparing your child for the new school year? Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Keywords: education, school year, community, chronic absenteeism, out-of-school time, mental health support, relationships, uniqueness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live from New York, it’s the Digital Parenthood Summit! In this live episode, Dr. Lisa and Reena dive deep into the challenges of parenting in the digital age, exploring top concerns like managing kids' screen time, the pressure to get devices, and handling social media's impact on teens. They also discuss valuable strategies for putting boundaries on technology use, keeping phones out of bedrooms, and dealing with the reality of kids encountering toxic content online. We want to hear from you! How are you handling parenting in the digital age?  Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A parent writes in about her 17-year-old son who is reeling from a tough breakup with his long-time girlfriend. As the teen faces the transition to college and grapples with intense sadness his parents have several questions: Should they be concerned about his reaction? How can they support him, especially when he shuts them out? And must high school sweethearts part ways before college? Dr. Lisa describes the many ways that adults can help teens cope with heartbreak including offering empathy, providing comfort, helping the teen establish healthy boundaries with the ex, and more. Reena asks if there’s any way to prevent heartbreak in teens and the conversation covers how best to help young people navigate the loss of their first love. Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mom writes in concerned about the fact that her 13-year-old son has developed an interest in bulking up. Though he's an active kid, he sees himself as "scrawny" and has decided to hit the weight room hard. When does a healthy interest in getting fit and building strength verge into unhealthy territory? Dr. Lisa and Reena answer this question and more as they dive into the research on boys and body obsession, consider differences among racial and ethnic groups, and detail the worst-case scenario. Most important, this episode covers what parents and caregivers should do when worried about their kids’ obsession with body image and fitness. Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why are tweens and teens sometimes so cruel to their younger siblings? This is a common dynamic in family life, and one that can get worse over the holidays when siblings spend a lot of time together. Dr. Lisa takes us inside the adolescent brain and explains how the onset of puberty can make it hard for kids to control their emotions. She and Reena also address the place of gendered dynamics in sibling interactions, how not to shame kids when they’ve crossed a line, and what parents can do during or after a big blowout to prevent lasting harm.  Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mother writes in asking how to protect her teen from a controlling and degrading relationship. Dr. Lisa and Reena discuss the nature of unhealthy relationships and how and when adults should intervene. Reena asks how parents can recognize the early signs of a harmful connection. Lisa explains how thoughtful people can find themselves in bad relationships and why the stakes can be incredibly high for a teen's well-being. Dr. Lisa’s Resource Guide   The National Domestic Hotline - 1.800.799.SAFE SMS: Text START to 88788 Www.Joinonelove.org Join us for our first Ask Lisa LIVE streaming event. Nov 6th, Monday, 8pm est Buy tickets at: https://stagepilot.com/asklisa Follow and subscribe to our new YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With online betting now legal in most states, sports coverage is increasingly saturated with commentary focussed on betting and ads for gambling apps. Teens are noticing - and some of them are getting in on the action. It's increasingly easy and common for teens to bet on sports and, at times, to lose large sums of money. Dr. Lisa and Reena address how teens find ways to place bets, why they want to, and what parents and caregivers need to know if they have a teen who might be interested in sports betting. Dr. Lisa lays out the psychological science explaining why gambling can be addictive and offers guidance on how to talk with teens about the potential dangers of sports betting.   AVAILABLE NOW: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour. Available at www.DrLisaDamour.com and everywhere books are sold. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @LDamour, @ReenaNinan Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources:  https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by:  Www.GoodTroubleProductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parents seeking professional support for their kids often run into a confusing array of therapies to choose from. In this episode, Dr. Lisa provides a neutral guide on the various options - DBT, CBT, talk therapy, somatic therapy, play therapy, and family therapy - and describes which options are the best fit for which concerns. From Freudian therapy to body-based treatments, Dr. Lisa and Reena give listeners an accessible guide to therapeutic interventions. AVAILABLE NOW Lisa’s new book:  The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour. Available at www.DrLisaDamour.com and everywhere books are sold. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNina Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources.  https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by:  https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should you respond when your kids are mean to you? What’s age appropriate behavior and what should not be tolerated? Dr. Lisa and Reena unpack why kids lash out and what’s behind the outbursts. How do you know when hormones are the cause or when it’s something else? Dr. Lisa has advice on how to create a safe space for kids at home that allows them to work through their frustrations but also teaches them what’s acceptable in the real world. This episode is an encore presentation that originally ran at the end of May in Season Two.  AVAILABLE NOW: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour. Available at www.DrLisaDamour.com and everywhere books are sold. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNina Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources.  https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by:  https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all want to start the New Year feeling our best, but that's a tall order for the many parents who feel mentally and physically exhausted. In response to a question from a parent asking how she can feel less stressed, anxious, and harried, Dr. Lisa and Reena consider what makes for effective self-care, how to hit the reset button, the science behind maintaining a sense of equilibrium, and why parenting can feel so hard - even when things are going well. Pre-order The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour. Available at www.DrLisaDamour.com  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNina Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources.  https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by:  https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should we talk to our kids about what it means to fall in love? Parents know how good it can feel to make a strong connection and be on the receiving end of affection, but we also want to shield kids from heartbreak. Dr. Lisa helps walks us through how we can talk with our kids about both the emotional and physical sides of love, while Reena asks key questions about how to deal with the fact that these conversations are often uncomfortable for both parents and kids. Dr. Lisa explains how we can keep these important discussions going without being awkward or dismissive - offering a "swat team" strategy that can make a big difference. This episode also includes key guidance about how to make the most of the openings our kids provide to talk about young love. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNina Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources.  https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by:  https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Raising kids can be a bumpy, stressful, and uncertain process – which is why Lisa’s podcast brings her sane, informed, and practical perspective to your timely and timeless parenting questions. Cohost Reena Ninan, a world-class journalist who has covered the White House while packing a breast pump, makes sure to get you the answers you need. GOT A PARENTING QUESTION YOU’D LIKE US TO TACKLE? Send it to me at [email protected] – I’d love to hear from you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices