5 Tactics to Calm Your Explosive Teenager (That Actually Work)

Is your teenager melting down after school, snapping at you, or shutting down completely? You’re not alone—and it’s not “bad behavior.” In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Dr. Jim Costello, creator of the Costello Method, to reveal why teen emotional explosions are actually neurological responses to overload—not disrespect. You’ll discover why “sit still and listen” makes things worse, how parents can become a safe haven instead of a trigger, and five body-based tactics you can use immediately to calm your teen, rebuild connection, and reduce household stress.

🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why your teen’s after-school meltdown is a sign of nervous system overload—not bad manners

• How movement and co-regulation unlock calmer communication and emotional safety at home

• Simple joint-pressure and grounding techniques parents can use to defuse high-stress moments

• How to spot “neurological soft signs” like fidgeting or posture changes before a blow-up happens

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?

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📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Dr. Jim Costello’s Website

• The Brain Follows by Dr. Jim Costello

• The Costello Method – focus on developmental plasticity & primitive reflex integration

🤝 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Jim Costello

Website: DrJimCostello.com Instagram: @dr.jimcostello

👩‍⚕️ CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: askdrcam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell TikTok: @the.teen.translator YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Teen Emotional Challenges 03:56 The Evolution of Teen Regulation 07:53 Understanding Emotional Dysregulation 13:54 Tools for Co-Regulation 18:39 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics 24:15 Creating Collaborative Movement Routines 30:31 Reframing Behavior and Understanding Dysregulation 43:13 Key Takeaways for Parents

📌 ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

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