In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack the myths and realities around teens and marijuana. With cannabis now legal in many states, parents are left wondering what’s normal experimentation, what’s risky, and how to talk about it without shutting their teen down.

Together, they explore:

• How marijuana affects the developing teen brain
• Why legalization and changing norms can give teens mixed messages
• The difference between occasional use and patterns that raise red flags
• How to have open, curious conversations that keep your teen talking
• Strategies for setting boundaries while maintaining trust and connection

If you’ve ever worried about your teen and marijuana—or just want to be prepared for the conversation—this episode will give you clarity, language, and compassion to navigate it with confidence.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

0:00 Parenting in the era of legal weed
1:14 Listener question: Teen thinks marijuana is safe
3:35 Risk-taking in adolescence
6:08 How marijuana affects the teen brain
10:08 Short-term vs. long-term risks
10:48 “Weed helps me” – tips for talking with your teen
14:30 Parent use vs. teen use
15:22 Why today’s marijuana is stronger
17:04 Edibles, vaping & hidden dangers
20:51 Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: what parents should know
24:15 Talking with other parents about marijuana
26:44 Heavy teen use & when to seek help
30:11 What now: Conversations & safety plans
32:13 Final advice for parents

Should you track your teen’s location? From apps like Life360 to Find My iPhone, GPS tracking can offer parents peace of mind — but it can also raise big questions about trust, privacy, and independence. In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the pros and cons of location tracking for teens and tweens.

You’ll hear:

• What parents gain (and lose) when tracking their teen’s whereabouts
• How tracking can affect a teen’s sense of autonomy, trust, and responsibility
• When GPS tracking might strengthen your relationship — and when it might strain it
• Why transparency and open discussion matter
• Practical ideas for setting boundaries, using tracking selectively, and preparing for the transition to young adulthood

Whether you currently use a location tracking app or are just considering it, this episode will help you reflect on your family’s needs, manage your own anxiety, and make intentional choices about digital safety and independence.

Here are some highlights from this episode:
00:00 – Intro: Should Parents Track Their Teens?
02:17 – Gains for Parents from GPS Tracking
05:22 – Potential Gains for Teens from GPS Tracking
07:43 – Losses for Teens: Privacy, Trust, and Independence
11:33 – Losses for Parents: Tolerating Uncertainty
13:10 – Parallels with School Grade Tracking Apps
15:47 – Tracking Is Not All-or-Nothing: Finding a Middle Ground
18:30 – Transparency with Teens About Tracking
20:06 – Modeling Digital Boundaries & Talking About Snap Map
23:27 – What Now: Reflecting on Gains & Losses
24:20 – Parent-to-Parent Support, College Years Considerations

Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow parents—because thoughtful conversations about technology and autonomy can shape healthier, more trusting relationships with your teens.

The Power of Apologizing: How Genuine Apologies Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Teen

In this new episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the vital role of apologies in parenting—why saying “I'm sorry” can be a powerful tool for building trust, respect, and emotional health with your teens. They discuss common barriers that prevent parents from apologizing effectively, and share practical strategies to overcome these “apology traps” to foster more authentic, compassionate connections.

Join us as we delve into:

-- Why parents often hesitate to apologize and how it impacts your authority and your teen’s perception of respect
-- The misconception that apologizing equals losing control, and how genuine apologies can actually empower your relationship
-- How to avoid “tit for tat” and “double dipping” traps—apologizing without expecting anything in return or pairing apologies with blame
-- Simple, effective ways to apologize—whether face-to-face, via text, or with a quick note—that feel authentic and respectful
-- The importance of timing, patience, and repair in the apology process—when to revisit and how to show accountability over time
-- How practicing honest apologies now can positively influence your teen’s future relationships and emotional resilience

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 – Why Parents Need to Apologize for Stronger Relationships
02:50 – The “Losing Authority” Trap—Why Apologizing Can Actually Boost Respect
05:20 – Avoiding “Tit for Tat” and “Double Dipping” Traps in Apologies
11:51 – Self Reflection and How to Keep Apologies Genuine and Effective
17:22 – When and How to Revisit Apologies for Lasting Impact
18:42 – Repairing and Strengthening Your Bond with Your Teen Helps Their Future Relationships

Tune in for practical advice on how to own your mistakes with confidence, foster mutual respect, and create a family culture rooted in honesty and care. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow parents—because heartfelt apologies are a cornerstone of loving, resilient relationships.

In this engaging episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron explore common thinking traps—those unhelpful patterns of thought that can cloud our judgment, increase stress, and hinder positive interactions with our teens. They discuss how becoming aware of these traps and learning to shift our thinking can lead to more balanced, calm, and effective parenting.

Join us as we delve into:

• What thinking traps are, including the ‘shoulds,’ mental filters, and jumping to conclusions, and how they subtly influence our perceptions and reactions
• How these thought patterns can intensify worries, create misunderstandings, and impact our emotional well-being
• Practical strategies for parents to recognize and challenge these traps—using questions like “What else could be true?” to broaden perspective and reduce automatic negative thoughts
• The importance of self-compassion and gentle language shifts, such as replacing ‘shoulds’ with softer alternatives like ‘I wish’ or ‘prefer,’ to foster patience and understanding
• Tips for staying present and focused on the facts, especially during stressful or uncertain moments with your teen

Whether you're dealing with everyday frustrations or navigating complex issues, understanding and managing your thinking traps can help you respond with greater clarity, patience, and connection—strengthening your relationship with your teen and supporting your mental health.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 – Welcome: Are You Spiraling About Your Teen?

01:00 – What Are Thinking Traps & Why They Matter in Parenting

03:00 – Dr. Allen Catches a Thinking Trap in the Checkout Line

05:24 – Trap #1: “Should” Thinking – The Fast Track to Frustration for Parents

09:34 – Trap #2: Mental Filter – You Only See What’s Going Wrong for you or your Teen

16:26 – Trap #3: Jumping to Conclusions – From One Mistake to Worst-Case Scenario

20:23 – One Powerful Question to Reframe Your Thoughts and Open to New Possibilities

Tune in for practical insights and tools to cultivate a more mindful, balanced approach to parenting. And don’t forget to share this episode with fellow parents—because shifting our thoughts is key to building a calmer, more compassionate family life.

In this insightful episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron explore the concept of vulnerability factors—those circumstances and experiences that influence how we and our teens respond to stress, frustration, and everyday challenges. They discuss how recognizing and managing these factors can help reduce emotional reactivity, foster patience, and improve parent-teen interactions.

Join us as we delve into:

• What vulnerability factors are, from chronic issues like systemic racism or health challenges to more changeable influences such as sleep deprivation, hunger, or stress
• How vulnerability factors affect our mood and reactions in real-time, often amplifying stress and frustration
• Practical strategies for parents to support themselves—like taking breaks, practicing self-compassion, and humor—to better handle difficult moments
• The importance of self-awareness and apologies when vulnerability factors lead to overreactions
• How to implement prevention by tending to physical and emotional needs—getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, and managing stress—to build resilience for both parents and teens

Whether you're navigating a tough morning or facing ongoing challenges, understanding vulnerability factors can help you respond with patience, compassion, and clarity—strengthening your relationship with your teen and supporting your own well-being.

Tune in for practical tips on managing your vulnerability factors and fostering a calmer, more connected family dynamic.

Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 – Intro: What Are Vulnerability Factors in Parenting and Teen/Tween Life?
02:16 – Chronic vs. Everyday Vulnerability Factors
03:50 – Why Parents Overlook Teen and Tween Vulnerability Factors
05:16 – A Morning Meltdown: Swim Practice & Parental Spiral
11:53 – In-the-Moment Coping Tools for Stressed Parents
14:00 – Giving Your Teen or Tween the Benefit of the Doubt
16:50 – Prevention: How Parents Can “Cope Ahead”
20:34 – Modeling Repair & Using Humor After a Parenting Misstep

And as always, share this episode with fellow parents who may find it helpful—because caring for ourselves is essential to caring for our teens.

Watch on YouTube: The Parenting Pair

Connect with us:
📩 Email: hello@theparentingpair.com
📱 Instagram: @‌theparentingpair

Episode 11: Should I Push My Anxious Teen… or Let It Go and Pull Back?
What should parents do when a teen says, "I can't do it" — whether it's going to school, trying out for a team, or facing a social situation? In this episode, child and adolescent clinical psychologists, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron, dive deep into this common parenting dilemma: Should you push your teen to do hard things—or back off?

This insightful episode explores how to support adolescents facing anxiety, avoidance, or depression with empathy, strategy, and connection. Drawing from evidence-based practices like exposure therapy, the hosts offer four essential parenting principles to help you encourage your child without adding pressure or power struggles.

You'll learn:

• Why anxiety is a normal part of adolescent development—and when it becomes a concern
• How to tell the difference between helpful encouragement and unhelpful pushing
• Helpful strategy #1 “Zooming out” if your teen is melting down.
• Helpful strategy #2 Compassion (for yourself and your teen) is a superpower during anxious moments.
• Helpful Strategy #3: Regulate Yourself! Parental emotional reactions impact teen behavior and resilience
• Helpful Strategy #4: Stay on the same team with your teen—even when your teen doesn’t act like a teammate
• When to consider seeking professional mental health support

Whether you're dealing with school refusal, performance anxiety, or general emotional overwhelm, this episode gives you actionable tools and a calming framework for parenting with connection and confidence.

Watch on YouTube: The Parenting Pair

Connect with us:
📩 Email: hello@theparentingpair.com
📱 Instagram: @‌theparentingpair

🎙️ If this episode resonates with you or someone you know, please share it. Let’s build a more connected, compassionate parenting community—one episode at a time.

5 Mindset Shifts to Worry Less About Other Parents’ Judgments

Do you ever find yourself second-guessing your parenting decisions… not because they feel wrong, but because you’re worried what other parents might think?

Yeah — us too.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron dive into five powerful mindset shifts to help you stop spiraling and start parenting from a place of confidence, clarity, and calm.

You’ll learn:
✔️ How to connect with your best self as a parent
✔️ Why judgment is unavoidable — and fleeting
✔️ How to stop wasting energy trying to mind-read other parents
✔️ Why “your family, your call” is the healthiest mantra you can adopt
✔️ The power of showing kindness to other families — and yourself

🎯 Whether you’ve been side-eyed at the pickup line, judged over a playdate rule, or just feel pressure to “get it all right,” this episode is a breath of fresh air.

🧠 You’ll leave with practical tools, real-world examples, and permission to parent with confidence — even when your approach looks different.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why parents feel judged—and why it matters
00:56 – Mindset Shift #1: Reconnect with your best parenting self
03:53 – Mindset Shift #2: Accept that judgment is fleeting
05:37 – Mindset Shift #3: You’re not a mind reader
08:09 – Mindset Shift #4: Your family, your call
11:03 – Mindset Shift #5: Extend kindness to other parents
13:25 – Reflection: How these shifts can help
15:17 – What now: Modeling confidence for your teen

📩 Got a question for a future episode? Email us at hello@theparentingpair.com

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!
DM us on Instagram @‌TheParentingPair or visit our website The Parenting Pair

Watch on our YOUTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair

✨ Stay tuned — upcoming episodes will explore anxiety and depression in teens, based on your requests.

#ParentingPodcast #MindsetShifts #ADHDParenting #TeenParenting #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingConfidence #YourFamilyYourCall #TheParentingPairPodcast

In this engaging episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron explore the many benefits and challenges of youth sports. They discuss how sports can boost confidence, teach important life skills like resilience, teamwork, and serve as a supportive environment outside of school.

Join us as we cover:

• The value of sports for fun, social connection, and emotional growth
• How sports help develop self-efficacy and critical thinking in children and teens
• Practical ways parents can support their kids during games and practices
• The impact of parents' sideline behaviors, including facial expressions and tone of voice
• The importance of fostering autonomy and choice in sports participation
• How to advocate for a positive, healthy sports culture that prioritizes growth over winning at all costs

Time stamps to quickly reference key moments:

• 00:00 – Intro: Why sports matter
• 04:00 – How sports build self-efficacy
• 09:45 – Parents as real-time supporters
• 14:30 – Dangers of sideline coaching
• 21:10 – Autonomy and early specialization
• 27:30 – What to say (and not say) after games
• 33:00 – Final takeaways for sports parents

Whether you're a seasoned sports parent or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights on how to nurture your child's love of sports while supporting their emotional and social development. Plus, tips on creating a supportive environment that encourages decision-making, reduces stress, and celebrates effort and progress.

Share this episode with fellow parents, coaches, and community members committed to making youth sports a positive experience for every child!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1StHYrzPfd2cSH7Sepnt8M9bU4UkG2gSf?usp=drive_link

Or watch on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair