Should parents set a curfew for their teens—or is it better to allow for more flexibility? And if setting a curfew, what is the “right” time for teens to be home? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack one of the most common questions parents face about raising teenagers: when, why, and how to set curfews.

They discuss the benefits of curfews—providing structure, ensuring safety, and helping teens develop responsibility—while also considering the challenges, including power struggles, and the ability for teens to call and text ready to negotiate. The episode also dives into what parents should do when teens repeatedly break curfew, and how to use these moments as opportunities to teach accountability instead of fueling endless confrontations.

Together, Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:

• The crucial elements for raising a teen
• Why curfews can support safety and responsibility
• How to make a curfew work for your family and teen
• Balancing independence with structure as teens grow
• How to handle repeated curfew-breaking
• Using curfews as a tool for communication and care, not control

Here are some highlights from this episode:

• 00:00 – Should Parents Set Curfews for Teens… or Not?
• 03:20 – Building the Foundation of a Healthy Parent–Teen Relationship
• 04:34 – What Curfews Are Really About
• 05:24 – The Key Benefits of Setting Curfews
• 07:41 – Thinking About Curfews as a Helpful Guideline
• 08:48 – When Teens Push Back Against Boundaries
• 10:48 – Do Curfews Actually Work for Every Teen?
• 11:32 – Why Parenting Is Never One-Size-Fits-All
• 12:22 – Practical Tips for Setting a Teen Curfew
• 15:26 – The Importance of Clear Expectations
• 17:07 – Flexibility in Parenting: Loosening or Tightening Limits
• 17:29 – What to Do When Teens Break Curfew
• 21:42 – How to Respond If Curfew Is Broken Repeatedly
• 23:14 – What If Your Teen Refuses to Follow Curfew?
• 26:51 – One Crucial Step to Check Before Setting a Curfew

If you’ve ever questioned whether curfews really work—or worried about how to enforce one without damaging your relationship—this episode will give you practical, research-based strategies to set boundaries while keeping trust and connection strong.

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Setbacks and tough decisions can feel overwhelming when they affect your child’s or teen’s path—but it’s key to bear in mind: they don’t define their future.In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron discuss how parents can navigate challenges without falling into common traps like catastrophizing or comparing their kids to others.

They introduce two powerful concepts—multifinality (different outcomes from the same starting point) and equifinality (different paths leading to similar outcomes)—to help parents reframe setbacks and keep perspective when times feel uncertain. The conversation also highlights why being a steady, supportive presence matters more than rushing in to fix everything.

Together, they consider:

• Why setbacks and struggles don’t dictate your teen’s destiny
• How multifinality and equifinality can reframe your perspective
• The risks of catastrophizing when your teen struggles
• Why comparing your child to others creates unnecessary anxiety
• The importance of being steady and present as a parent
• One thing you can control during tough parenting seasons

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• 00:00 – Painful Experiences Don’t Define Your Teen’s Future
• 00:56 – Why Setbacks Trigger Anxiety for Parents
• 01:47 – Hopeful Aspect of 2 Key Psychological Concepts
• 01:54 – Understanding Multifinality in Teen Development
• 02:16 – Understanding Equifinality in Teen Development
• 03:46 – Why Parents Jump to Conclusions Too Quickly
• 06:08 – Catastrophizing: A Common Trap When Kids Struggle
• 07:06 – Clarifying Your True Role as a Parent
• 07:36 – Being a Calm Presence While Raising Teens
• 10:49 – Why Comparing Your Teen Creates More Harm Than Good
• 12:23 – Why Development Is Never One-Size-Fits-All
• 14:06 – A Practical Tip for Supporting Your Teen Through Struggles
• 15:18 – The One Thing Parents Can Control in Hard Times

If you’ve ever felt anxious about your teen’s setbacks or worried about their long-term path, this episode offers practical insights and reassurance to help you parent with confidence and perspective.

To learn more about the “thinking traps” mentioned in this episode, click here for our podcast on Three Common Thinking Mistakes Parents Make and What to Do Instead: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a9b4ec3

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Teen depression is a serious matter and understanding the difference between expected mood shifts in adolescence vs. signs of depression is a challenge that many families face—In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents can identify the signs of depression in teens and tweens, and what steps to take to provide meaningful support.

The conversation explores how to distinguish regular ups and downs from more serious struggles using the FID approach, how parents can talk to their children without judgment or pressure, and ways that parents can more strongly encourage getting help while maintaining their relationship. Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron also share practical strategies for behavioral activation, knowing when to seek professional help, and how to balance guidance with giving teens space to express themselves.

Together they explore:

• Key signs that suggest an onset of depression versus expected mood shifts in teens and tweens
• How parents can support without overwhelming
• Concrete ways to create a safe, steady, and supportive home environment
• The importance of self-care for parents supporting a struggling teen
• How to keep communication open and nurturing
• Strategies for taking a stronger approach to help your teen battle depression

Key highlights from this episode:

• 0:00 – A Key Symptom of Depression
• 02:17 – FID: A Strategy to Recognize Depression in Teens & Tweens
• 05:29 – Understanding Anhedonia
• 07:48 – Why Action Creates Motivation, (not the other way around)
• 08:23 – Behavioral Activation to Combat Depression
• 09:38 – Understanding the Difficulty Behind Depression
• 10:52 – Does this Boost or Drain your Teen?
• 11:40- Helping Teens Notice Boosts and Drains for Themselves
• 14:00 – Moving Beyond Curiosity- What To Do Now
• 15:00 – Parents’ Key Role
• 16:42 – Validate Feelings and Encourage Activation (with options)
• 19:04 – Protecting the Parent-Teen Relationship
• 22:41 – Irritability as a Symptom of Depression & the Impact on Parents
• 23:01 – Daily Strategies for Parents’ Self Care

If you’ve ever worried about your teen feeling down, isolated, or depressed, this episode will give you the tools to better understand what’s happening and how to respond with empathy, clarity, and confidence.

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Raising a teen on the autism spectrum often means balancing worries, hopes, and the constant pull of “shoulds.” In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with Dr. Lauren Turner Brown, an autism expert, to unpack the pressures of parenting a neurodivergent child, especially the weight of all the “shoulds” parents carry—the belief that our kids should be more independent, should socialize in certain ways, or should want the same things as their peers. Instead, she invites parents to pause, notice whose expectations are at play, and instead lean into what actually suits and supports a teen's unique path.

Together, they explore:

• Why transitions aren’t always what we think they are.
• How to reframe transitions as opportunities for growth and stability.
• Why “social success” looks different for every child, and how to honor your teen’s own goals.
• The power of clear, explicit communication for daily tasks and relationships.
• How relationships are two-sided, and the adjustments parents and siblings can make to improve connection.
• The importance of prioritizing life skills alongside academics.

Whether your teen is autistic, neurodivergent, or simply facing the ups and downs of adolescence, this episode offers grounded, compassionate strategies for navigating the complexities of adolescence, letting go of unrealistic “shoulds” and building stronger, more supportive connections at home and at school.

Highlights from this episode:

• 00:00 – Autism & Back-to-School: A Fresh Perspective
• 02:15 – Parenting Pressure: Letting Go of the “Shoulds”
• 03:21 – Autism and Transitions
• 05:18 – Strategies to Help Kids Manage School Breaks With Less Structure
• 07:23 – Autism and Friendships: Navigating Social Life
• 11:00 – How Interest Based Activities Can Promote Social Interactions
• 11:51 – Is This Lower Social Interest or a Sign of Depression?
• 14:08 – When to Promote Social Skills in Autistic Teens
• 17:15 – The Benefits of Neurodivergent Friendships
• 18:13 – How to Think about Independence & Teens with Autism
• 21:25 – From Abstract to Concrete: Language That Helps
• 24:08 – What Autistic Teens Wish Adults or Parents Understood
• 26:27 – Guidance That Helps Parents Support Neurodivergent Kids

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In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron discuss how parents can help their teens navigate unfair situations in school, sports, and daily life. They consider different ways to manage disappointment, and how to consider the gains (vs. losses) of how they could respond.

From being overlooked by a teacher, to losing a spot on a team, unfairness is a part of growing up, and of living life.

Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron offer practical strategies for validating your teen’s feelings, guiding them in considering the options, and also recognizing when the best response is to let go and accept a situation that may feel unfair.

Together, they explore:

• Making sense of your role as a parent: advocate vs. coach
• The gains and losses of intervening vs. holding back
• How to validate feelings without jumping to fixes
• How acceptance can be an “active (and effective) choice” and not “giving up”
• Balancing support with independence as teens grow
• Parent self-care: venting safely and seeking support
• A quick & helpful radical acceptance practice you can try today

If you’ve ever worried about your teen feeling discouraged, left out, or defeated by unfair situations, this episode will give you tools to support them, model acceptance, and help them grow stronger through life’s challenges.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – When unfairness touches your teen’s life
02:31 – How parents usually get affected by their teen’s distress
04:55 – Supporting your teen: Step in or Step back?
07:05 – Considering the possible benefits of “not intervening”
07:55 – One “mantra” for parents to stay steady – “Be the Buddha in the road”
09:43 – A second “mantra” to consider – “It’s theirs”
11:45 – Let your teen vent and get in touch with their emotions
13:50 – Teaching acceptance: when to let go and move on
16:08 – Key takeaways for parents
16:48 – How to deal with our own emotions, as parents
19:14 – Daily habits to protect ourselves -as adults- from big emotions
20:18 – The practice of radical acceptance and half smile

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In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron thoughtfully discuss sexual assault prevention for teens and young adults. As teens and young adults head to college and/or spend more time with friends in new environments, parents can worry about how to best prepare them for real-world risks of assault, while also supporting their growing independence. This episode helps parents gain a nuanced understanding of current factors related to sexual assault and ways to minimize risk. Suggestions are provided regarding how to communicate with their teens and empower them to make planful, confident, and informed choices.

Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron explore:

• Why open conversations about safety are critical for teens
• How to talk about sexual assault prevention in a clear, age-appropriate way
• The role of alcohol and parties, and its relation to risk of assault
• Strategies for setting boundaries and recognising red flags
• What healthy peer support and bystander intervention look like
• Actionable suggestions that parents can share with teens.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

00:00 – College parties can be fun and risky at the same time
03:08 – How Dialectical Thinking helps parents handle tough topics with teens
05:10 – Campuses tend to be very safe, except for sexual assaults
09:00 – Five strategies a teen can do to minimize risk
10:43 – The importance of protecting your drink and how to do so
12:15 – What healthy peer support looks like
14:42 – Teaching teens to speak up and step in
16:28 – How to protect friends and peers, safely
18:33 – Recap of 5 strategies to decrease risk of sexual assault
19:48 – Sexual assault prevention starts at home
21:32 – Dialectical thinking helps parent-teen communication and problem solving
23:15 – Acknowledging difficult subjects when feeling unprepared

If you’ve ever worried about your teen being vulnerable in college or social settings, this episode will give you actionable tools to keep them safe and empowered.

⬇️ For downloadable resources for teens/young adults and parents, based on this episode:

📝 Tip Sheet for Parents: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxSkkYrF4/p5LmYFhAgSxHrXLxER54fA/view?utm_content=DAGxSkkYrF4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2f7135e34d

📝 Tip Sheet for Teens/Young Adults: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxSmKgl5M/sypKA3FbWrFbS5n2Ds2Keg/view?utm_content=DAGxSmKgl5M&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd70254b9fa

#ParentingTips #TeenSafety #CollegePrep #ConsentEducation #ParentingPodcast #RaisingTeens #TeenWellbeing #SexualAssaultPrevention #parentingsupport

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In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack how parents and teens experience stress—both healthy and unhealthy—offering practical insights and actionable advice for families who want to build resilience and balance at home.

Together, they explore:

• How the way we think about stress shapes how we manage it
• Why some stress is healthy and helps kids grow
• When stress tips into overload and becomes unhealthy
• The warning signs of burnout in teens
• The role of comparison and perfectionism in fueling stress
• Practical tools to prioritise and scale back commitments
• How parents can model healthy stress management

If you’ve ever worried about your teen being overbooked, anxious, or struggling to keep up with unrealistic expectations, this episode will give you tools to reframe stress, set healthy boundaries, and support your teen’s well-being.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to raise more resilient, confident, and balanced teens.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us for more parenting tips, expert insights, and real talk about raising teens in today’s world.

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🌐 Visit https://www.theparentingpair.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The Parenting Pair podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapters:

00:00 – Back-to-school stress for parents and teens
02:14 – The way we think about stress shapes how we manage it
03:41 – Why some stress is healthy and helps kids grow
04:50 – Real-life examples of healthy stress in teens and tweens
06:40 – How parents can reframe stress for their kids
08:30 – Temporary healthy stress vs. unhealthy stress
10:05 – Unhealthy stress and achievement overload
11:33 – Comparison, Perfectionism and Unhealthy Stress
15:30 – Warning signs of unhealthy stress: sleep, irritability, burnout
18:20 – Tool: The 24-hour reality check for overloaded schedules
21:00 – Deciding what to scale back and saying no
23:06 – Shifting the community narrative and supporting kids’ well-being
25:50 – Parents modeling healthy stress management

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