asklisapodcast

Confidence, self-esteem, and self-compassion are all critical aspects of adolescent development. This week’s episode of the Ask Lisa podcast compiles some of Lisa’s best insights on these topics and covers how parents can support teens as they grow. Tune in to Episode 273.

Your teen may be studying in ways that feel productive, but aren’t especially effective when it comes to preparing for tests. Rereading passages, highlighting, and reviewing notes can create the feeling of studying without actually strengthening recall.

One of the most important digital literacy skills we can teach teens is this: If you’re not paying for the product… you may be the product. Helping kids understand the hidden tradeoffs behind “free” platforms is no longer optional. It’s essential.

Help your teen level-set. This time of year is full of highly hyped events like prom, and teens can feel conflicted or disappointed if they think they’re missing out. It can help to remind them that while these events may be very fun, they are not make-or-break moments.

Puberty doesn’t just change teens physically, it affects them neurologically as well. Because girls, on average, enter puberty earlier than boys, we often see differences emerge in how students manage the increasing academic demands during adolescence.

Is your teen frustrated that their test results in high school don’t seem to match how well they used to do in school? They’re not alone. Doing well in class and doing well on tests can become very different challenges as students move through high school.

Your kid might not be “just gaming.” They might be gambling. Loot boxes. Mystery skins. Surprise rewards. Spend money… for a chance to win. Sound familiar? For kids and teens, this isn’t harmless, it’s training the brain to chase the next hit.

You can’t be afraid of your teen getting upset with you. It’s an inevitable part of parenting, and avoiding necessary limits or conversations can come at a real cost to teens. @LDamour and @reenaninan discuss this in this week’s new episode, Episode 271.

The spending doesn’t feel real—and that’s often by design. Turning dollars into “tokens” or “gems” can make it easy to lose sight of the fact that real money is being spent. @LDamour and @reenaninan take a closer look at this in Episode 270.

Body image concerns aren't just a girls' issue — boys are vulnerable too, and social media has made that significantly worse. The idealized bodies they see online can create real pressure to go to extremes. @LDamour and @reenaninan discuss this in Episode 268.

Many in-app purchases cost real money — and the charges go directly to whatever payment method is linked to your account. What looks like a fun, low-stakes part of the game can quietly add up to a surprisingly large bill.

Your teen may be buying into the marketing, but what do you think? Even more important: what does their pediatrician think? Some supplements may seem harmless, especially if adults are using them, but their impact on a developing body isn’t always clear.

When teens lie, it can feel upsetting. But the more useful question is often why they’re lying. Are they trying to get away with something? Avoid something? Lying is often a symptom of a larger issue. @LDamour and @reenaninan discuss this in Episode 269.

When teens aren’t given basic privacy at home, they often find ways to create it, sometimes in ways that can look “sneaky.” In many cases, they’re simply seeking the privacy that everyone needs and deserves. @LDamour and @reenaninan discuss in Episode 269.

Teens are often exposed to a steady stream of messaging around substances and “performance enhancers.” Once they begin using one thing to try to improve performance, it can become a slippery slope. @LDamour and @reenaninan discuss this in Episode 268.

When teens leave for college, it’s important they’re truly ready, academically, emotionally, and practically. Starting before they’re prepared can make the transition harder, and leaving early can be costly. @LDamour and @reenaninan discuss this in Episode 267.

Youth sports have increasingly taken on a pre-professional tone, but that’s not what most kids actually need. For many children and tweens, sports are at their best when they’re about fun, friendships, and learning how to be part of a team, not just performance or outcomes.

How we approach “uncomfortable” topics with our teens matters. When they have more information, they’re better able to make informed, healthy decisions. Clinical psychologist @LDamour walks us through what this can look like in Episode 266.

This week’s special episode of the Ask Lisa podcast features @LDamour joined by @DrBurkeHarris pediatrician and the first Surgeon General of the state of California, at the @CommonSense Summit to answer the questions you submitted about raising teens in the digital age.

When our kids aren’t with us, we can’t fully control what happens, and that’s one of the hardest parts of parenting. If we’re allowing them to be out in the world, we have to work toward trusting that they can keep themselves safe.