Eye rolls. Heavy sighs. That sharp, snarky tone that flips your nervous system in half a second.

If your teen’s “nasty attitude” instantly makes you think disrespect, defiance, or this needs to stop now, this episode will change how you see everything.

In Episode #269 of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I kick off a brand-new series unpacking teen behaviors parents punish — even though they’re often signs of healthy development. And we’re starting with the one that triggers parents the fastest: attitude.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth most parents were never told: What feels like disrespect in the moment is often your teen’s nervous system in overload, paired with a brain that’s wired for emotion but still learning regulation. When we shut it down with consequences or lectures, we don’t teach respect — we teach defense.

And that’s where the power struggles, shutdowns, and distance begin.

In this episode, I don’t just explain why this happens, I walk you through the critical choice every parent faces in those heated moments… and how one response builds walls while the other builds trust.

I also introduce the response framework I teach parents inside my COLLABORATE Method™ Parenting Program — the approach that helps you hold boundaries without escalating, shutting down, or saying something you regret five minutes later.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Why does my teen get snarky over the smallest things?

• Am I accidentally making the attitude worse?

• How do I stop the tone without starting a war?

This episode is your wake-up call.

Because tonight’s “attitude” isn’t just about tonight. It’s shaping how safe your teen feels communicating with you tomorrow.

• Why teen “attitude” often usually has nothing to do with disrespect — and everything to do with brain development

• The hidden reason even well-intended questions can trigger snark and shutdown

• The parenting response that escalates attitude (most parents default to it without realizing)

• The moment-by-moment choice that determines whether your teen opens up… or closes off

Every time your teen gets mouthy, snappy, or sarcastic, one of two things happens. You either:

• reinforce fear, control, and emotional shutdown or

• teach regulation, communication, and real respect

Most parents were taught the first path.

In this episode, I show you the second and explain why it works even when your teen is not at their best.

This episode gives you the why. The COLLABORATE Method™ Parenting Program gives you the how — across every teen challenge, not just attitude.

Inside the program, parents learn how to:

• Stay calm and grounded when emotions run high

• Respond instead of react — even in triggering moments

• Hold boundaries without power struggles

• Build respect that actually lasts

If you’re done guessing what to say and want a clear, repeatable system you can trust in real life, this is where to start.

👉 Learn more here: https://askdrcam.com/collaboratemethod

Next up in this series: Why “Not Doing Chores” Is Rarely About Laziness (and how nagging accidentally trains teens to avoid responsibility)

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is your go-to podcast for understanding teen behavior and responding in ways that build connection not conflict. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, and “The Teen Translator,” each episode delivers science-backed insight and real-life parenting tools you can actually use.

Instagram: @drcamcaswell

Website: askdrcam.com

Generative AI like ChatGPT is now woven into nearly every part of teen life, and many parents feel unsettled by how fast it all happened. Are teens using AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to learn, to cheat, or something in between? Are they turning to AI for emotional support? And what should parents actually be worried about versus reacting out of fear?

In this episode, Dr. Cam pulls back the curtain on how teens are really using generative AI. You will hear what teens told researchers directly, what surprised even the experts, and why most parents are focusing on the wrong risks.

Dr. Cam is joined by Alanna Powers-O’Brien, Research and Program Specialist at the Family Online Safety Institute and co-author of the national report Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens Are Navigating a New Digital Frontier. Together, they break down what teen AI use looks like in real life, why many teens do not want to cheat, why 42% are using AI to talk through emotions, and what teens wish parents understood before reacting.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• How teens are actually using ChatGPT and generative AI tools for school, learning, and everyday problem-solving

• Why many teens feel genuinely confused about what counts as cheating with AI

• The real reasons teens turn to AI for emotional support and what it does and does not replace

• Teens’ top concern about AI use and why it is not what most parents assume

Want support navigating tech, AI, and tough conversations with your teen?

The Parenting Teens Academy gives you practical scripts, science-backed tools, and clear guidance to help you stay calm, confident, and connected, even when parenting feels overwhelming. 👉 Learn more at AskDrCam.com

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Share this episode with another parent who is worried about AI, screens, or tech. Leaving a rating and review helps more families find support and real answers. 🔔 Hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode packed with practical strategies for modern parenting.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens Are Navigating a New Digital Frontier https://www.fosi.org/research

• Family Online Safety Institute https://www.fosi.org

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Alanna Powers-O’Brien

Organization: Family Online Safety Institute Website: https://www.fosi.org

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

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

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Teens and Generative AI Explained 01:03 Inside the Research on Teen AI Use 02:40 How Teens Use ChatGPT and AI Tools 05:22 AI and Cheating Concerns 08:22 Ethical Gray Areas Parents Should Understand 10:13 Teens’ Fears About Losing Critical Thinking Skills 12:05 AI and the Future Job Market 12:59 Why Teens Talk to AI About Their Feelings 15:59 Why AI Feels Human to Teens 17:16 Data Privacy and Safety Concerns 18:40 Why AI Is So Appealing to Teens 20:52 AI Dependency and Social Connection 24:16 Accessibility and Emotional Support 25:54 What Teens Wish Parents Knew 27:56 Practical Advice for Parents

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers in today’s world. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, the show delivers real-world strategies, expert insight, and practical tools to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen.

Each episode helps parents respond with confidence, reduce power struggles, and support teens’ emotional growth without shame or fear-based parenting.

👉 Learn more and explore resources at https://www.askdrcam.com/parenting-teens-podcast

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #ChatGPTandTeens #AIParenting #DigitalParenting

Struggling with your teen’s late nights, groggy mornings, and endless battles over bedtime? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, certified Ayurvedic practitioner Nidhi Pandya breaks down why traditional sleep rules fail with teenagers and reveals a compassionate, science-backed approach that finally works. She explains how teen circadian rhythms shift during adolescence, why the 11 PM–2 AM “power hours” matter more than total sleep, and how stress—not screens—is the real culprit behind poor sleep. Nidhi shares practical tools rooted in ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern neurobiology, giving parents simple ways to reduce resistance, build connection, and help their teens naturally reset their sleep schedule—without nagging, yelling, or forcing bedtime.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why your teen's late nights are biological—not behavioral—and how to work with their changing circadian rhythm instead of fighting it
• The real reason screens aren’t the biggest sleep disruptor for teens (and what is sabotaging their rest instead)
• How to create calming evening rituals that reduce stress, strengthen connection, and help your teen unwind naturally
• The counterintuitive morning strategy that builds responsibility—and why parents must stop being the household alarm clock

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Don’t keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫 🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Whoop – Biometric tracker for sleep, stress, and recovery
• Resonance Breathing – Nasal breathwork with longer exhales
• Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
• Chamomile tea, magnesium balm, lavender essential oil
• NYT Crossword – Parent–teen connection activity

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Nidhi Pandya

Website: nidhipandya.com Instagram: @my_ayurvedic_life Focus Areas: Ayurvedic wellness, nutrition, lifestyle practices, meditation, breathwork Framework: Inner Climate Framework – Rhythms-based Ayurvedic approach for families

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 Understanding Teen Sleep Challenges 02:53 The Importance of Circadian Rhythms 05:39 Creating Healthy Sleep Environments 08:40 Negotiating Bedtime with Teens 11:28 Tools for Better Sleep 14:18 Building Trust and Cooperation 17:16 Morning Routines and Responsibility 20:03 The Role of Parental Influence 22:55 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 26:00 Creating a Supportive Home Environment

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 insights, and real-world tools to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth.

Whether you’re struggling with communication, motivation, behavior, or confidence, each episode is filled with actionable tips to make parenting easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the skills and confidence to thrive during the teen years.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #teensleep #ayurvedaforteens

Is your teen’s bathroom counter starting to look like a Sephora exploded? You’re not imagining it—the teen skincare craze is real, and TikTok is fueling it. But here’s what most parents don’t realize: all those trendy products, harsh ingredients, and 10-step routines can actually damage teen skin. In this must-hear episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Dr. Angela Casey, double board-certified dermatologist, skin cancer surgeon, mom of three, and founder of Bright Girl Skincare, to break down what teens really need (and absolutely don’t need) to keep their skin healthy.

Dr. Casey brings the perfect mix of expert science and mom-level realness—giving parents the confidence to guide their teens away from harmful trends and toward lifelong skin health.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why 6–8 step “SkinTok” routines backfire

• The 3 products teens actually need: cleanse, moisturize, protect

• How to talk to your teen about toning down the trends (without a power struggle)

My teen is obsessed with Bright Girl Skincare — and she finally stopped raiding my bathroom counter.

Dr. Casey set up a special discount just for our community so you can grab some for your teen too. They make perfect stocking stuffers.

👉 Discount link: https://brightgirl.com/discount/DRCAM

🌟 Use code: DRCAM

• Bright Girl Skincare (15% OFF): https://brightgirl.com/discount/Drcam
• American Academy of Dermatology (Sunscreen Safety): www.brightgirl.com
• Facebook: @brightgirlbeauty/
• Instagram: @brightgirlbeauty/
• LinkedIn: @/angela-casey-md/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8_5HypUs0X2thsAzCN1ag
• TikTok: @brightgirlbeauty

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

00:00 – Why teen skincare is suddenly out of control 04:52 – The real dangers behind TikTok skincare 10:19 – The three-step routine every teen needs 17:44 – How early sun exposure leads to adult skin cancer 26:02 – What to avoid: acids, beads, scrubs, retinols 34:11 – How to talk to your teen about skincare without lecturing 40:08 – Bright Girl Skincare: Why it was created for teens

Don’t keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. And remember—hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode!

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is your go-to guide for raising today’s teens with more connection, confidence, and calm. Every episode brings expert insights and real-world strategies to help families thrive—not just survive—the teen years.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenSkincare #BrightGirlSkincare

If homework has turned into an exhausting nightly standoff, this episode is for you. Dr. Cam and neurodivergent therapist Holly Blanc Moses reveal why ADHD teens aren’t “stubborn” or “unmotivated”—they’re stuck due to executive functioning challenges like task initiation, time blindness, working memory, and overwhelm.

You’ll learn how shame and the expectation–capacity gap make starting feel impossible, and you’ll get brain-based, neurodiversity-affirming tools to move from standoff to small wins: time timers, body doubling, task analysis, and collaborative problem-solving.

Walk away with practical scripts and strategies that protect your relationship while helping your teen start—and finish—homework with more confidence and less conflict.

• Why “stubborn” and "lazy" are the wrong story

• 5 neuroscience-backed strategies that end homework battles

• The 2-minute trick that finally got my ADHD teen to clean their room

• How to tell if you’re accidentally hurting your teen’s mental health (even good parents do this)

If this helped, share it with a friend and leave a rating/review so more parents can find it. Don’t miss an episode—subscribe!

• Time Timer

• Flown (body doubling platform)

• The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students (50% off)

• Website: hollyblancmoses.com/connect

• Practice (Raleigh, NC): crossvinecounseling.com

• Facebook: @hollyblancmoses

• Instagram: @hollyblancmoses

• LinkedIn: @holly-blanc-moses-378a78104

• YouTube: @autismadhdtvwithholly

• FB Group for Parents: WiredDifferentlyGroup

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

• 00:00 Why Homework Feels Impossible: Executive Functioning 101

• 12:29 The Expectation–Capacity Gap (and how to close it)

• 24:37 Motivation vs. Task Analysis: Mapping the first step

• 36:05 From Shame to Support: Language that lowers defenses

• 37:01 Co-Regulation and Trust: Teaching when your teen is stressed

• 41:42 Tools That Work: Time timers, body doubling, and collaboration

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.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #ADHD #executivefunction #homework

Struggling to connect with your teenager? You’re not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shares transformative, brain-based strategies to help parents rebuild connection with defiant, distant, or disconnected teens.

Learn why the phrase “I love my teen, but I don’t like them right now” resonates so deeply with parents—and how to move from constant conflict to calm, connected communication. Dr. Lockhart explains the neuroscience behind teen behavior, comparing the adolescent brain to the toddler years to help you understand why your teen’s reactions can seem “illogical and irrational.”

Together, Dr. Cam and Dr. Lockhart unpack the emotional toll of disrespect, withdrawal, and conditional love, offering parents science-backed tools to restore trust and strengthen relationships. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to stop the yelling cycle, repair emotional wounds, and reconnect with your teen—without losing your authority or your sanity.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why your teen acts “irrational” (and what brain science reveals about it)
• How to stop the yelling and nagging cycle—and retrain your teen to listen
• The difference between conditional and unconditional love in parenting
• Simple, curiosity-based conversations that rebuild trust and connection
• How to repair a broken relationship—even when your teen won’t talk

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don’t keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫 🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

📘 Love the Teen You Have by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart (on Sale Now )

📗https://read.macmillan.com/fib/lovetheteenpreorder/ (The Work Book)

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

🌐 Website: www.anewdaysa.com 📸 Instagram: @doctor.annlouise.lockhart 🎥 YouTube: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

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 Parenting Challenges with Teens 03:03 – Understanding Teen Behavior and Development 05:54 – The Importance of Connection Over Control 08:51 – Navigating Conditional Love and Acceptance 11:41 – The Impact of Parenting Styles on Relationships 14:35 – Repairing Relationships with Teens 17:30 – The Role of Humility in Parenting 20:30 – Breaking the Cycle of Miscommunication 23:16 – The Power of Apology and Accountability 26:08 – Creating a Supportive Environment for Teens 28:59 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #parentingteens #parentteenconnection

Ever wonder why your teen’s backtalk or eye roll hits you harder than it should? 🧠 In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Shelly Robinson, certified conscious parenting coach and founder of Raising Yourself, to uncover why your child’s behavior often activates your deepest wounds—and how healing your own past can completely transform your relationship.

Shelly shares her personal journey from reactive parenting and yelling matches to fostering calm, emotionally intelligent conversations with her now-15-year-old son. You’ll discover the link between your inner teen and your actual teen, learn to identify emotional triggers before they explode, and walk away with tools to break generational cycles of shame, guilt, and control.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I lose it over something so small?”, this episode will help you find compassion for yourself—and create a more peaceful, connected home. 💛

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• 🔍 How unresolved childhood wounds fuel conflict with your teen — and why recognizing your “inner teen” is the first step to calmer parenting
• 💬 The art of repair after conflict, including Shelly’s “No-But Apology Formula” that teaches accountability and emotional maturity
• 🧘‍♀️ How to recognize physical cues of emotional triggers (like that racing heart or heat surge) before they hijack your reactions
• 🌱 The self-compassion shift that transforms parent-teen communication, helping you raise emotionally intelligent, confident kids

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don’t keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫 🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Shelly Robinson: About Raising Yourself
• Book Mentioned: Rewire (on neuroplasticity and changing thought patterns)

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Shelly Robinson

• Website: About Raising Yourself
• Instagram: @raisingyourself
• Facebook: @raisingyourself
• TikTok: @raisingyourself

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 Understanding Parental Triggers 02:45 The Journey to Conscious Parenting 05:46 Inner Child Work and Its Importance 08:43 Recognizing Emotional Triggers 11:31 Navigating Teen Behavior 14:31 The Cycle of Self-Criticism 17:27 Reparenting Yourself 20:10 Empowering Your Voice 23:12 Building Healthy Communication

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.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #consciousparenting #parentingteens