Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

• Teen Friendships: How Peer Pressure Really Works—and What Parents Must Know

  Worried about the impact your teen’s friends are having on them? You’re not alone—and it’s not as simple as “good” or “bad” peer pressure. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with peer influence expert Dr. Brett Laursen to unpack how friendships actually shape teen behavior (often for the better!) and how parents can stay influential without being controlling. Dr. Laursen, who has decades of research tracking teen friendships across multiple countries, shares surprising insights that can help you guide your teen through the tricky world of social dynamics, middle school transitions, and online influence. If you’ve ever wondered, "Am I losing my teen to their friends?" — this conversation is a must-listen. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why peer pressure isn't always a bad thing and can actually drive positive behavior in teens How to stay relevant as a parent even when friends seem to have more influence What to do (and NOT do) if you're worried about your teen's friends How online and real-world friendships impact vulnerable teens differently 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Friendship first, influence second: Teens choose friends who are similar to them, not the other way around. Middle school changes everything: The shift from adult-centered to peer-centered social life demands a new parenting approach. Stay connected, don't compete: Your teen needs a supportive parent, not a rival for attention. Opportunities, not ultimatums: Help your teen find better friendships by fostering their interests, not forcing social changes. Humanize yourself: Teens respect advice more when they see you as a real person, not just an authority figure. 🎧❤️ 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! 🙌   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Brett Laursen Website: https://www.fau.edu/science/psychology/laursen-lab/ Email: [email protected] CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Website: AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Facebook: @DrCamCaswell EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding Peer Pressure in Teens 03:01 The Dual Nature of Peer Influence 05:46 Navigating Friendships: The Parent's Dilemma 08:53 The Shift to Peer-Driven Social Structures 12:12 The Importance of Positive Relationships 15:10 Managing Friendships: When to Intervene 18:12 Supporting Kids Who Struggle to Make Friends 21:08 The Role of Online Influences 23:54 Building Trust and Communication with Teens 27:01 Humanizing Parental Relationships 29:55 Final Thoughts on Peer Influence and Parenting 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 #teenpeerpressure #parentingteenfriendships

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• Grieving a Child: A Mother's Journey of Healing and Hope After Suicide Loss

  When you lose a child, everything changes. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, we meet Kristen Schindler, a courageous mother who shares her journey through the devastating loss of her 21-year-old son, Gavin, to suicide. Kristin opens up about navigating grief while parenting her other children, how undiagnosed physical and mental health issues played a hidden role, and the steps she’s taken to find healing, hope, and purpose. If you're a parent terrified of missing warning signs or struggling to support a grieving family, Kristen’s story reminds us that love alone can't shield our kids from life's hardest battles—and that healing, while messy, is possible. This conversation offers real tools, deep compassion, and hope for anyone touched by loss. Kristen Schindler is a passionate advocate for suicide awareness, a mother of faith, and a living example of resilience. Through her story, she helps other parents navigate the unimaginable with grace, honesty, and strength. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why even the most attentive parents can’t always predict or prevent teen suicide How hidden physical health issues (like undiagnosed heart problems) can impact mental health Why “grief masking” hurts more than it helps—and how to truly process loss How to create new family traditions that honor lost loved ones and foster healing 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS You can be a great parent and still face unimaginable loss: Kristen’s story removes shame and blame from grief. Physical health affects mental health: Undiagnosed conditions can silently worsen depression and anxiety. Grief isn't linear or tidy: Healing doesn't follow a timeline—and that's normal. "Grief masking" backfires: Hiding your pain for others' comfort only deepens long-term wounds. Honoring loved ones through new traditions brings hope: Small acts of kindness can keep memories alive and help families heal together. 🎧❤️ 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 Free Space for Grace Workbook Gavin’s Celebration of Life Tribute Watch on YouTube CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Kristen Schindler Website: www.kristenleeschindler.com Facebook: @kristen.schindler.3 Instagram: @all.the.things.kls LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-schindler-2a8b755/ YouTube: @kristenschindler9786e 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 Navigating Grief: A Personal Journey 03:02 The Impact of Loss on Family Dynamics 06:04 Understanding Mental Health Challenges 08:58 The Role of Faith in Healing 11:59 The Complexity of Grief and Healing 15:00 Lessons Learned from Loss 18:14 The Importance of Open Communication 21:04 Finding Joy Amidst Grief 23:59 Empowering Parents in the Face of Loss 32:06 Navigating Grief and Loss 34:55 The Impact of Addiction on Families 37:04 Finding Purpose in Pain 39:54 The Importance of Community and Support 43:14 Transforming Grief into Empathy 48:00 Honoring Loved Ones Through Kindness 52:39 Lessons for Parents in Grief 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 #grievingaparent #suicidelossawareness

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  58:33
• Sibling Rivalry, Birth Order & Fairness Fights: What Every Parent of Teens Needs to Know

  Ever feel like your kids are growing up in totally different households—even though they share the same last name and dinner table? Your oldest follows all the rules, your middle child avoids conflict like it’s their full-time job, and your youngest? Total chaos with a side of charm. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Dr. Kelly Jameson, a therapist, speaker, and expert on birth order psychology and sibling dynamics, to decode what’s really going on behind your kids’ clashing personalities—and what to do when fairness feels impossible. If you’ve ever second-guessed how you parent each child (spoiler: you're not imagining it), this episode is packed with eye-opening truths and practical solutions.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How birth order shapes your teen’s personality and behavior Why sibling rivalry is normal—and how to handle it without picking sides What “fair” parenting really looks like (and why it’s not the same for every child) How to parent your firstborn, middle, and youngest without losing your mind 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Birth order isn’t just theory—it deeply influences how each child behaves, connects, and competes Sibling rivalry often stems from a fight for limited parental attention—not bad behavior Fairness in parenting means meeting each child where they are developmentally, not treating them identically Older siblings shouldn’t be forced to parent younger ones—it breeds resentment, not responsibility Creating rituals, one-on-one time, and shared experiences helps reduce tension and build sibling bonds 🎧❤️ 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 Dr. Kelly Jameson’s Website   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Kelly Jameson Website: drkellyjameson.com Instagram: @drkellyjameson   CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell Website: AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Facebook: @DrCamCaswell   EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Birth Order Dynamics 06:11 Sibling Rivalry and Parental Attention 08:47 Navigating Fairness in Parenting 12:38 Intervening in Sibling Conflicts 18:05 Supporting Siblings Through Challenges 20:39 The Dynamics of Sibling Relationships 24:49 Navigating Sibling Rivalry and Conflict 29:36 Understanding Birth Order and Its Impact 32:35 Tailoring Parenting Strategies by Birth Order 39:45 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. #birthorderpsychology #siblingrivalrytips

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  40:10
• Digital Detox Strategies That Actually Work (Even With Stubborn Teens)

  Tired of fighting over screen time with your teen?  Then this episode is for you. Dr. Cam sits down with digital wellness expert Nicole Rawson, founder of Screen Time Clinic, to tackle one of today’s biggest parenting challenges: teen screen addiction.  Nicole shares why traditional limits don’t work anymore, how to spot warning signs early, and what a real digital detox looks like (hint: it’s not just unplugging the Wi-Fi).  If you're ready to take back control, reconnect with your teen, and restore peace in your home, don’t miss this conversation. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How excessive screen time rewires your teen’s brain and behavior Why some teens are more sensitive to screen addiction than others What actually works when a teen is addicted to their phone or gaming How to do a digital detox with your teen instead of against them   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Complete digital detox is more effective than moderation for addicted teens Structure and planning are essential for a successful screen break Withdrawal is a red flag—not just “normal teen stuff” Parents must model healthy digital habits to help their teens reset Replacing screen time with meaningful, engaging activities is key to long-term success 🎧❤️ 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 Reset Your Child’s Brain by Dr. Victoria Dunckley ScreenTimeClinic.com Free Digital Detox Newsletter & Guide   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Nicole Rawson Website: ScreenTimeClinic.com Instagram: @screentimeclinic   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 Screen Time Concerns 03:04 The Impact of Screen Time on Teens 05:53 Identifying Sensitivity to Digital Media 08:54 Implementing Digital Detox Strategies 12:00 Navigating Resistance from Teens 15:02 Recognizing Signs of Addiction 18:12 Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Teens 26:54 The Impact of Screen Time on Family Dynamics 31:10 Understanding Teen Addiction to Screens 36:49 Building Healthy Structures for Teens 41:54 The Role of Parents in Digital Detox   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. #screentime #digitaldetox #parentingteens #theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam

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  44:08
• How to Help Your Teen Overcome Gaming Addiction: Proven Strategies

  In this compelling episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, host Dr. Cam interviews Cam Adair, the founder of Game Quitters and a renowned expert in gaming addiction recovery. Drawing from his own experience as a teen who once played video games for 16 hours a day, Cam shares invaluable insights that every parent needs to hear. This episode tackles the pressing concerns parents have about their teens' gaming habits and provides practical, actionable strategies to help foster a healthy relationship with gaming.    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Understanding the spectrum of gaming addiction and how it affects teens. Effective communication strategies to engage your teen about gaming. Practical tips for fostering a balanced relationship with gaming. The importance of family values in guiding discussions around gaming behavior.   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Recognize Gaming Disorder: Understand the criteria defined by the World Health Organization to identify gaming addiction. Focus on Overall Functioning: Assess your teen's engagement in school, friendships, and family activities beyond just gaming hours. Create Safe Communication Spaces: Have important conversations outside the home or away from gaming devices to ensure openness. Educate Yourself on Games: Learn about the games your teen plays to set realistic expectations and boundaries. Facilitate Smooth Transitions: Allow your teen time to decompress after gaming before switching to other activities.   🎧❤️ 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 Game Quitters: A comprehensive resource for parents and teens dealing with gaming issues Cam Adair's TEDx Talk   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Cam Adair Instagram: @GameQuitters Facebook: Game Quitters LinkedIn: Cam Adair X: @GameQuitters YouTube: Game Quitters   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 Gaming Addiction 03:01 The Spectrum of Gaming Behavior 06:00 Identifying Healthy vs. Problematic Gaming 08:58 Finding Balance in Gaming 11:59 Effective Communication with Teens 15:05 Navigating Power Struggles 18:08 Building Family Values Around Gaming 21:09 Collaborative Solutions for Gaming Limits 24:09 Setting Up for Healthy Gaming Habits 26:45 Transitioning from Gaming to Other Activities 30:00 Handling Meltdowns Over Gaming Limits 33:03 Encouraging Exploration Beyond Gaming 36:00 Modeling Healthy Tech Use 38:51 Resources for Parents and Final Thoughts   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 #GamingAddiction #TeenParenting

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  40:39

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