Teens make mistakes. Adults do too! But why do these slip-ups hit us parents so hard?

In this episode, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen unpack the root causes of teenage missteps—and the often emotional responses parents have in return. With clinical wisdom and a hilarious personal story involving used cigarette butts, they help us reframe these moments not as crises, but as crucial parts of development.

You’ll learn:

• Why your teen’s risky or confusing behavior is often developmentally normal.
• How parental anxiety and societal pressure crank up our reactions.
• How to ground yourself with compassion instead of control.
• What to do when mistakes feel overwhelming—or public.

This episode helps you zoom out, breathe, and respond with clarity and care so that you can provide effective support to your teen while building your relationship.

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Listener Question?

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In this inaugural episode, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen—both child and adolescent clinical psychologists—take a fresh look at adolescence. They challenge the cultural narrative that the teen years are inherently difficult and reframe it through a compassionate, developmentally informed lens. With personal anecdotes, clinical wisdom, and a touch of humor, the hosts set the tone for what’s to come: practical, science-backed parenting insights for raising tweens and teens.

In this episode, they will discuss:

• How fear or worry can lead parents to jump to unhelpful conclusions about their teens
• Why understanding adolescent development helps parents stay more regulated
• Viewing teenagers through a developmental lens to help support their growth
• How knowledge can reduce parenting burnout and lead to more grounded, intentional responses
• How to respond to our fears as parents with curiosity and fewer overreactions

Follow us on Instagram for more practical parenting insights: @theparentingpair

Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.theparentingpair.com for more support and resources.

Have a question that you would love to hear us address? Email us at hello@theparentingpair.com