Episode

A concerned parent seeks Dr. Lisa's guidance on building and maintaining a connection with her teenage son. Despite efforts to spend quality time together, most family activities are met with resistance. The parent wonders if it’s normal for her 15-year-old son and, more recently, her 11-year-old daughter, to hold their parents at a distance. In episode 161 Dr. Lisa and Reena explore the challenges of enforcing family time and suggest alternative approaches that can work. The episode answers several key questions, including: Is having dinner together sufficient to strengthen family bonds? How do parents foster connection during the turbulent teen years? And when it is time to worry about a teen’s reluctance to spend time with the family?
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"Ask Lisa" is produced by: www.goodtroubleproductions.com
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A word from our lawyers:
The advice provided on this podcast does not constitute or serve as a substitute for professional psychological treatment, therapy, or other types of professional advice or intervention.
If you have concerns about your child’s well being, consult a physician or mental health professional.
If you’re looking for additional resources, check out Lisa’s website: drlisadamour.com/
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Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:58 - Letter
03:08 - Is this normal?
04:37 - When to worry
08:10 - Why do teens pull away?
10:47 - The good news
14:22 - Can you force quality time?
18:43 - How to deal with the pain
20:38 - Parenting to Go
21:44 - Next Week: Fentanyl

[@Agathism]

Thank you Reena and Lisa for making parenting teenagers not such a lonely journey.
Toward the end of this show Lisa mentioned that the situation we have at home is not unique and every family has them..while the adults are giving a sigh of relief to know other parents are going through the same and regain their faith in parenting, the teens that talk with each other are comparing notes on how their mom/dad is so mean and use that to fuel their resentments. How do we make the teens empathize with their parents? Or is that also a chapter that will probably unfold in their twenties, as you said earlier?

[@asklisapodcast]

This is such an important question. In my experience, teens will often complain outwardly about their parents having "too many" rules while quietly appreciating the fact that the adults in their lives hold reasonable standards and are serious about keeping teens safe. Over time, teens do - as you suggest - start to openly appreciate the adults in their lives who provide high levels of warmth and structure.

[@chanskichanski7874]

It resonates with me so much at this moment!! Thank you so much!

[@asklisapodcast]

That’s great to hear!