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Parenting a teen can feel like walking on eggshells. Conversations turn into conflict. Teens pull away. Parents are left wondering how to stay connected without giving up boundaries.
In this episode of the Thriving Kids Podcast, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to talk about what actually helps build a stronger, healthier relationship with your teen — even during tough moments.
They discuss:
• Why teens push back and pull away during adolescence
• What real connection with teens looks like (and what it doesn’t)
• How to set limits without damaging trust
• Common parenting mistakes that increase power struggles
• How to stay grounded when emotions run high
• Practical ways to rebuild connection after conflict
This conversation focuses on realistic, evidence-based strategies parents can use to improve communication, reduce tension, and strengthen trust — without trying to control or fix their teen.
Hosted by clinicians from the Child Mind Institute, the Thriving Kids Podcast offers expert guidance for parents raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids and teens.
For more parenting tools and mental health resources, visit childmind.org.
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Related Child Mind Institute Articles
Tips for Communicating With Your Teen
https://childmind.org/article/tips-communicating-with-teen
Help! My Teen Stopped Talking to Me
https://childmind.org/article/help-my-teen-stopped-talking-to-me/
How to Help Kids Have Healthy Romantic Relationships
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-have-good-romantic-relationships/
How to Help Your Teen Through a Breakup
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-your-teen-through-a-breakup/
10 Tips for Parenting Your Pre-Teen
https://childmind.org/article/10-tips-for-parenting-your-pre-teen/
Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults Resources
https://childmind.org/topics/teens-young-adults/
In this episode of the Thriving Kids Podcast, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to talk about what actually helps build a stronger, healthier relationship with your teen — even during tough moments.
They discuss:
• Why teens push back and pull away during adolescence
• What real connection with teens looks like (and what it doesn’t)
• How to set limits without damaging trust
• Common parenting mistakes that increase power struggles
• How to stay grounded when emotions run high
• Practical ways to rebuild connection after conflict
This conversation focuses on realistic, evidence-based strategies parents can use to improve communication, reduce tension, and strengthen trust — without trying to control or fix their teen.
Hosted by clinicians from the Child Mind Institute, the Thriving Kids Podcast offers expert guidance for parents raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids and teens.
For more parenting tools and mental health resources, visit childmind.org.
⸻
Related Child Mind Institute Articles
Tips for Communicating With Your Teen
https://childmind.org/article/tips-communicating-with-teen
Help! My Teen Stopped Talking to Me
https://childmind.org/article/help-my-teen-stopped-talking-to-me/
How to Help Kids Have Healthy Romantic Relationships
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-have-good-romantic-relationships/
How to Help Your Teen Through a Breakup
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-your-teen-through-a-breakup/
10 Tips for Parenting Your Pre-Teen
https://childmind.org/article/10-tips-for-parenting-your-pre-teen/
Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults Resources
https://childmind.org/topics/teens-young-adults/
Creators and Guests
Host
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.
AD
Producer
Andrew Dearling
Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.
Producer
Chad Garber
Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.
What is Thriving Kids?
Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health.
Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science.
You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day.
New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.