Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

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.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

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 

WHY THIS MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
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.

 

🔑 WANT A STEP-BY-STEP PLAN FOR THESE MOMENTS?
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

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

ABOUT THE SHOW
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)

 
🌟 Get 15% off Bright Girl products
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

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: AskDrCam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

 
EPISODE CHAPTERS 
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

 

🎧❤️ 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.
And remember—hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode!

 

ABOUT THE SHOW
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.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

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)

 

🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?
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!

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Time Timer

Flown (body doubling platform)

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

 
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Holly Blanc Moses

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

 

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 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

 

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 #ADHD #executivefunction #homework