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/