Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

A parent writes in asking for help to address a teenager's marijuana use. Some teens are turning to drugs in this pandemic as they are looking for ways to cope with the sadness and boredom. Dr. Lisa explains what …

Should you speak up when you disagree with the approach other families are taking with their Covid rules? Reena discusses the latest news on the …

When kids hit thirteen they often become highly emotional. What happens in the brain and the body during this time? Dr. Lisa explains and also talks about the process of "separation-individuation" where young people …

How do you get kids to understand the importance of hygiene? A mom writes in that her son is making life unbearable at home because he refuses to …

A single mom writes in feeling worried because her daughter is questioning her gender. Dr. Lisa explains what we understand about gender identity and sexual orientation, and offers advice on what to do when you are at …

It’s not always easy to be the grownup in the room. What are the teachable moments for our children as we watch alarming events unfold in Washington …

Parents are finding it hard to get their children to feel motivated about school, especially when they are learning remotely. Dr. Lisa explains …

Lisa and Reena kick off the new year with a look at positive psychology. What is it and how exactly does it work? How do you stay positive when …

When can your kids get vaccinated? If my child has recovered from Covid-19, how long does immunity last? How do you know when it’s really safe to …

We like to think that time can heal a lot, but when do we need to worry about the pandemic's lasting impact on our children? Lisa introduces us to the concept of “ordinary magic” - protective processes that happen at …

What’s the limit for children socializing online? Many kids use social media to connect with their friends and as an escape from the monotony of this pandemic. Lisa walks us through the pros and cons of being online - …

How do you approach your child when you know they may be struggling but won’t open up? Lisa shares what she learned when she asked teens why they sometimes clam up around their parents. Lisa and Reena consider how much …

Navigating the holidays under Covid has its own pressures. A season that should be marked by joy is being met with sadness and loss by so many. Lisa …

High school seniors are feeling the disruption of the pandemic as they tackle the college admissions process.  How do we help them manage these …

How do dads differ from moms when it comes to raising kids? Lisa unpacks the research on the different roles each parent plays while pointing out …

Students are finding it hard to focus on school in the midst of a pandemic. But laying a good foundation for how homework gets done is a skill that …

How can parents help children cultivate the ability to have tough conversations? How do we teach tolerance? Lisa explains the building blocks of …

Eating concerns are an issue in many families, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. What should a parent look out for? When is it time to be …

Parents are faced with new pressures under Covid-19, and many of us are barely holding it together. When does having personal struggles translate …

What really works when kids just won’t listen? Dr. Lisa explains there are two different mental states that parents should toggle between — warm …

What should parents do when their kids are fed up and unhappy about school? Psychologists are witnessing the rise of emotional distress in children …

Anxiety often serves as a normal and useful warning system - an emotional alarm that rings when something isn't right. Lisa discusses the difference …

When should parents hit the panic button over their child’s social development? A mom writes in about her shy, introverted teen, wondering if her …

How do we get through the pandemic without losing our minds? Lisa offers parents four distinct tools to help ourselves and our children through these …

How do we encourage our kids to be active when they want to couch surf? Lisa tackles a listener’s question about a tween who has become sedentary …

Conflict is unavoidable. Having a strategy can help. Divorce rates have increased in some countries under lockdown from Covid-19. When can a relationship not be repaired? How do we teach our kids to deal with conflict? …

Uncertainty surrounds this school year amid all the Covid-19 news. Dr. Lisa talks about what families need most as they juggle working from home and …

How can you tell when your child is not coping well during this Covid-19 pandemic? Dr. Lisa breaks down what to watch for in a child’s behavior. How much screen time is bad for a child’s brain? She also explains the …

Welcome to ASK LISA: The parenting podcast co-hosted by psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan.