Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

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

Struggling to connect with your teenager? You’re not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shares transformative, brain-based strategies to help parents rebuild connection with defiant, distant, or disconnected teens. Learn why the phrase “I love my teen, but I don’t like them right now” resonates so deeply with parents—and how to move from constant conflict to calm, connected communication. Dr. Lockhart explains the neuroscience behind teen behavior, comparing the adolescent brain to the toddler years to help you understand why your teen’s reactions can seem “illogical and irrational.” Together, Dr. Cam and Dr. Lockhart unpack the emotional toll of disrespect, withdrawal, and conditional love, offering parents science-backed tools to restore trust and strengthen relationships. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to stop the yelling cycle, repair emotional wounds, and reconnect with your teen—without losing your authority or your sanity.     WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why your teen acts “irrational” (and what brain science reveals about it) How to stop the yelling and nagging cycle—and retrain your teen to listen The difference between conditional and unconditional love in parenting Simple, curiosity-based conversations that rebuild trust and connection How to repair a broken relationship—even when your teen won’t talk   🎧❤️ 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 📘 Love the Teen You Have by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart (on Sale Now ) 📗https://read.macmillan.com/fib/lovetheteenpreorder/ (The Work Book)   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart 🌐 Website: www.anewdaysa.com 📸 Instagram: @doctor.annlouise.lockhart 🎥 YouTube: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart     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 – Introduction to Parenting Challenges with Teens 03:03 – Understanding Teen Behavior and Development 05:54 – The Importance of Connection Over Control 08:51 – Navigating Conditional Love and Acceptance 11:41 – The Impact of Parenting Styles on Relationships 14:35 – Repairing Relationships with Teens 17:30 – The Role of Humility in Parenting 20:30 – Breaking the Cycle of Miscommunication 23:16 – The Power of Apology and Accountability 26:08 – Creating a Supportive Environment for Teens 28:59 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways   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 #parentingteens #parentteenconnection