Are you stuck in constant battles with your teen—no matter how many consequences you hand out? You’re not alone. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with renowned psychologist and TEDx speaker Dr. Paul Sunseri, author of Gentle Parenting Reimagined. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Sunseri offers parents a powerful shift: how to stay calm, set firm boundaries, and transform behavior—without yelling or giving in. If you’ve got a strong-willed or defiant teen, this episode will be a game-changer.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• What to do when consequences no longer work with your teen

• How to set effective boundaries without yelling or power struggles

• The difference between gentle parenting and permissiveness

• How to tie privileges (like screen time) to responsibility

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. Shift from “Fixing the Kid” to Changing the Dynamic: Teen defiance is often about the relationship, not just behavior. Focus on how you respond.

2. Speak Calmly and Clearly: Avoid emotional reactions. Use matter-of-fact requests to maintain authority without fueling conflict.

3. Use Privileges Strategically: Tie screen time and other privileges to daily responsibilities—then follow through consistently.

4. Expect Resistance, But Stay the Course: Change won’t happen overnight. Stay patient and consistent even when it’s tough.

5. Believe in Their Ability to Grow: Set high (yet compassionate) expectations. Let them fail and learn—it’s how resilience is built.

🎧❤️ 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! 🙏💫

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Gentle Parenting When to Lean Out Instead of Leaning In – Psychology Today

• Consequences Don’t Work With My Kid – Psychology Today

• Gentle Parenting Deserves Another Chance – Today’s Parent

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Paul Sunseri

• Website: myIFFT.org

• Instagram: @dr_paul_challengingkids

• YouTube: Dr. Paul Sunseri

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 Defiance in Teens
05:13 The Bi-Directional Influence of Behavior
10:05 Common Mistakes Parents Make
18:10 Navigating Emotional Regulation
28:03 Strategies for Managing Household Responsibilities
30:36 The Autonomy Dilemma in Parenting
32:26 Effective Communication Strategies with Teens
34:20 Flexibility and Boundaries in Parenting
36:12 Motivation and Homework Challenges
39:00 Understanding Teen Resistance to Homework
42:31 Balancing Privileges and Responsibilities
45:41 Negotiating Homework and Screen Time
48:56 Navigating Homework Expectations
51:17 Establishing Behavioral Habits
54:36 Setting Realistic Parenting Goals
57:38 The Importance of Limits and Expectations
01:01:29 Building Resilience Through Challenges
01:05:33 Parenting Across Generations

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 #parentingdefiantteens

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Cameron Caswell The Teen Translator

Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, PhD, the “teen translator,” is an adolescent psychologist, family success coach, and co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve student, staff, and parent well-being.

For over two decades, she has been helping parents build strong, positive relationships with their teens through improved communication, connection, and understanding. Dr. Cam is a TEDx speaker, host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast, co-creator of the “I Am Enough” teen 12-week workshop, author of Power Phrases for Parents: Teen Edition, and co-author of Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution.

Dr. Cam is the mom of a teen too, so she not only talks the talk, she walks the walk!