How to Support Your Teen Through the Tough Years
Raising a teenager isn’t easy — but it is possible to stay connected.
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Janine Domingues to explore how caregivers can support teens through adolescence — from emotional shutdowns to risky behavior to the weird world of YouTube.
Together they unpack:
• What’s really going on in the adolescent brain
• How to connect with your teen even if they won’t talk to you
• The power of shared rituals, from car rides to diner breakfasts
• Why you should care about what they care about (yes, even Minecraft)
• How to model communication — and stay regulated when they roll their eyes
• Tips for keeping teens safe around drugs, alcohol, social media, and more
• What to do when your teen shuts you out
Whether your child is 13 or 18, this conversation offers practical insights for building trust, maintaining open communication, and guiding kids through one of the most intense developmental phases of their lives.
⸻
Resources for Parents & Teens:
🔹 Communicating with Teens
childmind.org/article/tips-communicating-with-teen/
🔹 Teens and Young Adults Resource Center
childmind.org/topics/teens-young-adults/
🔹 10 Parenting Tips for Preteens and Tweens
childmind.org/article/10-tips-for-parenting-your-pre-teen/
🔹 How do I help my child through the challenges they face in the teen years?
childmind.org/positiveparenting/teen-challenges
🔹 Principles of Parenting: Communicating with your Teen
aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/principles-of-parenting-communicating-with-your-teen/
🔹 Talking to Your Teen About Healthy Relationships
riseandshine.childrensnational.org/talking-to-your-teen-about-healthy-relationships/
🔹 What Should I Teach My High School Aged Teen About Relationships?
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/high-school/what-should-i-teach-my-high-school-aged-teen-about-relationships#:~:text=You%20can%20help%20them%20expect,think%20makes%20a%20good%20relationship.
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Janine Domingues to explore how caregivers can support teens through adolescence — from emotional shutdowns to risky behavior to the weird world of YouTube.
Together they unpack:
• What’s really going on in the adolescent brain
• How to connect with your teen even if they won’t talk to you
• The power of shared rituals, from car rides to diner breakfasts
• Why you should care about what they care about (yes, even Minecraft)
• How to model communication — and stay regulated when they roll their eyes
• Tips for keeping teens safe around drugs, alcohol, social media, and more
• What to do when your teen shuts you out
Whether your child is 13 or 18, this conversation offers practical insights for building trust, maintaining open communication, and guiding kids through one of the most intense developmental phases of their lives.
⸻
Resources for Parents & Teens:
🔹 Communicating with Teens
childmind.org/article/tips-communicating-with-teen/
🔹 Teens and Young Adults Resource Center
childmind.org/topics/teens-young-adults/
🔹 10 Parenting Tips for Preteens and Tweens
childmind.org/article/10-tips-for-parenting-your-pre-teen/
🔹 How do I help my child through the challenges they face in the teen years?
childmind.org/positiveparenting/teen-challenges
🔹 Principles of Parenting: Communicating with your Teen
aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/principles-of-parenting-communicating-with-your-teen/
🔹 Talking to Your Teen About Healthy Relationships
riseandshine.childrensnational.org/talking-to-your-teen-about-healthy-relationships/
🔹 What Should I Teach My High School Aged Teen About Relationships?
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/high-school/what-should-i-teach-my-high-school-aged-teen-about-relationships#:~:text=You%20can%20help%20them%20expect,think%20makes%20a%20good%20relationship.
Creators and Guests
Host
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.
Producer
Andrew Dearling
Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.
Producer
Chad Garber
Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.
