Do you ever feel like your tween or teen is pushing you away — when all you want is to reconnect? Parenting adolescents can feel confusing, emotional, and at times, deeply disconnecting. One moment they need you, the next they shut you out — and it’s hard to know how to respond.
In this powerful episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart joins us to unpack her new book, Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict into Connection.
Drawing from over two decades of experience as a clinical psychologist and her own journey as a mom of two teens, Dr. Lockhart helps parents better understand teen behavior, emotional reactivity, and the deeper need for connection that often sits beneath conflict.
Together, we explore how to move through power struggles, reduce constant arguing, and build stronger relationships with your tween or teen — without losing your voice or your connection.
• Why your teen’s pushback is often a test of safety and trust — not rejection
• How to shift from reacting to responding in emotional moments
• What it really means to “see beyond the behavior”
• Practical tools for rebuilding connection after conflict
• How to support emotional regulation and communication with your teen
Adolescence can feel like an emotional roller coaster — for both parents and kids. But with the right understanding, these moments of tension can become opportunities for deeper connection, trust, and growth.
Whether you’re parenting a tween or a nearly-grown young adult, this conversation will help you feel more grounded, more confident, and less alone in the process.
To purchase Dr. Lockhart’s new book, visit:
https://www.amazon.com/author/dr.ann-louise_2025
To learn more about Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart and her work:
https://drannlouiselockhart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlockhart/
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