221: Encore: What’s the Best Way for My Teen to Handle a Mean “Friend”?

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan

Kids & Family, Mental Health, Parenting, Health & Fitness

4.8 • 720 Ratings

🗓️ 27 May 2025

⏱️ 31 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Is your middle schooler or high schooler dealing with a so-called “friend” who’s just… mean? You’re not alone. Tweens and teens often struggle with toxic friendships, and it’s tough for parents to know when to step in—and how. In this episode, Dr. Lisa & Reena help a parent navigate one of the most common challenges of adolescence: friendship drama. Learn how to coach your child through unhealthy peer dynamics, when to give advice (and when to hold back), and how to help teens build healthy, supportive relationships. ________________ “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists ________________ Episode Keywords: teen friendships, toxic friends, mean girl behavior, middle school drama, emotional resilience, parenting advice, peer pressure, social skills for teens, teen mental health Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Transcript

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0:00.0	Tell me a parenting issue everyone struggles with, with tweens and teens, but no one talks about.
0:06.9	Rina, I think a lot of people feel like they just don't know how to connect to their kid anymore.
0:12.3	I'm Rina Ninen and welcome to Ask Lisa, the Psychology of Parenting Podcast.
0:18.7	And I'm Dr. Lisa D'Amour.
0:20.3	We bring you science-back strategies for managing anxiety, discipline, intense emotions, and more.
0:26.6	We decode tough parenting challenges with tips that you can use right now.
0:32.0	So subscribe to Ask Lisa, the Psychology of Parenting Podcast, and join our YouTube community today.
0:38.1	We're here to help you untangle family life.
0:43.4	Episode 221, what's the best way for my teen to handle a mean friend?
0:59.6	You know, Lisa, the more I think about it, I don't think we ever really leave the third grade when we enter the workforce.
1:00.8	Oh, is that right?
1:02.4	Tell me more.
1:06.7	Like, there are people who still act like they're in the third grade in the workforce.
1:09.1	Like, why do people not grow up?
1:13.4	It's almost like childish behavior continues into the workforce and into the adult adulthood.
1:21.6	It does. It does. It's true. There are entire communities that feel like a pack of seventh graders and you're just like, come on, guys.
1:27.1	Yeah. Well, you've upgraded them from seventh grade. It feels like that's great. to me, third graders feel a little gentler.
1:33.3	Talking to the child psychologist here, the ultimate psychologist, who knows what development is happening at every age level. Third graders can be a little more easy going. What are you thinking
1:36.8	about in terms of behavior? Actually, you're probably right. You're probably right. No, I just feel like
1:41.0	it's just interesting human dynamics that can play out that people see,
1:45.8	you know, even among parent groups in sports.
1:49.5	Yeah.
	...

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