Is My Teen a Monster?

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Adolescence often brings significant changes in behavior. Heightened emotions during this time can lead to outbursts or dramatic reactions, which may alarm parents unaccustomed to such intensity. This shift can leave parents feeling confused, frustrated, and even fearful.

Joining us today is the insightful Leslie Cohen-Rubury, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 39 years of experience supporting families, couples, individuals, and children. Leslie is the creator of the podcast Is My Child A Monster?, where she helps parents navigate the often rocky waters of parenting teens.

In this episode, Leslie will share effective strategies for addressing our teens' "monstrous" emotions.

Key Takeaways

➡️ Parents often feel guilty and ashamed about their child's behavior.

➡️ Intense emotions in teens can seem illogical to parents.

➡️ Understanding the biological and social factors influencing a child's emotions is crucial.

➡️ Parents should recognize when their child is in 'emotion mind.'

➡️ Validation can help de-escalate intense situations with teens.

➡️ It's important for parents to witness their child's discomfort without trying to fix it immediately.

➡️ Offering skills to children should be done without pressure; let them choose when to use them.

➡️ Building a strong parent-child connection can reduce conflict.

➡️ Post-conflict discussions should focus on solutions, not blame.

➡️ Parenting requires learning and practice; it's not instinctual.

Meet Leslie

Leslie Cohen-Rubury is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 39 years of experience working with families, couples, individuals and children. With both a Master in Social Work and Special Education, Leslie's private practice in Connecticut offers ongoing parenting groups, workshops and lectures in the community. Leslie's work is based on her intensive training in evidenced based therapies including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy, ACT and trauma treatment (DBT-PE and CPT). She is passionately committed to helping people develop a new perspective and new skills to enhance their emotional well-being and mental health. Expanding her ability to share resources, skills, and tools, Leslie launched “Is My Child A Monster?” A Parenting Therapy Podcast, where real parents and caregivers share their trials and tribulations in anonymized therapy sessions recorded live.

Connect with Leslie:

Facebook: @/lesliecohenrubury

Instagram: @lesliecohenrubury

YouTube: @lesliecohenrubury

TikTok: @lesliecohenrubury

Connect with Dr. Cam

Website: AskDrCam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

Tik Tok: @the.teen.translator

ABOUT THE SHOW: The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges

Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.

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