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The Parenting Pair PodcastWelcome to The Parenting Pair Podcast. Author: Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
Welcome to The Parenting Pair Podcast! Were Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allenchild and adolescent clinical psychologists and moms of teens and tweens. After years of fielding questions at the bus stop, on the sidelines, and in our offices, we created this podcast to bring compassionate, evidence-based guidance straight to you. Each week, we tackle real questions from parents and explore all things related to teens, tweens, development and mental health. Together, well offer practical support for navigating the ups and downs of raising tweens and teensespecially when challenges arise. Youre doing important work. Lets do it together. Check out "The Parenting Pair" youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheParentingPair Language: en Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Parenting, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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What To Do If Your Teen’s Friend Is Self-Harming | A Parent’s Guide
Episode 50
Wednesday, 15 April, 2026
What would you do if your teen came to you and said, “My friend is hurting themselves…”?This is a moment many parents are unprepared for—yet it’s one that requires both sensitivity and clarity.In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen walk you through how to respond when your child or teen shares that a friend may be engaging in self-injury. They break down what self-injury is (and what it isn’t), why teens often confide in peers instead of parents, and how to support your own child while also ensuring the safety of another teen.You’ll learn:What self-injury can signal emotionally and behaviorallyHow to respond in a way that keeps your teen open and trustingWhen and how to involve other adults (parents, schools, resources)How to balance empathy with appropriate actionWhy this moment matters deeply for your relationship with your childThis conversation offers practical guidance grounded in clinical expertise, while also helping parents feel more confident, calm, and supported in navigating a complex and emotional situation.If you’ve ever wondered how to handle this kind of disclosure—or want to be prepared if it happens—this episode is essential listening.Here are some highlights from the episode:00:00 What People Get Wrong About Self-Injury 01:08 When Your Teen’s Friend Is Self-Injuring01:44 What Teens Tell Friends (But Not Parents)03:16 Understanding Self-Injury: 3 Key Areas Every Parent Should Know04:23 What Is Self-Injury?05:29 Self-Injury & Emotion Regulation: Understanding Both Sides06:45 How Self-Injury Can Be a Way to Communicate Distress09:21 What To Do If Your Teen Shares a Friend Is Self-Injurying09:32 Step 1: Acknowledge Your Teen for Sharing10:25 Step 2: Recognize Your Teen May Be Affected Too11:46 Step 3: How to Support Both Teens Safely13:46 Why Validating Your Teen Matters in These Moments14:25 Option 1: Reaching Out to the Other Parent14:37 Option 2: When (and How) to Involve the School15:17 How to Approach the Other Parent About Self-Harm17:59 What Is 211? A Resource Every Parent Should Know18:47 Checking In With Your Teen Afterwards🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com
