Why Your Teenager Won't Listen to You (It's Not Defiance)
From Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam by Dr. Cam
September 1, 2026 · 39 min · Season 7 · Episode 302
About this episode
Dr. Cam and Dr. R.J. Ledet discuss effective communication strategies for parents to connect with their teens and reduce conflict.
Do you find yourself reacting quickly when your teen makes a mistake, talks back, or seems unprepared for adulthood? It’s easy for fear and frustration to take over, especially when you’re worried about your teen’s future. But those reactionary moments can make it harder for teens to feel understood, develop confidence, and come to you when they need help. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with triple board-certified psychiatrist, pediatrician, and Navy veteran **Dr. R.J. Ledet** to explore how parents can move from reacting to connecting. Together, they discuss why teens still need help learning emotional regulation, how our own childhood experiences influence the way we parent, and why modeling the behavior we expect from our teens matters more than simply demanding it. If you’re ready to communicate with your teen more effectively, reduce unnecessary conflict, and build a relationship rooted in love, respect, and understanding, this episode offers practical strategies to help you get there. **WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE** Why parenting from fear and panic can make communication with your teen more difficult How your own childhood experiences and emotional triggers may…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Cam
Guest: Dr. R.J. Ledet
Topics covered
- teen communication
- emotional regulation
- parenting strategies
- conflict resolution
- childhood experiences
Keywords
- teen listening
- parenting advice
- emotional triggers
- modeling behavior
- communication strategies
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