The Secret To Truly Connecting With Your Teen (From a Foster Dad of 47)
Description
If your teen feels distant, defiant, or shuts you out, you’re not alone — and there’s hope. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, foster and adoptive dad Peter Mutabazi shares life-changing strategies for reconnecting with even the most resistant teenagers.
A survivor of childhood abuse and homelessness who’s since fostered 47 children, Peter explains why teens are actually “easier” to parent than younger kids and how shifting from an authoritarian approach to a mentorship mindset transforms relationships.
You’ll discover practical, trauma-informed parenting tools that help you lower conflict, rebuild trust, and guide your teen without power struggles. Whether you’re overwhelmed by defiance, craving deeper connection, or simply want to better understand your teen, this episode gives you the roadmap to start fresh and help your teen thrive.
📚 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
How a foster dad successfully parents 47 teenagers using mentorship instead of control.
Why your teen’s “acting out” isn’t about you — and how understanding hormones, trauma, and development changes your response.
Simple daily habits that build trust and confidence in defiant or withdrawn teens.
The “three-person approach” to teen behavior that makes even tough parenting moments feel manageable.
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🛠 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Facebook: Foster Dad Flipper
TikTok: Now I Am Known
🧑⚕️ CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
Website: askdrcam.com
Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
TikTok: @the.teen.translator
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
Facebook: @DrCamCaswell
⏱ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges with Teens
01:20 Peter’s Inspiring Journey from Uganda
06:50 The Impact of Being Seen and Known
09:55 Navigating the Foster Care System
12:09 Building Trust with Foster Teens
13:35 Mentorship vs. Parenting: A New Approach
17:41 Understanding Teen Trauma and Behavior
20:21 The Importance of Not Projecting Past Experiences
23:50 Celebrating Small Wins in Parenting
28:14 Finding Time and Patience in a Busy Household
29:57 Using Social Media to Change Narratives
35:01 Finding Joy in Parenting
38:38 Key Takeaways for Parents
💡 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
Start Fresh Daily – Treat each incident as new and avoid bringing up past mistakes.
Celebrate Small Wins – Notice and praise even minor positive behaviors to build momentum.
Schedule Individual Connection Time – One-on-one outings strengthen trust without distractions.
Apply the Three-Person Approach – View your teen as a mix of hormones, trauma, and typical development to respond with empathy.
Shift from Parent to Mentor – Guide rather than control, meeting your teen where they are emotionally and developmentally.
📝 ABOUT THE SHOW
The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth.
Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.
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