When parenting teenagers becomes a battleground between parents, everyone suffers—including your teen. Dr. Cam and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish tackle the common problem of parental division, where one parent becomes the “tough one” while the other takes on the “soft” role, creating conflict that teens often exploit.

This episode reveals why parents frequently end up on opposite sides of the parenting spectrum, especially during the teenage years when stakes feel higher and emotions run deeper. The experts explain how family triangulation occurs—when relationship tension between parents gets redirected toward the teenager, creating dysfunction for everyone involved.

Key insights include understanding that both parents typically share the same core values and goals for their children, even when their approaches differ dramatically. The solution isn’t forcing identical parenting styles, but rather establishing shared values while allowing different expressions of those values.

Dr. Tracy emphasizes the critical importance of relationship repair—acknowledging mistakes and their impact—as a foundational skill for both marriage and parenting. Parents learn practical strategies for supporting each other even during disagreements, including validation techniques and behind-the-scenes communication that maintain unity.

The discussion addresses common challenges like shame spirals, resentment over unequal parenting burdens, and interference from extended family members. Most importantly, parents discover that focusing on their own relationship with their teen—rather than trying to control their partner’s approach—creates more positive outcomes for everyone involved.

 

💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why teen conflict often divides parents—and how to stop it


• How family triangulation quietly damages your family dynamic


• Ways to stay emotionally connected even when parenting styles clash


• Tools for rebuilding trust and communication with your partner

 
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📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Book: You, Your Husband and His Mother by Dr. Tracy Dalgleish


• Podcast: Dear Dr. Tracy (Top 100 Podcast

 

🤝 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Tracy Dalgleish

Website: drtracyd.com

Instagram: @DrTracyD

 

👩‍🏫 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 Understanding Parenting Divides

02:51 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Relationships

05:59 Navigating Conflict and Communication

08:53 The Role of Self-Reflection in Parenting

11:49 Building a Stronger Partnership

14:22 Empathy and Understanding in Parenting

17:16 Addressing Shame and Responsibility

20:25 Aligning Values for Effective Parenting

23:10 Managing Old Patterns in Parenting

25:21 Navigating Disagreements in Parenting

29:20 Strengths and Teamwork in Parenting

30:19 Dealing with External Pressures

33:37 The Importance of Affirmation

37:45 Modeling Self-Reflection and Self-Care

42:02 Empowerment Through Acceptance and Control

 

🧭 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 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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