Today we’re talking about one of my favorite topics — what it really means to connect, collaborate, and let go of control as our kids grow into themselves as they enter the transformative teen years. My guest is Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist and parent coach who helps overwhelmed parents raise confident, emotionally healthy kids and teens, and the author of the brand new book, Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict Into Connection. In our conversation, Ann-Louise shares insights from her book and offers a powerful reframing of what it means to parent through the teen years. We talk about shifting from control to curiosity—especially when raising neurodivergent kids—along with individuation, cognitive dissonance, and why living a fulfilling life as a parent is one of the best ways to model healthy behaviors for our teens. She also reminds us that it’s never too late to repair, reconnect, and love the teen we have right now.

About Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, speaker, and author who helps overwhelmed parents raise confident, emotionally healthy kids and teens. As the founder of A New Day Pediatric Psychology, she empowers families to move from chaos to connection using practical tools rooted in clinical expertise and real-life parenting. She is the author of an upcoming book launching October 28, 2025 titled, Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict Into Connection. She has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, HuffPost, and on The Today Show. Her dynamic, relatable style has made her a trusted voice for parents nationwide.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• Why it’s never too late to repair and rebuild connection with your teen

• How curiosity helps parents better understand what’s really driving their teen’s behavior

• Why focusing on connection over control leads to stronger, more trusting relationships

• How individuation is a healthy and necessary part of adolescence for both teens and parents

• Why modeling a fulfilling, authentic life can positively influence your child’s growth

• How resetting expectations and embracing collaboration can transform communication and repair past ruptures

Resources mentioned

• Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s author website

• 
  Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict Into Connection by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

• 
  A New Day Pediatric Psychology (Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s practice)

• Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on Instagram

• Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on Facebook

• Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s YouTube channel

• 
  Chris Voss & The Art of Negotiation (Masterclass)

• 
  Lighthouse Parenting: Raising your Child with Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond by Dr. Ken Ginsburg

• 
  Maggie Dent on How to Parent, Love & Support Today’s Teens (Full-Tilt Parenting)

• 
  Education Leader Chris Balme on Navigating the Tricky Middle School Years (Full-Tilt Parenting)

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