Stop Spiraling: How to Catch the Thoughts That Stress You Out as a Parent

Encore presentation: We're re-releasing this episode because the topic keeps coming up — over and over again — in our work with parents. How we think matters. It shapes how we feel, how we act, and how we show up in our relationships with our teens. Parenting isn't only about our kids — our own well-being, our own thought patterns, and our own mental health matter too. If you caught this one when it first aired as Episode 13, we think it's worth a second listen. And if you're new here, this is a great place to start.Do you ever catch yourself thinking your teen "should" have done something differently — or spiral from one bad moment straight to imagining the worst? You might be stuck in a 'thinking trap.'In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron break down three of the most common thinking traps parents of tweens and teens fall into, and share simple, practical ways to shift your thinking so you can show up calmer, clearer, and more connected.What we cover:"Should" thinking — why this one word quietly cranks up frustration and how to swap it outMental filter — when you zoom in on everything going wrong and tune out everything that's going rightJumping to conclusions — how one moment with your teen can send your brain spiraling into worst-case scenariosOne powerful question — "What else could be true?" — that works for all three trapsWhether you're navigating daily friction or a more serious situation with your teen, these tools will help you pause the spiral and respond with more patience and perspective.Timestamps: 00:00 – Are You Spiraling About Your Teen? 01:00 – What Are Thinking Traps & Why They Matter 03:00 – Dr. Allen's Checkout Line Moment 05:24 – Trap #1: "Should" Thinking 09:34 – Trap #2: Mental Filter 16:26 – Trap #3: Jumping to Conclusions 20:23 – One Question to Reframe Everything👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another teen or tween parent.🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen.🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one.✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: [email protected]: The Parenting Pair Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your or a family member's wellbeing, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.