Ask Lisa

Is it possible for parents to engage their teen children in real conversations? One parent wrote me: We have two teens, ages 14 and 16. They are good kids (so far!), but I am sad that they have no interest in hearing…

Ask Lisa: Guidance on Weight Gain This month’s column addresses a challenging issue. A parent writes: My daughter, a recent college graduate, has put on a lot of weight (upwards of 50 pounds) over the last several years. I realize this is…

A parent reached out to me with a question concerning her college sophomore: “His freshman year didn’t go well academically. My husband and I chalked it up to the inevitable challenges of adjusting to college. But we just reviewed his latest grades,…

Raising a family is daunting at the best of times. Juggling work, housework, and kids’ activities can be exhausting. Managing a long-term illness on top of this adds a unique set of challenges. One parent, who was diagnosed with a chronic illness…

With the holidays upon us and the flurry of social gatherings and activities, many parents may find themselves worried about their teen’s social life — or lack thereof. One parent recently shared this concern: “My son is a junior in high school…

Fall is here, and with it comes colorful leaves, crisp air, pumpkins, and for high school seniors — the college application process. A parent recently wrote me: “My senior has become increasingly stressed out about college applications. He is consumed with ‘acceptance…

With Belmont High School instituting a ban on cell phone use in the classroom this year, many parents are still grappling with how to help their teens develop healthy screen time habits outside of school. A parent recently asked me: “This past…