Podcast Summary: "I Want to Live With My Mom"
The Dr. Laura Podcast — October 25, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Featured Caller: Kayla (14-year-old listener)
Episode Overview
This emotionally charged episode centers on a call from Kayla, a 14-year-old girl deeply troubled by her family situation. After her parents' divorce, Kayla’s father remarried a woman Kayla considers “mean,” and she’s torn between wanting to live with her mother full time and her love for her father. The discussion covers coping with difficult family dynamics, recognizing emotional and legal boundaries, and strategies for personal safety and emotional wellbeing.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Kayla's Dilemma and Emotional Conflict
- Kayla describes the pain of having her father leave, his remarriage, and feeling mistreated by both her father and stepmother.
- She voices fear about the repercussions if she asks to stay with her mother full time, revealing her fear of being further alienated or punished by her father.
Notable Quotes
- Kayla (Caller) [01:20]:
“I'm 14 years old and I'm calling because my parents got divorced when I was three and my dad left me and my family and married a woman that is like mean to me and my sister. ... I'm torn because I really want to live full time at my mom's house. But I still love my dad and I'm like scared that if I tell him and it doesn't work out that the consequences that I will face would be like awful. Like really bad.”
2. Dr. Laura’s Immediate Reaction & Validation
- Dr. Laura quickly recognizes the seriousness of Kayla’s situation and validates her fears, gently humorously referring to Kayla’s stepmother as the “Wicked Witch of the West.”
- She quotes Kayla’s concerns, reinforcing that her worries are justified.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Laura [01:49]:
“You're probably right. So sitting and telling him that you don't like his wife... it's not going to bode well for you nor your sister.”
3. Examples of Mistreatment and Emotional Abuse
- Kayla recounts instances of punitive actions, such as being withheld food at dinner by both her father and stepmother as punishment for a minor mistake relating to the dog.
- Dr. Laura points out that this is not just “mean” behavior, but potentially illegal and abusive.
Notable Quotes
- Kayla (Caller) [02:28]:
“We just got this new dog and... I accidentally didn’t zip the crate up and he got outside when we left and my dad withheld food from me at the dinner table. Like I couldn't eat... I had to watch them eat in front of me. And then my stepmom did the same thing.” - Dr. Laura [02:52]:
“Wait a minute. That's your dad being mean.”
4. Dr. Laura's Recommendations: Defining Boundaries & Seeking Help
- Dr. Laura offers practical advice for immediate safety, including calling her mother if Kayla is ever refused basic needs again.
- She raises concerns about the environment, labelling Kayla’s father and stepmother as “wacko people” and “potentially dangerous.”
- Dr. Laura suggests that Kayla’s mother should provide her with a “call-only” phone to secretively contact for help if necessary, emphasizing the need to keep it hidden—even from her little sister for safety reasons.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Laura [03:19]:
“If something like not allowing you to eat happens, I believe you should call home and have your mother come and get you because starving you is against the law.” - Dr. Laura [06:21]:
“Get her one of those phones that the only thing it does is call, and she's going to have to sneak it into their house so she can call you for help... Don’t even let your little sister know you have it because she’ll blab.” - Dr. Laura [06:49]:
"You're going to have to be able to call when you need help because these are two potentially dangerous people... this guy is a bad dude.”
5. Empowerment and Emotional Resolution
- Dr. Laura encourages Kayla to find inner strength to protect herself and her younger sister, pointing out the unfortunate but real need for vigilance.
- The conversation closes with Dr. Laura's compassion and encouragement for Kayla.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Laura [07:09]:
“So you're going to have to protect yourself. Do you understand me? At 14, you need to be strong enough to protect yourself and your sister.” - Kayla (Caller) [07:18]:
“Okay.” - Dr. Laura [07:26]:
“Thank you both for calling. And Kayla, I'm sorry your mommy made a mistake and picked the wrong guy. Sorry. It happens. Don't do the same.”
Notable Moments & Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:14 | Kayla introduces her situation and emotional conflict | | 02:28 | Kayla describes being punished by her dad and stepmom — key example of emotional abuse | | 03:19 | Dr. Laura recommends calling her mom if she’s denied food or safety | | 06:21 | Plan for Kayla to have a secret phone for emergencies | | 07:09 | Dr. Laura encourages Kayla’s strength and self-protection | | 07:26 | Episode closes with supportive words for Kayla and her mother |
Episode Takeaways
- Emotional Abuse Recognition: Dr. Laura highlights the importance of recognizing behavior that crosses from strict parenting into emotional abuse and acknowledges the emotional trauma inherent in Kayla’s situation.
- Legal & Safety Boundaries: She provides clear advice regarding the illegality and moral unacceptability of withholding food or denying communication with a parent.
- Empowerment for Young People: Dr. Laura empowers Kayla, stressing vigilance, resourcefulness, and self-protection when adults fail in their duties.
- Compassion and Hope: Despite harsh truths, Dr. Laura closes with compassion, encouraging Kayla and her mother to break dysfunctional cycles in the future.
Listener Tips:
For children or teens in difficult custody or step-family dynamics, being able to recognize unsafe situations, finding trusted adults to confide in, and having a discreet way to call for help are crucial steps. Dr. Laura’s approach is both pragmatic and empathetic, aiming to provide immediate safety and long-term emotional resilience.