What ADHD teens actually need from their parents can feel confusing, exhausting, and emotional—and if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting it “right,” this episode will bring relief. I sat down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author of Love the Teen You Have, for a deeply validating and practical conversation about parenting teens with ADHD. You’ll walk away feeling supported, encouraged, and equipped with tools you can use right away.

We explore why she wrote her book, the real meaning behind its title, and the myths that leave so many parents feeling defeated. We dig into how to stay connected when your teen is pushing boundaries, why unconditional love changes everything, and what it truly looks like to support ADHD teens with executive function, emotional regulation, and respect. We also get honest about step-parenting, hormone changes, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the teen years. Dr. Lockhart offers practical scripts, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you navigate tough moments with confidence and compassion.

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author who has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, HuffPost, and The Today Show. After feeling disconnected from her own mom as a teen, she wrote her book to help parents build the closeness she once wished for. Love the Teen You Have is available now.

Episode Highlights:
[0:35] Introducing Dr. Lockhart + her book
[2:19] Why she wrote it + radical acceptance
[3:45] Parenting vs. loving the child you have
[6:14] Unconditional acceptance as transformation
[7:37] The myth that “good parenting = good results”
[10:11] Rejection sensitivity + separating facts from stories
[13:35] ADHD catastrophizing vs. teen behavior
[16:24] PDA vs. ODD
[18:11] Teens seeking connection through conflict
[21:06] Gentle parenting vs. permissive parenting
[23:05] The “redo” + modeling regulation
[25:39] Repairing after rupture
[28:32] Hormones, puberty, and emotional upheaval
[34:30] What ADHD adults need to know about teen brains
[36:43] Can you be a friend and a parent?
[39:25] Step-parenting + connection first
[42:09] What schools need to understand
[44:24] Where to find Dr. Lockhart

Links and Resources:

📘 Love the Teen You Have by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart – Available wherever books are sold
🌐 Visit Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s website: https://drannlouiselockhart.com/
📱 Follow her on Instagram: @dr.annlouise.lockhart
▶️ Check out her YouTube channel for parenting insights and tips: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhart

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What ADHD Teens ACTUALLY Need From Their Parents with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart