The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Lisa's latest New York Times best seller is an urgently needed guide to help parents understand their teenagers’ intense and often fraught emotional lives—and how to support them through this critical developmental stage.

Under Pressure

Under Pressure

Lisa’s second New York Times best seller is a celebrated guide to addressing the alarming increase in anxiety and stress in girls from elementary school through college.

Untangled

Untangled

Lisa’s award-winning New York Times best seller–now available in nineteen languages–is a sane, informed, and engaging guide for parents of teenage girls.

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Untangling 10 to 20 is a dynamic library of premium content designed to support anyone who is raising, working with, or caring for tweens and teens.

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March 21, 2024

Dear Teenagers

What Does It Mean to Be “Authentic”?

The pressure for teenagers to be “authentic” can sometimes leave them in a tricky spot. This video uses the metaphor of a front stage and back stage (very loosely adapted from the work of social psychologist Erving Goffman) to reassure 10to20s that they are not inauthentic or “two-faced” for simply being polite to people who rub them the wrong way. You can show this Dear Teenagers video to your teen, watch it alongside your teen, or use it for guidance on how to talk with your teen about authenticity. Looking for more? Adults can watch the Untangling Family Life video “How to Help 10to20s with Social Friction” here.

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The advice provided here by Dr. Damour and the resources shared by her AI-powered librarian, Rosalie, will not and do not constitute - or serve as a substitute for - professional psychological treatment, therapy, or other types of professional advice or intervention. If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, consult a physician or mental health professional.