Podcasts › The Parenting Pair | Teens & Tweens
What To Do If Your Teen’s Friend Is Self-Harming | A Parent’s Guide
What's in this episode
What would you do if your teen came to you and said, “My friend is hurting themselves…”? This is a moment many parents are unprepared for—yet it’s one that requires both sensitivity and clarity. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen walk you through how to respond when your child or teen shares that a friend may be engaging in self-injury. They break down what self-injury is (and what it isn’t), why teens often confide in peers instead of parents, and how to support your own child while also ensuring the safety of another teen. You’ll learn: What self-injury can signal emotionally and behaviorally How to respond in a way that keeps your teen open and trusting When and how to involve other adults (parents, schools, resources) How to balance empathy with appropriate action Why this moment matters deeply for your relationship with your child This conversation offers practical guidance grounded in clinical expertise, while also helping parents feel more confident, calm, and supported in navigating a complex and emotional situation. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle this kind of disclosure—or want to be prepared if it happens—this ep