Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Heather Hester, founder of Chrysalis Mama and host of the "Just Breathe" podcast, to discuss how she turned her son Connor’s coming out at 16 into a mission to support parents of LGBTQ+ teens. Heather shares her personal journey and the crucial lessons she's learned, offering insight on how to navigate your own emotions, avoid common pitfalls, and create a safe, loving space for your teen.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your teen is already sure of their identity by the time they come out—and what that means for you as a parent.


• The #1 question you should never ask your LGBTQ+ teen (and what you should ask instead).


• How to support your teen through their coming out journey without unintentionally causing harm.


• Why your teen’s social media activity isn't "influencing" their identity, but helping them find community.


• Why it’s important to process your own emotions with trusted friends or professionals, rather than with your teen.

Heather Hester is the founder of Chrysalis Mama, guiding parents, communities, and professionals to understand, empower, and embrace their LGBTQ+ teens from a clear and compassionate place. She is also the creator/host of the Top 1% podcast Just Breathe: Parenting your LGBTQ Teen and the author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen. Heather believes in being authentic and embracing the messiness. Married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and the mother of four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini bernedoodle, Heather believes in being authentic and embracing the messiness. You can almost always find her with a cup coffee nearby whether she’s at her computer, on her yoga mat, or listening to her favorite music.

Connect with Heather

Website: https://chrysalismama.com

Instagram @chrysalismama

TikTok: @chrysalismama

Website: AskDrCam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

Tik Tok: @the.teen.translator

• Podcast: "Just Breathe, Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen" (available on all podcast platforms)


• PFLAG: https://pflag.org/


• Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/


• GLAAD: https://glaad.org/

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The 'Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam' Podcast: Your Guide to Navigating Adolescence Without the Drama. Hosted by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, an adolescent psychologist specializing in empowering parents and nurturing teen development. In each episode, she partners with a guest expert to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice for building a closer relationship with your teen & finding joy amidst the challenges

Whether you're an experienced parent looking to enhance your teenager's mental well-being and strengthen your connection, or a newcomer to the world of adolescence, this podcast is a must-listen.

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