Does My Child Have OCD? What Parents Need to Know While Waiting for Answers

If your child has been showing signs of anxiety, repetitive behaviors, or intrusive thoughts — and you're not sure whether what you're seeing is typical or something more — this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron walk parents through everything they need to know about OCD in kids and teens — from recognizing the signs, to navigating that difficult waiting period before a diagnosis, to understanding why well-meaning reassurance can sometimes make things worse.

If you're living in that in-between space of not having answers yet, this episode will help you feel less alone and more equipped to support your child right now.

You'll learn:

- The signs that may indicate OCD in children and teenagers
- What parents can do — and what to avoid — while waiting for a diagnosis
- How to support your child without accidentally reinforcing anxiety patterns
- What family accommodations are — and when they start working against your child
- How to protect your relationship with your teen during a really difficult season
- When and how to seek professional help
- Why acknowledging small wins matters enormously in OCD recovery

Highlights from this episode:

00:00 — Introduction: When your child's behavior leaves you with more questions than answers
02:26 — When OCD behaviors get misread as defiance or stubbornness
03:36 — What to do when you first notice something seems different
04:03 — What OCD actually is — and what it isn't
05:40 — Common intrusive thoughts in children and teens
06:42 — What compulsions are and why they provide temporary relief
07:38 — How OCD gains strength over time — and why early support matters
08:57 — The "not quite right" feeling — a lesser known OCD experience
10:49 — What parents can do during the uncertain waiting period
11:22 — Communication strategies that protect your relationship
11:45 — Tip 1: Stay on the same team as your child
12:25 — Tip 2: Repair misunderstandings before they become disconnection
14:09 — Tip 3: Working together to help your child get unstuck
14:49 — Tip 4: Naming the OCD — why language matters
15:56 — Family accommodations — when helping starts to hurt
16:35 — How to gradually reduce accommodations without adding stress
18:42 — Why family understanding and teamwork are essential in OCD care
20:13 — How to approach treatment once a diagnosis is confirmed
23:07 — The power of celebrating small wins in OCD recovery

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DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
 on the information presented in this podcast as as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.