3 Myths About Parenting Teens BUSTED!

While there are lots of myths out there about parenting, some specifically about parenting teens, here are my top 3 myths: 

1. It’s always a battle!
This is often what you hear from other parents before or as you are entering the teen years. Information like this, while coming from a good place, doesn’t allow you to have an open mind or experience with your teen. Every kid is different and so are their parents. It doesn’t have to be a battle, it’s all about your mindset! What would happen if you came to your teen with curiosity instead of predicting the start of a fight? I wonder what might happen if asked more questions about what’s motivating them or inspiring them instead of just asking why they did something? 
2. Teens hate limits and structure.
While we often think teens only want or think of freedom, the reality is they thrive when there are limits and structure. Think about all the chaos in a teens life today: body changes, social challenges, romantic interests, increase in responsibilities, advanced school work, and societal pressures. A little structure reduces stress because it gives them more predictability in an increasingly unpredictable world. Knowing their limits and boundaries leaves less room for guessing, risk taking, and arguments because the consequences are clear. 

3. Teens want nothing to do with you.
Most teens are working on developing deeper social relationships outside of their family connections in order to develop stronger social skills which will help them once they move into adulthood. This does not mean they don’t want attention and connection with their parents. It does mean a little creativity on the parent’s part to meet the teen where they are developmentally and engage in a way that is authentic. Parental approval and connection are still important to teens and a common theme of therapy. 

Want to learn some new ways of getting through to your teen? Then download my FREE handout with the 5 Communication Tips and Tricks below! 

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