#1: Why Trying to Control Your Teen Will Backfire

The scariest thing we will ever do, is to be a mom. 

As our kids get older, the fear seems to intensify. We’re afraid of doing everything wrong, messing them up, making them hate us, being too strict, being too lenient. And as they move into adolescence, our fear can truly steer us wrong. 

When they start making more serious mistakes, we begin pushing for more control, demanding obedience, using restrictions and “consequences” or punishments. Unfortunately, more often than not, our attempt to make sure they don’t make more (or worse) mistakes, is counterproductive and leads to rebellion and a breakdown of the parent-child relationship. 

In this first ever episode of Speaking of Teens, I’ll explain how and why we let fear and control take over, and what we can do to prevent it. 

Show Notes and Transcript
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Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com

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