Parenting Teenagers Part 1: Building Trust, Setting Boundaries, and Staying Connected | Positive Parenting 101

So

yeah, I love this age and I'll be honest, I'm one of the people that loves children this age because I teach art.

I get to work with them through those years when they are just still wide open to possibility.

They haven't already decided they can't do something.

they're still open that you can teach them and train them and they can learn.

So it's very, very good for this age to learn arts.

So that's why I'm very fond of this age group.

Definitely, yes.

People, this stage is truly remarkable that we need to deepen and tighten our attention to them.

The pre-10 and teenage years are marked by rapid emotional, social, and neurological development.

Young people often experience intense emotions because the areas of the brain responsible for judgment or self-control are still nurturing.

What may seem like defiance is often part of learning independence and decision-making.

Parents who understand these developmental states respond with patience rather than frustration.

Recognizing the science behind the adolescent's behavior allows families to replace conflict with compassion and guidance.

That's so good, Daniel.

You know, because it is change for the parents too, because you've had these nice cuddly little ones and now they seem more remote.

They don't seem to need you as much as they did before.

And that independence can feel threatening as a parent.

You're like, what, do they don't love me anymore? Or your sons are like, oh, don't kiss me in front of anybody, mom.

Whereas before they were happy for hugs and kisses.

And that can feel disconcerting to a parent.

It's just that they

need

to embrace their new sense of independence and honor their boundaries.

Because it's not any reflection or rejection of their parents.