While most teenagers struggle through this experimental time, parents can prepare to help with glitches along the way. Here are seven suggestions for ways to help:
- instill feelings of strength and self-advocacy;
- focus on positive behaviors;
- help teens anticipate potentially challenging situations;
- teach resilience;
- avoid the cycle of punishment and diminishment – a tough one to break;
- choose your “battles” (make safety a first priority);
- model negotiations where everyone wins.
