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Isn't research cool? This neuroscience study really validates what so many teen parents are feeling....a shift away from their child's interest in the parent relationship and towards peers.
This doesn't mean they have stopped needing you, or relying on you (especially in those big overwhelming moments), but that they are developing a new set of experiences necessary for their eventual launch.
Hang in there. Even if it's a brain based shift, it isn't easy!
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/mom-voice-kid-brain-teen-neuroscience
Learn how to navigate the difficult terrain of adolescence by positioning yourself as a collaborative guide, rather than a control-focused dictator, and taking the time to truly understand what is happening for your teen in this video.
Engage with your teen by giving them airtime and genuine curiosity to share their perspectives, allowing them to feel heard and seen, which will make them respect you more and see you as an ally in their maturing process.
In this video, you'll learn that having a secure attachment style means showing love and affection freely, seeking emotional support from attachment figures, and feeling soothed by empathetic responses.