One of the most common reasons that parent/child relationships spiral into disrepair is the conflicts that arise in adolescence.
Adolescence is nerve wracking for parents, but that doesn't mean we cannot continue to use connection to support our kids as they enter this stage of development.
The key to this is truly taking the time to understand what is happening for them and positioning ourselves as a collaborative guide instead of as a control focused dictator who is slowly losing their influence.
The more you are able to give space to curiously understanding what your teen is feeling and how they are thinking, the more likely they are to trust you and be receptive to any guidance you feel they are missing in their decision making process.
Not saying this is easy. It takes a ton of intentional calming and serenity, but it's the best path by far when your adolescent is starting to take the baton and running on and off the course of wise choices 😘😘
As parents, we want to protect our children from harm, but threats of violence may not be the best way to do so. Instead, we can be a refuge and a barrier for our children, offering comfort and support in times of need.
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This video offers guidance on how parents can help their kids learn about conflict resolution through setting boundaries and offering compassion towards both parties, emphasizing the importance of safety and boundaries, effective communication, and moving to repair in conflict situations.
Model for them your own consent process, and help them deeply understand the nuance of desire
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