Fostering and nurturing relationships are key in life. It’s not the things you have but the people around you that make the difference and allow you to enjoy your possessions and experiences.Those people around you include your teens. Parents often mistakenly think that just because they are the parents, the connection with their teen is automatic. We forget that teens are human beings and that we must nurture relationships with them and develop connections like any other relationship. You can be close with your teen, but it takes patience and work. They need their space as they are developing independence, but they still need your guidance. A mom in one of my workshops told me her son said, “Leave me alone but don’t go away.” How insightful was that! Getting to know your teen is important so you know when it’s time to back off or lean in.
Best,
Dr. Liz