A Quick Parenting Hack

You’re stuck in conflict with your teen because you think they are the problem.

They aren’t ready for school on time.

They don’t do their chores.

They can’t get off their device.

They aren’t studying.

They fight with their sibling, or 

they smoke, drink, or behave promiscuously.

You feel worried, irritated, or angry.

It feels like your teen is the problem.

So you tell them what to do.

But nothing changes.

And now the tension and conflict have escalated.

You’re struggling because you think your teen is the problem.

When you want real change, it’s time to approach the problem as a team.

It’s not you versus your teen.

It’s you and your teen united against the problem.

When you want the morning routine to go smoothly, share how waking up and getting ready on time can be hard.

When you want them off their tech, tell them you struggle, too.

When you want them to stop fighting with their sibling, agree that it is frustrating when someone doesn’t listen to you.

And then ask them what they want to do to fix the problem.

You might think their solution isn’t going to work.

But there are many ways to solve a problem, not just your way.

Offer to try their solution for the next few days.

See how it goes.

If it doesn’t work, talk about it, and try another solution.

The quickest way to get them to cooperate is to approach the situation with the thought:

It’s you and me against the problem.

And notice how much better you feel.

♥️ Jeanine

P.S. Feel calm and in control while you help your teen make better choices. Book a call and tell me what’s going on in your home. I will share how I can help. Because when you know better, you do better, and you feel better. 

P.P.S. Head on over to Instagram for more parenting strategies.