It doesn’t have to be that way.

At the dinner table last night, my adult children shared how many of their friends were spanked, smacked in the head, or verbally threatened.

This is not surprising given the fact that many of us were raised in authoritative homes with punitive consequences. 

But this is what I know to be true:

Exerting your power over your children gives you the exact opposite result of what you really want.

When my son wasn’t behaving the way I wanted, I tried to control his choices by eliminating his access to money. I took away the keys to the car. I grounded him. I verbally threatened him. 

I thought this would keep him home and safe.

Instead, I lived in fear for an entire summer. I didn’t know where he was. I didn’t know if he had food to eat. I didn’t know if he was okay.

My punitive consequences pushed him away at the exact time he needed me the most.

I’ve spent the last 6 years repairing the damage I did.

And I don’t want that for you.

When your teen is not behaving the way you want, it’s time to get curious and explore what’s going on with compassion.

This isn’t easy.

You must calm your own fears first.

If you want to keep your teen safe and help them to be the best version of themselves, it starts with connection.

Let’s show our kids that we can effectively parent without force.

Let’s break this cycle for future generations.

Let’s teach our kids that there is a better way.

Let’s create a legacy of firm parenting with kindness.

Your coach,
Jeanine 

P.S. This parenting journey isn’t easy. Join me and I will guide you how to show up with strength and compassion for your teen so you can have the relationship you want. Book a complimentary call HERE.

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