If you’re a busy professional parent raising a highly emotional teen, I know how challenging it can be to set boundaries without feeling totally overwhelmed. We often ask ourselves, “What’s right for their age?”—but here’s the game changer: it’s not just about their age; it’s about their stage of development!
Just because your teen turns 18 doesn’t mean they’re magically ready for all the responsibilities adulthood throws at them. Stage-appropriate boundaries are the real key—they mean meeting your teen where they are, emotionally and developmentally, and that makes all the difference.
Now here’s something to consider—why do we feel the need to set certain boundaries? Boundaries are crucial for our teens, providing safety, structure, and consistency. But sometimes, those boundaries come from our own unmet needs, like wanting to feel respected or valued. The truth is, wounds from our own past can sneak into our parenting, influencing how we set rules.
And when we set boundaries from these emotional places, we can unintentionally create resistance. That’s when our teens put up those emotional walls, and suddenly connecting with them feels impossible.
So, what if we approached boundaries with more understanding? Understanding not just their developmental stage, but our own emotional needs as well. By coming from a place of empathy and self-awareness, we can create an environment where both you and your teen feel safe, respected, and truly heard.
I hope this helps as you navigate the rollercoaster of raising an emotional teen. Just remember—you’re not alone in this journey. We’ve got resources, tools, and events to support you every step of the way, so you can make this journey a little less overwhelming and a lot more rewarding. 🌟
You’ve got this! 💪✨
