Rules Are Not Restrictions

There are only two reasons to create a rule for your teen: (1) to keep them safe or (2) prepare them for existing rules in the world. In other words, rules, when done well, shouldn’t stifle creativity or innovative thinking. They shouldn’t diminish happiness. Most of all, they shouldn’t eliminate the possibility for new experiences. They should reinforce how much you care about your teen’s safety while creating room for healthy risk-taking within reasonable borders. If you use that as your guide, you’ll set rules that your teen will follow because they’ll understand how they’ll benefit from them.

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