Set Rules That Teens Follow

Teens want rules. They want boundaries because it gives them something to push against, and those boundaries help them feel safe so they can explore and try new things. If your teen is fighting you on the rules, it may be how they’re presented. Are your rules about controlling your teen or keeping them safe? Do the rules bleed into unnecessary spaces, such as dictating self-expression or friendships? A good rule for making rules is to keep them to issues of safety, values, or social conventions. For everything else, see if it’s a place you can give them independence.

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