Teen Milestone: Exerting Independence

Remember when letting your child exert their independence meant letting them pour their own glass of milk–even if most of it ended up on the floor? While it may look very different now, a parent’s role in encouraging independent moments is just as crucial for teen development. The same patience and understanding you demonstrated when your little one insisted on doing things their way is even more helpful now. A natural part of adolescence is pushing away from parents to test independence. Remember: they still need your guidance, even as they begin to stand on their own!

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