Navigating the Choppy Waters of Teen Parenting

This post is made possible with support from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All opinions are my own.

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Every stage of parenting has its challenges. While we’re past the age of potty training and learning to ride a bike, the teenage years provide so many new ways to guide and parent your kids, and to aid them in their transition to adulthood. The Center for Parent and Teen Communication is an incredible resource available to help you in this journey and to make you feel more prepared for the ups and downs of the unique challenges of teen parenting. CPTC uses science-based strategies to support healthy family relationships. The center is there to equip you with the tools you need to be a better parent to your teens. Get their daily 100-word parenting tip delivered directly to your inbox when you sign up for their free newsletter.

Be a Light in the Darkness

Parenting styles are often compared to various methods of transportation; helicopter, lawnmower, snowplow… but the one that resonates most with us is exactly the opposite: Lighthouse Parenting. It’s our job to be a stable, unwavering light in the darkness, to be there as a guide, but also not to get in the way. This has always been our guide in raising Max; we make decisions based on him turning out as a good adult and a good human, letting him make mistakes and learn along the way. He can always find us, no matter where he may go. That’s the gist of Lighthouse Parenting.

1 Minute Wisdom

Be sure to check out all of the animations on the CPTC website; it’s a worthwhile investment of time into your relationship with your teen.