Why Strict Parenting Doesn’t Work—And What to Do Instead
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Parenting tweens and teens can feel like navigating a minefield. Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, their natural drive for independence kicks in. Suddenly, they’re pushing back against your rules, questioning your values, and asserting themselves in ways that can feel frustrating or even defiant. If you’ve looked for advice on how to handle this stage, you’ve probably come across the same old recommendations: "As a parent, you need to control your child’s behavior." "Ground them when they step out of line." "Take their phone away so they know who’s boss." "Remove their bedroom door so they can’t hide anything from you." "Strip their room down to just a bed—then they’ll learn." These methods rely on control, punishment, and dominance. The goal? To make kids obey. But here’s the truth: Children don’t learn respect through punishment. They learn fear, resentment, and how to go behind your back to get what they want. Inst...