Raise your hand if you are guilty of saying this to your child! When we were growing up, we always thought we would never say the same things our parents said to us. We want to be friendly parents, so our children can rely on us when they are in trouble. But have you ever wondered, why we fear them making mistakes in the first place? Why don’t we let them experience failure? Don’t you think this is going to push them away?
In this video, a mother of a child who is going to be 16 soon, addresses the same problems. She doesn’t feel her guidance is getting through to her son. She says, “He doesn’t buy into parents have authority over him,” she says. “How do we incorporate this when they’re — all ready to walk out the door?”
It’s a common worry among parents with older teens. We often wonder if we are doing the right thing by letting them be and not correcting their mistakes or by being too much of a Tiger parent and dictating every step of the way in their journey.
Watch the above video to hear Dr. Shefali Tsabary explain exactly why parental fear drives teens away and what parents can do to change this behaviour. She starts with a simple question as an answer to this mom’s question! Watch it here!
And remember, we mustn’t get bitter as a parent, but better this journey for them.
Go ahead and watch this video and share it with a fellow parent. Also in our newly-launched Young Adults section, we have articles that help you with tips and tricks to bond better with your teen, help them make the right choices and lots more.
To find out if you are a Helicopter or a Snow Plough parent– click here to watch our exclusive video with Dr Zirak Marker and his take on how we can stress less and be a more effective parents.
Janani S Koushik
KSP Team
Parul Gupta
Rati Ramadas Girish
Mansi Zaveri
Dr Paula Goel
