The desire for independence is not a rebellion against the parent, it is a natural and necessary stage in building a healthy sense of identity.
The parent’s role does not end here, it simply changes, from direct guidance to standing alongside, from making decisions for the teen to accompanying them as they make their own.
A healthy balance means giving the teen room to make small decisions on their own, while the parent stays present to offer support when needed, not to control the outcome.
This week, try letting your teen make one small decision entirely on their own, and respect their growing confidence in themselves.