Respect and teenagers

When your teenager breaks a rule or disobeys, what's your first instinct? If you're like most parents, it's probably frustration, anger, or feeling disrespected. But what if that initial reaction is actually making things worse?

In this episode, we explore how the thoughts we have about our teenager's behavior directly impact the quality of our relationship with them. When we approach rule-breaking from a place of "they're being disrespectful," we create a cycle that often leads to more anger, more pushback, and deeper disconnection.

But there's another way.

Discover how shifting from judgment to curiosity can completely transform your interactions with your teen. Instead of assuming disrespect, what happens when we get genuinely curious about what they're thinking? What's really going on behind the behavior that looks like defiance?

We'll walk through practical ways to:

• Recognize when you're approaching from anger versus curiosity
• Ask questions that actually open up conversation instead of shutting it down
• Create space for your teenager to share what's really happening in their world
• Build trust and connection even in moments of discipline

This isn't about being a permissive parent or letting rules slide. It's about approaching your teenager as a whole person with their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives - even when they've made a mistake.

If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of conflict with your teen, or if you want to build a stronger foundation for your relationship during these crucial years, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could change everything.

Perfect for parents who want to move beyond power struggles and create genuine connection with their teenagers, even in the hard moments.