How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Teens: Calm & Effective Parenting Strategies

Is setting boundaries with your teen, especially around technology and social life, feeling like an endless battle? What if there was a way to establish clear expectations for screen time, curfews, and other hot-button issues without the yelling and power struggles?

In this episode, Dr. Cam Caswell is joined by Tia Slightham, a teacher, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and, most importantly, a mom, who truly understands the challenges parents face. Tia shares proven strategies from her "Parenting With Purpose Method" to help parents achieve peaceful communication and cooperation with their teenagers. Together, they dive into setting clear expectations and boundaries in ways that promote mutual respect—no drama required. If you’re looking to strengthen your connection with your teen while navigating tough issues, this episode is for you!

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• How to establish clear expectations for your teen without causing power struggles
• Why understanding the root causes of behavior is essential for effective parenting
• Practical tips for setting boundaries that promote cooperation, not conflict
• The Behavior Needs Roadmap: A solution-focused approach to meeting your teen’s needs and teaching life skills

 

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. Parenting is a skill set that can be learned and developed over time—it's never too late to improve your relationship with your teen.
2. Understanding the root causes of your teen’s behavior helps you address the issue, rather than just punishing the symptoms.
3. Setting boundaries with your teen in advance and involving them in the process leads to mutual respect and cooperation.
4. Teens crave authentic connection and trust with their parents. Show a genuine interest in their lives, and you’ll strengthen your bond.
5. Prevent power struggles by creating a respectful relationship where boundaries are clear and communication is consistent.

 

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• FREE Guide: Connect in Just 10 Minutes a Day
• FREE Guide: How to Stop Yelling

 

EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Parenting as a Skill Set 03:15 - Understanding the Root Causes of Behavior 07:39 - Setting Boundaries with Mutual Respect 10:46 - The Behavior Needs Roadmap 14:21 - Navigating Challenges: Phone Usage 27:20 - Engaging with Teens in Their Interests 31:37 - Building Trust and Connection through Small Conversations 34:07 - Preventing Power Struggles through Trust and Boundaries 37:40 - It’s Never Too Late to Make Change

 

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: TIA SLIGHTHAM

• Website: www.tiaslightham.com
• Instagram: @tiaparentingcoach
• TikTok: @parentingcoach
• YouTube: Tia Slightham - Parenting Solutions

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

 

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Dr. Cam  

Hey parents, is setting and keeping boundaries with your teen a constant battle, especially around technology and social life? You're not alone. But what if there was a way to establish clear expectations for screen time, curfews, and other hot button issues without the yelling and power struggles? That's what we're talking about in today's episode. I'm joined by a leading parenting expert, Tia Slightham. Tia, a teacher, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and most importantly, a mom, understands the challenges parents face.

She's going to share some proven strategies from our parenting with purpose method to help you achieve peaceful communication and cooperation from your teenager. Tia, welcome to the show.

 

Tia Slightham (00:41.153)

Thanks for having me, yeah, mom of teens, so I definitely get it.

 

Dr. Cam (00:44.022)

Woohoo! Yes, me too. So we live this every