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Parentingteenagers can be hard at the best of times.
Theres no set manual on how to do things.
Two parentsclashedrecently when it became apparent that their parenting styles did not align.
Their daughters are friends…
The one thinks its okay to intercept her 14-year-olds phone.
Theother, not so much.
Netizens are divided over how each of them handled the situation.
Bored Panda reached out to Lisa Smith for advice on raising teenagers.
Shes a parent coach and the founder ofThe Peaceful Parent.
The parents have a need to know more, while the teens have a want to share less.
The teenage or adolescent years are a time when soon-to-be adults are pushing for autonomy and freedom.
Many test the boundaries as they explore and seek out their independence.
Teenagers might become more secretive because they may fear judgment or punishment from parents.
What feels like overstepping with a 16-year-old might be necessary containment for a vulnerable 12-year-old.
The experts over at mypostiveparenting.org say that open communication and trust are key to maintaining a healthy parent-teen relationship.
Encourage regular conversations about their day, interests, and concerns,readsthe site.
Be an active listener to what they have to say without jumping to conclusions or passing judgement.
Avoid interrogating or constantly questioning them about their activities, as this can cause resentment, warns the site.
We asked her whether parents should have full access to their teenagers phones or devices.
Instead of full access, I advocate for full connection, added Smith.
We wanted to know Smiths thoughts on the mom intercepting her daughters texts and replying to friends.
Teens want to manage their own social lives.
Experts are divided over whether its okay to go through your teenagers phone.
While some say its a big no-no, others feel its not only fine but absolutely necessary.
When it comes to the teen calling her friends mom a weirdo, Smith says she isnt too surprised.
Its a call for more respectful distance, not necessarily disrespect.
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