Parenting Teenagers: Why I Don't Make Rules

Every now and then, I stumble across a blog post containing a long list of rules for keeping teenagers safe from the dangers of the world.

Teenagers may not be happy to abide by some of these rules, but does that matter? Parents might say:

“We have to lay down the rules even if our children protest. Parenting isn’t about being popular.”

“Sometimes we have to be tough because we love.”

“It’s not easy, but we can’t side-step our parenting duty.”

“We have to be parents to our teenagers, not friends.”

“Rules might lead to some battles, but that’s to be expected. It’s part of keeping our kids safe.”

“It’s just what we have to do.”

Parents who make rules are seen to be responsible. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep their kids safe.

But do rules actually work? And if they don’t, what else can we do? Is there a better way of protecting our teenagers from danger? I think there is.

In today’s video, I talk about rules and why I don’t make them, and what I’m doing instead with my children.

If you’d like to hear my daughters’ opinions about teenagers and rules, please listen to:

Podcast 11: Teenagers, Rules, and Rebellion
Podcast 19: Keeping Teenagers Safe from the Dangers of the World.

I mentioned a blog post in my video. I have to confess I began editing it again (I’m never satisfied!) and the post got into a big mess. Perhaps I’ll rewrite the post another day. In the meantime, you might like to read some of my other posts about teenagers.

If you watch my video, thank you! And if you’d like to stop by and share your opinion, please do.