Got a 14yo who's testing boundaries constantly. I know I need to be firm but fair. Some days I wonder if I'm coming down too hard and other days I feel like I'm too soft. What's worked for yall in the tough teen years? How did your old man handle it with you?
The testing boundaries thing is developmentally normal even though it's exhausting. He needs to know there are limits but also that you're not going to freak out.
14 is the absolute worst age for this. He's not a kid anymore but he's also got no common sense yet. Stay firm but remember he's basically an idiot right now through no fault of his own.
How much actual one-on-one time are you getting with him outside of discipline situations? That stuff matters more than you might think.
Don't wonder about respect, earn it through consistency. Same rules every time, same consequences every time. No exceptions when you're tired.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Some days you wonder if you're doing it right, that's literally how you know you're doing okay. The guys who don't question themselves are the ones screwing it up.