Connection vs. Control: Finding the Right Balance in Your Parenting Approach

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
Carl Jung

“And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!” And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart, and say, “No. This is what’s important.”
Iain Thomas

In today's episode, we talk about the important roles that connection and control play in our relationship with our teens. With control seeming to be our default as parents, it’s important that we stop and ask ourselves what it might be costing us. Listen along as we dive into the SUPERPOWER most of us aren’t utilizing in our parenting game and how to begin activating it.

Learn more about....

• A recent poll I took asking parents with adult children what they would do differently.
• The three layers of behavior change.
• Who you'd like to become in this season.
• The difference between control and connection.
• How to shift the things you are focusing on.

Remember, you’re child is no longer the project; you are.

Practice this for the next two weeks, and let me know how it’s going:

• Spend a few days challenging yourself to focus on the positive (however small it may be) vs. the negative. The negative things shout and demand our attention, so they are easy to spot. Be a studier of the positive. Look for them and take the time to be grateful for them. Trust me; they are there.
• Spend a few days focusing on working together to solve a problem with your teen vs. confrontation and control, which only leads to defiance.
• Spend a few days documenting the 1% improvements you made during the day.

Links from the show:

• Episode 37: React Less, Respond More: Parenting Tips for Mindful Communication
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• "I want to handle this well" Phone Wallpaper

___________________________________________________________________________

About Through The Hard:
"Through The Hard" is proudly presented by Pathways to Hope Network—an empathetic non-profit organization committed to providing free support and nurturing a sense of community for parents navigating the challenges of teens in crisis.

Explore Additional Support:

• Delve into our website: Pathways to Hope Network (Subscribe for weekly encouragement)
• Access local and national resources: Pathways Resources
• Read insightful articles on our blog: Pathways Blog
• Find answers to common queries: Pathways FAQ

Connect with Us:

• Join our community on Facebook: Pathways to Hope Network Facebook
• Stay connected on Instagram: Pathways to Hope Network Instagram
• For personalized support, reach out via email: [email protected]