And don't let your troubled teen suck you
into justifying or defend your decision as Top Horse. "Because I say
so" is one important
way being the parent translates into everyday
living. As the parent it
is your right to end the arguing or discussion with, "Because I say
so."
Teens will embroil you into arguing and justifying your
decisions. This is another way they manipulate you to get their way.
Don't let them keep sucking you into this. You do NOT, and I want to
repeat very firmly, NOT have to justify your decisions to them. In the
end, and from the very beginning, you are the parent--YOU-- and not
your
teen, is in charge.
Nor do you have to explain yourself.
If
somehow your teen has managed to snatch the reigns of control from your
hands, isn't it time to take them back? If she too often comes
out
as Top Horse, isn't it about time we brought an end to that?
We
will get to the Solution-Focused answer to that question in the
Parental Empowerment section. The answer in large part depends on the
family dynamics, what exactly is going on, and the underlying causes.
It is often a complicated answer with each family situation requiring
unique solutions. What we are doing here is laying the foundation for
your family's solution. So continue your reading... 9. Accountability