Living and Thriving in the Parent-Teen Relationship

You've spent the first twelve years of your child's life guiding, disciplining, and playing, only to transition into the teenage years where you feel like none of this mattered. It does matter! The teenage years can be a struggle for most parents because trying to connect with your teenager as a parent can feel hopeless at times. Trying to understand your teen's logic, choices, and actions is more than a full–time job; it is a commitment to chaos and hoping you come out alive when it is all over.This book is meant to provide helpful information, tips, and guidance so that you don't dread the teen years. We believe that you can live and thrive in your relationship together and see your teen become the adult they are meant to be.We focus on some key aspects of a relationship, our THRIVE model, to give you tools to enhance the time you have with your teen.* Trust––Building trust means being honest with yourself and your teen. It's being consistent in your reactions and clear with your expectations. It means following through every time.* Heal––To heal your family, you must understand the whole system. It is understanding your struggle, separate and in conjunction, with your teen. It is finding the humility to be weak and imperfect and then accepting the imperfectness of it all. It is being courageous enough to implement change.* Respect––To have respect, it must be mutual. Loving your teen for who they are, speaking honestly, and using a kind tone model the kind of respect you would want from them. Respect can also be defined as respecting yourself and who you are as a parent––knowing your strengths and understanding when you need to ask for help.* Invite––This is the core of collaboration. Inviting your teen to participate with you.* Validate––Validating that everyone has their own set of emotions that have value is very impactful for the family system. Honoring those feelings and listening to each other will build relationships and create healthy adults.* Enjoy––Have fun! Enjoy your family. Enjoy your teen.

-- Angele Suarez & Stephanie Iles