Parenting Your Teen: Are You Too Relaxed?

The Laissez-Faire Parent


This is not technically a parenting style, however, it is something I have seen often enough that it was worth mentioning. “Laissez-Faire Parents” are hands off with their teenagers and generally allow their teens to do whatever they wish to do. These are parents who may act like they are best friends with their teenager. This type of parenting can evolve from a parent’s need to feel well liked and loved by their teenager, out of guilt because they are always working or busy with other things, out of frustration and “giving up” or out of necessity due to emotional or substance abuse problems on the part of the parent. Teens are not able to make all their own decisions and not having guidance from parents ongoing can lead to the development of very poor decision making skills and potentially serious or dangerous consequences for these decisions.

Go to Elite Life Coaching for additional parenting resources, to sign up for our newsletter and to get information on our coaching packages and specials!

Is Your Teen Embarrassed By You?

Many parents feel hurt because their teens, who used to idolize them and want to be around them, now do everything they can to avoid being sen by their parents.  As many know, this is a normal teenage behavior and is developmental - meaning that most teenagers grow out of this upon reaching adulthood if not before. 

The following are a few helpful tips for parents who are feeling like their teenager is embarrassed of them:


1. Don’t take it personally. It is a phase that teens go through and the majority of children begin seeking the companionship of their parents again in their early to mid 20’s. Many adult children consider their parents their best friends.

2. Don’t try to explain yourself or prove yourself as “cool”. It is not worth it and remember – it is likely not about anything specific you are doing. Not trying to justify yourself will save you from further frustration.

3. Check to make sure you are not actually doing anything embarrassing to your teenager – especially in front of friends. If you find that you are (telling stories about them, babying them in front of friends, etc) you may want to think about changing what you are doing. Even though it is likely harmless, remember that teenagers are extremely sensitive and insecure and can be devastated by such situations.


Go to Elite Life Coaching for additional parenting resources, to sign up for our newsletter and to get information on our coaching packages and specials!

Drugs and Alcohol and Teens

Many parents of teenagers worry about whether they are experimenting with or abusing drugs and/or alcohol and I often get questions from parents about what signs and symptoms to look for. I have included a list below which includes many warning signs of potential substance abuse by teenagers. Please remember, if you sees these symptoms in your teen it does not automatically mean they are abusing substances, however, it is indication that something could be wrong and you should seek further evaluation either with your child’s doctor or a licensed therapist:


• Loss of interest in activities

• Withdrawl from family members / friends

• Change in group of friends

• Mood swings

• Anger outbursts or irritability

• Forgetfulness

• Truancy and/or grades dropping

• Breaking rules / increased defiance or disrespect

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Paranoia

• Increase in amount of sickness or cold-like symptoms

• Red / glossy eyes

• Changes in physical appearance (not as “neat looking”, poor hygiene)

• Sneaky behaviors




Go to Elite Life Coaching for additional parenting resources and to get information on our coaching packages and specials!