This is probably a naive/stupid interjection but I have several teenagers and find myself in hot spots as well. One thing I say to them which I think everyone should say, and works very well with my kids and the difficult children I work with is that I love them. When my son(s) gets me very angry I will break myself to say, “I love you very much but I cannot stand what you just did” or “I love you very much but that does not stop me from being very disappointed in your choice”. If I am speaking out of turn, forgive me. I just find that this kind of talk is very important in sustaining the groundwork of our relationship through the rockier and shakier times.
Menu