The article discusses the complexities of parenting teens, illustrating a shift in perspective for the author, a clinical psychologist. Initially overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting, the author gained insight through her practice by engaging with teenage clients. This experience revealed common struggles among adolescents, including peer acceptance, self-expectation, and familial pressures, mirroring her children's experiences. The narrative emphasizes that seeing the vulnerabilities of teens can foster better understanding and connection between parents and their children, counteracting the stereotype of adolescence being solely rebellious and challenging.
Working with young people in my psychology practice gave me a window into their more vulnerable side, changing how I approach my teens.
When you're a mental health professional, others believe that parenting must be a breeze for you. It wasn't until I began seeing more teen patients that I understood my kids more.
Many of the themes overlapped: the struggle to fit in, the constant striving for greatness, and the wish not to disappoint their families.
As my clients described their tough moments with their parents, I would often, to my horror and great sadness, recognize aspects of myself.
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