Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle: Resolve the Power Struggle and Build Trust, Responsibility, and Respect

by Neil D. Brown LCSW

When my behavior is controlled by my teen, and my teen’s behavior is controlled by me, neither of us is taking control of ourselves. We are simply reacting to—and, ironically, being controlled by—each other. When this happens, we open the door to the Control Battle.

"I'm in this photo and I don't like it."

Responsibility + Accountability = Trust Trust + Age = Privileges

These equations have been the start of some great conversations lately.