Parenting Teens Part 2: Lovingly Unapologetic

Cindy and Scott - along with special guests Chelsea and Matt - discuss the joys and challenges of traveling with friends. 

Cindy and Scott discuss key practices to finding joy and meaning during more trying stages of life. Cutting out unnecessary stressors and being intentional about including joy-building activities can help life return to a better balance.

Scott and Cindy discuss the potential relationship pitfall of taking your family's side over your spouse's. It's important to establish firm boundaries early on so the relationship is secure and all involved parties can get on the same page.

Cindy and Scott discuss some of the challenges presented by trying to give teenage kids what they need while also protecting the marriage relationship and individual needs. Boundaries are essential.

Cindy and Scott discuss ways to recognize and resolve hidden resentment before it turns into a blowup. Spoiler alert: open communication helps.

Cindy and Scott discuss the difference between fairness and equality, with specific reference to how we treat our kids. As always, communication is key to make sure our kids understand we have their best interests at heart.

Cindy and Scott discuss the importance of implementing consequences that are based on love and teaching our kids helpful lessons. Arbitrary consequences based on frustration are seldom, if ever, helpful.

We don't always share the same passions as the people we love. Instead of assuming their goals and projects are unimportant or frivolous, we can create an open dialogue to foster understanding. 

Cindy and Scott discuss life situations that force us to give up or rise to the occasion. Several factors should be considered to make sure we aren't giving up for the wrong reasons. 

Scott and Cindy discuss concerns about their kids' occasional failure to show proper respect, for authority figures as well as for sacred times or spaces. Possible solutions include modeling proper behavior and utilizing strategic compromise.