The Stranger in Your House

Top Highlights

“Teens are risky and reactionary, not because they’re trying intentionally to push your buttons and make your life miserable, but because those high-reasoning areas of the brain are still developing and will continue to do so into their early twenties.” (source)

“You will need to become quietly observant. Really listen to what your teen says or doesn’t say. Watch the body language; remember, most communication is nonverbal.” (source)

“healthy self-love means accepting and appreciating yourself for who you are.” (source)

“God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference (so far, so good); patience for the things that take time, appreciation for all that we have, and tolerance for those with different struggles; freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the ability to feel Your love for us and our love for each other, and the strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.” (source)

“Your teenager may be physically bigger than you, may appear mature, and may feel as ready to be an adult as you are ready to hand over the reins of parenting, but you need to continue being the parent for a few years longer. There’s still a lot going on inside, and you’ve still got an important role to play in protecting and guiding your teenager into adulthood.” (source)