Control will never work with teenagers.

"She chats with her friends during class."... A worried parent tells me at a consultation

"I want to take away her phone... But I am not sure I should." 

No. You should not. I reply. 

Control will never work with teenagers. 

If you take away the phone... She will find another way to communicate. 

Because communicating with friends is a teenager's oxygen. 

Talk to your child and help her find a way to chat while completing what she needs to do in school. 

Yes... You are worried about grades. 

Believe me.... So is your child. 

But can she pursue grades at the cost of her friendships? 

No she can't. 

The teens are about getting the balancing act right. 

Before every action...ask yourself....Am I helping or hampering that?

-- Photo by Sven on Unsplash