8 things to give up while parenting your son.

Parents can sometimes forget to be happy in the midst of all the craziness that comes with raising a teen son. Sometimes they just need to give up a few things in order to feel better and less stressed.  

I think parents should strongly consider the 8 ideas below which might keep them from being a happy parent.

1. Give up “It should be or shouldn’t be”.

From the things we read or what we see and hear on TV, or the experiences we have with our own parents, people can sometimes be conditioned to believe that parenthood or childhood are supposed to look and feel a certain way.

“A parent should be firm with their teen.”

“Teenage boys shouldn’t be out past 10pm.”

But if you’re too concerned about how things “should or shouldn’t be” you may actually miss enjoying moments with your son.

2. Give up control.

It’s important for parents to set boundaries, but if a teenager consistently resists a certain boundary, don’t try to control them. Ask yourself and your son, “Why?”

Think of yourself as your son’s trusted advisor, not their boss. When you interact with your son this way, they’re more likely to be receptive, which means less