Is My Teen Normal
George Papageorge, MFT
Adolescence: The Second Toddlerhood
Remember that early teen behavior is very similar to a toddler’s:
- Self-centered
- Argumentative (they like the word “no”)
- Striving for autonomy and independence
- Sensory-driven
- Poor decision-making skills
Be supportive. Don't overreact to what is normal. Teens often communicate with rolling their eyeballs or saying "whatever". If it's normal, your authority as parents is not the issue. Your teens need your active participation in their lives.
