This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
As a parent, there's nothing more distressing than seeing your child struggle with their emotions and behavior. For one family, the summer holidays are looming large, and they're dreading the thought of their 16-year-old daughter being at home all the time.
According to the mother, their daughter has recently finished her GCSEs and is popular at school, but at home, she's 'unbelievably rude' and 'acts like she hates' her parents. The arguments are frequent, with screaming and door slamming, leaving the parents feeling exhausted and frustrated.
The mother wonders if they've contributed to her daughter's behavior by spoiling her and giving her too much attention. She's also concerned that her daughter's threats to leave home and live alone are not just empty words.
Coleen, a renowned parenting expert, suggests that the daughter's behavior is not uncommon at this age. She explains that teenagers are going through a tough time, with pressure from exams, friendships, and self-discovery, all while dealing with hormonal changes.
Coleen advises the parents to persevere in getting their daughter to talk to them, reassuring her that they love her and want to help. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for their daughter to express her feelings and concerns without fear of judgment or rejection.
