When disrespect in your teen rears its ugly head, it’s time to make sure everyone understands the rules for fighting fair.

Disagreements are a natural and important part of healthy relationships. But teens need to learn how to argue with respect. So if you’ve got a disrespectful teenager at home, here’s the kind of message you can deliver:

“We love you, and that will never change. But we won’t allow you to talk to us that way anymore. We understand your need to argue your opinion, but there’s a better way to do it. So from now on, disrespectful words or actions will not be tolerated. And we’ll throw in some extra consequences to boot.”

Make sure your teen clearly understands that you’re willing to listen, but you’re not a punching bag.

Some day, he will thank you.

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