Now I’m definitely no fortuneteller, but I can always predict when pain will appear in the life of parents.

After several decades of working with parents and teens, imminent pain has become an easy thing for me to spot. It happens anytime a mom or dad confronts foolish thinking or disagrees with their child’s opinion. Or when parents need to reestablish their authority, expose wrong motives, or limit and restrict their teens. But while these things may be painful, they’re absolutely necessary to help teens grow and mature.

Mom, Dad, do you avoid discipline because you know it’ll be painful? Don’t let that keep you from doing your job! The discomfort will pass soon enough. And someday, your efforts will be deeply rewarded.

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