Spoiler alert! Your teen craves boundaries!

Some parents cringe at the thought of doling out consequences, fearing it may harm a relationship with their teen. But I’ve found that young people actually want rules!

For kids, the world makes more sense when they know what’s accepted and what’s not. They feel safer when they know where the boundaries are. And they find comfort in the consistency of parents who stick to their game plan.

So the next time your teen steps out of line, no waffling on the consequences! Follow through, and show him that you mean what you say.

Your teen won’t thank you now. But later, he’ll be grateful. My guess is that your son will build the same fences for his kids. And your grandkids will crave the boundaries, too!

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple or Android. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.