When it comes to teenage behavior, what’s normal?

Moms and dads tell me all the time that they don’t know if something is a passing fad, something every teen does, or if it’s destructively abnormal. Let me offer some perspective.

These behaviors are pretty run-of-the-mill for teens:

Not wanting to do chores. Procrastinating homework and other requirements. Maintaining a ransacked room. Not liking who they are, or who you are. Wanting things but not wanting to work for them. Indulging in occasional outbursts of anger. Wanting to be different, while also trying to conform.

Am I describing your child? Maybe he’s just a normal kid, trying to figure out how to grow up! The good news is, someday he will! So don’t over-react. Figure out what’s normal and what deserves extra attention.

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