Have you ever noticed that teens who are irresponsible and unmotivated often have parents who are just the opposite?

Hardworking moms and dads often have a tendency to be over- responsible for their children’s lives. Rather than letting their kids take care of their own problems, mom and dad immediately volunteer to step in and help.

But there’s one thing these parents don’t realize. The more that mom and dad do for their child, the less their child has to do for himself!

So has your teen figured out that he can be immature and irresponsible as long as mom and dad are there to rescue him? It’s time to let go, step back, and give him the space he needs to foster independence.

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.