When I was a kid, I remember thinking that coaches, police officers, and preachers were admirable human beings. But today’s teens are growing up with a different view.

The younger generation is losing respect for people in power. As reports emerge about abuse and failure, kids are getting cynical about authority. And that means they’re losing respect for your totalitarian parenting styles, too!

See, rules and commands don’t work very well with kids anymore. Now, I’m not saying that parents need to be their kid’s best friend. Parents should be parents. But if we want to connect with our teens, we need to offer them a relationship not a dictatorship.

Lead your kids with strength. Not power.

Earn their trust through integrity. Not idle threats.

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.