from University of Michigan
Nearly all parents in a new national poll say they are helping their teens become more independent by allowing them to make more choices. Yet, nearly two-thirds of these parents say their teens are not mature enough or don’t know enough to take on more responsibility. The University of Michigan poll suggests that sometimes it is the parents who are barriers to teen independence. Poll co-director Sarah Clark says the logic that teens are not mature enough, even if true, inhibits the teens from being more mature. She recommends parents position themselves as a backup resource to be consulted only if the teen cannot handle the matter independently. Clark suggests parents carve out more time to support their teens transition to adulthood.