When you’re desperate for support, it’s tempting to turn to extended family. But sometimes their “help” just makes things harder.

It’s a common and painful dynamic for many struggling parents: your teen is having a hard time, and suddenly the grandparents or extended family start weighing in with passive-aggressive comments, outdated advice, or judgmental questions. You’re already doing everything you can to support your struggling teen, and now it feels like you have to defend yourself, too.

In this episode, Seth and I talk about how to set boundaries with grandparents and extended family members when their “support” actually undermines your parenting. We explore the emotional toll it takes when you start parenting from someone else’s perspective, how that impacts your teen or young adult kid, and how to reclaim your authority and clarity in the midst of confusing family dynamics.

We also talk about where to turn instead, how to identify the right kind of support, and what resourcing can look like when emotions are high and you feel alone.

If you’re a struggling parent trying to support your teen while navigating family pressure and judgment, we recorded this episode for you.

In this episode on setting boundaries with extended family, we discuss:

• Why parenting a struggling kid often brings out unsolicited advice from extended family;
• The generational gap in emotional support and what validation really looks like;
• How grandparents may form an opinion without understanding the full picture;
• The impact on your teen when you start parenting based on others' opinions;
• How to recognize your emotional needs and release shame and guilt;
• Three types of resourcing when you’re feeling overwhelmed;
• How to protect your teen’s story, and decide who’s safe to share it with;
• Practical ways to hold boundaries with grandparents and other family members;
• And more!

Looking for support?

🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan!

🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens.

Have a question or need support? You can email me at [email protected]

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And remember parents, the change begins with us.