Tag Page FamilyChallenges

#FamilyChallenges
Tonya Brown

When Your Adult Child Feels Stuck at 13: Is This Just Growing Up Today?

My oldest daughter just turned 18. From the outside, she seems to have it all—she’s stunning, trilingual, an incredible pianist, and a strong chess player. But inside our home, it’s a different story.She’s failing her classes, lashes out at her younger siblings (16, 13, and 11), and swings between emotional shutdowns and explosions. She believes everyone around her is beneath her yet struggles with the simplest tasks herself. Every day feels like walking on eggshells, and honestly, it’s exhausting.She feels like the world is against her—us, her teachers, everyone—and while we try to be patient, it’s hard not to wonder: is this just normal teenage growing pains, or is something deeper going on?Has anyone else navigated a season like this with an older teen? How did you keep your sanity and help them find their footing again? I’m all ears. #ParentingTeens #FamilyChallenges #MentalHealthAwareness #GrowingPains #ParentingSupport #Parenting

When Your Adult Child Feels Stuck at 13: Is This Just Growing Up Today?
barbara50

Refusing to let my toddler be alone at in-laws canal-side house. Opinions wanted.

Lately, I've had to stand firm on something close to my heart—my daughter’s safety.My in-laws just moved into a house where the backyard runs straight into a canal. No fence, no barrier, just open water. At first, my mother-in-law agreed to put up a small fence, but my father-in-law brushed it off, insisting they'd just "keep an eye" on our daughter.While I respect that it’s their home, I also know I can’t take chances. Our little girl is fast, curious, and fearless around water. Plus, both of my in-laws have health challenges that could slow their reaction time.I’ve drawn a firm boundary: our daughter can’t be there without me or my husband until there’s a secure barrier. My husband wants his mom to babysit alone next week, but I said no. I’m trusting my gut—this is one risk I’m not willing to take.Have you ever had to set a hard boundary with family for your child’s safety? How did you handle it? #ParentingBoundaries #ToddlerSafety #TrustYourGut #FamilyChallenges #ProtectOurKids. #Parenting

Refusing to let my toddler be alone at in-laws canal-side house. Opinions wanted.