Is rebellion causing a rift in your relationships? You’re not alone. While the “rebellion stage” is often expected in teenagers, resistance can arise in anyone—young children, adults, even ourselves. To restore harmony, understanding the root causes of retaliation, rebellion, and resistance is essential.
During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s hub for judgment, emotional regulation, and decision-making—remains under development until the mid-20s. This affects a teen’s ability to process emotions and interpret social cues accurately, often mistaking neutral expressions for anger. Combined with fluctuating hormones, it’s no wonder teens sometimes slam doors or roll their eyes. But rebellion isn’t exclusive to teenagers; adults, too, can slip into reactive patterns when their emotions are triggered.
The Three R’s
Dr. Louise Porter, co-creator of the Guidance Approach to Parenting, notes that 75% of disruptive behaviors stem from the misuse of power, triggering what Dr. Thomas Gordon termed the Three R’s: Retaliation, Rebellion, and Resistance. These dynamics hold the key to navigating conflict and fostering mutual respect in any relationship.
These behaviors often stem from unmet needs for autonomy and acknowledgment. Regardless of age, everyone wants their perspective valued.
7 Practical Tips to Manage Teenage Rebellion (or rebellion in anyone)
The Conscious Parenting Revolution emphasizes the Guidance Approach to Parenting, which focuses on fostering connection, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving to address the Three R’s effectively. Here’s how to handle rebellion in a meaningful and lasting way:
Supporting Teens with Conscious Parenting
Navigating rebellion requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to understand the underlying causes of behavior. By incorporating these strategies, parents can foster healthier and more cooperative relationships with their teens. To explore these concepts further, check out Katherine’s TEDx talk, “The Rebellion is Here: We Created It and We Can Solve It”—a valuable resource for parents aiming to thrive during this pivotal stage.
Start your journey to stronger communication and connection today.
Love and Blessings,
Katherine Winter-Sellery
back to top
© 2003 - 2023 KATHERINE WINTER SELLERY | PRIVACY POLICY | PAYMENT TERMS | TERMS OF SERVICE
JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
@Conscious Parenting
Home
About
Speaking
YouTube
Resources
Contact
A 3xTEDx speaker, media contributor, parenting coach, and a mom of two - helping families thrive by using the Guidance Approach to Parenting.
CONTACT NOW