However, many parents are afraid of letting their teenagers make their own decisions. Some parents don't feel that their teenagers know what's best for themselves. Some parents are afraid that their teenagers will choose something that is wrong or bad or that they disapprove of. Some parents don't trust their teenagers. Some parents want their teenagers to do what they wished they would have done when they were young.
Some parents have no confidence in their teenagers.
Some parents feel so out of control in their own lives, that they seek some semblance of control by controlling their children's lives. On the other side of the fence are teenagers who shriek in fear or discomfort when confronted with making a decision, because they have not been taught how to take responsibility for their own lives. If someone else makes the decision and it doesn't work out, then they can shift the blame to the person who made the decision instead of blaming themselves Not having the courage to take responsibility for their choices If we don't teach teenagers how to make their own decisions and how to deal with the consequences of those decisions, then we do them a great disservice, because sooner or later they will leave the nest and be on their own. Teenagers' ability to make good decisions is a key factor in growing up to be successful, healthy adults. If they have not gained confidence from making their own decisions, then life will be full of circumstances for which they are not adequately prepared to handle.