How do parents balance their wish to know about their kids’ lives with their teens’ right to privacy? Dr. Lisa and Reena talk through the tension of respecting teens’ autonomy while staying informed as parents, particularly in the context of teenagers keeping personal journals. A letter from a thoughtful mother of four teenagers raises important questions about navigating boundaries and fostering open communication. Dr. Lisa explores the ethical implications of secretly reading a teen’s journal and highlights the importance of also preserving trust.. She provides insights into why teenagers may close themselves off from their parents and offers alternative strategies for maintaining connection and support. Reena asks what the research says about the costs and benefits of snooping in order to learn more about our kids.
May 21, 2024 | 26 min