Twelve Talks to
Have With Teens

Boundaries

Setting and adjusting boundaries is an ongoing process throughout life. Boundaries and expectations create clarity as teens navigate adolescence.
Teens with clear boundaries are happier and safer. A Jefferson County survey indicated that when parents involved teens in important decisions, know where they are and who they are with when they are not home, and have clear rules and expectations, their teens were also:
- Less likely to have experienced depression or engaged in self-harm (cutting, burning)
- Much less likely to misuse alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs
- Much less likely to be the victim of sexual or relationship violence
- More likely to do better in school
Families may need to discuss boundaries fairly often during the teenage years as people and relationships evolve and change.Boundary testing is normal during teen years.