Don’t have the strength to parent my teenager

[Pinktreetop]

I am trying to set up some rules for my teenager daughter regarding mobile use as I feel she spending too much time on it and is not healthy.

However I find myself quite anxious, tearful, questioning my decisions all the time. Concerned I am doing the right thing. She is also going to lots of hormonal changes.

Probably menopause is not helping. I am trying to avoid HRT but perhaps I am going to need it. I am doing exercise, taking vitamins, practicing mindfulness; but are lacking mental strength and resilience.

Can you outline more about your concerns about her mobile use? Does her smartphone have a screentime app or similar to give you some oversight and control?

I use to limit it from 7am to 8:30pm but have now put a restriction of 2.5 hours a day. She still got access to TV.

Will check the screen use on my mobile; sometimes it doesn’t show.

When you say teenager, how old is she? Parenting teenagers can be really tough so don’t beat yourself up about finding it difficult. Do you have other support or is it just you

She doesn't sound like she is doing anything terrible?

'However I find myself quite anxious, tearful, questioning my decisions all the time '

Is she struggling at school? Loosing sleep? Not leaving the house to socialise? Got some hobbies? I would say as long as she has a full and happy life leave her too it. Your anxiety isn't your daughter's problem.

It is difficult but I think that you are doing the right thing. We know how addictive devices are so we have to do what's best for our kids even if they don't appreciate it.

My DS is a bit younger but is limited to 30 mins per day after dinner, basically keeping him in the loop of friend's WhatsApp messages. No internet on his phone, no phones in bedrooms. I am mindful that I need to get off my own phone in the evenings to do stuff with him. Excercise, games etc. etc. So a win, win really.

I'm sorry most teens are on their phones and you are setting up a battle restricting it. I'll get flamed but turn a blind eye. We didn't have phones back in the day, I think people need to realise times have changed and everyone is on their phones and can we stop feeling so guilty about it. It's a new world we live in