Leadership Principles: Avoid Adversarial Dynamics

Conflict with your kids is inevitable. Turning that conflict into a battle isn’t. Duncan discusses why adversarial dynamics can undermine a parent’s authority over time, why teenagers are especially prone to pushing back, and how parents can hold limits without getting pulled into unnecessary fights. The goal isn’t to avoid disagreement or keep your child happy—it’s to preserve a relationship in which, as much as possible, you’re still on the same team.