When you are a teenager, the problems you experience seem like the end of the world. No one understands you, and everything feels like mountains from mole hills. However, when you become the parent of a teenager, you keep the understanding that teens, especially teen girls, are going through a mess of hormones that make them feel isolated. And, while communication is a great thing, you should give your teen girl some space to grow and learn from her feelings.

Encourage Her Right to Privacy with an Open-Door Policy

The open-door policy is one that many successful businesses use, but it works well for at-home, parental situations too. It simply means that your kiddo can talk to you about anything at any time with no fear of judgments. It means that you are there to listen, be attentive, and respond with advice, compassion, love, and care. It means that your teenager can come to you when she wants to talk, instead of your invading her privacy and begging her to communicate.

Understand that the Need for Privacy is Not an Indicator of Bad Behavior

As a parent, you might feel like rushing in and coddling your teenager until she bends and reconnects with you the way she did when she was a toddler. However, teen girls need privacy. But that’s not an indicator of bad or suspicious behavior. With their changing moods, emotions, and bodies, sometimes teens simply need some alone time to process their feelings and thoughts.

Maintain an Open, Communicative, Engaging Relationship

It’s important to maintain an open line of engaged communication between yourself and your kids, regardless of their age. You can do this by paying attention to what they say, making an effort to spend time with them doing things that they love, and giving them space when they want some alone time to do their own stuff. For those things she’d prefer to keep private, snag her a few faux leather journals and encourage her to write out her feelings on a regular basis.

Of course, teenagers, like any other age of child, still need structure and boundaries, so establish a connection of expectations and trust early on. Set curfews, make consequences clear and concise, and encourage your teen to talk whenever she feels the need. The best thing you can do for your teen is to be there for her while respecting her right to privacy. And yes, she does have a RIGHT to privacy if she’s not abusing or being disruptive with that right.