One of the biggest challenges for parents of teenagers is figuring out what’s normal and what’s not. Deciding what’s normal can be even more difficult when your teen has had a brain injury.
In general, teens need and crave time with their friends and time alone to daydream and think. They need to be able to express themselves and find ways to set themselves apart from you. They need to feel trusted and respected and to begin to experience more independence.
This doesn’t mean that they don’t need you. Teens still need parents, guidance, and direction. It simply means that they are becoming adults and they need freedom and help as they move in that direction.