The tiny house revolution, good for sustainability but what about teenagers
Is it appropriate to allow your teenagers to live on their own?
When we first heard about this living arrangement, we were taken aback. Mostly because it sounds super progressive.
But the truth is it is far from progressive in terms of parenting, but rather progressive in terms of sustainable living.
A family in Kentucky have built tiny houses on their property.
"The interesting thing about this is that the two teenage children of the family, aged 14 and 12-years-old each have their own tiny houses on the property, and they were both given a couch, a lofted bed, and a TV." (MSN)
The tiny house trend has come to light as a way for people to adapt to more sustainable lifestyles.
However, as much as the tiny house living has its pros, some have expressed their doubts about whether merging it with teenage living is appropriate.
The important question here is "how does a non-traditional living arrangement affect the children's emotional and psychological development?" (MSN)
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Experts understand that each parent has their own parenting style, but their concern stems from the fact that teenagers need supervision and guidance at this point of their growth.
"Alyson Cohen, a New York therapist who specialises in adolescents, told Insider that the human brain is still maturing up to the age of 25, especially the area that promotes self-control and sound judgement. Some research suggests that helicopter parenting, where parents are overly involved in their children's lives, may negatively impact their mental and emotional health, but so can the opposite: neglect." (MSN)
In conclusion, being a parent is difficult and you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. Seriously though, it is all about finding balance, and that takes time and dedication.
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