Are you worried about your kids rebelling as teenagers?
Do you ever wonder if your parenting style today is planting the seeds of future rebellion—or resilience?
In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning tackle the controversial connection between “restaurant parenting” and teenage rebellion. They share why forcing your children to “behave perfectly” in public often backfires, and how double standards in parenting create resentment and distance that can last for decades.
Instead, they reveal a better way: building congruence, fostering autonomy, and meeting your child’s deepest needs for love, certainty, identity, and adventure. When you allow children to “act their age,” explain the why behind rules, and respect their growing independence, you prevent destructive rebellion and instead raise courageous, confident adults.
This powerful conversation explores:
Why unmet needs lead to rebellion (and how to meet them early)
The difference between healthy vs. unhealthy rebellion
How giving your kids autonomy strengthens respect and influence
Why congruence between public and private parenting matters most
How to prevent resentment from turning into long-term rebellion
The secret to keeping influence with your kids as they grow into teens and adults
If you want to raise teens who respect you, trust you, and stay connected—without power struggles, yelling, or forced obedience— this episode will shift the way you see rebellion forever.
📌 Key Takeaways
✅ Teenage rebellion often begins with unmet needs for love, acceptance, and autonomy.
✅ Consistency and congruence between public and private parenting builds trust.
✅ Healthy rebellion (risk-taking, questioning rules) prepares kids for adulthood.
✅ Influence with your teens is earned by respect—not forced obedience.
✅ Parenting long-term means thinking about the adults you want to raise, not just the behavior you want today.
🎙 Memorable Quotes
🗣 “If you ever try to make it a power struggle, even if you win—you lose.”
🗣 “The time to think about teenage rebellion is when your baby is born.”
🗣 “Resentment always comes from a need that’s not being met.”
🗣 “You don’t prevent rebellion by controlling kids—you prevent it by giving them autonomy.”
🗣 “Never stop earning your children’s respect. Be a respectable person.”
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges
04:05 Understanding Teenage Rebellion
07:17 The Concept of Restaurant Parenting
11:08 Building Healthy Relationships with Teens
16:10 Creating a Healthy Environment for Choices
18:21 The Importance of Earning Respect
19:58 Understanding Teenage Rebellion
22:32 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Rebellion
25:19 Teaching Critical Thinking and Rule-Breaking
31:18 Questioning Parenting Norms
RESOURCES:
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