How parents can help teens avoid life-altering decisions

How can Oklahoma parents prevent one bad decision from disrupting their teen's future? Expert-backed strategies include clear rules, transforming mistakes into lessons, and fostering open dialogue.

Tuesday, April 22nd 2025, 5:32 pm

By: Lacie Lowry

Even the best teens can make one bad decision that changes everything. Peer pressure or impulsive choices can lead to consequences that affect their futures or even cost them their lives. Fortunately, parents can take steps to intervene before it’s too late.

The prefrontal cortex, which controls decision making, isn't fully developed until the mid-20s. This makes teens more impulsive, meaning they think about instant gratification instead of long-term consequences.

To help minimize the risks teens take, experts say parents can,

Set clear rules and consequences
Turn mistakes into learning moments
Encourage ownership of decisions, including facing consequences
Maintain open communication
Discuss daily experiences and challenges

Lacie Lowry

Lacie Lowry is an Emmy-award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience. Lacie Lowry loves helping Oklahomans wake up every morning on News 9 This Morning.