Why Does My Teen Think They Know Everything?

“Why does my teen think they know everything?” It’s maddening. You’re asking the wrong question.

You give advice and they brush it off.
You share wisdom and they roll their eyes.
It feels like they don’t want your input at all.

And of course you feel frustrated. Anyone would. You love your child and want the best for them, but it feels like they’re shutting you out.

Here’s the Create Family way to look at this:

Independence isn’t rebellion. It’s growing up. Every teen is testing their ability to make choices on their own. And yes, sometimes those choices create problems you can see coming a mile away. As a mom, your instinct is to step in and redirect because you don’t want them to experience pain.

But this is where the Blueprint matters. A Family Blueprint gives you clarity: part of growing up means learning through mistakes. Your role isn’t to remove every obstacle. It’s to provide the safety net. Let them solve the problem, let them feel the outcome, and then be there when they fall.

That’s hard. Because no parent wants to see their child struggle. But the truth is, these are the very experiences that prepare them for a future where your safety net won’t always be there.

So how do you support your teen without controlling them? Try these three steps:

• Name the goal for yourself. Write one sentence about what you want your teen to practice this year. For example: “I want my teen to practice solving problems on their own while knowing I’m here for them.”

• Sit down with your teen. Share the goal and ask what it looks like to them. Maybe they’ll say, “I want to manage my own project at school,” or “I want to make my own plan for the weekend.” Agree together that they’ll take ownership, and you’ll be the backup if things don’t go perfectly.

• Talk about the goal often. When their solution leads to pain or frustration, resist the urge to say, “I told you so.” Instead, remind them, “This is part of the direction we’re going.” Be the safe shoulder, not the critic. Offer understanding, not attitude. The lesson is learned through the experience, not through your correction.

This is the dance of parenting a teen. You’re close enough to catch them, but far enough to let them fall. And every time they get back up, they’re building confidence for the day when your safety net isn’t there.

Your teen doesn’t need you to remove every problem. They need you to walk alongside them as they learn to solve their own. That’s how independence and trust grow together.

Feeling like the little things set you off more than they should?

Most reactivity doesn’t actually have to do with your kids. It’s about the weight you’re carrying, the plates stacked too high, the endless pull on your energy, and that sense that even the smallest argument could push you past your limit.

I know how heavy that feels. And I want you to know you don’t have to stay in that place.

That’s why I created the Mom Survival Guide: Clear the Chaos.

This isn’t another system that makes you feel behind before you even start. It’s a simple reset, a way to quiet the noise, clear the confusion, and take back those “where do I even start?” moments so you can show up as the mom you’ve always wanted to be.

Inside, you’ll find small but powerful steps that bring back:

• Calm when your home feels overwhelming

• Clarity when you’re pulled in every direction

• Confidence that you can lead your family without losing yourself

👉 Download your free guide now and let’s take that first step together.