This is a wonderful article! No need to second-guess yourself. You are doing so much better than most parents. My kids are both in college now and I feel like sharing some of your thoughts would still be so useful.

Sadly, the drama in does not stop in high school, especially for girls. Middle school is worse than grade school (sorry) and high school gets really complicated as the young adults start dating, thinking about their future and struggle to figure out their own identities. You are laying a great foundation though and it is likely to pay off very well.

I have so many things I’d like to reply to but I’ll leave you with a little insight to consider. A record number of teens are now on anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety meds. Record numbers of their parents are, too. This means a lot of people are functioning with a lot of pain and dysfunction and are seeking balance and relief.

You and Sophie are going to meet people that for whatever reasons are truly not being thoughtful or considerate - maybe because they don’t have the energy, the capacity or the tools needed. Many kids have parents that are poor role models. It’s a tough path to navigate and it is wonderful you are helping Sophie understand boundaries now.

Best of luck. You are doing such a great job!