If You’re Minding Someone Else’s Business, Who’s Minding Yours? By Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach

Parents do it all the time — we watch, we worry, we analyze, and we try to fix. It comes from love, of course. But when your energy is focused on what your teen should be doing, you might be neglecting what’s happening in your own thoughts and reactions.

Every time you micromanage, remind, or overanalyze your child’s choices, you’re essentially stepping into their business — their responsibilities, their emotions, their learning curve. 

And while you’re doing that, who’s taking care of your business? Who’s minding your peace of mind, your patience, your sense of balance?

Your “business” is what you can actually control: your attitude, your tone, your expectations, your boundaries, and the example you set. When you start paying more attention to your own business, things begin to shift. 

You respond instead of reacting. You listen more and lecture less. You begin to see your child as a growing person who needs space to stumble, not as a project to manage.

Letting go of someone else’s business doesn’t mean you stop caring — it means you’re choosing to care in a healthier way. 

You’re modeling responsibility and self-awareness. You’re teaching your teen, by example, that each person is accountable for their own actions and emotions.

So the next time you find yourself caught up in your teen’s drama, choices, or attitude, take a breath and ask yourself: Am I in their business or mine? 

Then gently bring your focus back where it belongs — to how you show up, how you communicate, and how you take care of your own emotional energy.

Because when you mind your business, everyone benefits. You become calmer, more grounded, and more effective — and your teen gets the space they need to grow up and show what they’re capable of.

Need help figuring out what's your business and what's not, and learning the skills to do it? Let's talk. Schedule your free, 30-minute consultation with me HERE. 

Fern Weis | Parent + Family Recovery Coach

Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.

Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.