The "middle path" skills in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are a set of concepts to help parents learn to find balance between two opposing viewpoints. These skills can be particularly helpful for parents as they navigate the challenges of raising teens.
Here are a few middle path skills that can be helpful for parents:
Acceptance and change: The middle path involves finding a balance between acceptance and change. On the one hand, it's important to accept that some things are out of our control, and to let go of the need to control everything. On the other hand, it's also important to work towards making positive changes at home.
Emotional regulation and experiencing strong emotions: The middle path also involves finding a balance between emotional regulation and intense emotional experience. It's important to be able to manage our emotions and respond to situations in a healthy and adaptive way, but it's also important to be open and authentic in our relationships and to express our emotions in a healthy way.
Rationality and emotion: Another aspect of the middle path is finding a balance between rationality and emotion. It's important to be logical and consider the facts when making decisions, but it's also important to take our emotions into account and to recognize that they can be a valuable source of information.
Flexibility and validation: The middle path involves finding a balance between flexibility and validation. It's important to be open to new ideas and perspectives, but it's also important to validate and respect the feelings and experiences of others.
By adopting the middle path skills of DBT, parents can learn to navigate the challenges of parenting with balance and grace. Remember to be patient with yourself and to seek out additional support if you need it.
Our DBT Parent Group is a great place to learn skills alongside other parents who understand your experience and can support you as you learn new skills!