Your teenage children don’t want to spend the holidays with you. Science says you should let them (with caveats)

A University of Michigan survey found that many U.S. parents remain hesitant to let teens aged 13 to 18 move around on their own during vacations.

The article argues that overprotection can limit experiences that build independence, peer relationships, and social development.

Experts recommend a middle ground that balances safety with age-appropriate freedom for teenagers.