Hold Them Close and Then Let Them Go
Granting independence gradually through the years is the job of parents, and it will help develop responsible young adults.
Guest (Male): Here’s today’s Dr. Dobson Minute with Dr. James Dobson.
Dr. James Dobson: When children are young, parents should be deeply involved in their lives, providing love and protection and authority. But when those boys and girls grow up and reach their late teens and early twenties, the door must be fully opened to the world outside.
The simple truth is that love demands freedom. They go hand in hand. But this is the key point: a sudden release of all parental guidance and direction at the end of childhood carries dangerous implications for the adolescent. We’ve all seen individuals who went a little crazy when they were put on their own for the first time.
It’s much better to grant independence little by little through the years, as our kids are able to handle the new responsibility. The goal is simple: we need to cut loose the strings of authority over a period of about 16 years, so that when our children are beyond the reach of our leadership, they no longer need it.
Guest (Male): For more information, visit drdobsonminute.org.
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Featured Offer
Every marriage faces pressure. Busy schedules, financial stress, unmet expectations, poor communication, and unresolved conflicts can slowly create distance in a relationship. Many couples love each other deeply, yet feel stuck and are unsure how to reconnect and move forward in a healthy way.
Dr. James Dobson’s newly revised digital download, 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Marriage, offers:
- Clear, trusted guidance for navigating common marital challenges
- Encouragement for couples who feel stuck or disconnected
- A practical strategy for building a marriage that doesn’t just survive—but truly thrives
This free resource is designed to help you strengthen your relationship with clarity, hope, and confidence.
About Dr. Dobson Minute
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit ministry located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the organization promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via their website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of the Family Talk radio broadcast, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship broadcast called, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,500 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk.” He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family including, The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 64 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
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