"All of my son's friends are on Discord until midnight. He says I'm the 'only parent' who makes him get off at 9 PM. Am I being too strict?"

— Midnight Mom

The 'only parent' argument is the oldest trick in the book! But here's the truth: sleep is the single most important factor in teenage brain development and emotional regulation. Instead of making it a battle of wills, make it a biological necessity. You can even say, 'I know it feels unfair, but my job is to protect your brain while it's under construction.' Try to find a compromise—maybe 10 PM on weekends—but hold the line on school nights. You aren't being too strict; you're being a parent who prioritizes their child's long-term wellbeing over short-term popularity.