Be attentive to what's going on in your child's life and to any changes in behavior that might signal something deeper. Don't insist on winning every battle. Go for the ones that count. Allow some slack, depending upon the activity and the child's level of maturity. Do, however, set limits.
Adolescents often feel ugly, unloved and hyper-sensitive.
Tell them often how much you love them and make a point of building their self-esteem. Have a sense of humor whenever possible. Getting a teen or pre-teen to do homework can be tough when there are so many other temptations. But don't give up. Routinely inquire about your child's homework, and make the time to sit down and offer assistance, if needed.