If and when tensions reach the shouting state, call a time out. Either decide to sit down then and figure out what's wrong or declare a cooling-off period, after which both of you can talk rationally. See to it that your child is involved in activities that encourage wholesome choices. Sports and Scouting help guide some children in daily living, while others choose dance or music. Remember, you are not alone.
Help is a phone call away.
That group also has two support groups in New Bedford. Mom and Dad can seem rigid and out of touch to adolescents who only want to have a good time and enjoy their youth. But kids can make life easier for themselves. Here's the scoop from some who have been there. It's hard to envision that parents were ever anything but parents, but indeed, they, too, once were young.