Too often adults ignore, ridicule, or misunderstand the teen ager's drive toward adulthood. The teen ager may be divided into three separate categories ranging from the radical to conservative. Punks, stoners, new- wavers, skaters, surfers, and other similar people fall into this category. This category comprises the widest range of people and could definitely be sub-divided within itself. One will find that this person is usually quite timid and quiet the majority of the time.
Parents are the greatest single influence in the life of an adolescent.
Whether the teen ager successfully makes the transition form childhood to adulthood depends mostly on them. Parents must constantly strive to understand their growing youngsters. They must provide a secure and happy home where the teen ager can find acceptance of himself and his friends. Teen agers must be prepared to meet many more problems than those already discussed. They must develop moral and ethical standards, and learn how to apply them.