In the early years of children's lives, parents are the most important figures in their world. Their approval, love and support are critical to children. Consequently, much of what children do and say is aimed at maintaining that love and approval. As children get older and have more contact with people other than their parents, their behaviors and attitudes will be influenced by other people. As teens establish independence, parents need to understand a number of points.
Parents are still the most important influence in their children's lives.
Teens are trying to become adults. One of their greatest difficulties is becoming independent while maintaining a loving relationship with parents. When children are young, many parents maintain control over most aspects of their child's life. These parents choose their child's clothes, friends, hobbies and so on. As children grow older, they realize they can never grow into adults without having control of their lives.