The mood swings were thought to be just typical teen-age angst. We were in denial at first. We thought the behavior was that of a typical teen-ager. But that gives the child excuses, the parent said. Dr. Garret Evans, clinical psychologist at the University of Florida, said some parents do not realize the pressure their children are under.
Nobody ever believes it is their kids, but peer pressure is powerful.
Most teens are usually confronted with the choice everyday, Evans said. I think they want to communicate. Kids are concerned about it at some level. It is important to know what mom and dad think. The parent said her daughter s problem came to a head when she started getting violent.