But as teens become more independent, they face increasing challenges, from driving cars to attending parties where alcohol or drugs are a part of the scene. It can be a confusing time for adolescents, but by setting limits our teens are helped in maneuvering their way through this challenging phase. I think very often conflicts develop because parents try to impose things without consulting. It s very important to involve young people in what the rules are and the consequences when they are broken. Sometimes parents worry that teens will come up with a ridiculous consequence like not eating their peas, but really the opposite is true.
Teens are usually very responsible when given the chance to take charge over their own lives.
Sometimes your teen will come to you with a request to do or try something you may consider too risky, such as a weekend away with friends. As a parent you sometimes in the end have to agree to disagree. You're the parent, you still have the right to set limits. The child may be unhappy, but you just have to say that you think they're not ready at this time and let's have another discussion about it in a month or two. Adapted from The Parent Report Radio Show.