It is important that parents offer not only reassurance but also practical help with physical problems, for example, by getting medical attention for their teens when it's needed. Parents can also help teens accept themselves by encouraging them to find activities and interests that will enrich their lives and that don't require a perfect body. Learning how to relate to others is an important task for teens, which is why the opinion of friends often appears to rival parents' influence at this time. In separating from parents, teens are looking for acceptance from others, and a context in which to practise social skills. We tend to think of peer pressure as negative but in fact much of it is positive.
Teens help keep each other on the right track.
Parents can help by encouraging teens to bring their friends home. Making your home a welcoming place is good for your teens' self-esteem. As sexual feelings surface, teenagers also need to learn how to relate to the opposite sex. Teens need information about sex but parents are usually uncomfortable about discussing this subject with their children. Research indicates that parents' attitudes have a major impact on teens' sexual behaviour.