And he has shared his teenage years with me, with all the trials and tribulations, temptations and accomplishments included. We have developed a bond that will never be broken, and my unconditional love for him has been tested and proven to be true. I have managed to balance moral direction and physical supervision with an open mind and the clear memory and understanding of what being a teenager entails. Don't be afraid to talk with your teen about the serious issues that affect their lives. Pretending your teenager will not be faced with the same life-altering decisions you yourself had to face as a teenager will not protect them from the inevitable.
Teenagers expect, and respect, honesty from their parents.
And without complete honesty, we are only giving our teens a partial example to take with them into the real world. It also could be because she is such an open- minded and understanding person. Whatever the cause, our rapport has led to a parental relationship that most others don't possess. My mom supports me in everything I do and is often the first to defend my actions. In fact, she is usually the only one to defend my actions.