A teenager is like a never ending quiz in which there is never a shortage of questions to be asked. At that age, a person feels that no one understands him/her and that every one is trying to take control over his/her life. Here comes the role of elders to pacify their turbulent feelings by behaving like a friend.

With teenagers, it is important to guide them but you also must give them some room to grow. They want and need the security of their parents but at the same time they do not want to be treated like a young child.

Being a teenager, someone will start feeling that her parents and family is not so cool as they are before. She will be more attracted to her friends, copy their dress and hair style, etc. It it time to let her grow without stopping to watch her.

See now I think kids are more curious when they are younger. I should say they ask more questions to us as parents when they are younger. When they are teenagers, I think they look to their friends more for the answers. That is why it is so important to teach our children when they are younger good manners, morals, etc. Of course teach them and talk to them throughout the growing up process.

KrisNY, I agree with you and if you think about it we were the same at that age. If they have a good foundation in younger years than you did what you have to and you need to let go at some stage. We all know it is not easy. These words from The Prohet by Kahlil Gibran is so true.

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

I think it can be extremely tough to find the balance between how much space they need and how much of you they need. I say, let them know you're there, but maybe letting them come to you would be best. Have a few days a month where you have your fun days together and they get to choose what you do together. I think this will bring you two closer together

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-Brittany Brydahl

Teenagers should be well guided. It is the time wherein they get curious, they want to experiment and they need freedom. Parents should be always on alert. Keep the communication open and let them feel that we could be a good friend. I wonder, what does teenagers think about their parents during this time?

Well, I can think back, because it hasn't been long. I remember thinking my mom was trying too hard and trying to be all hip, but it just wasn't working. My friends and I would always laugh at her.

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-Brittany Brydahl