• Think back. Recall the ups and downs you had as a teen and how you behaved toward your parents.
• Keep on loving. Show love for your teen every day, even though you may dislike things they say and do.
• Be flexible. It’s their time to develop independence. Give choices, be patient and let them learn from their mistakes.
• Pick your battles. Stand fi rm on stuff that matters, such as safety and school work, and don’t fight the little stuff.  
• Find support. Seek out other adults who understand your worries, and keep each other in balance.
• Look ahead. When you feel challenged as a parent, tell yourself you are doing a good job and that your child will grow up.

To Learn More...

• “The Eight Seasons of Parenthood: How the Stages of Parenting Constantly Reshape our Adult Identities” Barbara C.
  Unell and Jerry L. Wyckoff, Ph.D.
• Hormones & Wheels -- Parent Survival Tips for Those Chaotic Teen Years, Jim Fay, audio CD set
• Love and Logic Solutions -- Unbeatable, On-the-Mark Answers to Parents’ Most-Asked Questions About Raising Kids, Jim Fay, DVD
• Center for the Improvement of Child Care, www.ciccparenting.org 
• Parenting with Love and Logic, www.loveandlogic.com, 800-338-4065

For More Direct Help...

• The Family Conservancy, 913-342-1110
• Catholic Charities, 816-221-4377
• Jewish Family & Children Services, 816-333-1172