It is probably wise to set early curfews in the beginning. Having them come home around 10pm ensures that they are given freedom but are also expected to be home at a reasonable hour.  >> more

If you child has emotional needs that are not being met, shows signs of depression, has a family history of drugs or alcohol abuse, takes regular medications for disorders like ADD or ADHD or shows immediate and alarming drops in grade, loses long time friends and gives up favorite activities – there is a good reason to believe that your child is using drugs and alcohol extensively.  >> more

Every family is different and although most of us try to talk to our kids about premarital sex and pregnancy few of us seem to be getting it right. With teenage pregnancies on the rise more and more of our daughters have to face becoming parents at a young age.  >> more

When did giving your teenager a car become a parenting norm? It is amazing what teens today simply expect their parents to provide for them. On the flip side, we expect teens to hold down jobs, do well in school, and perform admirably in all of their extracurricular activities.  >> more 

There is nothing quite as drama filled as fighting with your daughter. Girls, teenagers especially, tend to have a way of making sure that everyone within a ten mile radius knows that they are less than pleased.  >> more 

For about 75% to 85% of high school kids over the age of 14, the question isn’t is your teenager drinking, but how much has your teenage had to drink?   >> more 

Giving your teenager an allowance is like offering them free money just for being part of the family, isn’t it? It can be if they aren’t required to do anything in return and they aren’t required to use their own allowance for extraneous purchases.  >> more 

When it comes to determining matters of health and safety, like is your teenager doing drugs having concrete evidence can be a life saver.  >> more 

When teenage mouths are running rampant with disrespect and the chores from last week are still piled high, covering the report card bearing three D’s and one F, grounding a teenager seems like a reasonable option.  >> more 

Is your teenager having sex? Unless you catch them in the act or find a used condom in their room, it’s really almost impossible to be sure. Teenage sexual activity is still on the rise, despite the vast risks associated with sexual contact.  >> more 

Understanding teenage behavior is a lot like trying to understand Sudoku without the instructions. There are simply too many blank spaces that you don’t know how to fill.  >> more 

Sending teenagers to boot camp is often a decision that saves lives, and futures, without the scar that jail time leaves on their record.  >> more 

Extremism is never a good quality. If you plan on charging a teenager rent when he or she turns 18, you might need a little wiggle room on when the first installment is actually due.  >> more

Regardless of whether your teen believes that waiting for marriage or being in a special relationship is needed to have sex, you should sit down and discuss what she believes on this issue. She should always understand that protection against pregnancy ensures she won't regret her actions later.  >> more

If we can consider kicking your teenager out to be the punishment, then we have to weigh it against the crime. Knowing full well that we are emotional beings, there is going to be a much more significant emotional impact on the kid than there will be a physical impact on him.  >> more