How much independence should parents allow teenagers who claim rights and privileges, show excessive confidence and test the boundaries of discipline? How can parents handle the physical and emotional changes in their adolescent child? This book offers helpful advice to parents whose children have reached the turbulent teenage years. From conflict management to issues of bullying, stealing and smoking, it guides parents as their children alternate between maturity and immaturity and develop their own identity. It explains the impact of school life, group pressures and close friendships on 12-14-year-olds' development and helps parents to offer their child support, while accepting his or her increased need for privacy. Alongside these challenges, the author reveals the rewards of sharing in these young people's enthusiasm and ambitions, as they grow more confident and responsible. This book provides practical and sensitive advice for parents to help them relate to and communicate with their child at a difficult time of transition, while being prepared to question what they thought they already knew about their son or daughter - and about parenting.

For parents with teenage children in the 2020s, the landscape of family life is changing radically. Today's teenagers 'live in the now', propelled by smart phones and social media, which means that many of the familiar cultural reference points from previous generations are no longer relevant in the 21st century. This one-stop guide to understanding the teen world and the pressures facing them means you will be better placed to intervene or help when you're needed. It includes easy-to-follow guides to the dynamics of home and school life; guidance on mental health, relationships and sexuality; advice on substance abuse, youth crime and staying healthy; and where to go for specialist help.