Set Boundaries

• Children need boundaries in order to feel safe in their environment. Boundaries help teens know what is expected of them. Create rules for you teenager that are appropriate for his age and development. Not every 15 year old is mature enough to handle a late curfew; base your rules on your teen's individual needs, and change them as necessary. Keep rules simple and do not overwhelm your child with too many rules. Explain the rationale behind each of your rules; children will be more inclined to disobey rules they feel are arbitrary.
  
  

Encourage Open Communication

• Many teenagers may become withdrawn and be unwilling to share information with you. Encourage your child to share her problems with you by making time each day to talk to her. Any time you spend together is a good time to talk; initiate conversation when you are driving together, or while making dinner. Respond positively to her confidences. Most importantly, listen, and let her know that what she is saying is important. Avoid interrupting her, and do not dismiss her problems as unimportant. Avoid giving advice or dispensing judgment when your teen comes to you wanting to talk; she may just need someone to listen, and your words of advice or judgment may push her away. Avoid punishing your child for information she shares with you; this will only push her away.
  
  

Build Self Confidence

• Teenagers often feel uncomfortable with their bodies and changing emotions, which can lower their self confidence. Teens with low self esteem are more likely to engage in questionable activities in an effort to fit in. Build your teen's self confidence by praising her for her accomplishments. (See Reference 3) Avoid criticising your child or using negative words. (See Reference 3) Give her opportunities to excel through extra curricular activities and household responsibilities, and let her know when she meets or exceeds your expectations.
  
  

Choose Your Battles

• While you may disagree with your teen on a number of things, from her hair color to the friends she hangs out with on the weekends, avoid the urge to fight with your teen on every issue, as this will push her further away. Instead, pick your battles wisely by deciding what is worth the fight and what you can live with. While you may not like your teen's choice of clothing, it probably is not worth a fight, as long as it is still appropriate. Save your battles for when it really matters; issues of alcohol or other illegal substances are always worth the fight.