The Roller Coaster Years:

The Roller Coaster Years!
Parenting Teens

Are you pretty sure that you know your children well?
Probably so, after all you're the one that raised them so why wouldn't you know your own child? Do you have a 12 year old in your home? If you do, then buckle up!
Because you are in for the wildest ride of your life! Right now that 12 year old is mentally packing his bags. Most aren't aware of this of course. Life is pretty much going on with the same routine. Sure there have been a few physical changes here and there but that's still the same kid you always knew ... right? Wrong! Just under the surface those hormones are changing! Right about the time you think those teen years aren't going to be such a big deal, WHAM you have 13 year old begging to get a belly button pierced or hollering loud and clear about individuality, and rights!
What happened to your baby! Relax. They are just starting a the final leg of their journey to adulthood. Is it scary? You bet! Especially for them! All of a sudden
their body doesn't fit, their voices pitch and change, peers scrutinize their every move and they are torn in trying to do what you want, pleasing their friends, and finding out what they want for themselves. Talk about confusion!

There are a few things you need to know to survive right off that bat.

1. Your teen doesn't hate you. However there may be times when
they don't like you much. But that's OK. I guarantee there will be a few times you don't like them either. Love remains and that's what is important anyway

2. Teens need guidance now more then ever. Remember, guidance is not complete control. Now is when you let them go just a bit to see how well they put what you've taught them all these years into practice. If you are still trying to run every aspect of their lives, resentment builds and communication disappears