Expert Advice for Parents of Adolescents

by Carleton Kendrick

Need help on taming those turbulent teens? Our family therapist has advice on everything from piercing to puppy love.

Question: How can I convince my 15-year-old daughter that piercing her tongue is a bad idea?

Answer: Explaining to your daughter why you think a tongue piercing is a "bad idea" is easy. Convincing her not to get it done for any of those reasons might prove more difficult. Read more...

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Question: Our 13-year-old won't listen to us when we approach him on the subject of sex.

Answer: My guess is that he sees your attempts at discussion as attempts to lecture him on disease and morality. Read more...

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Question: Our 16-year-old daughter dyed her blonde hair red even though she knew it was against our wishes. What is she trying to tell us?

Answer: Your daughter is telling you that she should be able to present herself physically as she chooses, not as you think she should look. Read more...

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Question: I read my 15-year-old daughter's diary and found out she is doing drugs and having sex.

Answer: While it may be shocking to you that your daughter is experimenting with sex and drugs, it's not surprising that a 15-year-old girl would be curious about these behaviors. Read more...

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Question: My 14-year-old daughter used to spend all her time with me. Now she spends most of her time talking on the phone and listening to music.

Answer: This is a normal, healthy stage in adolescent development where the child seeks to pull away from her parents as she attempts to develop an independent identity. Read more...

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Question: Is my 17-year-old ready to date?

Answer: Whether or not your 17-year-old daughter is "ready" for dating is best determined by your daughter, not you or I. Read more...

Read Carleton Kendrick's bio.

More on: Surviving the Teen Years