Expert Advice for Parents of Adolescents
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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: Teen Social and Emotional Issues
10 Ways to Deal with Temper Tantrums
