Last updated: December 4, 2024

Parenting a teenager can be challenging and rewarding. Teens are busy negotiating their place in the world and where they fit in. As they struggle to gain independence, they can be inconsistent with their affections, argumentative and even hurtful. Show your teen unconditional love and support during this time.

Read advice on helping your child get through their teenage years:

• Tips for parents of teens
• Medical checkups for adolescents
• How to get back on track after conflict with teenagers 
• Talking to your adolescent or teen about problems
• Your teen's sexual orientation and gender identity
• Teen relationship abuse

Resources to help your teen develop skills as they mature:

• Conversations that teach resilience
• Helping adolescents develop more mature ways of thinking
• Helping your teen become a safe driver
• Help your working teen balance responsibilities and set priorities
• Helping your child transition into middle school or junior high

Helping your teen make safe, healthy decisions about alcohol and substance use can reduce their risk of harm.

• Alcohol and young people
• How to start a conversation with teens about alcohol
• Substance use disorder: Dealing with teen substance use
• Teen substance use: Making a contract with your teen
• Teen substance use disorder: Choosing a treatment program
• Teenage tobacco use