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.

• Confidence in Teenagers
• Conversations that Teach Resilience
• Dealing with Disrespectful Teenage Behaviour
• Help Your Working Teen Balance Responsibilities and Set Priorities             
• Helping Adolescents Develop More Mature Ways of Thinking
• How to Get Back on Track After Conflict with Teenagers
• Practicing Good Learning Skills with Teenagers
• Resilience: Helping Your Teenager Cope With Challenges
• Responsibilities
• Social and Emotional Changes in Adolescence
• Teen Risk-Taking: How To Handle It
• Tips for Parents of Teens            
• Tricky Conversations

Teens are exposed to many mixed messages in media, including messages about body image. Some of these messages are encouraging and realistic. Others are detrimental. This can lead to poor body image and low self-esteem in your teen. You can help your child cope with body issues by listening to their concerns and being a positive body role model. Learn more here:

• Healthy Body Image
• Making Sense of Media Messages - Media and Digital Literacy for Teens
• Medical Checkups for Adolescents

Involving teens in activities that interest them has many benefits. It gives them a chance to explore their strengths, boost their self-esteem and gain connection. Learn more about activities for teens in this section:

• Extracurricular Activities, Interests and Hobbies For Teenagers
• Getting Teens Involved in Community Activities
• Helping Your Child Transition Into Middle School or Junior High 
• Teens and Free Time

Helping your teen make safe, healthy decisions about alcohol can reduce their risk of harm. This includes giving information about alcohol, its risks and what your expectations are. Learn more in this section:

• Understanding the impacts of alcohol use on young people
• Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver
• Hosting Safe Teenagers Parties
• How to Start a Conversation with Teens About Alcohol
• If Your Teen is Drinking
• Responsible Teen Driving
• Safe Night Out for Teenagers
• Setting a Good Example for Your Teens
• The Risks of Teenage Drinking

As your child becomes a teenager, you may notice they start to change. They may need more privacy or pursue the beginnings of romantic relationships. Your teen needs the same love and support that you’ve always given them. In this section, learn more about teen relationships:

• Talking to Your Adolescent or Teen About Problems       
• Teen Privacy and Trust
• Teen Relationship Abuse            
• Teen Sibling Conflicts
• Teens and Family Relationships
• Teens and Friendships
• Your Teen's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The teen years may be the most difficult time for a young person with diabetes and their parents. Learn more about helping to manage your teen’s diabetes.

Last Updated: June 2021